Concordia International School Shanghai sits at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. It is home to a diverse community of students and educators, representing over 30 nationalities. At Concordia, global citizenship is not treated as a separate subject. It is part of everyday learning, built into the culture of the school. The foundation of this learning environment is a shared set of values: respect, compassion, and integrity. These values are not just taught in classrooms. They are visible in how students and teachers interact, how decisions are made, and how the school community supports one another.
“We nurture and cultivate a collaborative and supportive learning environment that empowers learners to become creative problem-solvers and compassionate global community members,” says Dr. Eric Semler, Head of School, Concordia International School Shanghai. The school’s commitment to global education is also reflected in the people it hires. Concordia looks for teachers who bring strong cultural awareness and a global mindset. These educators create inclusive classrooms and encourage students to explore the world with curiosity and openness.
Service learning plays a central role in the Concordia experience. Students are encouraged to think beyond themselves. They engage with local and global issues, reflect on their responsibilities, and take meaningful action. At Concordia, academic success goes hand in hand with personal growth. Dr. Semler explains, “For us, global citizenship is not just a program. It’s a way of thinking. Through collaborative projects, meaningful relationships, and reflective practice, our students develop the understanding, skills, and heart to thrive and lead in a globally connected world.”
The school offers a well-rounded education that combines strong academics with STEM, applied learning, service opportunities, and real-world experiences. This approach helps students become creative thinkers and collaborative learners, equipped to handle challenges and contribute to their communities.
As the world changes, Concordia continues to adapt. While embracing new technologies, the school remains focused on what matters most, human connection, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of purpose. That’s what prepares students to step into the future as capable and compassionate global citizens.
Learning with Purpose
Innovation is not just a buzzword at Concordia, as it runs through the way students learn, explore, and prepare for the world ahead. The school’s approach to education blends academic strength with real-world relevance, giving students the tools to think critically and act with purpose. Concordia’s Applied Learning (AL) program is a key part of this. Through courses like Social Entrepreneurship, Big Data Analytics, and Business and Finance, students learn how to connect classroom concepts with practical applications. These experiences help them understand the challenges shaping our world and explore how they can be part of the solutions.
Dr. Semler shares, “We believe these innovations, both in and beyond the classroom, contribute to a well-rounded, holistic education that prepares students to thrive as thoughtful, capable, and compassionate global citizens.” In the humanities and creative fields, students can join AL Creative Writing and the Writer’s Craft. These courses support expression through poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and children’s literature. Students share their work in workshops, public readings, and publications, learning how to communicate with clarity and confidence.
The AL Business and Finance course gives students hands-on experience with marketing, finance, and management. Through projects and simulations, they explore how business decisions are made in real-world contexts.
STEM learning at Concordia is equally forward-looking. AL Big Data Analytics introduces students to working with large data sets and their use in industries like healthcare, finance, and tech. In AL Synthetic Biology, students apply genetic engineering to solve biological problems and even compete in global events such as iGEM. AL Engineering focuses on design, robotics, CAD, programming, and team-based projects. Students learn how to build solutions and work together to solve technical challenges.
For those interested in science research, AL Scientific Research provides a lab-based environment where students can design and conduct independent or guided research. Their work can lead to publication or participation in national and international competitions.
Creative arts also play an important role. In AL Graphic Design, students build design skills while contributing to school projects and publications. AL Fashion, Textiles, and Construction allows students to explore fabric construction and textile design. With a strong emphasis on sustainable fashion, the course encourages students to repurpose materials such as fabrics and clothing, transforming them into innovative new pieces that significantly reduce waste of materials.
Alongside these courses, Concordia continues to offer a strong Advanced Placement (AP) program. Students perform well above global averages, showing that they are prepared for university-level academics and beyond. “Together, the growth and diversity of our AL and AP programs reflect our commitment to preparing students not only for academic success but for creative, innovative, and purpose-driven lives in an ever-changing world,” Dr. Semler adds. The growth of the AL and AP programs reflects a larger goal: to help students build lives that are academically strong, creatively driven, and socially aware.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Concordia’s learning activities are not limited to textbooks or classrooms. The school encourages students to take what they learn and apply it in ways that matter. Whether through service, research, or leadership, they are given real opportunities to grow, explore, and contribute. One example is Third Culture Coffee, a student-led social enterprise. This initiative helps students understand entrepreneurship, teamwork, and social impact. By working with local communities, they address real-world challenges and learn how business can serve a greater purpose.
“We believe learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Our students are given real opportunities to engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. Third Culture Coffee is a powerful way for students to apply what they learn while making a tangible difference,” affirms Dr. Semler. Students also take part in local service projects such as the Giving Tree, which encourages them to support others in the community. Through this initiative, students organize donation drives, raise awareness, and deliver gifts to children in need. These experiences help them develop empathy, responsibility, and a sense of connection with the world around them.
On the international stage, students are also making their mark. A group from the Big Data Analytics course last year traveled to Oxford to present their research at the International Conference on Big Data and Education (ICBDE). They had the opportunity to meet and learn from Professor Viktor Mayer-Schönberger, a leading expert in their field. The experience gave them both academic exposure and the confidence to engage in global conversations. Later, the professor was invited to the Concordia campus for a thought-provoking seminar with the entire community.
Outside academics, Concordia offers more than 150 extracurricular options. These range from robotics and performing arts to sports, coding, and service clubs. Many of these activities are guided by faculty members, allowing students to build strong relationships with their teachers beyond the classroom.
Leadership is another focus. Students are encouraged to lead with purpose in many areas of school life. They serve as Student Ambassadors, helping new families adjust to the school community. In middle school, students take the lead on projects like the Giving Tree, learning to plan, communicate, and follow through with care and integrity. “Together, these initiatives exemplify our commitment to nurturing learners who are curious, engaged, and prepared to lead; not just in school, but in life,” explains Dr. Semler.
Whether it’s through academics, sports, clubs, or service, Concordia’s students learn to work together, face challenges, and develop into capable leaders. The school’s approach ensures they are well-prepared not just for higher education, but for life.
Supporting the Whole Student
Understanding that academic growth is closely connected to emotional health and personal development, Concordia’s learning approaches go hand in hand with student well-being. To support this, the school offers a full counseling program from Early Childhood through High School.
In the early years, students begin learning how to manage emotions, build friendships, and make healthy choices. As they move through the school, they gain self-awareness and learn how to handle challenges, solve conflicts, and take responsibility. Counselors are an active part of each division and play a key role in helping students through changes, both personal and academic. Dr. Semler explains, “Our counselors are embedded in the life of each division and play a key role in helping students navigate the complexities of adolescence, identity formation, and life transitions.”
By the time students reach High School, they receive one-on-one support in planning for life beyond school. Counselors help them find direction, make informed choices, and approach their futures with confidence and purpose. This consistent focus on social-emotional development ensures students are not only prepared for academic challenges but also for life outside the classroom.
Strong relationships are at the center of Concordia’s learning environment. Teachers aim to create classrooms where every student feels seen and heard. They understand that students engage best when they feel connected.
Teachers are trained to use methods that give students voice and choice. They use inquiry-based learning, active discussion, and group projects to help students stay involved and take ownership of their learning. It’s an approach that values curiosity and supports meaningful engagement.
At Concordia, professional development is a shared responsibility. Teachers work in teams to design lessons, exchange ideas, and support each other. This collaborative model encourages innovation and helps educators respond to the needs of their students. The school is also investing in deeper training on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). These frameworks give teachers more tools to support students at different learning levels and with different learning styles.
Faculty members are encouraged to grow through workshops, conferences, and expert-led sessions on campus. Concordia also provides resources for teachers to pursue training based on their personal goals. This commitment to learning keeps the teaching staff energized, skilled, and ready to adapt.
A Community Built on Connection and Purpose
Concordia sees every student as a unique individual, worthy of love, care, and respect. That same belief extends to parents, teachers, staff, and the entire community.
“We strive to build a community where everyone feels they truly belong—where meaningful relationships create an environment of trust and acceptance. This isn’t just a policy; it’s lived daily through genuine care and connection, helping each person grow and thrive as their authentic selves,” says Dr. Semler.
It’s not just a value written in a handbook but something that plays out daily through small acts of care, one-on-one conversations, and the way people show up for one another. Students are encouraged to be themselves. Teachers and staff are supported in their work. Families are welcomed and included. This commitment will continue to grow in 2025 as the school creates more spaces where every member of the community feels seen, heard, and valued.
Parents are a vital part of that community. Through the Parent Support Organization (PSO), they take an active role in school life; planning events, welcoming new families, and supporting faculty. Their partnership makes a difference, not only in shaping the student experience but also in strengthening the school’s mission. “Our parents play a key role in this community, deeply committed to investing in their children’s education and the life of the school. We are truly blessed to have such dedicated parents who believe in the value of this investment,” shares Dr. Semler. Concordia’s alumni also continue to play a growing role in inspiring current students. One recent example is Madi Boll, Class of 2016. Now a filmmaker working on projects like Creed III and Marvel’s Ironheart, Madi returned to campus to share her story. Her visit included presentations and hands-on sessions, giving students a real look into the world of film and creativity. Stories like hers help students see what’s possible when they combine passion with persistence.
Faculty and staff at Concordia are deeply committed to their work. They see education not just as a profession, but as a purpose. Their care and dedication create a foundation where students can grow academically, socially, and spiritually. And the students? They’re curious, engaged, and eager to make an impact. They care about their learning and about the world around them.
Together, these people, students, teachers, parents and alumni, form a connected and caring school community. Through shared values and strong relationships, they continue to shape Concordia’s present and build its future. That sense of purpose extends beyond academics.
Concordia is also focused on helping students care for the world they live in. From early grades to high school, students learn about sustainability through science classes, design thinking, and service projects. One example is the long-standing partnership with Roots & Shoots. Through this program, students take part in hands-on environmental work that builds both awareness and action.
The school is also working to make its campus more sustainable; reducing plastic use, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging students to think critically about how they can care for natural resources. “We want our students to grow into people who not only value the world around them but who are equipped to address the challenges facing our society,” says Dr. Semler. Concordia’s goal is not only to teach students about sustainability but to help them live it, every day, in real and practical ways.
A School That Feels Like Home
At Concordia, academic excellence is expected. Students are challenged, supported, and held to high standards. But the school experience goes beyond strong academics. “Concordia is a joyful place. Our students look forward to coming to school each day because they feel welcomed, supported, and inspired,” affirms Dr. Semler.
A key part of that experience is the people. Concordia has built a team of dedicated, passionate educators who care deeply about teaching and learning. They bring experience, creativity, and compassion to their classrooms. “What truly sets us apart is our exceptional faculty and staff. We have assembled the best team of educators in Shanghai, people who see teaching as a calling and bring passion and dedication to their work every day,” states Dr. Semler.
For families who move often or live far from home, Concordia offers something that can be hard to find: a sense of stability. Students join a community where friendships are built, traditions are shared, and every child is treated with care and respect. That consistency matters, especially for globally mobile families who are looking for more than just academics.
“Together, our students, parents, faculty, and alumni form a community that continually shapes and drives Concordia forward. It’s through these strong relationships and shared values that we build on our past successes and set a clear, hopeful vision for the future,” assures Dr. Semler.
For More Info: https://www.concordiashanghai.org/