Private International School in Qingdao, China

Qingdao Amerasia International School:
Qingdao Amerasia International School (QAIS) aims to inspire a lifelong love of learning through a holistic, child-centered, inquiry-based approach. By embracing each student's diverse needs, learning styles, and strengths, we strive to develop courageous global citizens who help to create a more peaceful world through community action, intercultural understanding, and respect for all life.

Student-Centered Academic Programs:
- Toddlers through Grade 12

Montessori Program (ages 1.5 - 5 years):
The Montessori Children's House at QAIS is a beautiful place for children to develop independence, concentration, and love of learning. We are the first school in Asia to be accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS).

Our Children's House Administrator, Dr. Vanessa Rigaud, is an experienced, qualified Montessori practitioner. Each classroom is led by one Chinese and one foreign teacher, both with AMS or AMI certification.

Students in Early Childhood also participate in the IB Primary Years Programme (see below).

IB Primary Years Programme:
Students in Primary follow a program of inquiry developed by our teachers according to the model of the IB Primary Years Programme. Within the Program of Inquiry, each class covers units in all of the following themes every year: Who We Are, Where We Are in Place and Time, How the World Works, How We Express Ourselves, How We Organize Ourselves, and Sharing the Planet.

Music, Art, Chinese and PE classes are also integrated with the Unit of Inquiry. In order to ensure that students are meeting the rigorous Common Core Standards for their grade level, teachers incorporate the standards in their lesson plans; students are tested according to the standards three times each year.

IB Middle Years Programme:
Students in Grades 7-10 follow the IB Middle Years Programme curriculum (we are currently a candidate school), involving Humanities, Language Arts, Math, Art, Physical/Social Education, Science, Second Language, Music Performance, and Design.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme:
Students in Grades 11 and 12 participate in the IB Diploma Programme. IBDP entails six courses taken over two years, with three at 'standard level' and three at 'higher level'. Students also complete an extended essay, Creativity/Action/Service projects, and a Theory of Knowledge course. Research repeatedly shows that IBDP students are on average better prepared for success in university and beyond, compared to peers from AP and Cambridge programs.