Concordia has also secured the top spot in the Shanghai region, according to the China International School Innovative Competitiveness Top 100 list released by KingLead Research on March 11th, 2025.
Earning a “5A” rating (Top 1-10) in the rating system is a testament to Concordia’s innovation and achievements over the past years.
- Established in 2009, Concordia’s Intellectual Hub has attracted world-renowned authors and experts through workshops and the “Concordia Presents” series, offering the community diverse insights from global leaders in various fields, from authors and artists to entrepreneurs and experts in education.
- In 2009, Concordia teacher Mr. Mark Johnson introduced National History Day (NHD), an esteemed academic competition for middle and high school students in the United States, to China. The program has since spread throughout Asia.
- CISSMUN, Concordia’s signature Model United Nations event, was started by high school teacher Mr. Erik Paulson in 2010. Fast forward, it has succeeded far beyond initial expectations; CISSMUN has become the largest, most highly regarded Model UN conference in Asia.
- In 2012, Concordia pioneered the High School Applied Learning (AL) program, offering college-level experiential courses alongside AP courses. This initiative not only enriches students’ academic journey but also equips them with practical skills for real-world problem-solving. Since its inception, innovative courses have been developed by Concordia faculty such as Social Entrepreneurship, Big Data Analysis, and Business & Finance. In 2022, the Middle School Applied Learning program followed suit.
- The school has hosted the Concordia World University Fair (CWUF)since 2012, which gives students in Shanghai the opportunity to meet with university representatives from higher education institutions from around the world. The event has grown into one of the city’s largest fairs of its time, bringing well over 100 schools to the campus.
- Concordia faculty and students founded the Youth Global Leadership Summit (YGLS) in 2013, attracting students from different parts of Shanghai to annual gathering for leadership growth.
- Starting from 2014, Concordia High School students began to present their work at ICBDE, an international big data conference that is rarely attended by high schoolers. Students have travelled to Hawaii, Las Vegas, UK, and many other places for these conferences.
- In 2016, Concordia added the Middle School MakerSpace and Culinary Lab to enhance student experiences in applied learning. In 2021 and 2022, the school further expanded its STEM facilities with the addition of the High School MakerSpace and the Digital MakerSpace.
- In 2022, Concordia became one of the first international schools in Shanghai to introduce a comprehensive Robotics program across the entire school, covering from Early Childhood to High School education.
- In 2023, Concordia launched the Middle School Wellness program, diving into six dimensions of wellness: spiritual, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and emotional.
“It is such a great honor to be recognized by KingLead as one of the most innovative schools in China. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to academic excellence, strong values, and a nurturing environment,” says Dr. Eric Semler, Head of School at Concordia International School Shanghai.
Additionally, Concordia has also been ranked in the “China International School Leadership Characteristic Top 10” and the “China International School American Characteristic Top 10.”
About Concordia International School Shanghai
Concordia International School Shanghai is a leading international school renowned for its rigorous academic programs, holistic education approach, and vibrant community spirit. With a focus on nurturing bright futures, the school offers a wide range of opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and personally, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
