As Hangzhou continues to grow as a global hub for business and technology, the demand for high-quality international education has surged. Home to Alibaba, NetEase, and a thriving expat community, Hangzhou offers several prestigious international schools following IB, British, American, and bilingual curricula.
This guide explores the best international schools in Hangzhou, covering:
✔ Curriculum & accreditation
✔ Tuition fees (2024-2025)
✔ Campus facilities
✔ Admission requirements
✔ Key pros and cons
Whether you’re relocating for work or seeking bilingual education, these schools provide world-class learning environments.
1. Hangzhou International School (HIS)
Overview
- Established: 2002
- Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
- Accreditation: WASC, CIS
- Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12
- Languages: English (Mandarin taught daily)
Key Features
- Only full IB continuum school in Hangzhou
- 70% expat faculty from 15+ countries
- University placements: Ivy Leagues, UK Russell Group
Facilities
- STEM labs, 400-seat theater, Olympic pool
Tuition (2024-2025)
- Pre-K: ¥180,000/year
- Grade 12: ¥260,000/year
Best for: Families seeking rigorous academics with global recognition.
2. Wellington College International Hangzhou
Overview
- Established: 2018
- Curriculum: English National Curriculum + IGCSE/A-Levels
- Accreditation: COBIS
- Grades: Nursery to Year 13
Key Features
- Sister school to UK’s Wellington College
- Boarding option for Grades 6+
- Dual-language stream (English/Mandarin)
Facilities
- Horseback riding arena, robotics center, planetarium
Tuition (2024-2025)
- Primary: ¥220,000/year
- Sixth Form: ¥290,000/year
Best for: Families preferring British education with elite extracurriculars.
3. Hangzhou Dipont School of Arts and Science
Overview
- Established: 2021
- Curriculum: A-Levels + AP
- Partner: King’s College London
- Grades: G9-G12
Key Features
- Focus on STEM & arts
- 1:5 teacher-student ratio
- Direct pathways to UK/US universities
Facilities
- AI lab, black-box theater, rooftop gardens
Tuition (2024-2025)
- ¥240,000/year (all grades)
Best for: Students targeting top STEM universities.
4. ISA International School Hangzhou
Overview
- Established: 2020
- Curriculum: IB + Chinese National Curriculum
- Accreditation: Cambridge International
- Grades: K1-G12
Key Features
- Bilingual immersion program
- Forest school outdoor education
- Taipingyang Scholar partnerships
Facilities
- Indoor climbing wall, organic farm
Tuition (2024-2025)
- Primary: ¥160,000/year
- High School: ¥210,000/year
Best for: Families wanting strong Mandarin proficiency.
5. Chinese-Foreign Hybrid Schools
A. Hangzhou No. 2 High School International Division
- Curriculum: AP + Chinese diploma
- Tuition: ¥100,000/year
- Advantage: Gaokao-eligible
B. The Affiliated High School of Zhejiang University
- IBDP + A-Levels
- ¥120,000/year
- ZJU university linkages
Comparison Table
| School | Curriculum | Avg. Class Size | Tuition Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIS | IB | 18 | ¥180k–260k |
| Wellington | UK | 15 | ¥220k–290k |
| Dipont | A-Level/AP | 12 | ¥240k |
| ISA | IB + CN | 20 | ¥160k–210k |
Admission Tips
- Apply early – HIS has a 6-month waitlist
- Prepare assessments – CAT4 for British schools
- Negotiate tuition – Corporate discounts available
- Visit campuses – Virtual tours offered
Key Decision Factors
- University goals (IB vs. A-Level recognition)
- Language needs (English immersion vs. bilingual)
- Location – Binjiang schools suit tech expats
Conclusion
Hangzhou’s international schools combine academic excellence with unique local advantages like tea culture studies and Alibaba tech partnerships. HIS leads for pure internationalism, while Wellington excels in holistic British education. Budget-conscious families may prefer public school international divisions.
Need help choosing? Ask about your child’s age group or preferred curriculum below!
