Since 1998, Concordia International School Shanghai has been a pioneering force in P-12 education, guided by a strong sense of purpose and shared values. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Eric Semler, Head of School, and Ms. Shannon Keane, Early Childhood Principal, the school is committed to recognizing the unique potential of every student, providing care, dignity, and opportunity. With a holistic approach to development, Concordia empowers students to excel academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually, fostering creative problem-solvers and compassionate global citizens. At the heart of the Concordia experience is a vibrant community built on connection, care, and partnership, where students thrive and families feel supported.
The Key Differentiating Factors
Concordia distinguishes itself by pairing academic excellence with a truly holistic education that nurtures the whole child. The school’s rigorous academic programs, including innovative Applied Learning and STEM curricula, challenge students to think critically and solve real-world problems. Meanwhile, robust arts, athletics, and service opportunities cultivate character, compassion, and creativity. Concordia’s dedicated and talented work of educators, dynamic parent community, and shared values create a supportive environment where students can flourish.
Balancing American Excellence with Global Perspectives
Concordia blends American educational standards with internationally recognized teaching frameworks. The curriculum is designed to reflect students’ cultural backgrounds and includes language development programs in English and Mandarin. “We differentiate to meet each child’s needs and partner closely with parents and the community to meet the needs of its global student body,” says Ms. Shannon Keane.
The Reggio Emilia-Inspired Approach
Concordia’s Early Childhood program is guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which views every child as a capable, curious learner with a unique voice. The approach embraces “the 100 languages” of children, recognizing the diverse ways they express themselves through art, music, movement, storytelling, dramatic play, and scientific exploration. Teachers design holistic, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that grow from students’ own interests and passions.
Acting as observers and facilitators, the teachers at Concordia guide exploration while allowing children to take the lead. Lessons are intentionally crafted, progress is closely monitored, and activities are tailored to meet each child at their developmental level, ensuring that learning is both meaningful and joyful.
Supporting Emotional Well-being and Belonging
Concordia’s “care and concern” process brings together a collaborative work of teachers, counselors, and administrators to understand each child’s unique needs and develop a personalized plan. In the Early Childhood division, Ms. Shannon Keane and her team work hand-in hand with parents to ensure a consistent, holistic approach, whether the child needs help with emotional regulation, social skills, or a sense of belonging.
Cultivating Future Leaders
Concordia prepares students to be adaptable, ethical leaders in a rapidly changing world by empowering them with opportunities to lead, make choices, and solve problems. Classroom jobs, collaborative projects, and guided conflict resolution help children develop agency, empathy, and resilience.
Empowering Students through Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is a foundation skill that goes beyond technical ability, encompassing critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability through meaningful, hands on experiences.
Dr. Eric Semler emphasizes that the school’s STEM program provides hands-on experiences, starting from early childhood through high school, where students engage in projects like VEX robotics, coding, and engineering design. By exploring emerging technologies such as virtual reality and data analytics, students develop the skills to resolve real-world problems through design thinking and original research.
A Holistic Approach to Evaluation
Concordia evaluates holistic development through a blend of observation, documentation, and collaboration with parents, teachers, and students. By assessing developmental standards across a range of subjects, including literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, movement, and social-emotional growth. Strong relationships between students, teachers, and families enable the school to tailor learning plans so every student can thrive.
Fostering Belonging
Concordia creates inclusive spaces where students from diverse backgrounds feel celebrated and safe. The school’s curriculum and social-emotional learning program are designed to help every child feel respected and seen. In Early Childhood, the school actively partners with families to celebrate cultures, traditions, and languages, often inviting parents to share their own stories and experiences with the class.
Significance of Service Learning and Community Engagement
Service-learning and community engagement play a major role in student growth at Concordia. By participating in various service-learning opportunities, students develop empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while also forming stronger relationships with members of the community. Even in Early Childhood, students begin to explore their surroundings, building a foundation for understanding community and contributing to it.
Concordia’s Vision for the Next Decade
Looking to the future, Concordia is committed to evolving in ways that prepare students for a dynamic and rapidly changing world. Dr. Eric Semler states that the school focuses on academic excellence and personal growth, thoroughly integrating advanced technologies like AI, while balancing innovation with their core commitment to human connection and relationship-building. Global partnerships and service will remain central to the school’s mission, providing students with opportunities to make a positive difference in the world—both locally and globally.
Empowering Educators for Student Success
Concordia supports its faculty and staff in adapting their teaching practices to align with both rigorous academics and student well-being through ongoing professional learning, collaborative planning time, and targeted resources. Teachers are equipped with the latest strategies to balance high expectations with a nurturing environment where every child can succeed.
Expanding Impact: Commitment to Service and Global Citizenship
Concordia has long been committed to service and service learning and empowers its students to engage deeply with local and global issues, fostering insightful learning, principle-centered leadership, and active global citizenship. A notable example is the student-run social enterprise, Xiaohusai, which earned the prestigious International School Award in 2025 for its work in supporting a small village in rural Yunnan by partnering with local farmers and providing education scholarships. Led by a group of passionate high school students, Xiaohusai has positively impacted nearly 1,000 individuals.
The school’s “service initiative of the month” program further encourages students, from early childhood through high school, to build meaningful connections and understand the many ways to make a difference.
In a world of constant change, Concordia’s educators embrace adaptability and a commitment to growth and innovation. Moving forward, Concordia will continue to distinguish itself by pairing academic excellence with a truly holistic education—continually evolving to prepare students for a dynamic and uncertain future.
