Qingdao Amerasia International School (QAIS)
is a private, non-profit international school located in Qingdao, China, offering Montessori education from ages 1.5-5 and an inquiry-based curriculum up to age 18.
OUR MISSION
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.
WHO WE ARE
Qingdao Amerasia International School (QAIS) serves students from 2 to 18 years old through a holistic, child-centered, inquiry-based approach.
The School is accredited by The American Montessori Society for its Toddler and Early Childhood Programs. QAIS is also an authorized IB Continuum School offering the Primary Years Program (PYP) for students in Early Childhood through Grade 5, the Middle Years Program (MYP) for students in Grades 6-10, and the Diploma Program for students in Grades 11-12. The School runs a blended Montessori/PYP Program for students in Early Childhood through Grade 3.
QAIS has also earned full-school accreditation by The Middle States Association (MSA) and the Council of International Schools.
Toddler (18 months – 3 years) & Early Childhood (3-6 years) Classes at QAIS combine the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program with the Montessori Philosophy & Educational environment to reinforce connections between students’ personal world and the global community in which they live. Independence. Concentration. Love of learning. These three characteristics are among the most noticeable outcomes of a Montessori education. Children learn experientially, manipulating specially designed materials to attain a deep understanding of practical and intellectual concept. Language, mathematics, Science/Social studies, Practical Life and Sensorial Education are all part of the program, helping students learn that they control their own education, even from an early age.
Read MoreLower Elementary (Grades 1 through 3) at QAIS uses an approach to learning and teaching that is drawn from the meaningful combination of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Montessori curriculum and philosophy. Upper Elementary (Grades 4 and 5) students engage in the full IB PYP and culminates in the PYP Exhibition where students are given an opportunity to make use of what they have learned in elementary to be agents of positive change. IB PYP units of inquiry often provide a context for exploration in the following subjects: language arts (English and Chinese), mathematics, cosmic studies (geography, history, & science), physical education, STEAM, drama, music, and visual arts.
Read MoreIn the IB MYP, students are expected to bring a high level of independence and self-direction, a comfort with collaborative work, and a love of learning for learning's sake. They treat each other with respect and are comfortable with the knowledge that each person has different strengths and challenges. The IB Middle Years Programme aims to challenge students to excel academically while fostering personal growth by inspiring a lifelong love of learning. The programme develops critical, reflective thinking, inquiry and innovation. The MYP offers Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Design, and Physical Education. The MYP utilizes global contexts to connect what is learned in the classroom to students’ lives, and experiences.
Read MoreAs our eldest students prepare to spread their wings and fly into the world after graduation, the IB DP Program allows them to take their place as internationally-minded global citizens. An IB Diploma is the most widely-recognized qualification for students entering university anywhere in the world. QAIS students have gained entrance to the world’s leading universities. Drawing on the strength of a diverse international community, DP at Qingdao Amerasia International School provides knowledge, skills, and understanding that empower our students to become global leaders who create a more peaceful world.
Read MoreSTEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts & Mathematics to guide student learning and innovation through inquiry, dialogue & critical thinking. At QAIS, Grades 1 to 12 have Design Technology as a subject, which links innovation & creativity by exploring the possibilities & constraints associated with systems. Scratch Coding, Voice Recognition Software, Mbot, Lan Network Communication, Basic Circuit knowledge and Robotics all form part of the STEAM curriculum. QAIS has an extensive Robotics program in the classroom and as an after-school activity.
The ARTS are a way of life at QAIS with the best arts program in Shandong province. Talented and committed staff guide students to find ways of expressing themselves through music, visual arts and drama. QAIS Musicals match those on Broadway with Upper School, Lower School or full school productions produced annually. Seussical, Peter Pan, Honk, Once On This Island, and Little Shop of Horrors has captivated audiences and developed a love of theatre amongst all students by providing opportunities for acting, singing, dancing, stage management and tech.
QAIS values International Mindedness by developing Multilingualism, Intercultural Understanding, and Global Engagement through all ten attributes of the IB Learner Profile. QAIS students are nurtured to become: Knowledgeable, Inquirers, Thinkers, Reflective, Courageous, Caring, Communicators, Principled, Balanced & Open-Minded. Engaging in activities such as CAS, MMUN, Sports & clubs, students become lifelong learners, who shape the world of tomorrow.
QAIS promotes lifelong healthy lifestyles by offering students a range of athletic activities that promote great sportsmanship, confidence - on and off the field - and empower our students to challenge themselves. Students of all grade levels have the opportunity to participate in competitive Volleyball, Basketball, Football, Table Tennis and Badminton with 8 other schools in and around Qingdao.