Shanghai American School

Just because our facilities are amazing doesn’t mean they can’t get even better. This summer saw transformations in spaces on both campuses and all divisions.  

Middle school is often the age of awkwardness, growth spurts, and social exploration. It’s also a time where young teens embark on journeys of grand discovery. At Shanghai American School, we provide plenty of opportunities for students to pioneer their futures. This includes the fun and enriching Exploratory classes at Pudong Middle School.

Hanjing Wang, a senior at Puxi, found her writing spark in her seventh-grade English class, which led her to conjure up tales that defy conventions and challenge readers to think anew. This past spring, she published Infinitesimal, a thought-provoking collection of short stories, which is now for sale on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Infinitesimal is a testament to her dedication and passion for storytelling, all the while championing the female perspective in the literary landscape where she feels it's often overlooked. 

Meet Luke Penaloza, a senior at SAS Puxi who has set his sights on the world of productivity with his app, ZenZone. From a gamer to a game-changer, Luke's journey began with a serendipitous gaming device mishap that catapulted him into a world of focus and productivity. With ZenZone, he's turned that revelation into an app that defeats procrastination, boosts mental health, and transforms both students and adults into productivity superheroes. 

​Meet Takeshi K., a senior who does more than just ace his exams. He’s also a semi-pro skateboarder - no big deal, right? He started competing against teens and adults when he was still in elementary school and went on to get sponsored. Now, we're not claiming to be the wind beneath his skateboard, but we've never been ones to clip wings either. We ensure our students don't have to choose between their passion and their education. Because at SAS, algebra and kickflips coexist seamlessly.

Ever wonder what a typical school day looks like from the eyes of an elementary student at Shanghai American School? Hard to believe, but these scenes are literally from one day on each of our two campuses. After a day filled with discoveries, hands-on learning, and pure joy, it’s easy to see why this is a school where we all “wish we could’ve gone.”