Inside SAS: A Conversation With Our Head of School
James Nelligan, Head of School at Shanghai American School, recently sat down with Smart Shanghai to share his thoughts on education, what makes SAS stand out, and what parents should consider when choosing a school in Shanghai.
Watch the video below and read on to hear what he had to say!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and your background in education?
I’ve spent more than three decades in education, with experiences that range from teaching at the university level to leading international schools around the world. My academic path has always been rooted in curiosity, and I consider myself to be a lifelong learner, from studying the humanities to pursuing graduate work in the history of science, and later doctoral-level research in neuroeducation. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my teaching, including national awards in the United States, and I’ve served in leadership roles for nearly twenty years. Those experiences, in places as varied as Puerto Rico and now Shanghai, have shaped my belief that education is most powerful when it nurtures both intellectual growth and human connection.
What makes your school unique in Shanghai’s education landscape?
Shanghai American School stands out because of the breadth of opportunities we offer within a supportive, student-centered environment. We are one of the few schools in Shanghai to offer a full Advanced Placement (AP) program, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, as well as the option for students to select a mix of both IB and AP courses, giving students the flexibility to design a pathway that best matches their strengths and aspirations. On top of that, students are supported by a dedicated team of nine college counselors.
Beyond academics, our vibrant arts programs, competitive athletics, and service-learning initiatives ensure that every student can explore passions and discover new talents. Add to that our two beautiful campuses, a diverse community of over 40 nationalities, and 113 years of tradition, and you have a school experience that is truly distinctive.
What are you most proud of at your school?
I’m proud of the balance we strike between achievement and developing ethical global citizens. Our graduates go on to some of the world’s most respected universities, but what matters even more is the kind of people they become. SAS students are compassionate, collaborative, and creative. You’ll see these qualities shine through in their work, whether they’re designing sustainability projects, creating innovative products, volunteering, launching publications, or mentoring younger peers.
I’m equally proud of our faculty. Most hold advanced degrees and bring extensive international experience, and all are deeply committed to guiding students toward academic success and meaningful lives. We believe that investing in our teachers directly benefits our students. Every year, we invest in our teachers as much as we do our students. We have dedicated professional learning funds, regular on-campus workshops, and visiting experts from around the world.
What’s something new or exciting happening at your school this year?
This year, we’re especially excited about the growth of interdisciplinary learning in our middle and high schools. Students are engaging in even more projects that blend science, social studies, design, and the arts, all with the goal of tackling real-world challenges. In our early childhood program, we’ve introduced multi-age classrooms this year, giving our youngest learners the chance to develop agency, empathy, and leadership in unique ways. And as always, as a nonprofit we’re continuing to invest in our facilities. This year we upgraded our performing arts spaces, expanded our Pudong middle school classrooms, and revamped our aquatic centers. We continuously ensure students have the best environment to learn and grow.
What advice do you give to parents choosing a school in Shanghai?
No matter where you’re considering a school – in Shanghai or anywhere else – I encourage parents to look beyond rankings or academics when choosing a school. Focus on finding a school community where your child will be known, supported, and inspired. Look closely at how schools nurture character, creativity, and resilience in addition to academic results. Ask yourself: Will my child be encouraged to take risks? Will they have the freedom to pursue passions? Will they be surrounded by teachers and a community that genuinely cares about them?
What does a typical day look like for your students?
An SAS student’s day is dynamic and full of possibility, with each day offering something new and different. In the morning, you might find them diving into an AP science lab, rehearsing for a theater production, or collaborating on a design project in the makerspace. By afternoon, they could be training with one of our Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC) championship athletic teams, performing in a jazz ensemble, or leading a service initiative. In between, there’s laughter with friends and quiet moments for studying. Our students’ schedules are a balance of rigor and time for their passions. This creates an environment where students thrive.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your school?
I think many people know us for our academic excellence, but what’s sometimes less visible is the strength of our community. Our families often say that SAS feels like a second home, a place where students of all ages support one another, where parents are actively involved, and where traditions like Founders Week, International Fair, and Carnival build a sense of belonging. That spirit of community, along with our scale and resources, is what makes SAS such a remarkable place for children to learn.
