As the first international school officially recognised by and registered with the Chinese government, it is considered one of the leading international schools in Shanghai. The school's unique bilingual and multicultural approach to education is recognised globally, and sets the school apart from others.

Located in prime locations within the Puxi and Pudong areas, the schools accommodate the growing number of early childhood, primary and secondary students from the rapidly expanding expatriate community. Students come from over 45 nationalities and are educated by teachers from 14 countries under an international curriculum that creates truly global minded graduates.

YCIS Shanghai is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the National Center for School Curriculum and Textbook Development (NCCT). In addition, the secondary school is authorised as an accredited Cambridge International Examinations Centre and International Baccalaureate World School.