Dr. Eric Semler, Head of School, Concordia International School Shanghai

Could you give us an overview of Concordia International School Shanghai? 

At Concordia International School Shanghai, we see every student as an individual with unique gifts and potential. Our mission, since our founding in 1998, is to nurture these gifts, guiding students towards a future of lifelong success. Situated in the vibrant Jinqiao community of Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, Concordia is recognized for its dedication to educational excellence, reflected in our broad array of sports, fine arts, cultural and applied learning programs. 

Our educational philosophy extends beyond academic rigor. We are committed to the holistic development of our students, nurturing their growth across emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual domains. Supported by our passionate and experienced faculty, our balanced curriculum is designed not just to educate but to prepare students to reach their own full potential. 

At Concordia, we believe that education is enriched through the practice of shared values and service, positively shaping both our students and the broader community. We create a supportive and nurturing environment that allows every member of our community to thrive. This ethos is the foundation of a partnership between our administration, faculty and parents, ensuring a collaborative and enriching experience for every family. 

Concordia is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), affirming our commitment to maintaining high academic standards. Our students’ achievements and the accolades of our graduates, who consistently gain admission to the world’s leading universities that best fit their own gifts and interests, stand as a testament to our educational quality. 

As one of the premier international schools in Asia, Concordia International School Shanghai offers a world-class education that enables our students to achieve their personal excellence.

What recent initiatives have helped Concordia further enhance the student learning experience?

One recent initiative that has significantly enhanced the student learning experience at Concordia is the groundbreaking of the new Rittmann Center. This project invites us to reimagine what a learning environment can be—bringing together spaces for academics, arts, athletics and wellness in one inspiring facility. With a competition swimming pool, a professional theater, and music and art studios, all designed with sustainability in mind, the center is more than just a building. It’s a place where students will discover new passions, build confidence and experience firsthand the value of hard work and community. At Concordia, this initiative reflects our deep commitment to holistic education, where we pair academic excellence with a nurturing, whole-child experience that prepares students for a life of purpose and joy.

How does Concordia International School Shanghai nurture a culture of curiosity and independent thinking across grade levels?

At Concordia, nurturing curiosity and independent thinking begins with the relationships and connections we build across our community. We know that for students to truly take intellectual risks and explore boldly, they need to feel safe—not just physically, but emotionally as well. Our school culture prioritizes that sense of safety and belonging so every student feels supported to ask questions, take risks and grow. Central to this is our dedicated faculty and staff who know how to inspire and bring out the best in every student. Across all grade levels, they create learning environments that encourage critical thinking, invite exploration and ignite passion. By combining strong relationships with hands-on learning opportunities in academics, arts and service, Concordia creates a space where curiosity thrives and students develop the confidence to become independent thinkers.

In what ways are faculty development and teacher collaboration prioritized at Concordia International School Shanghai?

At Concordia, professional growth is deeply rooted in collaboration, with teachers regularly working together in teams to plan lessons and share strategies. This team-based approach encourages innovation and helps educators respond effectively to student needs. This year, the school is focusing on building capacity around Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), equipping teachers with tools and frameworks to better meet the diverse needs of all students. Concordia supports faculty by sponsoring their participation in workshops and conferences attended by international educators, as well as inviting outside experts to campus. Teachers also have access to resources to pursue professional development opportunities aligned with their individual goals. This commitment to continuous learning ensures faculty remain inspired, innovative and equipped to deliver impactful teaching.  

Could you share examples of how students are applying their learning beyond the classroom?

At Concordia, we believe learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Our students are given real opportunities to engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. One of our standout programs is Third Culture Coffee (TCC), a student-led social enterprise that teaches entrepreneurship, teamwork and service by partnering with local communities to address social challenges. It’s a powerful way for students to apply what they learn while making a tangible difference. 

Locally, projects like the Giving Tree allow our students to step up as leaders and show care beyond the school walls. These service-learning experiences build empathy, responsibility and community connection—qualities that shape them into thoughtful global citizens.

On a global level, our Big Data Analytics students recently traveled to Oxford to present their research at the ICBDE conference. This experience didn’t just stretch their academic muscles; it immersed them in a rich cultural and intellectual environment, connecting them with experts like Professor Viktor Mayer-Schönberger, whose work informs their studies. This kind of exposure expands their horizons and inspires them to think bigger. 

How does Concordia International School Shanghai foster a sense of purpose and leadership among its students? 

At Concordia, students are given meaningful opportunities to develop leadership through a combination of voice, initiative and responsibility across both academic and community settings. Within the school, students grow into roles like student ambassadors, where they actively welcome and support new families, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence. Leadership is further nurtured through service-learning projects, such as the Giving Tree initiative led by Grade 8 students. These students organize awareness campaigns, manage donations and personally deliver gifts to children in need, gaining firsthand experience in teamwork, communication and compassionate action. 

Academically, students engage in hands-on learning and pursue their interests with independence and purpose, while extracurricular activities like sports teams help them build discipline, perseverance and collaboration skills. Concordia’s approach encourages students to lead by example, develop empathy and embrace shared values, equipping them to make a positive difference both in school and in the wider community.

What role does community engagement play in shaping the school’s identity today?

Community engagement is at the heart of who we are at Concordia. It shapes our identity by connecting students, families, faculty and staff in meaningful ways that extend learning beyond the classroom. Through service projects, partnerships and events, our community comes together to live out the values of compassion, responsibility and global citizenship. These shared experiences deepen relationships and create a strong sense of belonging, reminding us that education is not just about individual achievement but about working together to make a positive difference. Community engagement grounds our school culture in real-world purpose and helps prepare students to lead with empathy and integrity in a complex world.

What’s your final message to the audience of Newsweek magazine?

At Concordia Shanghai, we believe education is about more than just academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child to thrive in a rapidly changing world. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to academic excellence paired with a dynamic community grounded in shared values, where every student feels safe, valued and inspired to grow. We offer a vibrant, globally minded curriculum alongside outstanding facilities and dedicated faculty and staff who know how to bring out the best in each learner. Families choose Concordia because here, their children don’t just prepare for tests—they prepare for life, equipped with critical thinking, compassion and confidence. If you want an education that challenges your child to excel while nurturing their passions and character, Concordia Shanghai is a place where that journey begins and flourishes.