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

Could you provide us with a brief overview of Concordia’s current presence in Shanghai?

Concordia has been established in Shanghai for approximately 25 years, and we recently celebrated this milestone during the last academic year. We are located in the Pudong district, on the eastern side of Shanghai—a vibrant and picturesque area that is highly favored by many expatriate families. Concordia serves as an international school, primarily catering to students holding foreign passports. Currently, our school community represents over 30 nationalities, and we offer education from preschool through to grade 12.

At the high school level, we provide Advanced Placement (AP) courses alongside college-level applied learning opportunities. Our school is an excellent choice for families seeking an American-style international education. It is also worth mentioning that Concordia was founded by the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, which imbues our educational philosophy with a strong faith-based foundation. This holistic approach is particularly appealing to families seeking a comprehensive educational experience.

What do you consider the key factors that contribute to Concordia’s success?

There are several critical factors that contribute to our success. One of the most significant is the partnership we cultivate with our parents. Our school thrives on strong relationships with families, which we view as vital to the educational experience. If you were to speak with our parents, they would likely highlight this as one of Concordia’s greatest strengths. Compared to other international schools, our commitment to involving parents as active partners in the educational journey sets us apart.

We also prioritize parent education at every stage of a child’s development. Whether parents are navigating the early childhood years, elementary school, or middle and high school, we offer tailored resources to guide them through each phase. Another strength is the inclusive and supportive community that Concordia fosters. For many families, especially those living abroad for the first time, the sense of belonging they find within our school community is invaluable. Our Parent Support Organization (PSO) is a cornerstone of this effort, providing a platform for parents to support both the school and each other.

We are also committed to a balanced approach to education, combining rigorous academics with an emphasis on joy. Families want to know that their children are receiving a solid academic foundation, but they also want their children to be excited about learning. At Concordia, we focus on providing a well-rounded education that includes not only core subjects like math and science but also opportunities for creativity and physical activity through music, theater, physical education, and sports. Furthermore, we have a strong focus on service learning, helping students develop both their academic skills and their character.

Finally, our faith-based approach to education instills values such as kindness, honesty, and integrity—an integral component of the holistic education we offer.

Can you elaborate on the academic offerings at Concordia, particularly in terms of STEM and Mandarin programs?

In our early childhood program, we are exploring the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes child-led learning through play. This method fosters creativity while supporting academic growth. In elementary school, we maintain a focus on foundational skills in math, reading, and writing. Our reading and writing curriculum is grounded in balanced literacy, which not only teaches the mechanics of reading but also instills a love for literature.

As students progress, we offer a robust STEM curriculum. We have dedicated makerspaces at each educational level—early childhood, middle school, and high school—designed to match the developmental needs of our students. Our STEM programs are complemented by innovation coaches, who provide guidance to students exploring robotics, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields. Given the rapid pace of technological advancements, it is our responsibility to prepare students for a future that is constantly evolving. We aim to cultivate adaptability and flexibility in our students to equip them for success in careers that may not even exist yet.

In addition, we offer Mandarin language programs to help students navigate the global landscape, particularly given Shanghai’s unique position in the world.

Concordia’s success is clearly attributed in part to its faculty. Could you tell us more about the staff members who make all of this possible?

Our faculty is truly one of the greatest assets of the school. Many of our teachers have been with Concordia for a significant period, and I have had the privilege of working alongside them for many years. I have great respect for our educators and staff, who are highly committed to their work and the students they serve.

At Concordia, we believe that exceptional faculty are the foundation of a thriving school. While our facilities are outstanding, it is the expertise and dedication of our teachers that truly define our success. Many of our faculty hold advanced degrees, and we are proud of the qualifications and experience they bring to the table. Our location in Shanghai, a world-class city, allows us to attract top-tier educators from around the globe, and our school’s reputation further strengthens our ability to recruit exceptional staff.

In addition to their expertise, we provide our teachers with opportunities for professional growth. We offer financial support for professional development and encourage teachers to pursue areas of interest that align with their career goals. We also have instructional coaches and innovation coaches who work closely with teachers to help them refine their practice and stay at the cutting edge of educational trends.

Our faculty are not only highly qualified but also passionate about fostering a nurturing environment at Concordia. This approach is central to our school’s culture and extends across all grade levels. Teachers here are dedicated to creating a supportive and collaborative community for both students and their colleagues.

I would also like to highlight a few additional points. First, our counseling program plays a crucial role in supporting both students and parents. We provide comprehensive counseling services, ranging from social-emotional learning to college and career guidance. At every stage, from preschool through grade 12, our counselors are here to support families and provide guidance as they navigate the challenges of raising children.

Finally, our extracurricular activities program is truly exceptional. We offer over 400 different activities for students, spanning everything from robotics and chess to music and sports. For parents who value well-rounded opportunities for their children, Concordia provides a wealth of options for exploration and growth outside the classroom.

What final message would you like to share with potential readers?

Choosing the right school for your child is a critical decision, and I would encourage parents to take a closer look at Concordia. Our school offers a unique blend of academic rigor, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to character development. Above all, we see parents as our partners, and we are dedicated to supporting them every step of the way as they raise their children. I am confident that families who choose Concordia will find it to be a place where their children can thrive both academically and personally.