Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province, known in international circles as Qingdao International School Shandong (QISS), was founded by Mayor Xia on August 05, 2007. The school opened its doors on August 16, 2007 to students in grades preK-12. Approximately 215 students from over 20 nationalities are currently enrolled. The school’s official registered name indicates the importance the Qingdao Municipal Government assigns to QISS and its vision to develop it into a premier, western-style international school that will enhance the city’s overall investment climate.

Although newly founded, QISS has its roots under a former entity that was established in August, 1998. Over ninety percent of the faculty and administration, including the headmaster of the former school, were the founding members of QISS. Most of the original students who first enrolled at QISS came from the former school. The school’s mission statement remains the same as before and the English-language based, college preparatory, secular, educational program remains on the same developmental path as before. The school’s accreditation status with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) was transferred to QISS from the former entity. The school is registered on WASC’s website directory of accredited schools under the name of Qingdao International School Shandong (QISS).

The purpose of the school is to meet the educational needs of children of the expatriate community who are residing in Qingdao that enables them to gain acceptance to the finest schools and universities throughout the world. Although QISS is wholly owned by the Chinese government, the government has pledged not to interfere in the management of the western-style international educational program. The Qingdao Education Bureau has assured the expatriate community that QISS will be enjoy conditions that will allow it to develop into one of the best international schools in China and throughout the world.

QISS is temporarily being housed on the campus of the No. 2 Middle School in the Laoshan District of Qingdao. A 109 mu parcel of prime land has been selected for new campus that is located about two kilometers from its current site. Completion of the new campus is anticipated before the end of 2008. The school’s master plan will enable it to one day enroll up to 2,000 students in grades preK-12.