We are an international school in Dalian, educating students from ages 4-18 years old. Students experience a broad range of academic subjects and co-curricular activities delivered by an experienced staff of international educators. DAIS is committed to providing a positive and nurturing environment that promotes learning and discovery. Optimum student/teacher ratios are maintained to provide students with the support they need to fully develop their skills and talents.
We’re proud to say that our students achieve excellent academic results and springboard to the top universities in the world. But that’s just part of the story because our education is much more than academic achievement.
We help our students to think outside the box in a creative and innovative learning environment. Our highly qualified teaching staff encourage them to have a positive attitude to solving problems through our modern approach to learning and academic rigor. While at DAIS, your child will experience life as part of a multicultural community with access to a purpose-built, well resourced, and spacious campus with cutting-edge facilities.
| Number of students |
300+ |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
29 |
| Most common nationality |
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
EAL support |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Mandarin language |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
15 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Yes |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
By providing a virtual school option, we make sure that classes are always in session – even if the physical campus is closed. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
MAP, WrAP, WIDA, PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP |
| Results in these examinations |
90% of all Advanced Placement (AP) students earn a passing score on one or more AP College Board Exam. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
Learning Support team within the Counseling and Student Services Department. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Counseling and Students Services at Dalian American International School provides social and emotional support for all students. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
All applicants will be tested. Additionally, non-native English speakers in grades 2 through 12 will be given English Language Proficiency tests. The test has three sections: reading, writing, and oral language. Testing time will be approximately an hour and half for elementary students and up to two hours for secondary students. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:45 |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Over 100 extracurricular activities. |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education, team sports, lifelong fitness. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Cross country, Basketball, Golf, Swimming, Soccer, Table Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball. ACAMIS, NESSIC, DISA competitions. |
| Facilities at the school |
Science and design labs for different ages, art, dance, yoga and drama studios, three libraries and media centers. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Two gymnasiums, track and field, tennis court, golf field, heated 25-meter swimming pool, outdoor sports facilities and playgrounds. |
| Grades/ages available for boarding |
Grade 3 - Grade 12 |
| Boarding facilities at the school |
Secured dorm building, guided study time, after school activities, canteen. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Dalian American International School facilitates a challenging, collaborative, and responsive learning environment that develops student intellect, character and health. At DAIS, every learner strives to achieve personal excellence and contributes to the global community. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Quality education for a brighter future. |
At our Kindergarten, we teach a student-centered curriculum that encourages our children to explore, to question, and to work either independently, within a group, or with an adult.
Our curriculum emphasizes Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, Technology, the Arts, Music, and Physical Education.
In Elementary, our students enjoy a breadth of truly authentic learning experiences that span the subjects. These inspire our learners to explore our interconnected world, identify and solve problems, and be creative.
We want our children to take responsibility for their learning, too, and encourage them to be reflective, set personal goals, and meet agreed targets. Our exceptional teachers structure lessons around the unique needs of each child, delivering ongoing assessment strategies and timely feedback that support their progress.
Middle School at Dalian American International School encompasses grades 6, 7, and 8. Our standards-based educational model emphasizes skill building, the use of higher order thinking skills, and student ownership of learning.
Our teachers engage learners through hands-on strategies, cooperative learning, and authentic experiences. Our rigorous curriculum provides a smooth transition from Middle School to High School, preparing students for success on our Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
High school at Dalian American International School is a dynamic and exciting time, where students enjoy an academically rigorous curriculum that prepares them for a successful college experience.
In a vibrant learning environment, our teachers stretch and challenge each student to fulfil their potential through our American High School curriculum. This sets them up for the challenge of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Applied Studies opportunities.
Our AP programs are more challenging than typical High School curricula. As such, they are the perfect preparation for college and university. The number and difficulty of AP courses your child takes will play a significant role when a university assesses their academic level.
Our school has state-of-the-art facilities to offer your child a well-rounded education. From our cutting-edge classrooms, to our sports facilities to our labs and art studios, your child’s talents will be strengthened and nurtured at DAIS. Our school is designed for comfort and well-being, featuring modern facilities for sport, study and the arts.
DAIS is located in the neighborhood of Campus Village. Aside from the academic and athletic facilities, Campus Village has housing for members of the school community including faculty, staff and the families of students. Our campus safety is ensured by our guard staff who not only monitor every gate to Campus Village 24/7, but also make regular rounds of our well-lit campus.
The residential program at DAIS is a rich and engaging program designed to foster community, leadership, and academic growth. Through the active guidance of our Residential Teachers and their communications with parents, students learn to self-reflect, make good choices, and become more independent and mature individuals.
Our warm, positive boarding facilities offer a balanced, healthy lifestyle at the core of boarding life at DAIS. Small dorms, with rooms for 4 students sharing, create a welcoming environment to form long-lasting bonds. Air-conditioning and purification, heating, and en-suite bathrooms provide comfort, while card-only access ensures security.
We are delighted that you are considering Dalian American International School for your child’s education.
Our friendly team is here to make sure every step of the process runs smoothly.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
