- Excellence
More Than a Ranking
Hangzhou International School (HIS) has been named among the Top 20 Schools for Children of Foreign Personnel in China in the KingLead 2026 China International School Innovative Competitiveness Rankings, receiving a AAAA rating for innovation competitiveness.
The recognition comes as part of KingLead's ninth annual international school rankings, which assess schools across China through a comprehensive evaluation framework developed through years of research, school visits, principal interviews, expert consultation, and quantitative analysis. In addition to this achievement, HIS has also earned recognition in the 2026 ForbesChina International School Annual Selection, where both its Early Childhood/Kindergarten division and Upper‑Year program secured spots within China’s Top 30 rankings.
While rankings are only one measure of a school, it's always encouraging when the work happening across our community is recognized by others. And what makes this recognition meaningful isn't really the ranking itself. It's what sits behind it.
The Everyday Moments That Matter
Every day, we see students trying something new, asking thoughtful questions, taking on challenges, and discovering interests they didn't know they had. We see teachers creating opportunities for students to think deeply, collaborate, and learn from the world around them. We see families supporting that journey every step of the way.
Those moments might not make headlines, but they're the heart of what makes a school special.
Preparing Students for a Changing World
KingLead's rankings place a strong emphasis on innovation and future-ready learning, looking at how schools are helping students develop the skills and mindset they'll need in a rapidly changing world.
At HIS, that learning happens in countless ways. It might be through a design project in the classroom, a student-led service initiative, a China Trip adventure, a film production, a science investigation, a musical performance, or simply a conversation that sparks a new idea.
These experiences help students build confidence, resilience, creativity, and curiosity, qualities that matter long after they leave school.
A Community Effort
For almost 25 years, HIS has been home to international families in Hangzhou. This recognition belongs to everyone who helps make the school what it is: our students, teachers, staff, parents, and alumni. Together, they create a community where learning is engaging, relationships matter, and young people are encouraged to grow into the very best version of themselves.
Looking Ahead
We're grateful for the recognition, proud of what our community has built together, and excited about what comes next.
After all, the most important measure of a school isn't where it appears in a ranking. It's the impact it has on the lives of the young people who walk through its doors every day. And that's a story we're proud to keep writing together.
Ranking Information Sources:
KingLead Rankings: https://jinglingedu.com/en/
Forbes China Rankings: https://www.forbeschina.com/youth/71610