ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Image_DAIS_6331Image_DAIS_6331
Key Facts
1303
Average score in SAT test summary* (*2022-23 academic year)
75%
Students go to a global top 100 US university
143
AP Scholars in total* (*2022-23 academic year)

At Dalian American International School, we’re shaping a generation of global citizens.

Your child will be challenged and supported through an individualized learning experience that results in impressive academic results and the development of life skills from problem-solving and resilience, to creativity, wellbeing, and global citizenship. 
Academics

WHY CHOOSE US?

We are an international school in Dalian, educating students from ages 4-17 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.
Image_DAIS_2021_4355
Our Mission
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.
Image_DHS_2021_8420
Our Vision
Dalian American International School bridges the educational experiences of international and Chinese national students in an attractive, well-resourced and up-to-date educational facility. Building upon our rich local history, culture and beautiful natural environment, we inspire students to be leaders serving local and global communities.
Image_DHS_2021_8420
Our Vision

Through collaboration, the application of learned knowledge and skills, and reflection, students solve authentic problems inside and outside the school walls, thereby developing an appreciation for diverse points of view, respect for each other as unique individuals, and (his or her own) personal excellence.

Our students and graduates are systematic problem-solvers who apply their knowledge and skills in designing innovative solutions to local and global issues. They are critical and creative thinkers and lifelong learners, who are prepared to graduate from high-quality educational institutions and pursue meaningful career opportunities. Most importantly, their community sees them as compassionate, ethical, and socially responsible. 

Image_DAIS_2021_4522
School Wide Learner Outcomes
We are committed to an inclusive educational model that supports all learners in becoming skilled innovators, critical thinkers and problem solvers. Our goal is to let all students achieve the qualities of the School Wide Learner Outcomes (SWLO).
campus
School Wide Learner Outcomes
I. Learners will become respectful and trustworthy global citizens that demonstrate strong character through responsible, fair, and caring actions.

II. Learners will exhibit resilience, courage, initiative, creativity, and curiosity as they pursue personal excellence in intellect and health.

III. Learners will become skilled innovators, critical thinkers, and problem solvers who are technologically literate.

IV. Learners will appreciate and reflect on the influences of cultures in their interactions with others.

V. Learners will contribute to the interdependent world around them through inquiry and action. 
Lower Elementary
  • Lower Elementary
  • Upper Elementary
  • Middle School
  • High School |美高项目

Lower Elementary

The Lower Elementary facilitates learning by implementing activities that are student centered. Classroom environments allow children to explore, to question, and to work independently within a group, or with an adult. Through the development of the “whole child,” our objective is to create critical thinkers. The learning environment is rich in diverse culture, promoting a strong emphasis on literacy, math, science, technology, arts, and music and movement.

To further support children’s growth and development in the classroom, learning occurs by continually building upon new experiences to further enhance the cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and fine and gross motor development. Children are encouraged to explore their environment, establish routines, and understand transitions.
curricula generic icon
4 to 7 years old
US Lower Elementary Curriculum
DAIS Elementary School facilitates a challenging, exciting, responsive learning environment where students develop intellect, character, and health. Elementary students start their educational journey studying Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and American Education Reaches Out (AERO) Standards, using the latest teaching methods. 
READ MORE

Upper Elementary

In the Upper Elementary, we challenge our students through authentic learning experiences, where students explore an interconnected world, inquiring to identify problems, deciding how to find solutions, all the while evaluating their progress. We believe that children take responsibility for their learning when they understand what it means to learn, to be reflective, and to set and reach personal learning goals. Knowing that children have their own unique learning styles, lessons are structured to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom with ongoing assessment strategies and timely feedback to support continuous learning. 
curricula generic icon
8 to 10 years old
US Upper Elementary Curriculum
DAIS Elementary School facilitates a challenging, exciting, responsive learning environment where students develop intellect, character, and health. Elementary students start their educational journey studying Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and American Education Reaches Out (AERO) Standards, using the latest teaching methods. 
READ MORE

Middle School

The Middle School at Dalian American International School encompasses grades 6, 7, and 8. Our middle school program strives to create an environment that is supportive, exploratory and responsive to student needs as they develop intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.

DAIS’ standards-based educational model emphasizes skill building, the use of higher order thinking skills, knowledge utilization and student ownership of learning. Teachers engage students through hands-on instructional strategies, cooperative learning and authentic learning experiences. Our vertically aligned, rigorous curriculum provides a smooth transition from middle school to high school and prepares students for success in Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

In addition to the core curriculum, middle school students participate in quarterly Applied Studies courses, designed to provide students with opportunities to be creative and explore design thinking. Middle School Applied Studies courses include: Creative Writing, Coding and Digital Design, Drama and Product Design.

All students in the Middle School have the opportunity to be part of sports teams, academic teams and participate in After-School Activities, which emphasize inclusiveness and teamwork. Our Student Council plays an active role in the Middle School, bringing the community together by leading community service initiatives and hosting events.
curricula generic icon
11 to 13 years old
American Curriculum
All students in Middle School and High School have the opportunity to be part of sports teams, academic teams and participate in After-School Activities, which emphasize inclusiveness and teamwork. Students in Middle School consolidate their subject knowledge, progressing with the American Curriculum and getting ready for High School. 
READ MORE

High School |美高项目

The high school program at Dalian American International School and Dalian Huamei School provides a dynamic learning environment designed to prepare every student for a successful college experience. A strong program of academic rigor enables students to reach and challenge themselves in an environment that fosters independence and self-reliance.

DAIS and DHS provide 19 AP courses, which can satisfy students’ demands for personalized learning and studying abroad. 

AP program offers college-level curricula to high-school students, which is more challenging than the regular high-school curricula.  A selective process will review requests and use a variety of criteria to determine students’ enrollments in AP courses. The number and difficulty of AP courses students take will play a significant role when a university assesses academic levels of students. 

大连美国国际学校和大连华美学校的美高课程提供了充满活力的学习环境,旨在让每个学生为成功的大学经历做好准备。严谨的学术计划使学生能够在充满机遇和挑战的环境中,培养独立性并获得自我提升。

学校提供19门大学先修 (Advanced Placement,简称AP)课程,满足学生个性化学习及海外留学需要。 大连华美学校AP课程获美国大学理事会(College Board)官方授权。

AP是大学先修课程,比常规高中更具挑战性。学生们通过严格的考试和选拔,获得进修AP课程的资格。学生所修AP课程的数量和难易程度,在大学评估学生学术水平方面,占有举足轻重的地位。 

大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - 03 - Curricula Overview
14 to 17 years old
American Curriculum & AP | 美高项目 & AP 课程
Our vertically aligned, rigorous curriculum provides a smooth transition from Middle School to High School and prepares students for progress through the US High School Curriculum and success in Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

我们严谨的课程体系提供从初中到美高的平稳过渡,并为学生通过美高项目得到提升,并在大学先修 (AP) 课程中取得成功做好准备。
READ MORE
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - 03 - Curricula Overview-curricula info icon

Confused by the curricula on offer?

Read our guide to understanding what’s best for your child.

Curricula Guide
f 大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - Key Fact Tiles

OUR SCHOOL:

KEY STATISTICS
Age
4 - 17
Languages taught
EN, CN
Teacher to student ratio
1:6
primary
  • Elementary School
  • Secondary School

We provide warm and welcoming surroundings where students embark on their educational journey. At the same time, they can strengthen their life skills and find a sense of belonging, ownership, and involvement. 
f
Sea Dragon morning assembly
Gathering the students, preparing for the day ahead. 
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - 04 - visualTimeline WithTags-dot arch 大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - 04 - visualTimeline WithTags-dot arch
f
Core subjects
Math, English, Science, Social Studies homeroom classes 
f
Lunch break
A healthy, nutritious, and fresh meal with friends in a supervised environment
s
Specialist subjects
Art, Design, Music, Mandarin, PE, Library
f
Extra-curricular activities
An opportunity for your child to develop individual skills and discover their passions.  

Our school will provide your child with many opportunities to develop their interpersonal skills while preparing them for adult life on the global stage. 
f
Morning activity
Preparing for the busy day ahead. 
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - 04 - visualTimeline WithTags-dot arch 大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - 04 - visualTimeline WithTags-dot arch
f
Mixed lessons
Two blocks of energetic discussion or time in various labs and functional classrooms
f
Lunch break
Healthy food cooked by our onsite chef to a menu devised by a dietician
f
Advisory class
Extended Advisory on Monday and Friday (whole school assembly, house events, Character Counts program events, etc.)  
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - 04 - visualTimeline WithTags
Further lessons
Exploring different subjects from the morning’s lessons
f
Extra-curricular activities
An opportunity for your child to develop individual skills and pursue their passions
f
Evening boarding
Your child will have time for guided study before bed, dorm room cleanup, and preparation for the following day.
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - Image-50-pattern how we teach

HOW WE TEACH

See how our expert academic teams oversee academic performance, personal development and safeguarding. 
FIND OUT MORE
students
Image_DHS_2021_8015
COLLEGE COUNSELING AND STUDENT SERVICES

We help students make thoughtful choices about their futures.

We help students make thoughtful choices about their futures. 

Our certified and experienced college counselors give expert guidance and support to our students as they transition from secondary to higher education. 

From writing references and recommendation letters to providing feedback on applications and holding mock interviews, we ensure that every student has the tools to master the college application process and secure a place at their first-choice university. 
FIND OUT MORE

WE NEVER STOP LEARNING

Our team of national and international educators collaborate on the creation and implementation of all teaching plans. At DAIS, teachers have an average of 15 years’ teaching experience and are committed to regular professional development through a range of educational institutions. 
1

We get results

We take great pride in our students’ achievements, their parents’ opinion, and our approach to education.
Nationalities studying together
29
84%
Of all Advanced Placement (AP) students earn a passing score on one or more AP College Board Exam* (*in 2020-22)
Average score in AP exams*
3.63
100%
of graduates go to college/university*
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - Feature Cards Pattern

WHAT PARENTS SAY

Here’s what parents in our community say about Dalian American International School: 
f
Grade 2, USA Parent
San Jose, California
“It is a very relaxing environment for my kids to grow at a pace that fits their needs. The community is very friendly and supportive – like a family. The school has given all of my children a true global view, pushed them out of their comfort zones, and given them opportunities to grow into the leaders and global citizens they are today.” 
s
Grade 10, China/US Parent
China
“DAIS is a great community with caring staff and parents and excellent educators who care about the students and give them the attention and tools they need to learn and excel.” 
Image_DAIS_2021_7664
Pre-K, UK Parent
Greenock, Scotland
“One of the important things is that my daughter immediately felt welcomed at DAIS and when the kids are happy the family is happy too. The sports teams at DAIS have made my daughter and I feel very positive. I love the emotions of the players during games.” 
f
Grade 8, USA Parent
Saratoga Springs, UTAH
“When we decided to leave the US and move our five young children to China, we experienced the same fears, doubts, and concerns that you would expect any parent to feel. The DAIS community has been a tremendous blessing in our lives! What we feared could be a negative, was quickly turned into a positive and what we thought might be a trial, is now viewed as a positive move! Frankly speaking, we could not have done this overseas assignment without DAIS. ”
f
Grade 9, Canada Parent
Montreal
“DAIS is a splendid place for kids that want to learn, build character, be part of a mosaic community and above all have fun while studying and preparing for the future.” 

What do our global collaborations offer students?

MIT
The MIT-STEAM programme helps our students to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills by tackling interdisciplinary challenges facing the world today.
UNICEF

Students are challenged to make a difference locally and globally by tackling the Sustainable Development Goals and getting involved in local outreach.

MORE ABOUT OUR COLLABORATIONS

Accreditations and Associations

DAIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and is a member of the East Asian Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE), and the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS). We are also an International School Services (ISS) affiliate school.
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - Feature Cards - Affiliates
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - Feature Cards - Affiliates
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - Feature Cards - Affiliates
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - Feature Cards - Affiliates
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - Feature Cards - Affiliates
大连美国国际学校 |Academic Excellence  - Feature Cards - Affiliates

OUR APPROACH TO LEARNING

Our rich experience of educating students at DAIS is complemented by our innovative approach to learning. By harnessing the power of our cooperation with Nord Anglia we provide a premium educational experience. Our personalized and cooperative learning programs empower our students to achieve excellent academic results and secure a place at their first choice of university. We use our global programs to encourage collaboration without limits and develop resilience and wellbeing in our students. Our priority is to build a community of confident, happy learners, ready to thrive in whatever they choose to be or do in the future. 
School Profile
Image_DAIS_2021_4443

VIRTUAL SCHOOL EXPERIENCE (VSE)

By providing a virtual school option, we make sure that classes are always in session – even if the physical campus is closed. 

 

Powered by global strength in learning technology, this secure online platform enables teachers to deliver their lessons, work one-on-one with students and make use of the incredible learning resources available to our students. 
Find out more
students

Inspiring learning experiences

Education is about more than academics. We create opportunities for our students that allow them to explore, grow and think critically. These experiences broaden their horizons and spark their curiosity as people, not just as students.

Discover our outstanding experiences
Promo BOTC