Our History

Founded in 2014 by Dr. Francis Pang, the Canadian International School of Hefei (CISH) was established in response to the growing demand for international education in Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province, China. Developed through a collaboration between Chinese and Canadian educational authorities, CISH aims to provide a globally oriented curriculum while fostering cross-cultural understanding between China and Canada. As part of the AKD Education Group, CISH has sister 3 schools:

1. The Canadian International School of Beijing.

2. The International School of Nanshan Shenzhen.

3. The Canadian International School of Shenyang.

From its inception, CISH has been committed to blending rigorous academic standards with a holistic approach to education, emphasizing critical thinking, bilingual proficiency, and international-mindedness. The school adopted the Canadian curriculum framework from New Brunswick, ensuring alignment with Canada’s high educational standards and providing students with an internationally recognized academic pathway.

By 2017, CISH expanded its offerings by incorporating the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). In 2018, the school introduced the IB Diploma Programme (DP), becoming the first and only IB World Continuum School in Anhui Province. CISH also earned accreditation from Cognia and the Council of International Schools (CIS) and became an accredited HSK, AP, and SAT testing center. Additionally, as a member of the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS), CISH provides students with access to a broader network of international learning opportunities.

In 2024, CISH celebrated its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of learning, growth, and community-building in an increasingly international Hefei. As the foreign population in Anhui continues to grow, so does the vibrant and diverse learning community of CISH.