Shu Ren International School is a Mandarin immersion IB World School in Berkeley, offering inquiry-based learning for children ages 2-12 (grades PK2-6th). Our students are inspired to embrace learning and become compassionate, global-minded individuals.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Yearly Tuition: $30,950
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Shu Ren International School, Berkeley ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Dual Language Immersion Program
Secondary Immersion Language
Mandarin
Year Founded
2008
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 1, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 51%
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
15 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$30,950
Tuition Notes
Please visit website for detail. Financial Aid is available for qualified applicants.
Admissions Director
Michelle Peng
Application URL
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chinese Culture, Entrepreneurship, Maker's Space, Mathletes
Arts and Music Programs:
Piano Lessons, Pre-Kindergarten Music
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Martial arts class, Soccer, Yoga
Chinese Culture, Entrepreneurship, Maker's Space, Mathletes
Arts and Music Programs:
Piano Lessons, Pre-Kindergarten Music
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Martial arts class, Soccer, Yoga
School Notes
Shu Ren International School is named after the
Chinese proverb: "It takes 10 years to grow a tree, but a lifetime
to cultivate a person's potential." Our school is dedicated to
providing a nurturing and enriching environment focused on:
Shu Ren is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Berkeley, California, offering an inquiry-based Mandarin immersion program for children ages 2-12 (grades PK2-6th). Our students are inspired to embrace learning and become compassionate, global-minded individuals.
Come and discover life at Shu Ren. You'll see how our child-centered approach and full immersion in Mandarin create a safe, nurturing environment where children flourish.
- Inquiry-based learning
- Multilingual and multicultural education
- Whole child development
Shu Ren is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Berkeley, California, offering an inquiry-based Mandarin immersion program for children ages 2-12 (grades PK2-6th). Our students are inspired to embrace learning and become compassionate, global-minded individuals.
Come and discover life at Shu Ren. You'll see how our child-centered approach and full immersion in Mandarin create a safe, nurturing environment where children flourish.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Shu Ren International School, Berkeley cost?
Shu Ren International School, Berkeley's tuition is approximately $30,950 for private students.
When is the application deadline for Shu Ren International School, Berkeley?
The application deadline for Shu Ren International School, Berkeley is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Shu Ren International School, Berkeley located?
Shu Ren International School, Berkeley is located in the Central Berkeley neighborhood of Berkeley, CA. There are 3 other private schools located in Central Berkeley.
School Reviews
5 9/10/2020
This is the first year in seven years our kids won't be going to Shu Ren, having recently graduated. We started there (ages ago!) in kinder and 1st grade, respectively.Being at Shu Ren has been one of the most transformational and memorable events in our lives. Neither my wife nor I am Chinese, but we wanted the children to have a strong foundation in a foreign language and thought Chinese was a good one for them to be well versed in. Well, after years of being an involved parent there, I can say that we're glad about the decision we made. We also got much more from Shu Ren than we expected. We came for the Chinese but stayed for the IB. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Shu Ren has been so amazing that I Can't begin to state its praises. We never thought such a well-rounded education was possible in the elementary years, and IB and Shu Ren have exceeded our expectations.On top of the amazing education, the staff and parents have made Shu Ren all that much more special. From Jie and Tony—the founders—to Rebecca, the current head of school, to the parents, everyone is special and wonderful. We've made lifelong friends through the school and parent community and are so lucky to have had the school as a part of our lives.Every once in a while you have to make a decision you're not sure about—whether it's worth it or whether it'll pay dividends. Sending our kids to Shu Ren was not such a decision. Sending our kids to Shu Ren was an investment, and one that's paid us back (and hopefully will reward society) multi-fold. We couldn't have made a better decision.
Endorse Shu Ren International School, Berkeley. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

How To Use AI For Research: A High School Student's Guide
We introduce teenagers to AI as a powerful alternative to traditional search engines. This practical guide walks students through using AI tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT for academic research while maintaining intellectual integrity.

Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
This article highlights a curated selection of podcasts that offer thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and innovative ideas on various aspects of education. From exploring new teaching methods and technologies to discussing policy changes and social issues, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in education. Each podcast is briefly described, highlighting its unique focus and tone.

For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
This comprehensive guide explores the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, discussing their organizational structures, advantages, and key considerations for parents. It emphasizes that a school's success is determined by its educational quality and management rather than its profit status.