“Possumus Quia Posse Videmur,” or “Since we think we can, we can.” This motto encapsulates the spirit of Shanghai American School – Puxi Campus. It’s a story of growth and optimism. A story of crisis and persistence. It is definitely a story of community and traditions.
Shanghai American School’s story mirrors Shanghai’s. It shows the city’s energy and possibility. The school began as a small piece of America for expats in China.
In 1912, the first campus opened. It had 38 students in a Victorian house on North Sichuan Road. Missionaries wanted their children connected to their nationality. By 1917, 150 students attended. Sports became a sacred American tradition. Shanghai American School boys competed in football and baseball. Girls played basketball. Student clubs thrived. There was the Glee Club and the Good Times Club. The Athenaeum promoted intellectual culture. Students enjoyed no dress code. But ballroom dancing in dorms was forbidden.
The first class graduated in 1917. It had five boys and two girls. The school needed a permanent home. In 1923, a purpose-built campus opened on Hengshan Road. Administrators faced challenges. They made decisions on curriculum and teacher recruiting. Some expats left due to the Chinese Civil War. Traditions began. One class stealing a Bust of Juno from another became popular in 1919. Juno was buried and beheaded. She lives on today at Pudong High School.
Fighting near the first Shanghai American School location occurred in 1932. Yet, the school grew. It added a dormitory with hot water. Sports facilities accommodated 550 students. War broke out again in 1937. One of the school’s founders died. Many students and faculty were out of Shanghai. They returned to their home countries.
Frank “Unk” Cheney kept Shanghai American School alive. It was a pivotal time. He was a teacher and dorm supervisor. He became the school head. In 1941, the school closed. Cheney rented rooms on campus. He called it “American Private School of Shanghai.” Later, he changed it to “Community Private School.” This was a more neutral name.
After the war, Shanghai American School reopened. Americans were a minority. There were students from over 25 nations. Tuition was $8 a month. The school needed funds to restore facilities. Students enjoyed clubs, sports, and pranks. The last class graduated in 1950. Shanghai American School closed for 30 years.
In 1979, Sino-American ties were reestablished. The American consulate returned. There was a need to educate diplomats’ children. Thus, the second era of Shanghai American School began. It started in an apartment. Then, it moved to the U.S. Consulate’s dining hall. The school expanded under female leadership. It grew from 8 to 65 students. A new location was found at Shanghai #3 Girls School.
Shanghai American School struggled with space in the mid-1990s. It decided to build two campuses. One in Puxi and one in Pudong. Pudong was mostly farmland. More foreign companies sent employees there. They needed a school nearby. In 1997, Shanghai American School Puxi secured its current location. All divisions settled into the Puxi campus.
Since then, Shanghai American School leaders have created top programs and facilities. The IB program launched in 2000. Shanghai American School became one of few schools to offer both IB and AP courses. Signature programs like Microcampus and Innovation Institute emerged. New gyms and aquatics centers were built. The school focused on recruiting top teachers. It now attracts the best educators worldwide.
Today, the Shanghai American School – Puxi Campus stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of education. It is a place where dreams come to life. Each campus features an aquatic center. There is also a performing arts center and green screen rooms. You’ll also find a recording studio, baseball field, and pool. Don’t forget the softball field and track. Shanghai American School students can live their dreams.