Changchun American International School · 20th Anniversary
In 2006, Mr. Daniel Chou and Ms. Irene Chu founded CAIS with seven students and a family promise to bring quality international education to Changchun.
Twenty years later, we have grown into a thriving learning community serving students from Nursery to Grade 12.
Like the tree in our logo, we have grown from a small seed into a strong institution with deep roots in our community. Our mission has always been to recognize and nurture each student's unique potential.
At CAIS, education goes beyond the classroom. We inspire curiosity, foster meaningful connections, and empower students with the confidence and skills to shape their futures.
This milestone belongs to all of us. To our students, alumni, parents, teachers, and staff: thank you. Your passion, dedication, and shared experiences are the foundation of everything we have built together.
The Twenty-Year Journey: Growth Starts with Strong Foundations
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The Roots of CAIS: A Family's Promise
Join Chairman Daniel Chou as he takes us back to 2006, sharing CAIS's founding story from his perspective as both a father and founder. He reflects on how his love for his own children grew into an educational commitment to the Changchun community.
Watch: How CAIS Began
Join Chairman Daniel Chou as he takes us back to 2006, sharing CAIS's founding story from his perspective as both a father and founder. He reflects on how his love for his own children grew into an educational commitment to the Changchun community.
Watch: How CAIS Began
Like a Tree in Growth: CAIS 2006-2026
Take a journey through CAIS's twenty years. This is our shared story, written together by teachers, students, and families, from a single seed to a thriving community.
Watch: 20 Years of CAIS History
Take a journey through CAIS's twenty years. This is our shared story, written together by teachers, students, and families, from a single seed to a thriving community.
Watch: 20 Years of CAIS History
Shaping the Future of Education Through Enthusiasm and Engagement
Today, with strong foundational principles, recognized international accreditation, and innovative educational approaches, CAIS has emerged as a leader in international education in Northeast China.
- Complete Educational Experience: The school has received full authorization for the IB PYP, MYP, and DP programs, and has successfully achieved CIS and WASC international accreditations, making it the 18th school in China to obtain this comprehensive recognition.
- Technology Enhances Learning: State-of-the-art facilities and CAIS's distinctive AI Technology Center allow students to bring their ideas to life and engage in cross-disciplinary learning through immersive experiences.
- Outstanding Achievements, Global Reach: Over the last five years, 62% of graduates have gained admission to the world's top 50 universities. The school serves as both an academic institution and a gateway to the global stage.
- Dedicated Faculty: A team of more than 70 international educators and specialists serves not only as teachers but also as mentors and partners in each student's learning journey.
- Global Community Connections: CAIS actively hosts and participates in exchange activities, including the PeerSphere National Educators Forum and expert visits from Stanford University, connecting with the global education innovation network.
- Respect for Individual Growth: The school is committed to honoring each child's unique pace of development and helping them discover their passions across academics, arts, science and technology, and leadership.
With two decades of commitment, we continue shaping education for tomorrow: inspiring minds, developing future leaders, and connecting with the world.
Message from the Head of School | Dr. Ildiko Murray
From academic excellence to holistic growth, hear our Head of School share her vision for CAIS's next chapter.
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From academic excellence to holistic growth, hear our Head of School share her vision for CAIS's next chapter.
Click to watch
Messages from Alumni
Our graduates have journeyed across the world. Hear their stories of growth and their reflections on CAIS.
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Our graduates have journeyed across the world. Hear their stories of growth and their reflections on CAIS.
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Messages from Former Principals
The leaders who guided CAIS share their perspectives on educational philosophy, pivotal decisions, and enduring values.
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The leaders who guided CAIS share their perspectives on educational philosophy, pivotal decisions, and enduring values.
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Messages from Founding Staff
Hear from the earliest members of our community who planted the first seeds in 2006 and watched them take root with hope and warmth.
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Hear from the earliest members of our community who planted the first seeds in 2006 and watched them take root with hope and warmth.
Click to watch
Twenty Years: A Tree Deeply Rooted, Steadily Growing
Over two decades, CAIS has grown like a strong tree: firmly rooted and steadily reaching upward.
Our faculty and staff serve as the sturdy branches. With their expertise, passion, and dedication, they have supported and nurtured every student's development.
Our alumni carry the CAIS spirit far and wide. Equipped with the courage to explore and, with a global appreciation, they have spread to every corner of the world. Like leaves and blossoms from this tree, they have become pioneers in their fields, pursuing meaningful impact and purpose.
Parents are like the fertile soil and warm sunlight that anchor the tree’s roots, silently nurturing each new sprout and growth with boundless trust, companionship, and support.
Today, we invite you to share your voice across time and distance. Reflect on what first drew you to CAIS, your experiences here, and your hopes for its future.
Today, CAIS alumni share their personal growth stories and heartfelt messages to their alma mater.
Launching Soon
They are the heart of CAIS, guiding each student's growth and lighting up ordinary moments with expertise and passion.
“World citizens with strong roots, understanding the wider world while remembering where they began. Confident enough to explore globally, and grounded enough to return, care for, and protect the people and values that matter most to them.”
—Joyce Ju, TCFLS Principal
“As a member of the community for the past nineteen years, I remain committed to walking alongside the school. I firmly believe that CAIS will continue to grow as a respected and influential presence in international education, guided by purpose, care, and dedication.”
—Nancy Li, Guidance Counselor/Head of Student Life and a founding member of CAIS
“What makes CAIS distinctive is the way our community blends warmth with professionalism. We are a school that works hard to keep students at the center, invests in real growth, and continues to evolve as an IB Continuum community. What makes CAIS special is our shared ownership and our blend of warmth, professionalism, and commitment to continuous improvement.”
—Jason R. Hayes,Primary Principal
“One of my most meaningful connections to our school’s growth began with a simple question. As a new ICT teacher learning about emerging tools such as AI and robotics, I asked our principal, Mr. Jason, if I could lead a workshop on AI in education for our teachers. His immediate support opened the door to something much larger.”
—Marie Sanz, Technology Integration Specialist/Primary ICT
“As a logistics staff member at CAIS, what I take the most pride in is being "the invisible guardian of the children." The school never treats "logistics" as "behind the scenes." Instead, they make a point of expressing gratitude for our efforts during staff meetings. This atmosphere of being seen and respected makes me feel that I, too, am an important part of the campus community. Watching the children grow up in a safe and warm environment is what brings me the greatest satisfaction in my work at CAIS.”
—Limin Wang，Logistics Group Leader
“Our students are proudly bilingual or multilingual, moving fluidly between the language they speak at home and the English they use in the classroom, and often performing and singing confidently in a third or even fourth language. They live the IB learner profile in authentic ways, demonstrating curiosity, care, open mindedness, and reflection in their everyday learning.”
—Emily Tang, University Consulting Specialist
“There is a strong sense of belonging, and regardless of whether one’s passion lies in athletics, the arts, technology, literacy, mathematics, or science, there is something for everyone to engage with and reach self-actualization.”
—Bridget Mutasa，Head of Arts Department/Secondary Visual Arts
“Over my twenty years at CAIS, I have witnessed and actively participated in the school’s establishment and growth. From the early days of holding classes in rented spaces to the present four-story, thoughtfully designed teaching building with advanced facilities and learning environments; from a small group of foreign teachers to nearly one hundred international faculty members; and from just seven students at the beginning to a thriving community of more than five hundred students today. Most importantly, CAIS has never stood still. The school has consistently kept pace with developments in international education.”
—Dan Zhang, Head of Finance Department
As dedicated co-builders of CAIS, they engage deeply in the journey of growth, co-authoring with us the most meaningful chapter of education.
Launching Soon
Twenty Years of Excellence, Building Toward a Century: Our Story Continues
Our roots run deep. We have embedded the values of "With Passion, We: Challenge, Connect, and Create" into the foundation of our education. In a constantly changing world, we adapt our strategies while maintaining a solid academic base that nurtures each new generation of learners as they step into the unknown.
Our vision reaches far ahead. Looking toward the next century, we ignite every child's inner strength with passion, weave pathways to the world through connection, and build resilience through challenge. Nurtured by CAIS values, our students will grow into confident global citizens with international perspective and pioneering spirit, ready to contribute positively to a more harmonious and better world.
Along this journey, CAIS will guide countless dreams toward the stars and beyond. In return, those dreams will enrich and sustain our school, keeping the cycle of growth alive. Here's to the next twenty years, and to having you, in our continuing story!
