Economic development and the market place for education Dynamics of the international schools sector in Shanghai, China

To some extent, all schools operate in a market place; but the interaction with the market place may be particularly evident in the international schools sector, since many such schools are operated by foundations or private companies which charge fees. This article focuses on the distinctive market place of Shanghai, China, which has undergone dramatic economic development and has attracted an increasingly international population. The article focuses on both international schools and local schools that are open to the international community. It analyses when and how these schools emerged, and contrasts them with each other in terms of ownership, the types of students they target, and the curriculum offered.