Leighton School
Our Partner School in Shanghai, China
Leighton School is an American college-prep high school located in Shanghai, China.
In March 2022, Perkiomen School announced its partnership with the school, which officially opens its doors to its first group of students in the fall of 2022, becoming the flagship campus of American high schools built by Ligao Education Group in Shanghai.
Graduates of the Leighton School, serving students in grades 10-12, will receive a Perkiomen School diploma and will join a network of Perkiomen students and alumni from all over the world.
Leighton School will educate according to Perkiomen School standards, and over time the schools will collaborate on curriculum development, share professional resources, and have a common goal of providing balance in education – striving for academic rigor, fostering strong mental and physical health, and cultivating creative and artistic pursuits.
When we were approached to guide the development of a new independent school in China, we found that at our core, our philosophies were very similar. What Perkiomen values as community aligns beautifully with the values of Leighton School. We feel a common bond. An opportunity like this, to expand possibilities for our students – in both the US and China – speaks to the type of education we are providing. A Perkiomen education is transformational, innovative, global, and diverse, and will prepare our students for their future – a fulfilling life. Leighton is seeking a competitive, engaging academic environment that also greatly values athletics and the arts. Their emphasis on those two areas of school life will set them apart from many Chinese schools. Mark A. Devey, Head of School, Perkiomen School
United in Vision
As discussions about cooperation began between Josh Holt, Head of School at Leighton School, and Mark A. Devey, Head of School at Perkiomen School, it quickly became obvious that the two leaders and two schools shared similar visions of the purpose of education.
What stands out between the two schools is their shared commitment to providing in-depth studies, research, and work experience in industries of the future – specifically artificial intelligence and emerging technologies and business and entrepreneurship. Like Perkiomen School's Institutes, Leighton School offers Advanced Learning Labs in these fields.
Both schools also share a dedication to the importance and value of athletics. Perkiomen School has top athletic programs in several sports, and Leighton School is planning a competitive sports program to prepare young Chinese athletes to prepare for Division I NCAA sports and collegiate athletics around the world.
These shared visions of education make the partnership between Perkiomen School and Leighton School a natural fit for expanding top educational opportunities for students around the world.
Leighton School has been an opportunity to build a dream school – with innovative educational programs, such as the Advanced Learning Labs, and a competitive sports program – as a top college prep high school for young Chinese men and women. Leighton School also teaches its students to value health and well-being – organic dining, mindfulness activities, sports and exercise, healthy balance between technology and life – which leads to life-long health and happiness.
Josh Holt, Head of School, Leighton School