Leadership
Welcome to the 2026–2027 academic year!
As the Head of School, it is my absolute privilege to welcome both returning families and prospective members of our vibrant, global community to Changchun American International School (CAIS).
2026 marks a monumental milestone in our journey: 20 years of educational excellence in Northeast China.
Reflecting on 20 Years of Vision and Mission
For two decades, CAIS has stood as a beacon of international education. Our enduring mission—to educate world-class learners through a holistic, inquiry-based curriculum—remains at the heart of everything we do. We strive to nurture compassionate, critical thinkers who are equipped not only to succeed academically, but to lead with integrity in an ever-changing world.
As the writer William Butler Yeats once wrote:
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
At CAIS, that fire has been burning brightly for 20 years. We don't just teach subjects; we ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and inspire a lifelong passion for learning.
The CAIS Experience: Creativity, Passion, and Tiger Spirit
What truly sets CAIS apart is the rich, dynamic environment where our students grow beyond the classroom:
- The Arts in Full Bloom: From spectacular, world-caliber school productions to breathtaking dance performances, our students consistently push creative boundaries and express their unique voices on film.
- Academic Rigor Meets Personal Growth: Our comprehensive IB framework empowers learners from Early Years through High School to explore complex global issues with open minds.
- Unstoppable Tiger Spirit: Whether on the athletic field, in collaborative STEM projects, or leading community service initiatives, our CAIS Tigers embody resilience, teamwork, and an infectious enthusiasm that fills our campus daily.
Join Our Family
Whether you are looking for an international school home that values academic rigor, artistic expression, or a warm, supportive community, we invite you to experience the magic of CAIS firsthand.
We warmly welcome prospective parents and students to schedule a visit, tour our campus, meet our faculty, and feel the energy of our Tiger spirit in person.
Here’s to celebrating two decades of rich history, and to embarking on another incredible year together!
Kind Regards,
Ildiko Murray, PhD
Head of School
Changchun American International School
Whole School Academic Leadership Team
The CAIS Whole School Academic Leadership Team (WSALT) is comprised of the Head of School, the Secondary and Primary Principals and the three IB Programme Coordinators for PYP, MYP and DP. The team meets regularly through a morning briefing, as well as formal scheduled meetings.
Senior Management Team
The running of the school is coordinated through the Senior Management Team.
From left to right:
Mr. Jason Hayes - Primary Principal; Mr. Mark Andrews - Secondary Principal; Ms. Irene Chu - Board Vice President;Ms. Catherine Chou - Projects Coordinator;Mr. Daniel Chou - Founder & Board President; Dr. Ildiko Murray - Head of School; Mr. Robert Moser - DISC Principal; Mr.Christopher Chou – Board Member; Ms. Joyce Ju - TCFLS Principal