SAS follows an American Core Curriculum, which is developed and revised regularly by faculty groups based on best practices and current research in education. They offer over 45 courses in AP and IB programs.

70% of teachers have a master's degree or and higher. 57%% of teachers working at SAS for more than 3 years. 63% of teachers are from the U.S. Total number of teacher nationalities: 31

Students participate in over 150 clubs, sports, and other activities including National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Model United Nations, Poetry Club, Architectural Design Club, Community Service, Quiz Bowl, National History Bee and Bowl, Amnesty International, Roots and Shoots, Habitat for Humanity, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Documentary Film Making, cooking, Tabletop Gaming Society, Mu Alpha Theta Club, Korean Culture Appreciation Club (KCAC), Robotics Club, Fencing Club, Engineering Club, and Rotary International's Interact Club. SAS is a founding member of Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC), which comprises some of the pre-eminent international schools in Asia. Through APAC, SAS students participate in badminton, baseball, basketball, cross country, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, volleyball, band, choir, dance, forensics, orchestra, and theater. The school also co-founded the China Cup and Tri-Cities competitions. SAS middle school students participate in the China International Schools Sports Association (CISSA) League.