For high school students, summer programs have strong appeal. Though many programs offer the opportunity for teens to get a head start and earn college credit while studying specific subjects of interest, the allure is usually far more than that. Summer programs come with the promise of experiencing the world in a way most teenagers never have before; they’re a rare chance for teens to be independent from their parents, to meet new friends from different places, to reinvent themselves, and most of all, to get a glimpse of the elusive college life that awaits them in the not so distant future. We spoke to three students from Tsinghua International School (THIS) about their experiences with summer programs in the US.

Audrey Tao (age 17) from Canada, participated in the Discover Hopkins Program at The John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland for two weeks
The Discover Hopkins Program is a two-week intensive summer program that offers college level courses for credit and a chance for high school students to explore college level curriculum and courses. My first impressions of The John Hopkins University were that it is organized, eye-pleasing, and a paragon of a prestigious American university. From its nostalgic architecture to its beautiful scenery, John Hopkins looked postcard perfect to me.

I enrolled in a course called Food, Nutrition, and Public Health; a class very much academically focused that offers lots of hands-on experiences. I had two instructors who were both PhD students at the Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The entire class was only 13 students, so it was very close and intimate. As the class covered food related and social issues prevalent in modern America, guest speakers from organizations such as Maryland Hunger Solutions were invited to give in depth lectures.

Through the trip, I discovered what a prodigious role John Hopkins plays in the city of Baltimore. Everywhere we went, people talked about Hopkins and it was an honor to tell others that we were students there. Although Baltimore is known as “charm city,” like many other urban cities in America it also suffers from its deficits including poverty and drug abuse. The John Hopkins University and Research Center plays a major role in mitigating social, health, and welfare issues in Baltimore, which is how it has earned such a high reputation in Baltimore and all over the US. Many of my personal beliefs and interests correspond with John Hopkins’ core values and academics. Not only does John Hopkins have the biggest and most renowned public health studies in the world – which is what I intend on majoring in – they are very active in research and community work, which fulfills my long held desire to serve and improve my community.

The best part of the trip was the chance to meet and interact with new friends, classmates, and teachers from all over the world. I had never met such a diverse group of people. The fact that everyone was so amiable and open was a highlight of my trip. The most interesting aspect, however, was getting to experience university life. Not only did we live on campus and attend college level courses, we also got to explore the city and get a sense of what it’s like being a college student. I stayed in the freshmen dorm Wolman Hall, which is right across the street from the university in the Homewood Campus area called Charles Village. In the Charles Village area, there are many coffee shops, supermarkets, and bookstores to provide daily necessities. If you ever get a chance to visit the area, try Insomnia Cookies, a little store right next to Barnes and Nobles. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

A difficult moment on my journey came when completing our final group project. My group members had different working styles and commitment levels, which made it difficult to manage the work together. In the end, through long hours of communication and typing, we were finally able to complete our project and ultimately received an “A.”

I would definitely recommend this program to my fellow teens because it really gave me a broader sense of what university is like. It’s a good chance to explore a new part of the world, and practice independence, as well as prove to your parents and yourself that you are ready for college!

Julie Wang (age 17) from Canada, participated in the Pacific Astronomy and
Engineering Summit in Hilo, Hawaii for one week
I attended the Pacific Astronomy and Engineering Summit, an educational science conference sponsored by the Thirty Meter Telescope, a major astronomy project overseen by five countries: The US, Canada, India, Japan, and China, which aims to build the world’s largest observatory. The conference gathers high school students to represent their future youth innovators and scientists. I was one of China’s three representatives.

Hilo is great. There are no mosquitoes, the temperature is mild, and the wind by the ocean feels amazing. We saw real blue skies, green grass, clear water, and even a sea turtle swimming by the shore! Hilo is a quiet town where the people are friendly, the architecture is beautiful. It even smells good.

As if being in the hotspot of astronomy wasn’t enough, we stayed at the University of Hawaii, one of the best universities to study the subject.  Three to five delegates per country attended, about 30 people in total. The content was highly academic. Professors from all over delivered lectures on current cutting-edge ideas in astronomy such as determining the composition of asteroids and methods for discovering exoplanets and their properties. Some technical parts I struggled through, but the professors simplified complicated concepts.
We participated in various activities and workshops associated with building leadership skills, went on outings, and learned about the native Hawaiian culture. The most spectacular outing was stargazing on Mauna Kea, considered one of the most ideal places in the world for observatories due to its elevation and freedom from light pollution. I can’t express how amazed I was to look at the moon ultra close-up through my telescope. The local stargazing club brought their huge telescopes and walked us through constellations and other celestial bodies. We picked off Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, moving down the list to stars like Vega and Altair. We even saw Saturn’s rings! Unfortunately, it was overcast that day and protests made it impossible for us to get into the observatories or above the cloud line.

While the Thirty Meter Telescope is a thrilling endeavor for astronomers and scientists, I learned it has caused dissent and unrest for others. For the native Hawaiians on the island, Mauna Kea is a sacred mountain that shouldn’t be disrupted and Thirty Meter Telescope is perceived as a foreign intrusion and an act of disrespect. Protests have halted the telescope construction for months. This is one example of scientific insensitivity that could have been solved diplomatically from the beginning. A lot of emphasis was put on our understanding that there are two sides to every story and how our actions impact others. I was really glad to see that understanding is being fostered because so many world problems could be solved this way.

One challenge was the closing dinner when we were scheduled to give a presentation. I thought 30 of us would participate including teachers, advisers, and perhaps a few guest visitors. In fact, government representatives – including Hawaii’s senator – were in attendance, along with other members of academic panels and universities. Suddenly the high school level presentation I made didn’t seem to measure up at all. I think I did okay; people laughed at least. I realized that you don’t need to be an expert in order to get something out of an experience like this – you just need to push ahead and not worry about the social output. Not as a game changer, just as someone who wants to learn. In other words, there’s an opportunity for learning in every mishap.

If you want to be in a science related field or an astronomer in the future, and if your school offers you the chance to participate, seize it. This is such a great way to meet new people and ask questions.

Stella Huang (age 16) from the US, participated in a summer program
at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for three weeks
My summer program was hosted by Summer Discovery, an organization that offers pre-college and college credit courses at several universities for high school students.  The program I took is called The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports Institute and is sponsored and taught by the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports Institute introduces business strategies used by entertainment and sports companies. I had two course instructors; one covered the business side of film industries while the other focused on concepts such as communication modes between marketers and consumers and how businesses retain customers. Although classes were four hours per day, the content kept us awake. Film, music, and sports are topics teenagers are knowledgeable on and are naturally interested in learning more about. We received a case study each week published by the Harvard Business School and wrote an analytical paper in groups. One group assignment involved writing up predictions and recommendations for marketing upcoming movies like Superman v Batman and Sisters. Our class also toured the Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium and Paramount Studios.

The UCLA campus is large and somewhat decentralized because the school buildings and main plaza – where the renowned Bruin Bear statue stands – are located south of the campus while the residential halls are situated in the north. We students lived in a residential plaza called Hedrick Summit. Located near Beverly Hills and Bel Air, the college town Westwood has everything a student would need such as restaurants, supermarkets, and mobile service stores.

Los Angeles is a sunny, vibrant, and laid back city; Southern California in general has this vibe. Coming from Beijing, the days feel longer because people are enjoying themselves, rather than battling to fit in the subway car. It found it fascinating to meeting people at different social occasions and easily become friends. Everyone was extremely open and accepting – talking to strangers is completely normal. My suite mates would bring people to our common area, and I would naturally befriend them. Being at THIS for six years, I have welcomed new students to the school, but had forgotten how it feels to be somewhere completely new myself.

One difficulty I encountered was deciding which group to hang out with at certain times. I woke up earlier than my suite-mates to eat breakfast with my classmates, yet I resonated more with friends from international schools in Asia. By frequently vacillating between groups, I realized that the closer they became, the more misplaced I was. However, acting more natural alleviated the awkwardness. I ended up spending more time with suite-mates in the dorms, talking more with classmates during class time, and having several dinners with other friends. It all boils down to seizing the opportunity at the right moment.

The best part of the trip was the amount of freedom we had. Living on campus definitely resembles college life. You are out there alone and have to make decisions for yourself. After class ended at 3pm, we went on trips to Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica beach, Hollywood, and go-karting, to name a few.  During my last week, I spent an afternoon shopping, returned for dinner, and jogged at the Drake Stadium at 10pm. I was more efficient and productive than ever and did not waste a minute.

One thing I realized is that I ultimately prefer academics over activities. I joined the program for educational purposes and thus prioritized studying. My suite-mates would host impromptu dance parties outside the building and I would stay inside. Socializing is important, but there should be a limit.
I would recommend Summer Discovery to high school students as the program maximizes students’ experience at UCLA. They arrange transportation to locations around Los Angeles as well, such as Disneyland and Universal Studios.

Residential counselors are responsible for students, which is necessary for high school students. Forbidding us to go near the fraternity houses and having check-ins ensures student safety. If one wishes to attend a very academic program, however, I strongly recommend Summer Discovery’s six-week college credit program.

Photos: Courtesy of Audrey Tao, Julia Wang, and Stella Huang

beijingkids is recruiting for a new Managing Editor for our  magazine and website. This is your chance to take the lead role at the capital city’s most widely read and influential English-language magazine and website for families and education. Read on to find out what the job entails, and what we are looking for.

Skills and Experience

Required:
— Demonstrated native-level English writing and editing skills
— A passion and dedication to Beijing’s international community
— Experience managing direct reports
— Minimum two-year commitment

Strongly preferred:
— Professional reporting and/or editing experience
— Experience with children (anywhere from infancy through high school and beyond) either as a parent, teacher or school administrator
— Conversational Mandarin
— Direct experience with international schools

If you’re passionate about Beijing, efficient, resourceful and an experienced manager, we want to hear from you. Send your cv and at least three writing samples to info@truerun.com.

There are hundreds of animals hoping to find loving homes in Beijing. If you are considering adopting a pet, Doggy/Moggy of the Week features animals from volunteer shelters, animal rescue groups, foster care providers, and pet owners needing to rehome animals. This week’s kitty, Da Bai, isfrom ICVS’ Adoptable Pets.

Introduction: Happy New Year everyone! my name is “Da Bai,” it means big and white in Chinese.

Background: A nice lady found me in the street and took me home and has been very kind to me.  But she is very busy at work and her family cannot keep a cat. I hope to find my new adoption family in the new year.

Personality: Da Bai is gentle and sweet and loves to be with people

Ideal home: Da Bai is fine with both adults and older children (e.g., 6 years and older), he needs a loving, stable and responsible family who can provide him with a permanent home and will take Da Bai with them when leaving Beijing or China.

Breed: Da Bai is a short-haired white cat, with one blue eye and one yellow eye.

Sex and age: Da Bai is a young male cat, less than one-year old.

Medical notes: Da Bai has been living with his rescuer and is very healthy and has started vaccinations and has been dewormed. He can be neutered at ICVS after completing all vaccinations.

Post-adoption care: The International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) has enrolled me into their Rescued/Stray/Rehomed Pet Adoption Benefits Program. ICVS will provide my new family with significant discounts (up to 50%) on my health examinations and vaccinations and neuter surgery during my first year with my new adoption family.

Official Vaccination Certificate: With my rabies vaccination, ICVS will issue my new family the official Beijing Animal Health and Immunity Certificate (e.g., vaccination red book) at no charge! I need the official vaccination red book to prove I have been legally and properly rabies vaccinated to move to another city or to leave China with my family.

Pet Import/Export Counseling: ICVS will provide my family with unlimited relocation counseling and accurate information to take me with them when it is time to move to another city or to another country.

Door-to-Door Pet Transport Service: ICVS can help my new family arrange for a car and driver service to take us door-to-door for my appointments at the hospital! Contact ICVS: www.ICVSASIA.com

ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs:
Please support and donate to the ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs:
http://www.icvsasia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=62&Itemid=91&lang=en
Donations may be made directly on the ICVS web site through Paypal: www.ICVSASIA.com
Your donations support ICVS in helping pets like Da Bai and the many stray/rescued/abandoned/rehomed and shelter animals in our community. The pets receive medical care, treatments, good nutrition and socialization with love and compassion that allows them to become healthy adoptable pets!
Please contact the International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) for more information about Da Bai and the many adoptable pets waiting for homes:
Tel: (010) 8456-1939/1940
Email: ICVS_CHINA@yahoo.com
Web site: www.ICVSASIA.com

Photos: Courtesy of ICVS

Baked apples can be deceptively unhealthy. The addition of copious amounts of brown or powdered sugar, not to mention the sweetened cream, ice cream, or custard often dolloped on top, generally makes them the type of healthy-seeming fruit desert that secretly punishes. These recipes are stripped back to include all of the spice, crunch, and fragrance, but with more nutritious sources of flavor. Each recipe can be served alone, or with natural yogurt, coconut cream, or ricotta. Alternatively, before cooking add a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil to the top of each apple for some additional satiating fats.

Baked Apples with Chopped Nuts and Dates
Simply scoop out the center and fill with a mixture of dried fruits and chopped nuts. A simple recipe, with no additional sweetener and just water added to the pan to provide moisture.

Apple Pie Baked Apples
Another filled apple, this time with vanilla and honey for extra flavor. To retain the apple’s juices these are first baked in foil and then without. Although presented as a desert recipe, these would make an equally delicious breakfast.

Pumpkin Spice Baked Apple
The previous recipe calls for 40 minutes of cooking time, while this recipe calls for 20; obviously given a little extra time in the oven the apples will be mushier, and sweeter.

Photos: originaleating.com, paleoleap.com, and thegraciouspantry.com

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 16-17, we’re highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2016-2017 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 4

Yew Chung International School of Beijing draws its variety of curricula from the best elements of both Eastern and Western education. Its Early Childhood Education (Kindergarten) and Primary sections follow the National Curriculum for England (NCE) alongside a researched-based Chinese Language and Culture Program. Kindergarten and primary classrooms incorporate a co-teaching model with one Western and one Chinese teacher to create a fully immersed bilingual environment. Secondary school students follow Key Stage 3 of the UK National Curriculum, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). YCIS Beijing is currently accredited by five accreditation authorities. Additionally, all YCIS schools became the first and only schools in China to be awarded the Cambridge Award for Excellence in Education in 2012 by Cambridge International Examinations to honor their consistent years of academic achievement.

Founding date: 1995
Age range: 2-18
Grades offered: Kindergarten 2 to Year 13
School type: International K-12
Total area: 15,850sqm
Curriculum description: English National Curriculum, IGCSE, IBDP
Boarding program: No
Number of students: 750
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? No
Tuition fees for the 2015-2016 academic year:
• Application fee: RMB 2,000
• Kindergarten, K2 (half-day): RMB 80,000
• Kindergarten, K2 (full-day): RMB 132,000
• Kindergarten, K3: RMB 169,000
• Kindergarten, K4: RMB 177,000
• Lower Primary, Year 1-Year 3: RMB 216,000
• Upper Primary, Year 4-Year 6: RMB 222,000
• Lower Secondary, Year 7-Year 9: RMB 244,000
• Upper Secondary, Year 10-Year 11: RMB 261,000
• Upper Secondary, Year 12-Year 13: RMB 268,000
• Tuition includes one complimentary set of uniforms each year.
• Transportation: RMB 12,000 (under 15km), RMB 14,000 (over 15km)
• Lunch: RMB 24 per day (ECE – Y3), RMB 25 per day (Y4-6), or RMB 27 per day (Y7-13)
Type of lunch offered: Western and special diets
Nationality of students: US, UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, and more
Primary teaching languages: English and Chinese in Primary School, English in Secondary School
Other languages taught as electives: YCIS Beijing has offered Chinese, English, French, Italian, German, and Korean language clubs as after-school activities
Average class size: 16-24
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:8 (Kindergarten), 1:12 (Primary), 1:24 (Secondary)
School hours: 8am-3pm
After-school activities: 40 ASAs in Secondary and 55 ASAs in Primary, including art, drama, music, sports, Model UN, orchestra, interschool sports competitions, and more
Special needs programs offered? Yes, on a case by-case basis
Extra help offered? EAL
Scholarships offered? Overall Scholarship, Merit Scholarship, Music Scholarships, and Sports Scholarships
School facilities: Primary and Secondary libraries, auditorium, access to Honglingjin Park for football and athletics, Mac computer labs, music room, Student Cafe, cafeteria, rooftop, golf course, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, gymnasium, parent room, art rooms, dance studio, and internal PM2.5 freshair systems installed in classrooms, offices, and corridors
School nurse/doctor available on campus? Yes
Contact: East gate of Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District (8583 3731,enquiry@bj.ycef.com) www.ycis-bj.com
朝阳区后八里庄5号红领巾公园东门

Photo: Courtesy of Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 16-17, we’re highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2016-2017 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 4

House of Knowledge is an independent school established in Beijing in 2007. HoK believes that tomorrow’s leaders need an excellent foundation, cultivated in an international environment that is both caring and challenging. HoK’s unique Reggio Emilia inspired kindergarten curriculum trains students to acquire critical thinking and collaboration skills by teaching them how to “learn to learn.” At HoK’s Elementary School, students chose between an English/Chinese program and German/English program, depending on what curriculum and languages the student wants to acquire. Furthermore, students have the option of acquiring a third language as part of the daily program. Our mission is to provide a sustainable child-driven education that engages students in active learning, with a multi-sensory approach that allows children the freedom to explore. Languages are taught through “content based instruction”, which is an approach to language instruction that integrates the presentation of topics or tasks from subject classes (e.g math’s, science) within the context of teaching second foreign language. The modest size of the elementary school allows for an intimate child-centered environment where students thrive.

Founding date: 2007
Age range: 18 months-11 years
Grades offered: Pre-K to Elementary
School type: International School and Kindergarten
Total area: 1,600 sqm (Chaoyang Park campus); 5,000sqm (Quanfa campus)
Curriculum description: Reggio Emilia inspired, English Elementary is a US Common Core Standards based curriculum, combined with 40% Chinese National curriculum; German Elementary uses the Thüringer Bildungs programm, and US Common Core Standards based curriculum
Boarding program: No
Number of students: Over 150 Students
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes (Chaoyang Education Bureau)
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes
Tuition fees for the 2015-2016 academic year:
• Application fee: RMB 2,000
• Nursery (18 months-3 years): RMB 71,400 (2 half-days per week), RMB 82,200 (3 half-days), RMB 91,200 (5 half-days), RMB 107,500 (5 full-days)
• Kindergarten: RMB 140200
• Pre-School: RMB 143,500
• G1-5: RMB 177,200
• Placement fee: RMB 16,000
• Bus fee: RMB 8,500–10,800 (depends on distance km)
• Lunch fee: RMB 7,500 per year
Type of lunch offered and cost: Western food
Nationality of students: German, US, Chinese, and more
Primary teaching languages: English and Chinese program or German, English, and Chinese program
Average class size: Nursery max: 16; Kindergarten max: 20; Preschool Max: 20; Elementary: 20
Average teacher/student ratio (as of October 2015): Nursery: 1:4, Kindergarten: 1:5, Preschool: 1:6, Elementary: 1:10 School hours: Nursery, Kindergarten and Preschool: 8:30am-3:30pm; Elementary: 8:15 – 3:45pm
After-school activities: Soccer, ballet, jazz dance, magic, ukulele, kung fu, baking, Super Science, chess, Creative Movement, Chinese painting, piano, gardening, and more
Special needs programs offered? Yes, at the discretion of the school
Extra help offered? ESL
Scholarships offered? No
School facilities: Smart boards, dedicated art rooms, libraries, multi-level classrooms, under-floor heating, in-house chef, swimming pool, parents’ corner, outdoor playground and kids’ kitchen, indoor gym and more
School nurse/doctor available on campus? Yes, full-time
Contact: (400 650 7747, admissions@hokschools.com) www.hokschools.com
• Shunyi Campus: North Gate of Quanfa Gardens, 18 Maquanying, Shunbai Lu, Chaoyang District (6431 8452) 好思之家国际学校朝阳区顺白路马泉营路18号泉发花园北门外
• Chaoyang Park Campus: Victoria Gardens, 15 Chaoyang Park Xilu, Chaoyang District (6538 2624) 好思之家国际幼儿园朝阳区朝阳公园西路15号维多利亚花园公寓

Photo: Courtesy of House of Knowledge International School and Kindergarten

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 16-17, we’re highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2016-2017 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 4

Part of the Etonkids International Education Group, Etonkids International Bilingual Kindergartens (EIBK) feature a bilingual Montessori program designed to develop independence, initiative, and creativity. The school is divided into Nursery (18 months-3 years) and “Casa” (or the Early Childhood Community for ages 3-6) with lessons that promote intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth in the nursery stage, as well as coursework in language arts, mathematics, everyday living skills, sensory awareness exercises, and culture at the Casa stage. Check the website for additional EIBK campuses.

Founding date: 2003
Age range: 18 months-6 years
Grades offered: Preschool and kindergarten
School type: International nursery and kindergarten
Total area: 756-2,629sqm
Number of students: About 180 per campus
Curriculum description: Bilingual Montessori program
Boarding program: No
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes
Tuition fees fees (2016-2017 academic year):
• Full day-bilingual class: RMB 91,200-96,800
• Half day-bilingual class: RMB 66,385-71,000
• Full day-international class RMB 118,500-140,000
• Half day-international class:RMB 80,000
• Transportation fee :RMB 500-900 per month
• Materials fee: RMB800-1,200
• Activity fee:RMB750-1000 per term
• Lunch: RMB 520-900 per month
• Transportation fee: RMB 550-900 per month, except for Olympic Village campus RMB 500-650 per month
Lunch offered: Combination of Chinese and western dishes (e.g. three or four days of Chinese food and one or two days of western food per week)
Nationality of students: China, France, US, UK, Singapore, Canada, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Spain, Japan, South Korea, and more
Primary teaching languages: Chinese and English
Average class size: 20-25 students
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:5 (Nursery), 1:6 (Casa)
School hours: 8.30-11.30am (half-day), 8.30am-4.30pm (full-day)
After-school activities: Basketball, cooking, drama in English, soccer, fun with English, paper cutting, phonics, roller skating, and yoga
Extra help offered? After-school programs focused on English development taught by English specialists
School facilities: Outdoor play areas with child-friendly equipment, art and music rooms, ballet studios, and more
School nurse or doctor available? Yes, full-time qualified nurses available on campus
Contact: www.etonkids.com 400 818 9098
• Lido Campus: Rm C103, Lido Country Club, Lido Place, Jichang Lu, Chaoyang District
(6436 7368,michaeldonaldson@etonkids.com) 朝阳区机场路丽都大厦丽都乡村俱乐部 C103 伊顿国际幼儿园
• Midtown Campus: 21 Guangqu Jiayuan Bldg, Guangqumen Wai, Chongwen District (6749 5002,bonnieqian@etonkids.com) 崇文区广渠门外广渠家园21号楼
• Arcadia Campus: Block 1,Arcadia villas, Houshayu, Shunyi District, Beijing (8047 2983, alttgs@etonkids.com)顺义区后沙峪罗马环岛北侧天北路，阿凯笛亚庄园南门
• Peking House Campus: 20 Xidawang Lu,Chaoyang District (5870 6779, PeterSturgess@etonkids.com) 朝阳区西大望路甲20号
• Central Park Campus: Bldg 19, Central Park, 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6533 6995, PhillipFarrier-Price@etonkids.com) 朝阳区朝外大街6号新城国际19号楼
• Palm Springs Campus: Palm Springs International Apartments, 8 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (6539 8967, ChristineJensen@etonkids.com) 朝阳区朝阳公园南路8号棕榈泉国际公寓

Photo: Courtesy of EIBK

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 16-17, we’re highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2016-2017 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 4

For over a decade, Daystar Academy has been attracting parents and students from bicultural and bilingual backgrounds looking for a truly balanced approach to international education. The 50/50 bilingual school accepts children from toddler to grade seven (ages 24 months to 13). The toddler program is purely focused around language acquisition and social development. Casa children ages 3-6 are immersed in half-day English and half-day Chinese Montessori programs. Similarly, elementary students are immersed 50 percent of the week studying China’s National Curriculum for literacy, math, visual arts, physical education and music. The other 50 percent of the week is focused on English-literacy using the American Common Core Standards as the benchmark, world studies, science, and performing arts. Daystar students actively integrate our unique character development program into academics, events, and service learning projects. The school’s middle school program kicks off fall 2016. Daystar is working to become an IB PYP and MYP accredited school.

Founding date: 2002
Age range: 22 months-13 years (Grade 7, eventually to Grade 12)
Grades offered: Toddler to Grade 6 (adding Grade 7 in 2016-2017 academic year)
School type: International Bilingual School
Total area: 20,000sqm
Number of students: 360
Is the school accredited by the Ministry Of Education? Yes
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes
Tuition Fees (2015-2016 academic year):
• Application fee: RMB 2,000
• Toddler: RMB 56,000 (half-day), RMB 80,000 (full day)
• Casa: RMB 115,000
• Elementary: RMB 130,000
• Middle School: RMB 150,000
• Transportation: RMB 8,700-15,000 (optional)
Lunch offered: Wholesome, non-GMO meals, no pesticide, sourced from local farms
Nationality of students: 18 nationalities represented, including China, US, Australia, and France
Primary teaching languages: English and Chinese
Average class size: 25 (Casa) , 20 (Elementary), 18 (Middle)
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:8 (Casa), 1:9-1:11 (Elementary English classes), 1:20 (Elementary Chinese classes), 1:18 (Middle school)
School hours: 8.10am-3.40pm
After-school activities: We offer a variety of classes every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, including different kinds of sports, dancing, arts, music and intellectual games
Extra help offered? Specialized English and Chinese language support available
Scholarship offered: Yes
School facilities: Energy-efficient modern campus with gymnasium, outdoor sports facilities, professional stage, dance studio, instrument practice rooms, ICT lab, and workshop with cooking facilities
School nurse or doctor available? Yes
Contact: 2 Shunbai Lu, Chaoyang District
(Toddler and Casa Admissions 5728 9670, 6433 7366 ext. 8300, kgadmissions@daystarchina.cn. Elementary/MS admissions 5603 9446, 6433 7366 ext. 8009, admissions@daystarchina.cn) www.daystarchina.cn 朝阳区顺白路2号

Photo: Courtesy of Daystar Academy

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 16-17, we’re highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2016-2017 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 4

Beijing No.80 School was founded in 1956. The school was designated as a Key School in Beijing and has been honored as an Exemplary School, a National Advanced Arts School and Modern Education Experimental School, not only in regard to overall academic achievements, but also in science and technology, athletics and art, and is considered to be among the best and remarkable achievements in terms of international education. We have an international teaching faculty staff, experienced foreign teachers and the local teaching faculties from the local department. Our school is a Beijing Foreign Affairs Education Advanced School, Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language in Beijing Promoting Base School, a Cambridge International Center (CIE), the College Board AP Courses Authorized School, and an International Baccalaureate Candidate School. At present, student population is over 3500, of which are from more than 30 countries and regions with about 400 international students. The goal of education at the school is to cultivate the students to become innovative talented individuals with ambitions, responsibility, learning capacity and
cooperative spirit.

Founding date: 1956
Age range: 12-18
Grades offered: Grades 7-12
School type: Key public school under the direct leadership of the Ministry of Education in Beijing
Total area: 35,000sqm (middle school campus), 94,000sqm (high school campus)
Curriculum description: Mandarin course, Chinese local course, IGCSE, A-level, AP, IBDP (starting September 2016)
Boarding program: Yes
Number of students: 2,300 local Chinese students, 560 students in International
Department
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes
Tuition fees (2016-2017 academic year):
• Mandarin course: RMB 40,000 per year
• Chinese local course: RMB 50,000
• IGCSE: RMB 80,000
• A-level: RMB 80,000
• AP: RMB 80,000
• Accommodation: RMB 16,000 per year
• School bus: RMB 7,000
• School uniform: RMB 1,680
Lunch offered: Chinese, western, and buffet
Nationality of students: US, Russia, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Japan and more
Primary teaching languages: Chinese and English
Other languages taught as electives: Spanish, French, Korean
Average class size: 10-20
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:9
School hours: 8am-4:30pm
After-school activities: Students union, clubs, and social exploration class, Roberts, photography, 3D printing, costume design, drama, football, Beijing opera, DIY, and more
Scholarships offered? Yes; distinguished students awards, special contribution awards, distinguished graduates awards
School facilities: Library, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, standard soccer field with a 400 meter track, basketball and volleyball courts, theatre with all lighting equipments, roof garden, labs for all the science courses, rehearsal rooms for different instruments, rehearse room for dancing, and students
dorms
School nurse or doctor available? Yes, onsite clinic with full-time doctors and
nurses
Contact: (guojibu@bj80.com) www.bj80.com
Middle school: No.2 Baijiazhuang Xili, Chaoyang District (5903 9174) 朝阳区白家庄西里二号
High school: Jia No.16 Wangjing North Road, Chaoyang District (5804 7048) 朝阳区望京北路甲16号

Photo: Courtesy of Beijing No. 80 School