The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China (commonly known in China as Renda Fuzhong, abbreviated to RDFZ) has developed relationships and partnerships with 46 schools overseas, including Thomas Jefferson Science High School and Phillips Academy Andover in the US and Eton College in the UK. In addition to its Chinese training courses and standard Chinese curriculum, the school offers British A-Levels, IBDP and American AP courses. The faculty consists of over 60 international teachers and more than 200 international students from over 20 different countries. Each year, over 85 percent of the international graduates are admitted into universities such as Beijing University, Tsinghua University, and Renmin University of China.

Founding date: 1950
School type: Key public school under the direct leadership of the Ministry of Education
Grades offered: Grades 7-12
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Accreditations: Approved by Beijing Education Commission and Beijing Foreign Affairs Office of Beijing Municipal Government
Tuition fees (2014-2015 academic year):
• Chinese training class: RMB 21,800 per semester
• Regular class: RMB 25,000 per semester
• British A-Level program: RMB 40,000 per semester
• American AP program: RMB 45,000 per semester
• IBDP: RMB 50,000 per semester
• Accommodations: RMB 6,200 per bed per semester (three-person room) or RMB 9,300 per bed per semester (two-person room)
• School uniforms, books, food, student visa fee: RMB 400
• Insurance for foreign students: RMB 600
• After-school activities: Costs vary
Lunch offered: The school canteen provides students and teachers three meals daily with a large variety of food.
Scholarships offered: Yes, scholarships for foreign students include the Scholarship for Excellent Students and Scholarship for Excellent Graduates, these students also have the possibility of obtaining College Prep High School services.
Age range: 12-16 (foreign passport holders only with a legal guardian in Beijing for the duration of their study period at RDFZ)
Number of students: 205
Nationality of students: South Korea, US, Singapore, Canada, Australia, Japan, Kazakhstan, and more
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes
Primary teaching languages: Chinese and English
Other languages taught: Spanish, German, Japanese, French, Russian, Korean, and more
Class size: 5-45
Teacher/student ratio: 1:9
School hours: 8am-4.30pm
After-school activities: RDFZ offers a variety of clubs and activities based on students’ interests, including sports, film festivals, animation, photography, art, and more.
School facilities: Gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, soccer field with a 400m track around it, basketball and volleyball courts, library with regular and electronic reading spaces both for students and teachers and various science laboratories. There is also a large canteen with first-class facilities and a 30,000sqm student dormitory.
Total area: 100,000sqm
School nurse or doctor available? Yes, there is an onsite clinic with doctors and nurses.
Contact: The International Section of Renda Fuzhong, 37 Zhongguancun Dajie, Haidian District  (6251 3962/2094, guojibu3962@sina.com) www.rdfz.cn  海淀区中关村大街37 号人大附中国际部

Word from a Parent:
“At the beginning of her first semester, we worried about whether Katherine could keep up in such a competitive environment. However, our worries wore off when we saw that the way teachers from the international department help and encourage their students. Katherine sang at the school welcome party, debated in a public forum, participated in Model UN, made many European friends on a trip to Finland and Denmark, served as a volunteer translator for football matches, and more. The international department also provided extra tutoring to the students; Katherine studied really hard and received an academic scholarship. Looking back, she seemed the busiest she’s ever been but was also happier and more confident. She would willingly help new students adapt to this wonderful school.”
– Mother of Katherine Mao (Grade 11, US)

Flying Start is an international kindergarten located in the central villa district of Shunyi and is the first “family-style” kindergarten in Beijing certified by the Ministry of Education. FSI embraces a multi-cultural philosophy, combining the best of East and West. At FSI, children explore, create, discover and learn in the “big schoolhouse,” a unique and cozy home-like environment. FSI aims to teach independence and self-sufficiency while inspiring a love of learning. FSI follows the English National Curriculum Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), taught by the experienced international teaching team. FSI also employs Montessori methodology and materials to enhance students’ learning experience. The family-like atmosphere encourages children to help each other and to take care of their shared environment. FSI offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and community field trips, including to its own organic farm.

Founding date: March 5, 2014
Age range: 1-6
Grades offered: Toddler through kindergarten
School type: International kindergarten
Total area: 2,000sqm
Number of students: 45 (maximum 60)
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
• Materials fee: RMB 3,000 per year
• Tuition fee: RMB 158,000
• Capital levy fee: RMB 8,000
• Bus fee: Starting from RMB 10,000 per year (varies according to distance)
• Lunch fee: RMB 45 per day or RMB 9,900 per year
Lunch offered: Chinese and western menu, vegetarian and halal options, organic produce. Lunch and two snacks daily.
Nationality of students: 30 percent Chinese, 70 percent foreign (US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Philippines)
Primary teaching language: English
Other languages taught: Chinese
Average class size: 18
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:4
School hours: 8.30am-4.30pm
After-school activities: Art, yoga, music, horseback riding, kung fu, ballet, piano
School facilities: Large multi-story 800sqm house in villa compound, a 1,200sqm outdoor playground with fruit trees, spacious classrooms full of natural light, dedicated art, dance, library, and Montessori rooms, and a spacious kitchen for cooking classes. FSI also has a small organic vegetable farm nearby.
School nurse or doctor available? Yes
Contact: 8208 Capital Paradise, Shunyi District (8047 4372, flyingstart_fsi@163.com) www.flyingstartinternationalschool.com 顺义 区后沙峪镇名都园8208

Word from a Parent:
“We transferred our son from another school because of FSI’s family-style atmosphere, individualized international curriculum, and caring staff. Judging from Tomas’ growth, we felt whatever sacrifices we made were well worth it. Tomas is cheerful, confident, and playful. At FSI, we have seen how Tomas has grown and how happy he is, and we know we have made the right decision. Tomas is lucky to have an experienced, loving, and caring principal leading a team that cares for the children as their own. We hope our kindergarten becomes better and better. Kudos to the teachers at FSI!”
– Pei Jianli (China), father of Tomas (age 5)

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 24-25, we will be highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from our newly released 2015-2016 beijingkids School Choice Guide.

Bonita’s philosophy is based on a new type of multicultural education, drawing from the best of different cultures to foster children’s development. The students are supervised by teachers from different countries; various activities are organized during the week while respecting the children’s individual routines and rhythms. The school caters to ages 1-6, with students divided according to ages and abilities. The main curriculum is based on a French pedagogical program.

Founding date: September 2010
Age range: 1-6
School type: International kindergarten
Number of students: 40
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):
• Full day: RMB 140,000
• Half-day: RMB 86,000
• Deposit: RMB 2,000
• Supplies for everyday needs (one-time): RMB 2,500
• Materials (e.g. books): RMB 3,000 per year
• Lunch: RMB 21 per day (half-day), RMB 28 per day (full day)
Lunch offered: Chinese, western, and halal options for meals and snacks
Nationality of students: 60 percent foreign, 40 percent Chinese
Primary teaching languages: English, French, and Chinese
Other languages taught: Russian, Japanese, and Spanish
Average class size: 12-15
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:4 to 1:5
School hours: 8.30am-4.30pm
After-school activities: Science, cooking, yoga, music, dance, sports, activities in French (in partnership with a French association), Montessori activities
School facilities: Library, yoga studio, cooking corner, and stage
School nurse or doctor available? Yes, full-time nurse available
Contact: Rm 301 (across from Stellar International Cinema, 3/F, Bldg D, Zhongjun World City, 9 Jinhui Lu (next to the Place), Chaoyang District (5330 6800, 8590 7648, bonitaetzx@163.com) www.bonitakindergarden.com 朝阳区金汇路9号中骏世界城D座3层 301

Word from a Parent:
“Bonita International Kindergarten is a high-quality school that is full of love for its children. Our baby, Andy, has gone to more than eight international kindergartens; only Bonita made us fall in love with the place right away. Andy plays so happily with all the foreign and Chinese teachers that he never wants to leave. The foreign teachers are countries like France, US, and Russia; they’re professional, responsible, and thoughtful, helping kids develop their personalities and language skills. They widen the kids’ global-minded vision, improve their self-confidence and abilities, and help them grow into happy and healthy individuals. We don’t want Andy to be rich only in money; we hope he can enrich himself spiritually.”
– Mr. Cui (China), father of Andy (age 2)

Yew Chung International School of Beijing is an international school with a variety of curricula drawn 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; and 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 (IB). YCIS Beijing is currently accredited by five accreditation authorities and 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: August 1995
Age range: 2-18
Grades offered: Kindergarten 2 to Year 13
School type: International K-12 school
Total area: 15,850sqm
Number of students: 800
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? No
Accreditations: CIS, NCCT, NEASC, IB, CIE
Tuition fees (2015-2016 academic year):
• Application fee: RMB 2,000
• Kindergarten: RMB 72,500 (K2 half-day), RMB 119,000 (K2 full day), RMB 159,000 (K3), RMB 167,000 (K4)
• Year 1-3: RMB 204,000
• Year 4-6: RMB 209,500
• Year 7-9: RMB 230,500
• Year 10-11: RMB 246,000
• Year 12-13: RMB 253,000
• Transportation fee: RMB 9,300 (under 10km), RMB 10,960 (10-20km), RMB 12,700 (20-30km)
• Lunch fee: RMB 24 per day (ECE-Y3), RMB 25 per day (Y4-6), or RMB 27 per day (Y7-13)
Lunch offered: Cafeteria with four sections (World Kitchen, Salad and Sandwich Bar, Italian Food, and Daily Specials). The Student Cafe offers breakfast, healthy snacks and fruit juices. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Catering by Aramark.
Nationality of students: US, UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, and more
Primary teaching languages: English and Chinese
Other languages taught: Italian, French and Chinese
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 program: Yes, on a case-by-case basis.
Extra help offered: English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Scholarships offered: Overall Scholarship, Merit Scholarship and Music Scholarships
School facilities: Primary and Secondary libraries, auditorium, access to Honglinjin 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, internal PM2.5 fresh-air systems installed in classrooms, offices and corridors.
School nurse or doctor available? 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

Word from a Parent:
“We chose YCIS Beijing not only for the English and Chinese language immersion, but also for the tight-knit community feeling that the school offers both children and parents.”

– Linzie and Ammon Spiller (US), parents of Elias (age 12) and Vienna (age 6)

Photo: Courtesy of YCIS Beijing

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 24-25, we will be highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2015-2016 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 20.

The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is a leading international IB World School. Founded in 1994, WAB prides itself on its world-class facilities, highly-qualified teachers, global curriculum, warm and supportive environment, and service-oriented culture. WAB provides a learner-centered atmosphere that nurtures a strong sense of community among its 1,500 students with the mission to “Connect, Inspire, Challenge: Make a Difference.” WAB students are encouraged to take their place as responsible citizens of the world who can influence their surroundings through careful reflection and positive action.

Founding date: 1994
Age range: 3-18
Grades offered: Nursery-Grade 12
School type: International school
Total area: 110,000sqm    
Number of students: 1,500
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Accreditations: NEASC, CIS, IBO, NCCT
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? No
Tuition fees (2014-2015 academic year):
• Application fee: RMB 2,100
• Early Years: RMB 98,000 (age 3, half-day), RMB 165,000 (ages 3-4, full day)
• Kindergarten to Grade 5: RMB 210,000
• Grades 6-8: RMB 223,000
• Grades 9-10: RMB 245,000
• Grades 11-12: RMB 252,000
• Transportation: Included in tuition fees
Lunch offered: Students purchase snacks and meals with a prepaid SmartCard. Range of Western, Chinese, and vegetarian options catered by Aramark.
Nationality of students: US, South Korea, Canada, The Netherlands, Australia, and more
Primary teaching language: English
Other languages taught: Chinese, French, Spanish and Dutch
Average class size: 14 (early childhood), 22 (elementary through high school)
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:8
School hours: 8.30am-3.30pm
After-school activities: Extensive sports and activities groups including volleyball, soccer, badminton, choir, band, Chinese culture and literature clubs, art, photography, speech and debate clubs, global citizenship project groups, and more
Extra help offered? EAL, learning support and mother tongue language support also available
Scholarships offered? Financial assistance available
School facilities: Six buildings, four of which provide a self-contained environment for each of the school sections – Early Childhood Center, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School – with the HUB Sports, Arts and Technology Center, serving as a shared resource for middle and high school students. Libraries in each school section, a rock climbing wall, an air-supported dome, indoor pool and theaters.
School nurse or doctor available? Yes, expat nurse in each school section.
Contact: 10 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District (5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu) www.wab.edu 朝阳区来广营东路10号

Word from a Parent:
“WAB is a community where my children are growing up with an appreciation for their talents and individuality, where they are challenged and supported in their discovery of how the world works, and where they are inspired to make a positive difference.”

– Marina Frias-Gavidia (Spain and Venezuela), MS principal and mother of Carolina (age 15) and Alejandro (age 10)

Photo: Courtesy of WAB

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 24-25, we will be highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2015-2016 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 20.

Keystone Academy, which enrolled its inaugural class in the fall of 2014, blends distinctive traditions in eastern, western, and international education, creating an academically-outstanding “new world school.” It is a unique and exciting option for local and expat families in China, especially for those who want to raise a culturally- and cognitively-bilingual child. The school offers a bilingual immersion program in Chinese and English, with a strong emphasis on Chinese culture and identity woven into the curriculum. It enables character-building and community in a residential setting. Keystone is a day school through Grade 6 with optional boarding in Grades 7 and 8; boarding is required in Grades 9 through 12. The boarding program is structured similarly to the American boarding school tradition where faculty families live in residence with the students.

Founding date: 2014
Age range: 5-19
Grades offered: Foundation up to Grade 10 in 2015
School type: International day and boarding school
Total area: 90,000sqm
Number of students: In first year 290 (1,800 when fully enrolled)
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Accreditations: IB and WASC candidate status
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes
Tuition fees (2014-2015 academic year):
• Application fee: RMB 2,000
• Primary School day tuition: RMB 220,000
• Middle School day tuition: RMB 250,000
• Middle School boarding tuition: RMB 350,000
Lunch offered: Nutritious Chinese, western, and vegetarian options
Nationality of students: Three-to-one ratio for Chinese to foreign students
Primary teaching language: Chinese or English depending on the grade
Average class size: 18 (primary), 15 (middle school)
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:6
School hours: 8am-3.30pm
After-school activities: Sports, music, visual arts, drama, and activities related to traditional Chinese culture
Extra help offered? ESL (English as a Second Language)
Scholarships offered? Yes
School facilities: Three libraries, a performing arts center designed by a Harvard professor of architecture, science and technology labs, art spaces, an athletic field for soccer, three indoor gymnasiums, a 25m swimming pool, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor running tracks, outdoor play spaces for primary school, and two residence halls
School nurse or doctor available? Yes
Contact: 11 Anfu Jie, Houshayu, Shunyi District (8049 6008, admission@keystoneacademy.cn) www.keystoneacademy.cn 顺义区后沙峪安
富街11号

Word from a Parent:
“We hope our daughter can grow into someone who is not only deeply connected to her Chinese identity but also a compassionate individual who possesses a global vision and realizes her self-worth. Choosing a truly exceptional international school is a top priority for us and our daughter. Many of the international schools from the city we live in do not aim to provide a wholesome learning experience that fosters every aspect of their students’ potential and abilities. In fact, their educational approach is still primarily test-focused; it’s just that they have substituted the gaokao with the SAT and the TOFEL. We are delighted that Keystone Academy’s teaching philosophy aligns with the educational plans we envisioned for our daughter, and we genuinely believe that Keystone matches our vision of what an ideal international school should be. Last but not least, our daughter has shown a strong desire for independence, and is fully committed to accepting new challenges to develop and demonstrate that independence. We respect her wish, and this is why we sent her across the country to be a boarding student at Keystone.”

– Mother of Nancy (Grade 9, China)

Photo: Courtesy of Keystone

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 24-25, we will be highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2015-2016 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 20.

Ivy Bilingual Schools offer a curriculum based on the Multiple Intelligences theory and provide an immersive bilingual program in both English and Chinese. There are two locations in Beijing.

Founding date: 2006 (Ocean Express campus), 2008 (Orchid Garden campus)
Age range: 2-6
Grades offered: Nursery to kindergarten
School type: International preschool and kindergarten
Number of students: 160 (Ocean Express campus); 80 (Orchid Garden campus)
Is the school registered with the Ministry of Education? No, but the school satisfies all laws set out by the PRC
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes
Tuition fees (2014-2015 academic year):
• Application fee: RMB 2,000
• Ocean Express Campus: RMB 8,500 per month (full day)
• Orchid Garden Campus: RMB 8,100 per month (full day)
• Tuition deposit: One month’s tuition fee (to be credited towards tuition)
• Transportation fee is optional (contact school for latest info)
• Lunch fee: Optional (contact school for latest info)
Type of lunch offered and cost: Lunch and two snacks daily that take into account the nutritional needs of a child. MI Kindergartens will also take into account local needs and can provide a simple breakfast and dinner. The school will provide the Type B menu for students with special needs (allergic reactions or Muslim).
Nationality of students: China, US, Germany, France, Japan, Finland, Italy
Primary teaching language: English and Chinese
Average class size: 20-25
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:5 to 1:8
School hours: 8.30-11.30am (half-day); 8.30am-4pm (full day)
After-school activities: None
School facilities: Outdoor playground, bilingual library, large indoor playroom, multi-purpose room, and children’s kitchen for cooking classes
School nurse/doctor available on campus? Yes, full-time
Contact: www.ivyschools.com
• Ocean Express Campus: Bldg E, Ocean Express, 2 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (8446 7287/7286/7921, info-OE@ivyschools.com) 朝阳区东三环北路2号远洋新干线E座
• Orchid Garden Campus: Orchid Garden, 18 Xinjin Lu, Cuigexiang, Chaoyang District (8439 7080/7087/7665, info-OG@ivyschools.com) 朝阳区崔各乡新锦路18号卓锦万代

Word from a Parent:
“We feel very lucky that our daughter has been part of the Ivy family for three years. Since the very first day, she has been delighted to get on the school bus every day. Ivy Schools’ curriculum and environment really help foster our daughter’s growth. She has been very fortunate to have a wonderful group of teachers, both foreign and Chinese, as well as a great diverse group of children in her classes every year. Mirabelle talks about her teachers every day, even during summer holiday! When Mirabelle first started at Ivy Schools, she didn’t speak a word of Mandarin. After three years, we are thrilled that her Chinese teachers think she sounds like a real Beijinger. We are truly grateful for Ivy Schools’ well-rounded program, the Multiple Intelligences curriculum and the creative methods that Ivy teachers use in all of the classes.”

– Stephanie (US), mother of Mirabelle DeAngelis (age 5)

Photo: Courtesy of IBS

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 24-25, we will be highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2015-2016 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 20.

Ivy Academy offers an English-speaking environment. Taught by a team of highly-qualified early childhood educators, the Multiple Intelligences theory-influenced curriculum is customized according to the children’s interests.

Founding date: 2004 (Ivy Academy East Lake Villas Campus), 2013 (Ivy Academy Central Park Campus)
Age range: 2-6
Grades offered: Nursery to kindergarten
School type: International preschool and kindergarten
Number of students: 65 (Ivy Academy East Lake Villas Campus), 50 (Ivy Academy Central Park Campus)
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? No, but the school satisfies all laws set out by the PRC
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes
Tuition fees (2014-2015 academic year):
• Application fee: RMB 2,000
• Ivy Academy East Lake Villas Campus: RMB 152,800
• Ivy Academy Central Park Campus: RMB 152,800
• Tuition deposit: RMB 9,000 (to be applied to tuition)
• Transportation fee: Optional (contact school for latest info)
• Lunch fee: Optional (contact school for latest info)
Nationality of students: Australia, UK, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, US, China
Primary teaching language: English
Average class size: 16
Average teacher/student ratio: Ivy Schools is dedicated to ensuring that each class has a high teacher to child ratio as well as having small sizes.
School hours: 8.30-11.30am (half-day), 8.30am-3.30pm (full day)
After-school activities: None
School facilities: Library, art classroom, and children’s kitchen
School nurse or doctor available? Yes, full-time
Contact: www.ivyschools.com
• East Lake Villas Campus: Suite C-101, East Lake Villas, 35 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District (8451 1380/1, info-EL@ivyschools.com) 东城区东直门外大街35号东湖别墅C座101室
• Central Park Campus: Bldg 24, Central Park, 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District (5738 4559, 6597 0250, info-CP@ivyschools.com) 朝阳区朝外大街6号新城国际公寓24号楼

Word from a Parent:
“We really feel that [the teachers]working with our son and encouraging him to make the right choices is a team effort. I love to hear all [the school’s]insights and how [they]work with him to care for him and guide him. It means a lot to us, and I’m sure to all parents. We feel that this is the first time that we have had support and worked together with teachers on very specific issues.”

– Deanna (Germany), mother of Ben (age 4)

Photo: Courtesy of IA

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 24-25, we will be highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2015-2016 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 20.

The International School of Beijing (ISB) is an independent, co-educational day school offering an international curriculum for children of expat families. Established in 1980, ISB was the first international school in Beijing and continues to embrace the challenges and rewards of the future of education. The school maintains its reputation for academic excellence as it explores innovative models of teaching and learning. Through a tailored, connected, real-world curriculum known as Learning21@ISB, experienced and passionate teachers provide students with exceptional opportunities to grow as individuals, as scholars, and as contributing members of the community. ISB nurtures confidence and intellectual curiosity through experiential learning and innovative applications of knowledge and skills. For high school students, ISB offers the full IB Diploma Program or IB Course options for students in grades 11 and 12, as well as AP courses in grades 11 and 12 in Calculus and Chinese.

Founding date: January 1980
Age range: 3-18
Grades offered: PreK3 to Grade 12
School type: International school
Total area: 133,500sqm
Number of students: Over 1,700
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Accreditations: ISB is accredited by CIS, NEASC, NCCT, and as an IB World School (since 1991, with full IBDP and IB course options for students in Grades 11 and 12). ISB is also an active member of EARCOS and ACAMIS, and participates in ISAC, APAC, and the Global Online Academy.
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes  or a foreign residence permit (subject to applicable legal requirements)
Local Chinese students accepted? No
Tuition fees (2014-2015 academic year):
• Application fee: RMB 1,950
• PreK3 (half-day): RMB 79,050 plus RMB 12,010 capital levy fee
• PreK3/4 (full day): RMB 144,540 plus RMB 12,010 capital levy fee
• Kindergarten: RMB 169,390 plus RMB 14,490 capital levy fee
• Grades 1-5: RMB 169,390 plus RMB 34,720 capital levy fee
• Grades 6-8: RMB 181,760 plus RMB 34,720 capital levy fee
• Grades 9-12: RMB 199,900 plus RMB 34,720 capital levy fee
• Transportation: RMB 9,420-15,270 (depending on distance)
• Deposit: RMB 30,000
• Lunch: RMB 17-25 per day
Lunch offered: Range of western, Chinese, and vegetarian meals
Nationality of students: US, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, and more
Primary teaching language: English
Other languages taught: Chinese, French, and Spanish
Average class size: 12-22
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:9
School hours: 8.15am-3.25pm
After-school activities: Athletics, choir, orchestra, film, photography, theater, debate club, Model United Nations, service clubs, wushu, arts and crafts, and more
Extra help offered? English (ESOL)
School facilities: Thirty-two acre campus in Shunyi located close to popular residential compounds, with two purpose-built sports domes sitting side-by-side over 8,500sqm. Campus includes four fully-equipped gymnasiums (one with a climbing wall); baseball and softball diamonds; two full-sized turf soccer fields and an aquatics center with a 25m pool with diving boards. Also includes 12 state-of-the-art science labs in Elementary, Middle and High School, a student cooking lab, a dedicated visual arts wing in Middle School and High School and art studios in Elementary School. The Performing Arts wing consists of a 600-seat theater, black box theater, rehearsal space, and studio stage. The campus also houses two library-media centers with more than 82,000 volumes and over 160 magazine subscriptions. ISB supports a one-to-one MacBook laptop program for each Grade 2-12 student with wireless network and internet available throughout the school. A pharmaceutical grade (H-14) air filtration system is effective throughout the campus.
School nurse or doctor available? Yes, available for each school division
Contact: 10 Anhua Lu, Shunyi District (8149 2345ext 1047, admission@isb.bj.edu.cn) www.isb.bj.edu.cn 顺义区安华街10号

Word from a Parent:
“We chose ISB for its cutting-edge technologies that create a vibrant learning community. These include its air filtration system in all indoor learning areas, state-of-the-art facilities, and an emphasis on tech infusion in education. ISB offers a diversified platform for our multicultural student body to discover their unique potential through individualized learning opportunities that optimize their skills and talents.”

– Ming Xie (Australia), mother of a Grade 9 and a Grade 11 student

Photo: Courtesy of ISB