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

The Children’s House Montessori Kindergarten was the first Montessori kindergarten in Beijing. It opened its doors at the China World Trade Center in 1992 and today caters to more than 350 children. There are currently three international campuses and one bilingual campus in Beijing. All employ dedicated staff with the aim to achieve love, growth and peace amongst our future generations. The school’s philosophy is based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, and the kindergarten is dedicated to allowing each of its children to develop themselves. It encourages self-motivation and independent learning so that each child will solve problems, define what is important to them, assume responsibilities and continue to learn and grow. The Children’s House’s aim is to develop a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge that will stay with children for life.

Founding date: 1992
Age range: 1-6
Grades offered: Kindergarten, nursery, and reception
School type: International Montessori kindergarten (China World, Lufthansa and Yosemite Campuses) and local bilingual Montessori kindergarten (Yayunxinxin Gardens)
Total area: 590sqm (China World Campus), 325sqm (Kempinski Campus), 360 sqm; (Yosemite Campus), 2,700 sqm (Yayunxinxin Gardens Campus)
Number of students: 350
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes, at the bilingual campus
Tuition fees (2015-2016 academic year):
• Application fee: RMB 2,500
• Nursery/pre-primary (ages 1-3): RMB 87,000 (morning only), RMB 100,000 (half-day), RMB 134,000 (full day)
• Primary (ages 3-4.5): RMB 116,000 (half-day), RMB 144,000 (full day)
• Bilingual Primary (Yosemite and Kempinsky campuses only): RMB 85,000 (half-day), RMB 122,000 (full day)
• Reception (ages 4.5-6): RMB 148,000
• Bilingual Reception: RMB 136,000
• Uniforms: Approximately RMB 400 per set
• Lunch fee: RMB 12,000 per year
Lunch offered: Mix of Western and Chinese food with vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal options, and support for food allergies
Nationality of students: US, UK, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, and more
Primary teaching language: English
Other languages taught: Chinese
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:3 (nursery), 1:8 (primary)
School hours: 8.30-11.20am (morning session), 8.30am-1pm (half-day), 8.30am-3.20pm (full day)
After-school activities: Music and movement, keyboard, ballet, kung fu, hip hop, cooking, circle sharing (English and Chinese), game club, board games, arts and crafts, and drawing
Extra help offered: ESL after-school activities
School facilities: Fully-equipped Montessori classrooms, playgrounds, children’s kitchen, access to ice skating rink, swimming pool, and ballet room
School nurse or doctor available? Yes, consulting school doctor available
Contact: 6535 8129 (China World Campus), 6465 1305 (Lufthansa Campus), 8041 7083 (Yosemite Campus), 5202 0293 (Yayunxinxin) www.montessoribeijing.com

Word from a Parent:
“When looking for a kindergarten, I wanted a place that was warm, safe, and caring. I was always impressed by how passionate the teachers were about Montessori and how well they knew my children. They were supported by a great administrative staff and a wonderful principal. I loved watching my children develop self-confidence and independence through their experiences at the school.”
– Meaghan Amor (Australia), mother of Children’s House alumni George (10), Oliver (8), and Indigo (5)

For the coming weeks, we will be highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from our upcoming 2014-2015 School Choice Guide, which comes out in early February 2014. Scroll down for more information on how to participate in our annual school choice fair in March 2014.

The Children’s House Montessori Kindergarten was the first Montessori Kindergarten to be founded in Beijing. It opened its doors at the China World Trade Center in 1992 and today caters for more than three hundred and fifty children up to the age of six, hailing from every corner of our globe.

There are currently three international campuses in Beijing – China World Trade Center, The Lufthansa Center and Yosemite Villas and one bilingual campus at Yayunxinxin Gardens in Yayuncun. All provide dedicated staff with the aim to achieve love, growth and peace amongst our future generations.

The school’s philosophy is based upon the principles devised by Dr. Maria Montessori, and the kindergarten is dedicated to allowing each of its children to develop his or her self. It encourages self-motivation and independent learning so that each child will solve problems, define what is important to them, assume responsibilities and continue to learn and grow.

The Children’s House’s overall aim is to develop a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge that will stay with children for life.

Founding date: 1992

School type: International Montessori kindergarten (China World, Lufthansa and Yosemite Campuses); local bilingual Montessori kindergarten (Yayunxinxin Gardens).

Is the school registered with the Ministry of Education? Yes

Accreditations: N/A

Tuition fees (2014-2015 Academic Year):

• Application fee: RMB 2,500
• Nursery/pre-primary (1-3 years) AM only: RMB 87,000
• Nursery/pre-primary half day: RMB 100,000
• Nursery/pre-primary full day: RMB 134,000
• Primary (for ages 3-4.5) half day: RMB 116,000
• Primary full day: RMB 144,000
• Bilingual Primary (Yosemite and Kempinsky campuses only) half day: RMB 85,000
• Billingual Primary Full Day: RMB 122,000
• Reception (4.5-6 years) full day: RMB 148,000
• Bilingual Reception Full Day: RMB 136,000
• Uniform: approximately RMB 400 per full set
• Lunch: RMB 12,000 per school year

Food offered: A mixture of Western and Chinese foods. Able to cater to the dietary needs of other cultures and beliefs (vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal) and food allergies.

Types of scholarships offered: N/A

Age range: 1-6

Number of students: 350

Nationality of students: Students from USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Malaysia and many other countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia and South America.

Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes

Local Chinese students accepted? Yes, at the bilingual campus.

Primary teaching language: English

Languages taught: Mandarin

Class size: Between 15 and 30

Teacher/student ratio: 1:3 at the nursery, 1:8 at primary

School hours: AM session 8.30-11.20am; half day 8.30am-1pm; full day 8.30am-3.20pm

After school activities offered: Music and movement, keyboard, ballet, kung fu, hip hop, cooking, circle sharing (English and Chinese), game club, board games, arts and crafts, and drawing.

Extra help offered: ESL after school activities.

School facilities: Fully equipped Montessori classrooms, playgrounds, Children’s kitchen, access to ice-skating rink, swimming pool, and ballet room.

Total area of campus: China World Campus 590sqm; Kempinski Campus 325sqm; Yosemite Campus 360sqm; Yayunxinxin Gardens Campus 2700sqm.

School nurse: Consulting school doctor

Contact: By telephone on 6535 8129 (China World Campus), 6465 1305 (Lufthansa Campus), 8041 7083 (Yosemite Campus), or 5202 0293 (Yayunxinxin) www.montessoribeijing.com

Word from a parent:
 “I have three children who attended The Children’s House during their preschool years. When looking for a kindergarten, I wanted a place that was warm, safe, and caring. I was impressed by the atmosphere at Children’s House, where children’s artwork adorns the walls and there is color and activity in all of the classrooms. I’m always impressed by how passionate the teachers are about Montessori training methods and how well they know each of my children. The teachers are supported by great administrative staff and a wonderful principal. I have loved watching my children develop self-confidence and independence through their experiences at the school.”
– Meaghan Amor (Australia), mother of George (10), Oliver (8), and Indigo (5)

For more information on the 2014-2015 School Choice Guide e-mail editor@beijing-kids.com and click here to view the 2013-2014 School Choice Guide on ISSUU. For more information on our upcoming School Choice Fair on March 1-2, 2014, please e-mail schoolchoicefair@truerun.com.

Photo courtesy of Children’s House