In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo 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 International Bilingual Academy (formerly known as the Children’s Learning Center of Beijing) has served the Chinese and expat communities in Shunyi for over a decade. CIBA uses an integrated international curriculum based on American and British national standards. The Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guide the planning, implementation, and reflection of learning programs that meet all children’s needs. Both frameworks have strong emphasis on play-based learning, as play is a necessary tool in young children’s learning and brain development. The framework also emphasizes communication and language learning through early literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional development CIBA also uses the Chinese Thematic Curriculum.

Founding date: 2002
Age range: 18 months to 7 years
Grades offered: Pre-Nursery to Year 2
School type: International bilingual school
Number of students: 80
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 1,500 (non-refundable)
• Pre-Nursery: RMB 55,000
• Nursery: RMB 60,000
• Foundation Stage 1: RMB 65,000
• Reception: RMB 67,500
• Year 1 and 2: RMB 72,000
• Transportation: RMB 30-70 per day (depending on distance)
• Lunch fee: RMB 35 per day
*Fees for all grades include ABC Music and Mommy and Me dance classes.
Lunch offered: Western and Chinese options
Nationality of students: US, Germany, Sweden, Australia, China, UK, and more
Primary teaching languages: Chinese and English
Average class size: 12 (Pre-Nursery), 16 (Nursery), 20 (FS1), 20 (Reception), 12 (Year 1-2)
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:3 (Pre-Nursery), 1:4 (Nursery), 1:5 (FS1), 1:6 (Reception), 1:7 (Year 1-2)
School hours: 8.30am-5.30pm
After-school activities: English oral class, dance, English singing class, piano, and Chinese art
Extra help offered? CSL, ESL and support
School facilities: Music room, activity room, play area, library, dancing room, playground, garden, sand pit, a large trampoline, and climbing equipment
School nurse or doctor available? No, but teachers are trained in emergency first aid
Contact: 3052-3056 Gahood International Villas, Shunyi District (EN or CH: 8046 7082/3122, wendy@clcbkids.com) www.cibabeijing.com 顺义区后沙峪嘉浩别墅 3052-3056

Word from a Parent:
“My husband and I are teachers at an international school and have three children. My eldest daughter Michelle attended CIBA four years ago. The teachers are very responsible. My daughter always had fun there, so we decided to send our son Beau to CIBA too. He attended CIBA for one and half years. He always cried at first, but the teachers were patient and learned what his favorite toys were very quickly. After two weeks, my son happily said goodbye to me as I dropped him off. My youngest daughter Katherine has attended CIBA since September and is happy at school. My husband and I no longer worry and CIBA gives us a big discount!”
– Carly Shekhar (US), mother of Michelle (age 6), Beau (4), and Katherine (2)

NBA Yao School Summer Camp

Who? Boys and girls of all skill levels (elementary, middle school, and high school) What? A six-week basketball program that develops teamwork, leadership, and communication in a fun environment. The camps will be led by Technical Director Billy Singleton, who has two decades of playing and coaching experience internationally.There will also be visits by NBA players, who will share their knowledge with students. Those who complete the curriculum will receive a Certificate of Graduation.

When? July 14-August 23
How much? RMB 3,600 per term. There are three terms this summer; kids can take one or all three.
Where? Wukesong Hi-Park in Haidian District and No. 3 Middle School in Balizhuang
Contact: 400 014 1113, www.nbayaoschool.com, weibo.com/nbayaomingxuexiao

CIBA Extreme Summer Camp for Kids 2014

Who? Ages 3-9
What? Six-week summer camp with sports, home economics, performing arts, visual arts, science and tech, language, community, and photography
When? June 30 to August 8
How much?* 

• RMB 1,250 per week (ages 3 and under)
• RMB 1,350 per week (ages 4-5)
• RMB 1,550-17,50 per week (ages 6-9)
• RMB 2,500-3,000 per week (siblings and family rate)

* Discounts available; conditions apply.

Where? Children’s International Bilingual Academy
Contact: administration@clcbkids.com

Eduwings Summer Camps

Who? Ages 2-8
What? Experiments, environmental topics, water-based games, field trips, arts and crafts
When? June 30-July 18 (theme is Water and Green Nature) and July 21-August 15 (theme is Nature and Arts and Crafts)
How much? RMB 1,600 per week
Where? Eduwings Kindergarten
Contact: eduwings@126.com or 6450 9712

For more 2014 summer camps, click here. Click here for Shunyi ones.

Photos courtesy of the schools

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Chinese Food for Foreigners
This week we continue our feature of Chinese restaurants suited for foreigners with one more Shunyi find.

"Wooden Floor"
This one is known among foreigners as the "Wooden Floor" restaurant. Likely because of a wood and tile floor mosaic that now only features in the front part of the restaurant, the monicker has stuck and as information about the restaurant is passed on from one satisfied lao wai to another, it is still referred to by its nickname. The real name of the place, though, is Sichuan Yao Dianzi, and they have much more than Sichuan food on the menu.

It may take a bit of familiarity with the Houshayu area to find this restaurant, tucked away as it is in a residential area. Locating it is not too difficult though. Keep driving down Tian Bei Lu until you hit the Luoma Hu roundabout. Take the first exit, and keep going down Houshayu road for four stop lights, past Wu Mart on your right and past the road leading to the Houshayu wet market on your left.

Turn left into Vanke Garden, a rather old subdivision that is marked by a giant clock on its main gate. Keep driving down this main avenue until you see a commercial center to your right. Grab any of the parking slots you see out on the main road. The restaurant is at the farthest end of the commercial strip on the right side.

If you have a Chinese native or someone who reads characters with you, ask them to keep an eye out for the restaurant that advertises roast duck (烤鸭) on the roof sign. While we haven’t tried their roast duck, we like their crispy rice crackers dishes. Think of a Cantonese birds’ nest noodle dish that comes with an option of shrimp, mixed mushroom, or mixed vegetable topping. Now instead of crispy egg noodles as to be expected in the original recipe, substitute this with rice crackers. The sauce is served in a separate bowl, piping hot. And when it arrives at your table, the server pours the soupy topping onto the rice crackers, causing the crackers to sizzle. The topping "cooks" the rice crackers and every mouthful has a combination of crunchy dry and soaked crackers. The only trick in eating this is to do it before all the crackers get too soggy. It’s a fun and delicious (and sometimes messy) dish that even kids will love. At RMB 28, it’s a very filling dish that can be a little difficult to polish off completely.

Other recommended dishes are their sweet and sour chicken and a pork and mushroom combination sautéed in soy sauce and a hint of vinegar.

The menu has pictures (very handy) and English translations for the dish names. Some English spoken.

Offers breakfast, which we have not managed to try. As to be expected with local restaurants, breakfast fare is a combination of baozi, mantou, porridge and pickled vegetables.

四川幺店子饭店 万科城市花园乡村俱乐部101. 80490801

Breakfast from 5.30-10am
Nonstop dining from 10am-10pm

International Montessori School Beijing Open House
The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) will be holding two open house sessions on Tuesday, March 11, and Wednesday, April 16. Morning schedule is from 9-11.30am, and afternoon schedule is from 1-3.30pm.

The programme will include a short presentation on MSB’s English-Only and Dual-Language curricula, a tour of the facilities, classroom observation, and an open forum with teachers and staff.

Reservations are required in order to assure yourselves a place during the classroom observation. Email ilariakeogh@msb.edu.cn with your child’s age and which language programme you are interested in.

CIBA Fair
Children’s International Bilingual Academy (CIBA) is holding a Spring Flea Market and Bazaar on Saturday, March 15 in Gahood Villa, building 3052.

Come by from 10am-2pm for a bake sale, bazaar of new and gently used toys, books and clothes for children, as well as handmade jewelry.

Entertainment for children will be available in the playground area, with bouncy castles, play equipment and face painting and craft activities.

Email beijing_kiel@yahoo.com if you wish to advertise your business, or if you are interested in having a table at the bazaar to sell some items. The cost for the seller is a baked cake, or RMB100. All profits and donations will go towards classroom resources.

Euro Cashmere Flash Sale
At Clicia’s Designs and Shane’s Treasures from March 11-14, Euro Cashmere will be on special sale. Come along to see European quality and design scarves, ponchos and sweaters. STARAfood will provide the hors d’oeuvres on the first day of the sale, Tuesday, March 11. Lake View Place Dragon Bay Villa (8042-2203).

Air Pollution Masks
The demand is high for air pollution masks, following last month’s weeklong bad air period.

Vogmask N99 masks remove an average of 99.978% of fine particulate matter such as PM2.5. Vogmask brand is one of very few masks for sale in China that meets United States National Institute of Safety and Health standards.

The model available contains a carbon layer to help filter gaseous particles, exhaust, smells, and chemical components of air pollution.

Inventory list and order sheet are available at www.aquasana-china.com, or call 400 000 8320 or 136 5128 5157.

Totobobo jogging masks, athletic version are also available for sale for RMB198, including free delivery in Shunyi, Chaoyang and CBD areas.

These cover the mouth only and have an adjustable three-point strap. Fits all adults, keeps cool in hot weather and does not fog up. Can be hung around the neck when not in use.

Send a text message to 186 1152 8650 to place an order. See product details at www.totobobo.com.

Dana is the beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Beijing in 2011 (via Europe) with her husband, two sons and Rusty the dog. She enjoys writing, photography, theater, visual arts, and trying new food. In her free time, she can be found exploring the city and driving along the mountain roads of Huairou, Miyun and Pinggu.

Photo by Dana Cosio-Mercado

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.

Founded in 2002, the Children’s International Bilingual Academy (CIBA), formerly known as Children’s Learning Center of Beijing, has served the local Chinese and expatriate community in Shunyi for over a decade. CIBA implements an integrated International curriculum based on American & British National Standards. “The Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework” and “Early Years Foundation Stage” known as the EYFS are used by our teachers to guide the planning, implementation and reflection of learning programs that will meet all children’s needs. Both frameworks have a strong emphasis on play-based learning as play is a necessary vehicle for young children’s learning providing the most appropriate stimulus for brain development. The Frameworks also recognize the importance of communication and language including early literacy and numeracy and social and emotional development. CIBA also implements the Chinese Thematic Curriculum. 

Founding Date: 2002

Type of school: International Bilingual School

Is the School registered with the Ministry of Education: Yes

School grade levels: Pre-Nursery to Year 2

Tuition Fees (Tuition Fee 2013/2014 School Year): Pre-Nursery –  RMB 55,000; Nursery – RMB 60,000; Foundation Stage 1 – RMB 65,000; Reception – RMB 67,500; Year 1 & 2  – RMB 72,000 . Fees inclusive of ABC Music & Me & Professional Dance Classes

Application Fee: RMB 1500 (non refundable)

Lunch fees: snacks & lunch RMB 35 daily. Onsite kitchen provides nutritious Western & Chinese dishes.

Transportation fees:  RMB 30-70 daily depending on location. Door to door service.

Age of Students: 15 months to 7 years old

Number of Students: 85

Students accepted: Local Chinese and international students accepted.

Nationality of Students: USA, European, German, Swedish,Norwegian, British, Australian, Chinese

Primary Teaching Language: English/Chinese

Languages Taught: English/Chinese

Class Size: Pre-Nursery – 10; Nursery – 16; FS1 – 20; Reception – 20; Year 1 & 2 – 12

Teacher –student ratios: Pre-Nursery 1:3; Nursery 1:4; FS1 – 1:5; Reception – 1:6; Year 1 & 2 – 1:7

School hours: 8.30am to 4pm

After school activities: ESL/CSL, Tutoring, Dance & Drama, Singing/Choir, Piano & Chinese Arts. “Little Gems” Mommy & Me incl. ABC Music & Me

Summer Camp: July – August    

School facilities: Music & dance room and extra playing area, multi-purpose room, dance studio, library and large outdoor purpose built playground and private garden that extends between both buildings. Equipment includes, 2 sandpits, large trampoline, climbing equipment/ropes and slides etc.

School nurse: Yes       

Contacts: 3052-3056 Gahood International Villas, Shunyi District (8046 7082 (Eng/Ch), 8046 3122 (English only), administration@clcbkids.com (English) and wendy@clcbkids.com (Chinese) www.cibabeijing.com 北京市顺义区后沙峪嘉浩别墅3052/3056 

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 CIBA

The Shunyi Coffee Morning by INN will meet at Starbucks (Pinnacle Plaza) on Thursday, March 21 from 10am-noon. Stop by to see old friends, meet new ones, and learn about what’s going on in our Shunyi neighborhood.

Children’s International Bilingual Academy (CIBA) will host a Spring Flea Market and Bazaar Event on Saturday, March 23 from 10am-2pm at their Gahood facility. Not only will there be a variety of treasures to purchase, but there will be kids’ activities run by CIBA teachers, baked goodies to buy, a collection location for Roundabout donations, and more! Bring the whole family! (www.ciba-beijing.com)

Looking for a weekly playgroup? Every Wednesday from 9-10:30am, Daystar Academy’s kindergarten will host a toddler playgroup for parents with children three-years-old and under. This free program will begin with free play using Montessori materials, followed by stories and songs led by Daystar teachers in Chinese and English. A snack is also provided. All parents and toddlers welcome! Contact kristinl@daystarchina.cn for more information. (www.daystarchina.cn)

Also at Daystar – two open houses coming up for parents and prospective students! Meet administrators, teachers, students and parents while touring the facility and learning about school program. Come on Wednesday, March 27 from 9-10:30am or Tuesday, April 9 from noon-1:30 (lunch provided). Please RSVP with Ms. Sue Sun at sues@daystarchina.cn.

The first week of April is spring break for many schools, and Dulwich Community Programmes is offering three camps for children ages 6-15. If your children are around for the week and have an interest in football, basketball or golf, check out what’s available by contacting dcp@dulwich-beijing.cn for registration, schedule and pricing details.

It’s not too early to begin planning for the summer, and many people stay in Beijing for at least part of the time. Why not get a jump start on academics with Beijing’s only American-operated tutoring center, The Learning Center (TLC)? From elementary through high school, accredited teachers in subjects such as English, mathematics, science, social studies and art are on hand to help students. There are also English Immersion programs, transition programs, one-on-one and group classes and much more. Contact a representative at 8046 3886 or 8046 7085, or e-mail registration@learningcenter.com.cn for more information. (www.thelearningcenter.cn).

Over the past five years the large stand-alone building on Yuyang Road (parallel with River Road, between Capital Paradise and Gahood) has been Steak & Eggs Restaurant, Oasis Restaurant, or vacant. Once again, it is vacant – another apparent gut-rehab taking place as we eagerly await something that this area could really use. What might that be? I’d vote a kids’ activity place for the pre-tween/teen age group – including a bowling alley, arcade, mini-golf or dance and party venue. Or perhaps a Kro’s Nest or other family-friendly (not expensive) restaurant. What would you like to see?

Photo by thehutch of flickr.