Over the course of my teaching career, I’ve observed a familiar pattern in the education world: A school builds a strong foundation, develops a solid reputation, and then seeks to expand in hopes of replicating its initial success across new campuses. On the surface, everything seems in place: modern facilities, qualified teachers, ample resources. But despite these advantages, the new campuses often fall short of the original school’s achievements.

Why is that?

In most cases, the missing piece is clear: effective and appropriate leadership.

Strong leadership can take a struggling school and turn it into a thriving learning community. But even the best school – when placed in the hands of poor leadership – can quickly lose its momentum and become a shadow of what it once was. Without vision and strategic direction, even the most promising program becomes stagnant.

I’ve seen this unfold firsthand. A well-known international school in a Chinese city gained a reputation for excellence. Its leadership was forward-thinking, hands-on, and committed to the growth of both students and teachers. Their ability to transition students successfully from high school to college was not just celebrated – it became the school’s brand.

However, when this same school opened a branch in another city, things didn’t go as planned. The new campus struggled to gain traction, and the buzz surrounding the original location didn’t carry over. When you peel back the layers, the difference becomes obvious: The leadership in the new location wasn’t cut from the same cloth.

Rather than visionary leaders, the new campus had managers – people who looked good on paper but lacked the capacity to create healthy systems that empower teachers and engage students. These managers focused on surface-level tasks: checking lesson plans, monitoring teacher attendance, and enforcing rules. Meanwhile, the true leaders – the ones who drive long-term growth – are doing much more. They’re investing in teacher development, building school culture, supporting both staff and students, and executing a vision with purpose.

A school’s success hinges not on micromanagement but on leadership that inspires, empowers, and builds systems that can stand the test of time. School growth doesn’t come from polished resumes or bureaucratic checklists – it comes from bold, thoughtful execution of a meaningful vision.

Without real leadership, even the strongest school can find itself starting over – with nothing but a blank canvas.

With over ten years of experience in education, Malcolm Solomon, M. Ed., has worked in diverse classroom settings, from America to China. These experiences have allowed Solomon to adapt and integrate the best practices from both environments, continuously improving his skills as an educator. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to fostering strong, positive relationships with students while delivering impactful instruction. His varied roles in the field of education equip him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to contribute meaningfully to any program.

Check out his book Choosing the Best International School for Your Child where he dives into the world of internaional education in China and how to find the school that’s the perfect fit foir your child.

Images: Malcolm Solomon, Pexels

I spent Saturday talking to close to a hundred parents at the Jingkids International School Expo, as well as 30 top international and international-oriented schools. There were not only long-established international schools present including Yew Chung International School (YCIS), British School of Beijing (BSB), and French International School of Beijing (LFIP), but also well-known private international-oriented schools such as Daystar Academy, Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA), Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) and  Beijing Xin Fuxue International Academy. Chinese and foreign parents living in Beijing came from all over the city, just to find the most suitable educational path for their children and after discussing with educators and parents alike, I noticed three trends:

Bilingual Education
Whether expat or local, families are increasingly looking at bilingualism as a top priority. Chinese families don’t want to sacrifice native fluency, and expats don’t want to walk away from their China experience without the Mandarin language.

Chinese families: They hope their children will take an international path in the future, but they are unwilling to sacrifice Chinese. Compared with the “frenzy” of blindly pursuing an all-English environment ten years ago, today’s parents are more rational and realize that bilingual ability is the real currency for future competition.
Mixed-nationality families: Chinese is an important part of a child’s identity and must not be neglected.
All-foreign families: Surprisingly, an increasing number of foreign families want their children to receive Chinese education from an early age, and some even require Chinese to be the main language during the primary school stage! A couple from the United States and Germany bluntly said, “China’s influence in the world is growing. We need to hurry up and let our children learn Chinese well and understand Chinese culture.”

Popular schools: Schools well-known for bilingual teaching, such as YCIS, Daystar Academy, BIBA, and BIBS attracted the most parents who are concerned about bilingual education at their booths.

Price Sensitivity
At this year’s expo, tuition fees became one of the most concerning indicators for parents. With the current state of the economy, parents are shopping for deals. The first question out of many parents’ mouths was “How much,” and schools that had lower prices or discount plans attracted a lot of attention.

The French School and the Novus Academy of Beijing were popular amongst parents due to their extremely high cost-effectiveness.

The French School: As an established school for the children of foreign nationals, its tuition fees are only half of those of other international schools (about RMB 150,000 per year on average), and it can also admit non-French students. Although French is the main teaching language, after comparing tuition fees, parents say, “English can be supplemented by spending money on extracurricular classes, and learning French is an advantage!”
Novus Academy of Beijing: The tuition fee for the primary school stage is less than RMB 100,000, which parents call an “affordable price for personalized small-class education”. After the expo ended, some parents still sat in front of the booth to conduct in-depth consultations with the school’s team.

Cost-effective choices: Tsinghua International School (THIS)  and Agilearning also attracted a large number of parents due to their moderate tuition fees and high-quality education.

Special Needs Education
Another trend spanning both local and international families is the need to find schools that can cater to the diverse strengths and needs of their children. One size does not fit all. Although some established international schools such as Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) and International School of Beijing (ISB) have special education resources, resources in private schools are still lacking.

A couple from South America came to the expo with four children. The youngest child has autism. They hoped to find a school that teaches in English and can also accommodate children with special needs. Eventually, with the help of the expo, they found AISB-Hope International – a small- scale international school well that’s known for its professional support for children with special needs.

With this year’s JISE behind us and the international education landscape changing, and both families and schools need to find their own positions in this transformation.

What’s your opinion? What kind of educational path would you choose for your children? Feel free to leave a message and share your views!

Images: Uni You

Not only is tomorrow’s Jingkids International School Expo a great place for you to learn about dozens of educational choices for your child, it’s a great place to pick up some freebies.

First and foremost: the first 200 arrivals to the Jingkids booth will get their pick of RMB 100 vouchers to some of The Jing’s nicest eateries: Home Plate, Turkish Feast, QMex, The Local, Pizza Hut, Georgia’s Feast, GungHo!, COMMUNE and Big Joe’s to name a few. After visiting the fair and learning a thing or two about international schools in Beijing, take your voucher with your family in tow and enjoy a discounted meal. First come, first served!

Additionally, you’ll find some additional surprises for adults and children alike sprinkled in amongst the school booths:

Mind Gym Lab is a revolutionary workout that works the body and mind simultaneously, which helps sharpen focus, decision-making, reflexes, and problem-solving skills. Their training programs are tailored for athletes, students, rehab needs, and brain health enthusiasts. They’ll be offering visitors an RMB 800 voucher for their Cognitive Neuro-Response Assessment.

Secondly, the first 100 kids to visit Ms Jennifer Design Space booth at JISE can receive a RMB 600 Voucher to join her Harvard Design Thinking Classes! Tailored for students aged 6-18, this voucher grants access to a dynamic learning experience where young minds explore a new creative topic each week, from fashion and product design to graphic arts. Designed by Jennifer, an award-winning RISD graduate and former Education Director of Creative Arts at Dulwich International, these courses foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

There will also be surprises for kids from Purple Bamboo Chinese School and free Spanish language classes for adults from SpeakWhale Education!

All in all, a trip to JISE will pay off not only in terms of helping you decide the next step for your child but with valuable freebies as well!

See you at China World Summit Wing this Saturday, Feb 22 from 9am to 5pm.

Images: Courtesy of vendors, Jingkids

I recently had a conversation with a friend whose daughter, now in seventh grade, wanted to travel to her friend’s home country for two weeks. My friend wasn’t comfortable allowing her daughter to travel unaccompanied but felt hesitant to say no, fearing her daughter wouldn’t understand. She asked for my advice.

I responded with two simple questions: Do you know the other child’s parents? What are their family customs and values?

To my surprise, she couldn’t answer. This exchange made me reflect on how many parents enroll their children in schools without fully understanding the school’s culture and values.

While academics are often the priority, the environment in which children learn plays a crucial role in shaping their character, confidence, and social skills. A school’s approach to collaboration, discipline, inclusivity, and even conflict resolution reflects its deeper values.

When choosing a school, I encourage parents to look beyond rankings and curriculum. Observe how teachers interact with students, how diversity is celebrated, and whether the school’s philosophy aligns with your family’s core beliefs. Small moments—like a conversation between students in the hallway—can reveal more about a school’s culture than any brochure ever could.

In “Choosing the Best International School for Your Child,” I emphasize how vital it is for parents to assess school culture firsthand. After all, a school’s values will influence your child’s development just as much as the lessons taught in the classroom.

Curious to dive deeper into this topic? Discover more insights in my book, which is available now.

Scan the QR code below to purchase a copy of the book.

Be sure to mark your calendars to attend this year’s Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) on Feb 22 at China World Summit Wing where you’ll get to meet Beijing’s top international schools and help your child find the school that suits their needs.

With over ten years of experience in education, Malcolm Solomon, M. Ed. has worked in diverse settings, from classrooms in America to China. These experiences have allowed Solomon to adapt and integrate the best practices from both environments, continuously improving his skills as an educator. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to fostering strong, positive relationships with students while delivering impactful instruction. His varied roles in the field of education equip him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to contribute meaningfully to any program.

Images: Malcolm Solomon, Pexels

Mark your calendars for Feb 22, as the annual Jingkids International School Expo is set to take place at China World Summit Wing, bringing together some of the most prestigious international schools in Beijing under one roof.

This expo is not just an ordinary event; it’s a golden opportunity for you to explore the unique features and offerings of various international schools. Each participating school will showcase what makes them stand out from the rest. Whether it’s their innovative teaching methods, state-of-the-art facilities, diverse extracurricular activities, or a globally-recognized curriculum, you’ll get an in-depth look at what your child could potentially be a part of.

One of the major advantages of attending this expo is the chance to have all your education-related questions answered.

Have you been wondering about the admission requirements, tuition fees, or the school’s approach to individualized learning? The experts and representatives from these international schools will be on-site, ready to have one-on-one conversations with you. They will provide detailed and accurate information, helping you make an informed decision about your child’s education.

Moreover, the Jingkids International School Expo goes beyond just school information. It offers a platform for you to work with education professionals to map out a long-term career path for your child. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of the global job market and the skills required to succeed in different fields. By understanding your child’s interests, talents, and academic strengths, they can offer valuable advice on the educational choices that will best prepare your child for future career opportunities.

In today’s highly competitive and globalized world, choosing the right school for your child is crucial. It can shape their academic journey, personal growth, and future success. The Jingkids International School Expo on Feb 22 is the perfect starting point for this important decision-making process. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with top international schools, gain valuable insights, and set your child on the path to a bright future.

Come along with an open mind and a list of questions. Let the Jingkids International School Expo be the first step in creating an educational plan that will help your child thrive in the international arena.

Images: jingkids

Are you a parent on a quest to find the best educational path for your child? Look no further than the upcoming Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) taking place on Feb 22 at China World Summit Wing. This is an unmissable opportunity for parents to gain insights and make well-informed decisions about their children’s educational futures.

At JISE, you will get to meet the teams behind Beijing’s top international schools. These are the professionals who shape the educational experiences of thousands of students, bringing in innovative teaching methods, international curricula, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities. In one afternoon, you can ask all the burning questions you have and get them answered. From the admission requirements of each school to the unique features of each curriculum, international school employees will be there to provide detailed and accurate answers.

One of the biggest advantages of attending this event is the chance to compare different schools side-by-side. You can learn about the differences in teaching philosophies, the student-teacher ratios, and the facilities available at each institution. This comprehensive view will enable you to figure out which school aligns best with your child’s interests, talents, and learning style. Whether your child is a budding artist, a math whiz, or a sports enthusiast, there will be a school that can nurture their potential.

Don’t miss out on this golden opportunity to set your child on the path to a bright future. Mark your calendars for the Jingkids International School Expo and take the first step towards finding the ideal educational environment for your little one.

See you there!

Images: jingkids

Registration for the upcoming #FOEN25 conference is now open. This year’s event will take place from March 13-15 at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB).

Preconferences are schedule to take place on March 13 from 9am-2.30pm and the main festival taking place starting March 13 at 3pm until March 15 at 6pm.

#FOEN25 is a festival-style conference launched by WAB that’s aimed at sharing and discussing innovative learning that’s happening in schools now and inspiring us to keep thinking about what’s next. From dynamic pre-conferences to hands-on workshops and bold FOENspirations, #FOEN25 dives into the challenges and opportunities shaping education today.

Each session centers on the festival’s streams – The Sustainable Futures Collective, The Breakthrough Arena, The Future Pathways Incubator, and The Flourishing Hub. Whether it’s redefining education in the age of AI, crafting socially just futures, or preparing students for careers that don’t yet exist, these conversations dive deep into the heart of what matters most.

Speakers

Tickets for this year’s #FOEN25 can be purchased here.

Images: Western Academy of Beijing

As parents, we share a common goal: providing our children with the best possible start in life. A crucial step in achieving this is selecting the right school tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. It’s easy to fall into the assumption that all international schools are alike. The reality is far more nuanced, with each institution offering distinctive curricula and strengths that significantly impact a child’s education and future career paths.

Each year, the annual Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) stands out as a beacon for parents seeking comprehensive insights into their child’s educational journey. JISE isn’t just a gathering of major international schools in one convenient location; it’s a transformative experience that elevates the school selection process.

This year’s topic is focused on an issue that we’re all dealing with for the first time: AI. As AI reaches more areas in our daily lives, we often find ourselves asking, “What are the things that cannot be replaced by AI in the future?”

As the traditional style of memorization and repetition becomes obsolete in the AI age, we’re challenging schools to share their plan for how to help students learn, think, ask questions, create, and navigate their lives in this new age.

Join us for this year’s JISE on Sat, Feb 22, from 9am to 5pm at China World Summit Wing. This is the must-attend event both for parents who are choosing a new school for their child and for those who are invested in where the new age of education will take their children.

Images: jingkids

Over the past few decades, China has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the field of international education. With globalization and an increasing appetite for a more globalized curriculum, international schools have become a significant part of the educational landscape. Expat educators have come from various countries and shared their knowledge with the kids in Beijing before moving on to the next destination.

But there’s a man who’s been here since the beginning. Michael Crook is one of the founders of Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) and he has been at the forefront of this evolution his whole life. Now in his 70s, the Brit, born and raised in Beijing, shares stories of his childhood in Haidian District in his fluent Beijing-accented Chinese. Now retired, he shares with jingkids in this exclusive interview his insights and experiences on how international education has changed, adapted, and thrived during his lifetime, shedding light on the journey that has shaped the educational opportunities of so many.

When Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) was founded, what was the overall educational environment in Beijing like compared to now?
When WAB was founded in the early 1990s, the educational environment for expatriate children in Beijing was quite limited. There were embassy schools primarily for diplomatic children, but they weren’t authorized to take non-diplomatic families. Some Chinese state schools made minimal accommodations for foreign students, like pull-out support programs, but these weren’t ideal solutions. The lack of appropriate schooling for expatriate children was becoming a serious problem for companies trying to bring staff to Beijing.

Compared to 30 years ago, there’s been a tremendous change that has been advantageous to the expat community. Now, there are many more schools for foreign nationals to choose from, including improved international sections in Chinese public schools and private schools offering various curricula (American, British, IB).

The expat population has actually dropped in the last decade, meaning more schools and fewer children, which translates to more choices for expat families. Overall, the situation is very welcoming for expats moving to Beijing due to the abundance of educational options.
How have the cultural and social aspects of Beijing changed since the school first opened, and how have these changes impacted the international school community?
The growth of China’s economy has led to the emergence of a middle class that is more familiar with Western values and culture. Many of these people have studied and worked overseas and [are]often looking for more choices as well as alternatives to the highly competitive gaokao for their children’s education.

This cultural shift has significantly impacted the international school community. Many returning Chinese families now seek to enroll their children in international schools, and as a result, the student demographics in international schools have changed dramatically.

When WAB started in 1994, students were predominantly from North America and Europe, but now there’s a much larger proportion of students with Asian, particularly Chinese, roots.

This has brought both benefits, such as increased use of Chinese language among students and active parent involvement, and challenges in maintaining the school’s commitment to diversity.
In your opinion, how have the economic and cultural developments in Beijing influenced the international education sector from the time you founded the school until today?
The economic and cultural developments in Beijing have significantly influenced the international education sector. The growth of the middle class has created a strong demand for international education and has influenced how schools like WAB approach diversity, moving beyond simple nationality metrics to consider factors like home language and other aspects of diversity.

There is also a complex dynamic at play, as families balance the desire for international education while also maintaining their children’s connection to Chinese culture and heritage. This has led to ongoing discussions about how to balance international perspectives with local cultural values in these schools.
What were the core values and educational goals of WAB when it was founded, and how have they evolved over the years?
Well, at WAB, we’ve always believed in educating the whole child, partnering with parents, and championing our staff. These core values have remained constant since our founding.

Over the years, we’ve added to our mission, aiming to connect, inspire, challenge, and make a difference. These values and mission have really stood the test of time. They’re just as relevant today as they were when we started, and they continue to guide every decision we make as a school.

I think it’s important to note that while our core values haven’t changed, we’ve always been open to evolving our approach. For instance, we’ve embraced inquiry-based learning and student agency, which align well with our foundational philosophy. These concepts, which draw from educational theories like Montessori and John Dewey, have become integral to how we operate at WAB.

In terms of diversity, background, and their educational needs, how has the student body changed since the school’s inception?
When we first started, our student body was primarily from embassies and multinational companies in Beijing. We’ve always prided ourselves on the diversity of our community, and that’s something that has continued to this day. We welcome students from all around the globe, speaking a wide range of languages. We’ve always aimed to meet the needs of all learners, recognizing that everyone learns differently.

In recent years, there’s been a greater global focus on social-emotional learning and well-being. We’ve responded to this by initiating a school-wide mentoring program in 2019 and continually improving our integrated Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum from Early Years to Grade 12.

Has the quality of education changed from the early days of the school?
WAB has consistently maintained a high standard of education since we founded it in 1994. What’s changed is our understanding of what constitutes good learning.

We’ve always been at the forefront of educational innovation, guided by the latest educational and scientific research on how the brain works and learns. We’ve come to understand that great learning is long-term and goes beyond just acquiring knowledge. It’s also about gaining skills.

We know that students learn better when they feel safe and well, and when they feel ownership over their learning. This approach is quite different from traditional methods where students might memorize information just to pass a test and then forget it.

Our philosophy has always emphasized inquiry-based learning and student agency. We let our children ask questions and try to find solutions because they need to learn how to learn. This approach has been central to WAB from the beginning and continues to guide our educational practices today. Over the years, what are the major shifts you’ve witnessed in international education in Beijing, and how has WAB adapted to them?
One of the big shifts we’ve witnessed is related to technology. When vast amounts of information is at your fingertips, it changes what you need to know.

Over time, the focus of learning has shifted from just acquiring knowledge to developing skills – interpersonal skills, collaboration skills, evaluation skills, and analytical skills. We’re now asking, how do you know what is true and what is not? Literacy has taken on a more critical aspect, especially with the advent of AI.

At WAB, we’ve been at the forefront of learning about and using new technologies, working with students on how to use them ethically and safely. We’ve also focused on ensuring our students are well-equipped with the skills and competencies to be successful in the future. We endeavor to stay up to date with the latest information from organizations like the OECD on what skills and attributes will be needed in the future, and we speak to business leaders about what they’re looking for in new employees.

Another significant shift is in how student learning is assessed. Assessment is no longer about ranking children, but rather about checking learning and identifying areas for growth. Even up to university entrance, there’s a strong movement towards a broader method to review student achievement and abilities. We’re moving away from defining students as a number and looking at how the breadth and depth of student achievement can be shared.

WAB is a member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, working on a different way of sharing student successes. A mastery transcript is now accepted by close to 600 universities and colleges, including the Ivy League. This shows how we’re adapting to these changes in international education.

What is your learning philosophy and its connection to WAB?
My learning philosophy is deeply rooted in my family’s educational background. You see, education has been a part of my family for generations.

My great-grandmother taught French in Chengdu, and my grandmother started a Montessori school there in 1915, which was quite progressive for the time. I believe that learning is a natural process for children, and it doesn’t always require direct teaching.

The role of a teacher, in my view, should be that of a facilitator for learning. This aligns closely with the Montessori philosophy. I think it’s crucial to let children explore and learn through play, but with some supervision and guidance.

For instance, give children wooden blocks and let them discover concepts like balance, symmetry, and even basic physics on their own. This philosophy is deeply connected to WAB’s approach.

I also draw from John Dewey’s learning philosophy, where learning communities encompass all members of the community. This also ties in with my family, and my grandmother helped found, and served a principal of, the Chengdu Dewey School in the 1920s.

We emphasize inquiry-based learning and student agency. We encourage our students to ask questions and find solutions independently. It’s not just about absorbing information; it’s about learning how to learn.

At WAB, we’ve incorporated these ideas into our core values. We focus on educating the whole child, not just academically but also socially and emotionally. We believe in student participation in school management and even in conflict resolution.

For example, we train our fifth graders in mediation skills. So, you see, our learning philosophy at WAB is about creating active participants in the learning process, not just passive recipients of information. It’s about preparing our students for the real world by giving them the skills to think critically, solve problems, and work collaboratively. And I believe this approach is more relevant now than ever in our rapidly changing world.

Images: Western Academy of Beijing