Despite economic challenges and a declining student population, Beijing’s international education landscape is still growing: Two new international schools—BASIS International School Beijing and Tsinghua International School Future City (THISFC) — are set to open this fall and next, giving Beijing parents additional options for their children.

THISFC (Tsinghua International School Future City)

Opening this fall in Changping District, THISFC provides a bilingual program with two tracks: the IB program for students pursuing international education and the Chinese National Curriculum for those preparing for the gaokao.

With ties to Tsinghua University, the school will offer STEM programs and research opportunities. Facilities include sports venues, a swimming pool, a theater, and arts studios.

BASIS International School Beijing

BASIS, which already operates schools in the U.S., Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, is opening a Beijing campus in Shunyi, with a K-12 program known for its academic rigor. The curriculum combines STEM, humanities, and arts, with younger students learning in a bilingual Chinese-English environment and older students taking AP courses.

The school will offer extracurricular activities like robotics, debate, and performing arts. Its faculty includes internationally recruited teachers, many with advanced degrees. Construction is underway, with an expected opening in fall 2026While Beijing’s school-age population is shrinking, these new institutions reflect continued demand for international and bilingual education, giving parents more flexibility in their children’s schooling.

This new international school offers a Chinese-English bilingual immersion program that blends the best of both educational systems. It’s located 160 meters west of the intersection of Seven North South Road and Future Science City in Changping District.

Stay tuned for more infomation. In the meantime, visit our website to get the info you need on all the international schools in Beijing. 

Images: THISFC, BASIS LinkedIn, Instagram

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

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

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

When parents are considering a potential school for their child, open days are invaluable opportunities to gather crucial information. But it can be easy to get swept up in the shiny new classrooms and beautifully worded marketing speech and fall in love with every single school you look at.

Here are some important questions to ask and things to look for.

Questions to Ask:

Academic Programs:
What is the curriculum like?
Are there advanced courses or special programs in areas such as STEM, arts, or languages?

Teaching Methods:
How do teachers engage students?
What kind of instructional strategies are used to meet the diverse learning needs of children?

Class Sizes:
What is the average class size?
What’s the specific teacher-to-student ratio for the class your child is moving into?

Extracurricular Activities:
What clubs, sports, and other activities are offered?
Do they align with your child’s interests?

Teacher Qualifications:
What are the qualifications and experience of the teachers?
Are they trained in the latest educational methods?

Technology Integration:
How is technology used in the classroom?
Is there access to modern educational tools?

Support for Special Needs:
If your child has special needs, what support services are available?
In Beijing, not every school is suitable for kids with special needs. If you want the best recommendations, get in touch with the Special Education Network and Inclusion Association (SENIA). Their upcoming conference on Nov 15 is a great place to get your questions answered.

Parent Involvement:
How much parent involvement is expected by this school?
Are there opportunities for volunteering or attending school events?

Things To Look For:

School Facilities: Inspect the classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities. Are they well-maintained and equipped with the necessary resources?
Atmosphere: Observe the overall atmosphere of the school. Is it welcoming, positive, and conducive to learning? Do students seem happy and engaged?
Student Behavior: Notice how students interact with each other and with teachers. Are they respectful and polite?
Displays and Projects: Look at student work on display. This can give you an idea of the quality of education and the creativity encouraged in the school.
Communication: Assess how well the school communicates with parents. Are there clear channels of communication, such as newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, and online portals?
Diversity: Consider the diversity of the student body and staff. A diverse environment can expose your child to different cultures and perspectives.
Leadership: If possible, meet with the school principal or leadership team. Their vision and leadership style can have a significant impact on the school.
Transportation and Location: Consider the school’s location and transportation options. Is it convenient for your family?

What’s the number one thing you look for when you tour a school? Let us know in the comment section below.

Images: Pexels

It’s that time of the school year. Nervous kids and excited parents gather in theatres and auditoriums all over Beijing to see the results of hours of rehearsals. We applaud wildly for every Little Orphan Annie, Lion King, and third fairy from the left as we watch students exercise their creativity to beloved tunes.

But there is something different about the Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) Middle School show this year. The students wrote it themselves. Instead of a traditional musical, they collaborated to create The Poisoned Apple Awards. It’s an original musical parody that focuses on the centennial gathering of all the evildoers you know from fairy tales, myths, movies, and pop culture as they hand out trophies to honor “The Meanest of Them All.” Imagine the Academy Awards if Hades hosted while Ursula and Regina George battled it out on the red carpet.

And it’s not only the script that’s original. A small group of dedicated students designed and built the costumes made from mostly repurposed materials. To top it all off, a small jazz trio of students will provide live customized arrangements to accompany the actors.

It’s ambitious, to say the least. So, Jingkids sat down with some of these creative young minds to find out what motivated them to tackle this challenge. They told us that while other musicals are great, they carry expectations of previous performances. “If it’s new, if we do it ourselves and no one else has done it, then we get to set the standard,” Rebecca Wei, from Grade 8, told us. Other students liked that they could evolve the script during the rehearsal process. “We can tailor the characters to the person playing them, to the talent we have,” Grade 8 student Joseph Doucette added. This probably explains how the Queen of Hearts ends up playing electric guitar in the final number!

The idea of collaborating to bring out the best in each actor came up a lot in the conversation. Students talked about the importance of having everyone’s voice matter as they wrote and sometimes argued, about the best choices for the show. But ultimately, they agreed that the process pushed them to try new things. Aarav Gupta, from Grade 8, told everyone: “I never thought I would sing in public, but we needed someone to do that line. So, you just do it ’cause it’s what the group needs.” The cast nodded their agreement with him as Lindsay Long, Grade 7, added, “I never thought I would do this kind of dancing,” and Wei gets a laugh from her castmates as she quips, “Yeah, I’ve never been so afraid of chairs!” referring to the Fosse-inspired dance routine the cast performs to their rendition of the “Cell Block Tango,” where different fairytale villains justify their life choices.

And this brings up the next question: Why this topic? Why focus on the bad guys? The room exploded with passionate opinions at this prompt. “It’s about perspective,” said Long. “The so-called ‘hero’ is the villain in our story.” Johnson Qiu, Grade 8, said, “Villains are important and significant in stories.” The kids went on to point out that “the story doesn’t work without us” is the last line they wrote in the show because these characters matter but are so often ignored or simplified. This mirrors conflicts in the real world where one side is labeled “good” and the other “bad,” and that’s not productive for finding common ground.

It’s a profound topic, but the students chose to tackle it through comedy, and their reasons might surprise you. Wei pointed out that villains are often the product of painful pasts and stated that “humor is based on pain.” Juju Zhu, from Grade 6, added that comedy is a great equalizer in the message of empathy, understanding, and perspective they are aiming for. “At first it’s weird [to look at things that way], but then you just laugh, because you can relate to it.”

As I chatted with the students, the thing that struck me most was how confident they were as they spoke about their work and how respectful they were of their fellow collaborators. I asked them what they thought they learned from this process. Stage Manager Crystal Xu, Grade 8, focused on critical skills. “I learned I had to be really organized,” she said. “The crew depends on me. And how to communicate with different people.” Several students talked about the empowering feeling of putting a message into the world. “Be responsible for your words,” stated Apple Feng, Grade 7, with conviction, and when pressed, she revealed she meant both the message you deliver on the stage and the promises you make to your castmates off of it. Dol Dol Zhu, from Grade 8, added to that sentiment. “Your actions matter. Everyone is important – even the chorus – ‘cause if you don’t show up, it affects everyone.”

It’s hard not to be impressed by these young thespians. They are opinionated and passionate, but they also have empathy and offer unwavering support to each other. They might have spent the last several months digging into what makes a character “evil,” but the only thing I see on display in this circle is compassionate leadership and hard work worthy of hero worship.

The curtain goes up on The Poisoned Apple Awards on Jun 22 and 23 as part of BIBA’s Spring Showcase, which will include the High School production of Boys Are from Mars and Girls Are from Venus.

For tickets, please email: Jwolf@bibachina.org

Images: Julie Wolf

The upcoming International School Alumni Beijing Reunion, hosted by Western Academy of Beijing, is excited to invite all former students to the upcoming Alumni Reunion on Jun 8. This special event is the perfect opportunity for alumni to reconnect with old friends, reminisce about the good times, and create new memories.

This reunion is open to alumni from all of Beijing’s international schools and offers a chance for everyone to step back into those carefree school days and catch up on how college and even work life is. Whether it’s been a year or a decade since walking the halls, everyone is warmly welcomed back to reconnect and share their journeys since graduation.

“Beijing is one of the world’s richest hubs when it comes to the number and diversity of international schools. Our alumni have similar experiences locally and they have learned how to think globally. We are happy to unite them – let’s celebrate, network, and move forward together,” shared Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic, Western Academy of Beijing Head of School.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to reconnect and relive the good old days. The association looks forward to seeing everyone there!

Scan the QR code to RSVP for your spot.

Images: Western Academy of Beijing