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 on March 1 and 2, 2014.

Jiade combines Chinese culture with an international blend of English classes by its International faculty team. The children work individually or together in small groups with a variety of educational materials in close co-operation with teachers, each following an individualized learning program within the Montessori curriculum. The classrooms are neatly organized engaging children’s curiosity and intellectual creativity in self-directed work. The calm but energetic ambience of the classroom creates a natural environment conducive to encouraging children to learn. Jiade provides the opportunity, facilities, materials and ethos for children to become independent, self-directed, motivated, analytical and confident learners.

Founding date: 2009

School type: Montessori Kindergarten

Is the school registered with the Ministry of Education? Yes

Grades Offered: Nursery, Kindergarten

Tuition fees (2014-2015 Academic Year):
Nursery: RMB 72,000
Kindergarten: RMB 82,000

Lunch fees: RMB 4,175 per semester Chinese and western lunch, 20 days rotating menu.

Transportation Fee: School bus – RMB 4,750 per semester

Age range: 2 – 6 years old.

Number of students: 121

Nationality of students: 75 percent Chinese, 25 percent foreign

Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes

Local Chinese students accepted? Yes

Primary teaching languages: Chinese, English

Languages taught: Chinese, English

Class size: 20-25 students

Teacher/student ratio: 1:4

School hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm

After school activities offered: NO ASA

School facilities: Outdoor playground facilities, a sport field, a library, an art room, a gymnasium, and a dance and music studio

Campus Size: 3,100 sqm

School nurse: Yes

Contact: Bldg 221, Balizhuang Beili, Chaoyang District (85918288, www.jdmontessori.com) 朝阳区八里庄北里221号楼

Word from a Parent:
Jiade have been a great help to us since my son started school there in September at 2 and a half years of age. He has progressed quickly, and developed a knowledge of how to learn and play logically and behave himself properly. He understands things that we did not teach him. We are very thankful that Jiade has offered our son a bright new environment and a marvelous and committed staff. I believe my son will progress step by step in future with Jiade’s help. We will definitely continue to send him there.
Zou Xin (China), mother of Jizhen (2 years 6months)

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

Photo courtesy of Jiade

Beijing Jiade Montessori Bilingual Kindergarten is located in the CBD area of Beijing near Honglingjin Park. The school is under Wisdom International Education Group, who also run the International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) and the International Montessori Teaching Institute (IMTI) in Shunyi.

Jiade is designated as an experimental kindergarten by the Chinese Society of Education, with both parties carrying out project work and research to explore combining the national curriculum and the standard curriculum of the American Montessori Society (AMS). The school accepts both foreign passport holders and local Chinese students, and caters to children from 2 to 6 years of age. Class sizes are from 20 to 25 students, with 25 per cent foreign passport holder enrolment. The curriculum is bilingual, with a native speaking English teacher in every classroom. More than 95 percent of the teachers hold international Montessori teacher certification.

By age 6 children at Jiade will be reading phonetic material, and have begun reading non-phonetic materials. They will also have started cursive writing and be working up to the 1000s in mathematics. 

The campus is spacious and brightly lit with a colorful central double height hall overlooking an outdoor play area. The classrooms are arranged around this central hub. The school follows the Montessori theory of education, with classrooms structured and equipped to engage children in self-directed work. The school aims to develop a strong foundation in language, math and cultural activities while also nurturing the kids’ development into well-adjusted, self-confident people. 

The School Spotlight series shines a light on newer and lesser known schools in Beijing.

Previous articles are available here and here.

Photos courtesy of Beijing Jiade Montessori Bilingual Kindergarten.