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.

Prestige Education Centre (PEC) is a newly-opened school at the heart of the villa community in Beijing. Its curriculum is based on the Independent English School system and teaches children to be independent, creative, and confident learners in small, personalized classes.

Currently, PEC’s headmaster and the majority of its teachers are from the UK, and the rest are from North America. The school’s mix of children from local schools and international schools gives students a culturally rich experience that comes together in a 100 percent English environment.

PEC offers the highest standards as it caters to students who would like to go on to study abroad or an international school, and those who would like to enrich their learning in general. PEC’s weekend classes run for one day or two days, in half-day or whole-day sessions. A well-rounded UK education is provided, which includes math, phonics, English, geography, science, history, music, art, drama, and design, as well as specific topic-based activities for younger learners. By making weekend study fun, PEC aims to help individuals realize their personal and academic potential.

Founding date: 2012

School type: Weekend school with UK Curriculum; Kindergarten to Grade 8
Is the school registered with the Ministry of Education?  Yes

Accreditations: None

Tuition fees (2014-2015 Academic Year):

• Application fee: RMB 100
• Yearly tuition: RMB 17,500 – 61,000
• Lunch fee: RMB 1,440

Food offered: Healthy Chinese and western options offered using local and organic produce when available

Types of scholarships offered: None

Age range: 4-13

Number of students: Capacity of 100

Nationality of students: Chinese, American, British, Japanese, Malaysian

Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes

Local Chinese students accepted? Yes

Primary teaching language: English

Languages taught: French available on request

Class size: Between 3 and 8

Teacher/student ratio: Average 1:4; maximum 1:8

School hours: Saturday and/or Sunday 9.30am-4.20pm (half days also available). PEC also offers a range of tailor-made after school classes from Monday to Friday.

After school activities offered: Phonics, grammar and tailor-made after-school classes.

School facilities: Large sunny classrooms, library (free book lending for students), computers, a cafeteria, and an art and media room.

Total area of campus: 500sqm

School nurse: No

Contact: Area D, Art Base 1, Hegezhuang, Chaoyang District (6432 2797,  information@pedcentre.com) www.pedcentre.com 朝阳区何各庄壹号地国际艺术园D区

Word from a parent:
“I thank PEC and its teachers very much for making my daughter feel welcome, both inside and out of the classroom. Cindy loves to attend class, as she really enjoys the teacher’s education method and sense of humor, not to mention the delicious lunches! The children have not only obtained more knowledge, but also a new concept of learning. We feel that the staff – particularly the teachers – are committed to ensuring the progress and well-being of the students. The students are allowed and encouraged to feel the power of learning and continuously feel inspired. As a result, they are eager to learn.”
– Weijie Hong (China) mother of Cindy (9)

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 Prestige Education Centre