Welcome to this special annual edition of Jingkids’ School Choice Guide which is dedicated to exploring the diverse landscape of international schools in Beijing and the pivotal decisions that shape the educational journeys of our children. Choosing the right school for your child is a significant milestone and can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this issue, we delve into in-depth school profiles, offering a closer look at the distinctive philosophies and programs of prominent international schools in the city.

We understand the importance of providing valuable insights to parents navigating this complex decision-making process. Our editorial team has engaged with parents, educators, and students to bring you a series of interviews that offer personal perspectives on the school selection journey. We hear from top international professionals on their tips on how to get the most out of your school visit and hear firsthand from British School of Beijing Sanlitun’s new Director of Marketing and Admissions on why she chose BSB for her kids. From the challenges and triumphs of educational choices to the transformative impact on students, these stories aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing school decisions.

This issue goes beyond school listings; it is a comprehensive guide designed to empower parents with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed choices. Whether you are considering the Montessori approach, exploring bilingual education, or contemplating the International Baccalaureate, our goal is to assist you in finding the educational environment that aligns with your child’s unique needs and aspirations (p 7).

We hope that this edition proves to be a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone involved in shaping the educational landscape of Beijing. 

May it inspire insightful conversations and assist you in making the best choices for your child’s academic journey.

Mina Yan
Editor-in-Chief

Images: Pexels

This article appeared in the jingkids 2024 School Choice Guide

The transition from the whimsical world of kindergarten to the more structured environment of first grade marks a significant milestone in a child’s educational journey. It’s a time filled with new experiences, challenges, and the excitement of growing up. To gain deeper insights into this crucial phase, we sat down with Valiant Wang, a new first grader at Beijing City International School (BCIS), to chat about his experiences and perspectives on the world of primary education. Val graduated from kindergarten at BCIS and moved on to their primary school. Did BCIS prepare him well for his big educational endeavor to come? Let’s find out.

Embarking on this journey together, we explore the intricate details of Val’s daily routine, newfound responsibilities, and the delightful surprises that come with being a first-grader.

Val paints a vivid picture of the first grade daily routine: “We mostly start from our homerooms with Ms. Liz. We kick off the day with Music on Thursdays, and a short investigation helps us understand the schedule for each day. After that, it’s snack time. The afternoons are usually more enjoyable because I get to dive into independent reading and writing. Oh, and Mondays are extra special – it’s swimming day, and I absolutely love it!” The transition from the less structured schedule of kindergarten to the more organized routine of first grade is evident. The introduction of specialized classes, like Music and Swimming, adds a layer of excitement and variety to each day.

Val continues: “In first grade, I have Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop, and Swimming. There are also other cool classes like Maker’s Space with Mr. Alex, but those are my secret fun activities.” The mention of specialized workshops and the mysterious allure of “secret fun activities” underscores the expanding horizons of learning that come with the transition to first grade.

Being a first-grader is a big deal. To Val, he’s no longer a little kid. Jingkids asked him the big question: “Do you feel more grown up now that you’re in first grade?” The response is an emphatic “Definitely! I know all the kids from my grade and many from third and sixth grades. We hang out after school, and they call me ‘Mini Monster’!” This newfound sense of camaraderie and the playful nickname showcase the social growth that comes with advancing to a higher grade level.

When asked if he has homework now, Val responds: “Nope, not from school. Sometimes, I have books to read from school, but I finish them quickly. My mom tutors me in reading and writing every day after school, and I get homework from that class, but it’s fine.” The absence of official school homework, coupled with the acknowledgment of additional work from home, reflects the gradual introduction to increased academic responsibilities.

“I miss the huge indoor playground, the kitchen where we used to bake cakes, and the LIBRARY!” The nostalgia for the indoor playground, the joy of baking in the kitchen, and the love for the library reveal the sentimental longing for the more carefree aspects of kindergarten.

Val had the privilege of starting out his school career at BCIS right from the start, which prepared him well for first grade, and the transition to first grade was remarkably smooth, as the young learner confidently expresses: “I was so ready for first grade since, like, pre-K.” This statement underscores a sense of preparedness that extends back to pre-K days. The seamless shift from one academic level to another shows a well-prepared and self-assured student, poised and enthusiastic to confront the challenges and opportunities that come with a new grade level. Val’s readiness sets a positive tone for his academic journey and shows both the child’s resilience and the effectiveness of the school’s preparation for their students.

Embarking on the adventure of first grade, Val’s contagious enthusiasm adds vibrant strokes to the canvas of transitioning from kindergarten to primary school. Every day unfolds a tapestry of excitement, from engaging swimming lessons to undisclosed moments of fun. These experiences contribute to fostering a genuine passion for learning, molding Val’s educational trajectory. Beyond the academic leap, the move to first grade signifies a crucial juncture in Val’s comprehensive development. The harmonious mix of structured learning, social interactions, and the exploration of new horizons weaves a diverse and enriching fabric of experiences, destined to shape the lasting impressions of Val’s educational voyage.

Images: Shu Qi

Have you saved the date for the annual Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) yet?

It’s happening from Mar 11 to 12 at the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing and it’s the must-attend event for prospective families seeking the best school fit for their children.

Aside from offering you the opportunity to get up close and personal with staff from a wide variety of top international schools as well as the chance to join small-group discussion with education consultants and experts, the JISE is also an event to celebrate the noble people of the education industry.

During the two-day JISE, we will hold the Jing Educators’ Awards Ceremony each day to honor their contributions and hard work for our children. Each recipient will be given a framed award and will also be included in the award winners directory that will be circulated in both English and Chinese to our readers, as well as to attendees at JISE. There will also be a special reception at JISE to celebrate their excellence and to interact with prospective parents.

Each school with a booth at JISE is eligible to name up to three staff members – two teachers and one administrator/support staff – to receive the honor. So we are asking schools with a booth at the JISE to send in their nominations before Mar 1! Contact our sales team at sales@trm.com for more information.

The annual Jingkids International School Expo has been connecting parents to the right schools since 2012, all in one place. The 2023 JISE will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing on March 11-12.

Attendance is free. To sign up for JISE 2023, scan the QR code in the poster.

KEEP READING: Get Up Close & Personal With Schools at JISE

Images: True Run Media 

When the first day of school rolled around and I watched my little girl walk into pre-school for the first time as I waited outside, it took everything not to rush in after her. It wasn’t that I thought she was in danger or anything. It was just so hard to let go of my baby as she starts the next chapter of her life and trust that I have chosen the right school with teachers and staff who will look after my daughter with the loving hearts of golden retrievers and protect her from danger like momma bears. 

When choosing a school, whether it’s for the first time ever or a new school in a new city, it’s easy to fall in love with every shiny, well-equipped campus you see. School tours are designed to show you the best a school has to offer, and marketing materials only highlight what each school is most proud of. Now, it’s not to say that you shouldn’t believe anything you see or read, but it would be wise to do a bit more research before committing your child to a school. Get all the basic facts about each school by checking out the school profiles or by visiting our website www.beijing-kids.com.

How do you find out more about these schools, you ask? By digging a bit deeper and making use of your (as well as our) connections within the city to get yourself the real scoop.

Every year in our school choice guide we stress to parents that when it comes to choosing a school, the decision is different for each kid. Whether it’s the price, distance from home, curriculum, or a really good friend they just can’t leave, nothing is more important than your child truly loving her school and connecting with her teachers and peers. 

In this year’s issue of the annual Jingkids School Choice Guide, we take a look at some real tips from students and parents about attending an international school for the very first time (p. 10) and find out why a few real teens in Beijing chose the school they did (p. 16) because one of your best resources for what a school is really like is talking to its students. 

If you’re a parent with a special needs child, there are multiple resources at your disposal, including SENIA, an organization comprised of doctors, educators, and parents in Beijing that specializes in special needs assistance for children. We also talk to a special education facility about their mission of inclusivity on p. 100.

And finally, when it comes to international schools, the level of involvement for parents will vary depending on where your child attends. If you’ve got a tight schedule outside of your child’s activities or if school involvement just isn’t your thing, it’s best to ask the school how much they actually expect the parents to do. Don’t sugarcoat the question only to be overwhelmed later on. Check out a few of Beijing’s international schools’ biggest PTA accomplishments in the past year to get an idea (p. 20).

Jingkids International was created to help international families in Beijing get the most out of their lives in Beijing.

If you’ve got a specific question you want to ask, email our editors at webeditor@beijing-kids.com.

Best,
Mina Yan
Editor-in-Chief

Images: Dave Hanssen

This article appeared in the jingkids 2023 School Choice Guide

This is my third year working on the annual Jingkids School Choice Guide, but it’s my first year looking at all the information through the eyes of a prospective new parent. Now that I’m also in search of schools for my own daughter, I’ve come face-to-face with a special dilemma – all of these schools sound fantastic and they all offer something unique. There are so many decisions to be made.

I want the best for my child. I want to find a school where the curriculum suits her style of learning, where I agree with the school’s philosophy, where she gets individualized attention but also where her independence is encouraged, somewhere that’s within my budget, and a school where I know I won’t dread PTA meetings with other parents. Am I asking for a lot? Maybe in other cities, but not in Beijing. We’re fortunate enough to be living in a city with such a wide range of international schools that the chances of finding one that’s perfect for your family is not impossible.

Starting from page 28 of this year’s School Choice Guide, we list factual information that will give you a glimpse into what the most popular international schools in Beijing have to offer. You can also check the list throughout the year by scanning the QR code below.

But like we’ve always emphasized, you should not choose a school based on facts alone. Even if public Open Days are not as common as in pre-Covid years, schools like the British School of Beijing, Shunyi still offer private tours. When you make your appointment with any of the city’s international schools, be sure to check out the Open House Guide to ensure that all your questions and concerns are addressed.

International education isn’t just about grades anymore. It’s become more and more focused on each child’s portfolio and what extracurricular activities they’re involved with. Check out what Harrow Beijing’s college advisor, Hamilton Gregg, has to say about the topic and the extracurriculars offered at Beijing’s international schools.

Finally, we conclude this year’s School Choice Guide with photo highlights of activities from a few international schools, giving you insights into student life on campus. We also give some much-deserved recognition to the unsung heroes of our children’s schools – singing the praises of those who make our children’s lives on campus that much better.

Be sure to follow us on WeChat at beijing-kids or scan the QR code for daily family-related content. As always, we’re here as your go-to resource for all things family-related in Beijing and we’d love to hear from you. You can always reach us at editor@beijing-kids.com should you need any help finding the right school for your child.

Every weekend this month is filled with open houses. Take a look at our list to book a spot at the school you’ve been curious about.

Next month we’ll be holding our Jingkids International School Expo on Apr 10 and 11. It’s the perfect place to check out all the schools in one convenient location, and to have one-on-one chats with staff and students.

Before our latest issue makes its way around Beijing available for free at all convenient locations, you can download a digital copy by scanning the QR code below.

Images: Dave Hanssen of Dave’s Studio

This article appeared in the jingkids 2022 School Choice Guide issue

Working on the 2021-2022 School Choice Guide was illuminating, to say the least. We were lucky when choosing a school because my husband went on so many business trips before we moved here that he could squeeze in a few tours, and found a school that really fit our children’s personalities well. Then I came over on our look-see trip, also toured our top choices, and voila! We found an excellent match.

Even so, there were hurdles, and over the years I’ve learned about quite a few subtleties that families should know while choosing their school so there isn’t a rude awakening on the first day.

Bilingual, Immersion, International, or a Beijing Experience? 

Touring a school in person is incredibly helpful, but fewer expats will get that choice with the travel restrictions staying in flux. There are many schools with helpful virtual tours, and here is one specific thing you will need to know before you choose a school: do you want an “international” or more of a “Beijing” experience?

What do I mean by that? They’re typically lumped together as “International schools” so they’re all international, right? Not quite. And let’s be clear here: we are not talking about the student body demographics themselves, but the primary method of learning Mandarin within each school.

A number of the schools’ populations skew heavily towards children and thus languages from one part of the world, and those are usually obvious: German Embassy School of Beijing, French International School of Beijing (LFIP), Swiss School Beijing, etc. But here is the question you need to know as a family before you contact or tour any school: are you more interested in your child(ren) being in a classroom with a majority of students from different countries for the “international experience”, or a classroom with a majority of students from China or who are fluent in Mandarin already?

This is not a judgment on any person’s end. Like most subtleties of school choice, it really is up to a family’s preference, desires for learning outcomes, and wishes for their children. Sometimes a child is more comfortable knowing they aren’t one of the only kids learning Mandarin for the first time, and sometimes that challenges them to learn faster. A Beijing mom told me her experiences with Year 3 and Year 5 students:

“We moved to Beijing at the end of 2017 and started them at one school that was a nice, beautiful school and good staff but my kids had trouble adjusting because they were practically the only expats in their classes…It wasn’t about not wanting to learn Chinese. When we moved here we wanted to put our kids at an international school…. If our kids wanted to learn Chinese they could but they didn’t have to. We just wanted them to feel comfortable in their school environment. [The] same goes for when we return to the US soon….. We left [that school]for a more international community. It was the right move! My kids feel more comfortable in the English-speaking environment and I like the rigorous academics.”

As for the Jenkins boys, when we return to our home country, my kids will automatically have advantages simply because of the color of their skin color, income bracket, and sex. That’s partly why we chose a school here where our white male children are not in the majority and where they have to work a little harder than their peers. However, our kids started at their school when they were three and five years old, so there were fewer social and academic stresses than the family quoted above would encounter with even just slightly older kids. If they were even a touch older, we also may have looked for a different kind of school so the immersion aspect wouldn’t interfere with their learning.

Melita F., a teenager who started in an immersion environment for Year 8 then switched to a larger, western-based high school, offers her perspective: “At the western-based school, you get people from absolutely everywhere so it makes it easier to understand the pop culture and ease your way in. Specifically, as a teenager, I think now is the time where we have to find out what we like and don’t like, who we are, and where we stand. Having enough diversity and differences around you to be able to truly pick your crowd is a great opportunity. I’m positive you could do the same at a Chinese-based school. I did, but it was just more difficult for me because of how small it was… But if you’re ready to submerge yourself into a totally different traditional environment, it’s still a super cool experience.”

So yeah, it’s tricky. And like most of the decisions involved with choosing a school, it’s personal to every family and every child. Sometimes the preference between international or immersion hinges on what age your children are, sometimes the length of time you’ll be an expat, and sometimes where their friends are going. Be sure that all parents, guardians, and children are on board with the primary language spoken at a school, why that’s your preference, and how you’ll prepare your child for their reality. So when looking at the schools profiled on our website, here is some advice:

• Ask what percentage of the day is conducted in one language versus another.
• Listen to the playground chatter when possible and picture your child in that play environment.
• Is there a Chinese class a certain number of times a week or is every class conducted in two languages?
• If in two languages, what do primarily English or Chinese speakers do in class when the material is being translated?
• How much help outside the classroom is needed for students to learn the language?
• How well do Upper Primary students learn the language through immersion?
• Do parents need to know the language in order to help with homework?

KEEP READING: Letting Kids Learn From the Process, Not Product

Images: Canva

I have vivid memories of marking up the School Choice Guide back in 2018, cross-referencing disciplines and school visions against the map of the vast city I was soon to call my own.  We couldn’t have foreseen the trials that our community would overcome last year, or how schools would band together across time zones and inside our various living spaces to make e-learning valuable for students. Our challenges continue. But we are stronger together.

On our campuses, administrations worked more closely with security, operations, custodial, and medical staff than ever before. The different protocols that had to be created and followed so that everyone’s dream of reopening schools could manifest were awesome in the strict definition of the word: “extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration, apprehension, or fear.”

But no fear was needed as schools took valuable lessons from e-learning back into their classrooms, and three of our esteemed speakers from October’s Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) relate their experiences. Moreover, the community had time to reflect on our environment, which encouraged schools to move faster towards sustainability efforts in cafeterias.

But new parents still face old problems: At what age should I enroll my child in preschool? What kind of curriculum will be the best environment for them to thrive in? And how can we support their young journeys in our home environment and parenting?

We also hear from Contributing Teen Writer XueFei Liu, who helps teenagers deal with all the stress thrown at them. Among these stresses is homework, and two educators give parents the most valuable advice on the topic I’ve heard in years.

Most importantly, we celebrate our schools via this year’s School Choice Guide, where we present to you the best that Beijing offers so that you can take your notes and schedule your tours and make the decision that fits your child the best. But school should also be fun and this is what International School of Beijing (ISB) student Loviise Puntso explores so well on our cover, that even though the decisions are difficult, your school should also be a place where you are happy and love to learn.

Last year quite literally brought schools into our homes, but whether across pixels or the sacred space inside a classroom, we face the next year together.

Scan the QR code below to download a copy today.

KEEP READING: Jing Educators Award 2020: Homeroom Teachers, Lead Teachers, and Other Outstanding Educators

Images: Dave Hanssen of Dave’s Studio

This article appeared in the jingkids 2021 January-February issue

Among the many adjustments schools made in 2020 so they could continue to function, some admissions and marketing officers created virtual school tours for parents. In a normal year, you would contact the admissions department and schedule a time to tour the campus. But with so many prospective families outside of the country, and with strict pandemic protocols that don’t allow visitors to enter the campus in place, pivoting to virtual school tours makes good sense.

Of course, with any media that is planned, filmed, and edited, the director only shows you what they want you to see. Don’t be afraid to ask for more information on a classroom or a common area and request more photos or explanations if needed.

Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS):
BIBS Shunyi Campus: https://720yun.com/t/08vkumqe5fe?scene_id=42142240
BIBS Changying Campus: https://720yun.com/t/67vkumqe5fy?scene_id=42142291
BIBS Upper East Side Campus: https://720yun.com/t/f0vkumqe5fw?scene_id=42142360
BIBS Haidian Academy: https://720yun.com/t/69vku7fhr1e?scene_id=41071875

Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA): www.ibwya.net/schooltour/

The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi: www.nordangliaeducation.com/en/our-schools/beijing/shunyi/our-school/virtual-tour

Dulwich College Beijing (DCB): https://beijing.dulwich.org/admissions
In addition, DCB regularly offers virtual open days. Parents can find out dates from DCB’s website and its official WeChat account “DulwichBeijing.”

Harrow Beijing (HBJ) : www.harrowbeijing.cn/admissions/360virtual-tour

HD Beijing School: https://pan.baidu.com/s/1BX0kb8U-yPE5MfdJvwyvlw  Password: bx8q

Western Academy of Beijing (WAB): www.wab.edu/join/admissions/360-video-tours

Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing): www.ycis-bj.com/en/admissions/visit-our-school

KEEP READING: Jing Educators Award 2020: Arts, Drama, and Music Educators

Photos: Canva

Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) 2020 is upon us, and now that you have your checklists and panels all set, it’s time to ask the important questions, like where do you park? Where do you eat? And of utmost importance, where’s the coffee? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know for a successful day.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel (61 East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District)

BY CAR: Type “Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel parking lot” into your navigation app. Parking is RMB 6/hour during the day. If the hotel parking is full, you can consider R&F Plaza Shopping Center basement (RMB 3/30 minutes during the day). You can scan the QR code to pay the fare when you leave.

BY TRAIN: Metro Line 10 to Shuangjing Station, Exit A. Reach the 1st floor through B1 of R&F Plaza Shopping Center, walk to the conference site within 5 minutes. Don’t forget your cup of coffee at the mall on your way!

REMINDER: Visitors need to scan the QR code at the entrance to register their health code. Then take the right-hand escalator up to the 3rd floor of the conference hall.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:

Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel

Talking to all those teachers is sure to make you tired and hungry. The easiest solution is to not leave the building and just visit the nearby lobby. Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel has plenty of five-star dining facilities and services.

The hotel has three upscale restaurants and a cafe offering Western and Chinese buffets, Cantonese food and roast duck, authentic Italian food, and coffee. It’s a bit pricey, but you can’t beat the environment and quality.

Hotel choices include:

BLD Western Restaurant
BLD Restaurant offers live cooking stations and an international menu, using fresh ingredients to make delicious food from around the world.
Floor: Hotel 4/F
Average meal: RMB 197
Phone: 5863 8223

Fratelli Fresh (Italian)
Sicilian chefs cook authentic Italian dishes.
Floor: Hotel 1/F
Average meal: RMB 260
Phone: 5863 8203

The Garden Chinese Restaurant 
Specializing in Cantonese cuisine, celebrity chef Jackie Fong interprets authentic Cantonese cuisine with new dishes, including his acclaimed Peking duck.
Floor: Hotel 4/F
Average meal: RMB 224
Phone: 5863 8241

Fratelli Fresh Gourmet
Coffee, drinks, desserts, bread, and light meals. All-weather relaxation space.
Floor: Hotel 1/F
Average meal: RMB 113
Phone: 5863 8201
R & F Plaza Shopping Center

Don’t want to eat and drink in a hotel? Venture out of the lobby just 200 meters south into the Viva Beijing Mall. There are dozens of restaurants serving everything from coffee and snacks to regional Chinese cuisine to Western fast food, spread across floors B1 to 11/F.



Wagas
Healthy light meals including sandwiches, pasta, salads, cakes, fresh fruit juices, and specialty coffee.
Location: Shopping Center 1/F
Average meal: RMB 86
Phone: 5903 7172



Starbucks
This shop is usually crowded, so please be prepared to eat without a seat.
Location: Shopping Center 1/F
Average meal: RMB 38
Phone: 5903 7389



With Wheat
A wonderful selection of bread, coffee, yogurt, and juice; With Wheat is a good choice for breakfast and a short break between meetings.
Location: Shopping Center 1/F
Average meal: RMB 38
Phone: 5922 0456



Breadtalk
Located in the shopping center and close to the subway station entrance, offering all kinds of fresh bread, coffee, and yogurt.
Location: Shopping Center B1
Average me: RMB 46
Phone: 5903 7051



McDonald’s
If you need something fast, there’s always McDonald’s. Located in the shopping center at the entrance to the subway station.
Location: Shopping Center B1
Average meal: RMB 30
Phone: 5903 7300

Macau Taste
Located near the entrance to the cinema, Macau Taste serves Cantonese and Macau-style dishes in a clean and spacious environment.
Location: Shopping Center 4/F
Average meal: RMB 88
Phone: 5903 7786



Zi Long Hotpot
Authentic Chongqing-style hot pot, with plenty of options for both heat lovers and the spice averse.
Location: Shopping Center 10/F
Average meal: RMB 134
Phone: 5903 7157



Taoshan Xunye Vegetable Village Japanese Hot Pot
Japanese self-service hot pot, with an assortment of wagyu beef, sashimi, Japanese desserts, and altogether tasty meals!
Location: Shopping Center 3/F
Average meal: RMB 185
Tel: 5903 7006



LeleCha
Perfect for an afternoon or early evening break, with delicious desserts and drinks that come highly recommended.
Location: Shopping Center 1/F
Average meal: RMB 37
Phone: 183 1051 7132

JUST FOR FUN



LEGO Store
One of Lego’s authorized stores in Beijing, with small play areas for children to build. They have lots of Halloween themed sets if you want to bring home a festive build!
Location: Shopping Center 1/F
Phone: 5903 7393



UME Studios
Chill at the movies after a long day at JISE. The cinema has 10 theaters with 3D, 4D, and giant IMAX screens.
Location: Shopping Center 5/F
Phone: 5903 7171



blt
This is the nearest supermarket to JISE, offering carryout meals or a quick refresh of snacks if your kiddos come along!
Location: Shopping Center B/1

Pre-register for JISE for free by clicking here; there’s also registration available at the door. You’ll be able to pick up a School Choice Guide when you arrive, but here’s our digital download as well!

This year’s event is sponsored by Pacific Overseas Group (太平洋出国 ) and our special Medical Supporter is Raffles Medical Beijing (北京莱佛士诊所). Our Official Photo Studio Partner is Dave’s Studio (大卫摄影).

KEEP READING: Don’t Lose Your Voice: A Checklist For ECE & Primary Parents Attending JISE

Images courtesy of shops

This article originally appeared on our sister site Jingkids.