“There is no way to talk about the Race problem and tell the truth, and make logical suggestions based on the truth, without White People being offended, and without Non-White people being embarrassed.” – Neely Fuller Jr.

I wasn’t sure how to begin this piece on racism in international education, bilingual schools, English training centers, and the likes here in China. But when asked to share my thoughts, I began reflecting on what I’ve witnessed over the past several years.

Let me first define racism so that my audience clearly understands the context and weight of the observations I’m about to share. I’m using Neely Fuller Jr.’s definition, which encapsulates a systemic, global form of racism. He defines racism as:

“One or more white people using deceit, direct violence, or the threat of violence to promote falsehood, non-justice, and/or incorrectness against non-white people on the basis of color, in order to satisfy white people, in every area of people activity – including economics, education, entertainment, labor, law, politics, religion, sex and war.”

This form of racism knows no borders. Its influence travels through people, media, and information, shaping how individuals see themselves and others. It conditions behavior, spreads confusion, and controls perception, and China is no exception.

So, based on that definition, I do not believe the Chinese are racist in the same way. However, what I have observed is that some have adopted the qualities and behaviors modeled by those who historically used racism as a tool of power and control. These learned behaviors – favoring whiteness, excluding others based on skin tone, or internalizing racial hierarchies – cause harm to the greater human community, even if they are not rooted in the same structure of global dominance.

I was shocked the first time I saw job postings that openly stated “White female preferred” or “Only applicants from the U.S., Canada, or U.K. – white applicants only.” These weren’t isolated cases. They circulate frequently in WeChat job groups and read like echoes from 1960s America.

Why do we see these job postings?

Many Chinese parents, often unknowingly, have internalized the idea that “white is right.” That whiteness equals excellence, refinement, and in the case of English education, authenticity. Schools, in turn, feel the pressure to market themselves with this illusion. They staff white foreigners to meet parent expectations, filling brochures, websites, and social media posts with light-colored faces.

But what gets lost in this process? Qualified non-white candidates.

I know of a highly qualified Black educator with years of experience, teaching and leadership certifications, and a record of success in international schools. When a leadership role opened at his school, he wasn’t even granted an interview. Instead, the job was given to a white female with less experience, no leadership background, and no completed certifications at the time.

This wasn’t an exception – it’s part of a pattern.

Now, I’m not saying that all light-skinned educators are unqualified. The point I’m making is that often, qualified Black educators are passed up based on skin color. How often do we see Black professionals in leadership roles in international schools in China? Rarely. So we must ask: Are leadership roles factoring in skin color rather than relying solely on competence? If so, then parents are being sold an image.

This isn’t just about hiring preferences. It’s about systemic exclusion and a lack of representation. When leadership remains overwhelmingly white or Chinese, it reinforces a limited set of perspectives. In some cases, decisions may be shaped less by qualifications and more by racial comfort zones.

If you’ve read my previous work, you know I don’t just talk problems – I propose solutions. Racism, like all social issues, requires collective action from school leaders, teachers, parents, and the community.

Here are a few steps we can take:

1. Host Cultural Awareness and Anti-Bias Workshops
   Help staff, school leaders, and parents understand how racial bias – both conscious and unconscious – shows up in hiring, evaluation, and daily interactions. Challenge the myth that English ability is tied to skin color.
2. Audit Hiring Practices for Equity
   Schools should regularly review their recruitment and promotion processes. Are hiring decisions made based on credentials and performance – or on optics and assumptions? Diverse hiring panels and anonymized CV reviews can help reduce bias.
3. Promote Diverse Role Models in Marketing and Public Events
   Representation matters. Schools must ensure that qualified staff of all racial backgrounds are visible in promotional materials, on stage at events, and in leadership positions. This normalizes diversity and helps shift parent perceptions.
4. Empower BIPOC Educators With Clear Growth Pathways
   Establish mentorship programs, leadership training, and internal pipelines that help talented non-white educators move into leadership roles. Sponsorship, not just mentorship, is key.
5. Create Space for Uncomfortable but Necessary Conversations
   School leaders should facilitate open dialogue on race, equity, and inclusion. These conversations won’t always be easy – but they are essential to building a truly inclusive school culture.

Racism in education will not dissolve through silence or neutrality. It will take courage to name it, address it and actively dismantle its influence.

If schools truly believe in global citizenship, diversity and inclusion, they must first look inward and confront the racial inequities within their own walls.

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

Images: Malcolm Solomon, Freepik

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

Parents may research, visit school campuses, and write extensive pro/con lists, but ultimately the education a school provides is for our children, and they have to be on board with the choice. When it comes to older kids, we as parents may even choose to take a step back and let them come to us with their decision, pending our approval of course. (After all, we do pay the school tuition fees.) The following teenage students tell us the reasons, in their own words, why they chose to attend the school they do. 

Oscar Tsui, 

Tsinghua International School, Grade 11

Granted, it’s not the largest campus or the loudest name, but it wins me over in the East-or-West game. Situated in the campus of Tsinghua High School west of Beijing, it literally is closer to home: Rooted in Chinese culture of the East whilst bridging that of the West, it is – figuratively, too – closer to home. More than that, there are loving teachers and lovely friends, all in a tightly integrated community that, by the way, incorporates the AP curriculum – not that I considered any of these when I enrolled in 5th grade … but what more can I ask for? 

XueFei Liu, 

Beijing City International School (BCIS), Grade 12 

I chose BCIS because of its countless opportunities. While providing academic rigor, BCIS also allows me to explore my passions outside of academics. I’ve founded various clubs (such as a cappella and candle making) thanks to the support and resources BCIS provides. 

BCIS’s mission is unique, allowing me to empower others and inspire others for the sustainable development of the world. It’s meaningful to become a part of a community that serves the world, and I’m glad I did.

Alice Cantarutti, 

No. 55 International School, Grade 9

I chose 55 because it is downtown and super convenient. Most of my elementary school classmates also went to 55 so it was nice to start middle school with some familiarity. There are many subjects, which allow you to find what you really enjoy learning – in my case I love humanities. 55 also focuses a lot on CTC (Chinese traditional culture): We learn calligraphy, Chinese diabolo, drums, etc. The teachers are very nice and make classes very enjoyable. The classes are taught in English with IB system so it works out perfectly.

Jacob Kennedy, 

AISB-Hope International, Grade 9

I did not personally decide to enroll at AISB-Hope International; however, I am thankful that my parents enrolled me in 2014. They decided on AISB because of the strong focus on character, standing out from other schools in Beijing. It has been nearly nine years at AISB, and I prefer it to any other school. I admire the teachers for striving to create a secure environment for each individual. I have ten classmates, which I believe is beneficial. First, we all know each other and have close relationships with each other. Furthermore, there are no tryouts for sports; teams are often small and have the bare minimum of substitutes. Also, many of my friends have come and gone throughout my years at ASIB-Hope, but those I keep in contact with agree that AISB is, above all, the best school. 

Jasper Roscher, 

German Embassy School of Beijing, Grade 12 

When we – my family and I – left Bavaria for Beijing in summer of 2021, we had to decide which school my three siblings and I would attend. For me, it was important to attend a school where I could receive the German Abitur, the diploma you get after completing the German school system, to easily get access to universities in Germany, where I plan on studying after leaving school (mainly because universities are comparatively inexpensive in Germany; for German citizens, attending one even is almost completely free). So, I have been attending the German Embassy School of Beijing for almost eighteen months now. 

Emma Sortais, 

Lycée Français International de Pékin (LFIP), Grade 11 

I’ve attended the French International School of Beijing since I arrived in China when I was just 3 years old. We chose this school for many reasons. The first one would be to keep my French roots and grow in a French community. As I left France at a very young age, it was really important for my parents to transmit to me the French culture and language – a culture that I couldn’t have discovered elsewhere.

I stayed in this school because it follows the French program, which allows me to later study or work in France. It also offered great opportunities like learning various languages like English, Chinese, Spanish, or German. We really enjoyed the possibility of choosing the British International section, allowing me [to have]a double diploma, a real advantage for my future. I also chose to stay because I felt comfortable in my school overall.

Images: Courtesy of students, Pexels

This article appeared in the jingkids 2023 School Choice Guide

When choosing a school, there are various factors to consider. Not only do you want your child to be happy and supported, but the quality of education also comes into play. How will they fare in college? What does their future success look like? These are all valid questions. 

Some of the most common questions I receive as a counselor are “What are the benefits of an international school education? Why should I choose X international school over a local school?” Although choosing a school is a personal family decision, what I’ve found is that overall, parents want their child to be prepared to live, work, and thrive in an increasingly globalized world. 

According to the Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education, for our children to succeed in life, we have to take into consideration more than academics, preparing them for a fast-paced, ever-changing world.

So what does that mean, really? Having worked as a school counselor for 16 years, and five years internationally, I believe it means:

Students will need to know how to think holistically. Adapt to new social changes. Think ahead to what could possibly occur and plan accordingly. Work independently and with others from various backgrounds and cultures and realize the interconnectedness of it all. They will need to know how to manage their stress levels and express themselves confidently. Empathize with others who are different than they are, and stand up for causes they believe in. 

How do we prepare our children to do just that? Choosing an international school may help. Let me explain.

International Schools Are Rich In Diversity: 

From a diverse community of peers to an international alumni network, studying at an international school provides a unique experience. 

A community of peers from all over the world means that not only are different cultural backgrounds and viewpoints represented, but that the kids are exposed to various languages, ways of problem-solving, customs, and traditions. These factors enrich students’ social, emotional, and academic development – encouraging them to take on a more complex worldview, and ultimately making them more equipped to navigate an ever-changing global society. 

Graduating from an international school and attending college in the US has made it easier for me to navigate getting along with different people. I understand and appreciate different views and opinions, and I have grown more confident in what I believe. 

Michelle Chow-Liu, President of International Association for College Admissions Counseling, agrees, noting that students graduating from international schools are “chameleons – and can blend in and out of different groups while also finding familiarity. They are able to see and respect various aspects of others and themselves. Having that exposure opens minds.”

International Schools Adopt an Internationally Recognized Curriculum: 

Academic excellence is at the heart of any great international school. That’s why they offer smaller class sizes and create an environment that attracts and retains highly qualified teachers from all over the world.

With various curricula including International Baccalaureate, British curriculum, Cambridge iGCSE, A levels, and Advanced Placement courses, international schools provide a globally recognized education accepted by universities and employers around the world. It also means your child can move almost seamlessly from one school to another if you move to a different country. 

Yes, test scores are important, but educating the whole child, heart and mind, is even more so. We want them to be good humans, right? International school education supports students holistically – focusing on academics and social/emotional development, oftentimes with the addition of robust mentoring programs. These multiple layers of support lead to “students feeling supported and paid attention to. Part of what makes international schools different is their emphasis on educating the whole child,” says Michelle Chow-Liu.

But what about college acceptance? Is there an advantage when it comes to college admissions?

This is the question most parents want answered. College acceptance is more than test scores and a stellar transcript. International schools provide the rigor, and perhaps more importantly they challenge students to be curious and inspire students to make a difference in the world beyond the classroom. Students think independently and critically and find their own voice – perfect preparation for those college essays!

Colleges look at the well-roundedness of potential students and what characteristics they bring to the school population. Are they risk-takers? Have they shown an interest in the community? What are their leadership qualities? International schools provide multiple opportunities for students to grow into service leaders, wherever their futures may take them.

Whether your school search decision leads to an international school or not, remember to engage your child in the process. Ask them to make a quick list of what is important to them in a teacher. What kind of environment do they work best in? What are their hopes for their new school? What do they believe will help them be successful? What interests do they have, or want to explore? Every child is unique, with different strengths, passions, and ways of learning. Having their answers in mind before you begin your search will help you find the perfect place where your child will flourish – personally, socially, and academically.

Images: Western Academy of Beijing

This article appeared in the jingkids 2023 School Choice Guide

Two primary schools in Xicheng and Fengtai District have suspended in-person classes due to fever outbreaks – but it seems norovirus and H1N1 are to blame, not a new Covid-19 outbreak.

According to several education-related WeChat accounts, at least two schools in Beijing have sent notices to parents that fever outbreaks have occurred, but instead of closing down schools and moving online (as had happened at multiple points during the Covid-19 outbreak), only those classes with multiple ill students have been temporarily shut.

Concurrently, other schools have been warning of outbreaks of norovirus and H1N1, and according to The Global Times, a similar fever outbreak in a Shanghai school has been definitively traced to H1N1.

Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea that often spreads easily in schools. H1N1 is a type of influenza virus that can cause respiratory illness, and also transmits easily in schools.

What’s interesting is that Covid-19 has not been mentioned as a factor in any of the outbreaks, and neither has it been ruled out – as one might have expected there to be during Covid-Zero. This by and large is a sign that Beijing has stepped out of the shadows of the Covid days when entire schools would go online at a moment’s notice when one student tested positive.

It was reported that one Fengtai public primary school had five students from one class that contracted a fever. In addition, three students from a neighboring classroom that shared a bathroom also fell ill. According to the provisions of infectious disease prevention and control, this warranted the temporary suspension of these two classes. The students are asked were self-monitor at home for four days.

With masks now optional at many schools, the one thing parents are likely to need to adjust to is more frequent transmission of viruses that were for the past three years slowed down by near-universal mask-wearing in Beijing’s classrooms.

Images: Pexels

The annual Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) is back in March and we are excited to usher in a new era of connecting families with schools in the most effective manner possible.

Last month, we asked you, our readers, to tell us what you would like to see in a school choice fair and we heard you: it’s more important to you to meet teachers and principals (rather than marketing and admission personnel); you would like to have a wide variety of schools present; and you’d like personalized guidance on how to choose a school. So that’s what we’re focusing on bringing you at this year’s JISE.

We’re also switching our format of having larger formal lectures to friendly small-group sessions where you can have more personal conversations with education experts and schools. These short sessions will be running several times each day, so it doesn’t matter when you come – you’ll be able to hear the info session you want. As for the topics we’ll be discussing? They are the ones you’ve told us you’re most interested in: from how to choose a school for your child; what schools offer in terms of extracurriculars; to the differences between the various national school systems.

On top of this, we’re proud to say that at this year’s JISE, you will have the exclusive opportunity to interact with several special guest schools from Japan and Singapore that do not usually attend events in Beijing.

The annual Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) 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.

To sign up for JISE 2023, scan the QR code in the poster. If you represent a school that would like to join the JISE, please email our sales staff at ireneyan@truerun.com.

Images: True Run Media

Here at jingkids, we spend a lot of time talking about international education for families here in Beijing. Our annual School Choice Guide is at the printers as we speak. Filled with interviews and international school profiles, it’s ready to give you a glimpse into the international education scene here in Beijing.

Back in 2019, based on information collected by the International Schools Database, China ranked first as the country with the most expensive schools anywhere in the world. In a breakdown of the major cities in Asia, Beijing ranked number one, making us the most expensive city for international schools anywhere in the world that year. Beijing and Shanghai led the chart with the most expensive schools in the world, with top tuitions at around RMB 290,000 per year.

The latest information released by the International Schools Database now lists Beijing as the second most expensive city in the world, giving the title of first to New York City in the United States.

Now before you feel that sigh of relief wash over you thinking that the new ranking might save you a pretty fen on next semester’s tuition, it’s worth noting that in 2019 the average tuition price for international schools in Beijing was around USD 34,000, while the latest data now lists Beijing’s average price at USD 36,243.

But that’s not to say that all international schools in Beijing are similar in pricing. Back in 2019, the tuition difference between the cheapest and the most expensive schools was over RMB 230,000. Today, the most affordable international school in Beijing charges around RMB 38,000 per academic year, while the more expensive ones charge RMB 200,000+ per academic year.

To find information on every international school in Beijing, visit the School Profile Index section of our website and look for this year’s School Choice Guide.

Sources: International School Database
Images: International School Database, Pexels

Do you feel like no one hears your voice? Despite that, do you still think and speak passionately? Worst of all, do you need an activity for college applications but secretly dread it?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then welcome to Unit-E. 

Unit-E is a professional, non-profit, student run magazine across all international schools in Beijing. Yes, it is an activity for college applications and character development and CAS – but our true purpose is to amplify the voices of Beijing students. In the spring of 2010, two students from Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) and International School Beijing (ISB) gave birth to Unit E, and grew it to all international schools in Beijing. Students participated as artists, writers, designers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

Students, teachers, and parents agree on their favorite part of Unit E – its community. We build a community of readers and writers that inspire and empower each other through art and writing, learn from each other’s experiences and mistakes, and network, socialize, or gain new perspectives. Every year a team graduates, and every year a team begins a new journey within and without Unit-E.

In 2022, Unit-E have daily articles on WeChat and Instagram accounts as well as paper print issues every two months. Our funding comes from associated schools in Beijing, for whom we advertise in print. We have student representatives in Beijing City International School (BCIS), ISB, DCB, Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), Harrow, Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS), Pakistan Embassy College Beijing (PECB), and more, webbing a diverse social network of multiple languages, cultures, and aesthetic sensibilities.

We have five columns to cover every bit of creativity, fun, love, talent, niche, and argument possible: Creative, Academics, Chillax, Student Opinion, and Happenings.

The Creative column includes art, music, photography, dance, poetry, short stories, diaries, personal essays, memoirs, and journals. We help you gain inspiration from and learn about adolescent artistic expression.

The Academics column is every student’s handbook. How to excel in school? How to study for IB/AP/A-level exams? How to study for SSAT and SAT? How and where to intern, become leaders, and do charity work? How to choose universities, agents, and counselors? We have valedictorians and progressing students to answer you. 

The Chillax column is fashionable, fabulous, and fun. We provide a reliable firsthand guide for students in Beijing on where to have a girl’s night out, a romantic date, a shopping spree, what to wear, how to relax, where to eat… it goes on. 

The Student Opinion column is of course, opinionated, and therefore encourages students to be bold and confident. We argue for ourselves in respectful and beneficial ways about relevant issues within Beijing and the international community. 

The Happenings column reflects the wider context——how we students fit in a world that’s ever-changing. From law to economy to movies to galas to royal families, we have everything——do you want to know the latest gossip? Yes, but first, tea at Unit-E.

We are also absolutely thrilled to announce our current recruitment!

Anyone in Beijing with passion and curiosity can join. Based on your interest, you can be an editor, designer, marketing representative, writer, artist, or musician!

Submit your applications to Editor In Chief 2015053040@mybcis.cn, and work to be published through the QR code below——we already have many members, so be quick or give the opportunity to someone else.

 We look forward to hearing from you!

Images: Unit-E

Looking for a school for your kids? Considering a new job in education? Here are our picks for upcoming education-related events for you to check out.

House of Knowledge Open Day

House of Knowledge (HoK) is having a hands-on Open Day on Sat, Sep 24. Children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years are welcome to attend with their families. HoK teachers will lead the family in activities to get to know the school and its philosophy. This is a great opportunity to meet the HoK teachers (foreign lead teacher and Chinese teacher) as well as their academic team.

Meet the Principles at Huijia Private School

Beijing Huijia Private School invites all prospective students and their families to meet the head of school and learn more about their future-oriented education philosophy on Oct 8. Founded in 1993, Beijing Huijia Private (IB) School is a K-12 day-and-boarding school with three authorized IB programmes (PYP, MYP, and DP), providing an innovative, internationally-focused education whilst maintaining Chinese characteristics.

Virtual Open Days at Dulwich College Beijing

This is a great opportunity for prospective students and parents to meet the Head of College, Head of Schools, parents, and students at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB). Find out more about the programs offered at DCB and ask the school all your DCB-related questions during their virtual open day.

For the educators in Beijing, mark your calendars. There are a few international school recruitment fairs coming up.

ISB Teacher Recruitment Fair

International School of Beijing (ISB) is hiring for the 2023-2024 school year. They’re looking for qualifed teachers who want to join a dynamic group of educators. To meet the team, register for their recruitment fair on Sat, Oct 8 by scanning the QR code below.

Dulwich Recruitment Fair

If you consider yourself a pioneer in education and love to share experiences, build knowledge, and develop relationships with like-minded peers then DCB wants to meet you. On Sat, Oct 8 join the DCB team at East Beijing Hotel from 9am-12pm for their recruitment fair.

BIBA Teacher Recruitment Fair

Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) is looking for passionate educators to join their team. Register for their recruitment fair on Sat, Oct 15 to learn more.

They’re currently looking for:
– ECC English Teachers
– ECC Art Teachers
– Elementary Homeroom Teachers
– Elementary Music Teachers
– Individual and Societies Teachers
– English/EAL Teachers
– Drama Teachers
– Music Teachers
– Mathematics Teachers
– Science Teachers
– Design Teachers
– Art Teachers

Click here to see more family-friendly events around town.

Images: Courtesy of organizers