Families relocating to another country have a lot to consider, especially when it concerns their children. It’s important for parents to find a reputable school for their children that will not only give them the best possible education but help to form them into confident individuals. It’s also a great way to help them integrate and understand the culture that they live in abroad.
International schools are firm favourites amongst expat families living in China for a variety of reasons. They are celebrated for their curriculums, they are a great environment for your child if you want them to have a western education and exposure to your culture alongside other cultures, and they are ideal institutions for setting your children on the right path in life.
With many different international schools available in Beijing, the selection of the right international school for your children can be a difficult task.
Location, location, location
One of the most important considerations should be the location of the school. In Beijing, like most big cities, commuting times can be significant. You should look for schools that are in your area and possible and practical to reach.
Remember as well that international schools are very popular and are in high-demand with expat families, so securing a place for your children may be difficult. Therefore, it’s important to make your decision as soon as possible and be prepared with a list of back-up schools in case your first choice falls through.
In Beijing, most of the international schools are clustered together in areas that house the majority of the city’s expats families. Many international schools are in located in suburban Shunyi. Others are in the Lufthansa and CBD (Central Business District) areas. There are also some international schools further out, so you will certainly have plenty of choice. Some of the international schools in Beijing include:
International School of Beijing – located in Shunyi
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) – also located in Shunyi
Beijing City International School – Shuangjing area
Harrow International School – a British school with three campuses across Beijing
Canadian International School of Beijing – Liangmaqiao/Lufthansa area
Nord Anglia Education Sanlitun Campus – Sanlitun area
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS) – Chaoyang Park area
There are also German, French, Swedish, Japanese, Korean and other country schools in Beijing.
What to look for in a curriculum
International schools are about the celebration of diversity and offer different curricula that will appeal to different families. It helps to know what sort of curriculum you’re looking for when you begin your search.
International schools in China are also well known for their strong focus on languages and their importance in greater society. There is an increasing focus on the importance of the English language in a wider-world context, so it is becoming a mandatory skill for those who want to enter higher education and the job market. Parents should ensure that their international school of choice had a strong English language programme as well as Chinese at the core of its curriculum.
Parents should also consider what extra-curricular activities the international schools offer. In many ways, this is just as important as the curriculum when it comes to a child’s overall experience in education. A comprehensive extra-curricular activities programme offers children the chance to explore their talents beyond academia, whether it’s art, drama or sports. Look for an international school with modern, state of the art facilities at hand, such as a sports gym, music rooms or rehearsal space for drama and dance. Extra-curricular activities are a great way for children to develop and practice their skills whilst giving them more opportunities for social interaction.
How to decide
Ultimately, parents need to be willing to ask questions of the teachers and school staff in order to get a better sense of what these schools are actually like and to make the right decision. If there is an international school in your area or close enough for your children to travel to safely, then one of the best things you can do is arrange a visit. It helps to see the schools with your own eyes and to have the opportunity for a more in-depth discussion about the teaching style, curriculum and support programmes available. We advise you to read up on the institution as thoroughly as possible to see if they can meet your children’s needs before you start arranging visits.
The important thing is that you find a school that suits both you and your children; after all, you want them to be happy above all else.
