Public Schools Guide
There are several well-known public schools in Beijing that accept accept foreigners as part of an international department. Spots are extremely limited at these schools and it is important for parents to begin the inquiry process up to a year in advance. Local schools require that applications be made in person at the school. Please contact the school for their office hours before making a visit.
Sanlitun Kindergarten: 3 Jiqingli, Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6551-0877)
This local kindergarten accepts foreign students although spaces are extremely limited. Enrollment starts in June and once filled up, is closed for the year. Instruction is in Chinese and the school places a strong focus on physical exercise. Special classes for children 2-5 years old, and accompanied by a parent, are offered every week. The standard kindergarten program runs daily for children 2-6 years old. Tuition ranges from 500-1000 RMB/month (children under 3) to 10,000 RMB per month for children 3-6 years old. An additional 450 RMB/month is charged as a childcare fee.
Beijing No. 55 Middle School:12 Xin Zhong Jie, Chaoyang District (6467-1356)
Number 55 Middle School is located in a small hutong near Worker’s Stadium in the Sanlitun area. The school has a separate section for over 300 foreign students in grades 7-12 with class sizes of 10-25. This is a school for families with children who are determined to leave China fluent in Chinese.
High school classes are offered in Chinese (meant for students with no Chinese background) or English. Middle school classes are taught in Chinese only. A half-year of intensive Chinese training is available if needed. The school offers International Baccalaureate subjects in English, Chinese, math, geography, physics, etc. Students who graduate from the full program and pass the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (Chinese Language Level Test) may be admitted to Chinese universities as regular students. Tuition ranges from 28,000- 44,600 RMB per year.
Fang Cao Di Primary School: 1 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang District (6509-4328)
For those wishing to completely immerse their children in a Chinese environment, Fang Cao Di Primary School is a traditional Chinese school with a foreign student section of 200 students. Fang Cao Di follows the National Chinese Standard curriculum varied only by starting English classes in first-grade, as opposed to the usual fourth-grade. Temporary Chinese-as-a-second language classes are available but only meant to eventually transition students to Chinese-only instruction. The school offers computers, art, and music and has playing fields for soccer and basketball. Tuition fee is about 14,000 RMB per year.
