Introduction
Beijing No. 55 High School (北京市第五十五中学) is a public high school in Beijing’s Dongcheng District with a long history of educating international students. The school began accepting foreign students in 1975, and its International Students Section was established in 1989.
In 1994, Beijing No. 55 High School became a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization. Today, its International Students Section offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP) alongside programmes for international students.
Located at No. 12 Xinzhong Street, the school provides a Chinese and English learning environment with language support for students from different backgrounds.
This guide covers the key information families need before applying, including IB programmes, admissions, tuition fees, language support, campus life, extracurricular activities and university pathways, while highlighting information that parents should confirm directly with the school.
Beijing No. 55 High School Overview
Beijing No.55 High School (北京市第五十五中学) is a public high school in Beijing's Dongcheng District with a long history of educating international students. Its International Students Section has developed into a dedicated pathway combining international education with a Chinese public-school environment.
Beijing No. 55 High School at a Glance
| Key Information | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1954 | Established |
| International students | The school began accepting foreign students in 1975. | Confirmed |
| International Students Section | Established in 1989. | Confirmed |
| IB programmes | IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP) | IB listed |
| School type | State, co-educational, day school | Confirmed |
| Location | No. 12 Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing | Confirmed |
School History and International Students Section
Beijing No. 55 High School was founded in 1954. The school began accepting foreign students in 1975, and its International Students Section was established in 1989. This long history gives the school a different position from newer international-school programmes in Beijing.
The International Students Section later developed an International Baccalaureate pathway. Today, the section offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP). The official IB directory lists Beijing No. 55 High School as a state, co-educational day school.
Why Beijing No. 55 Is Known for International Education
Beijing No. 55 is distinctive because it combines an established international-student programme with the environment of a Chinese public high school. Students can follow international academic pathways while remaining connected to Chinese language and culture.
The International Students Section also supports students from different educational and language backgrounds. Its learning environment uses Chinese and English, with additional language support available for students who need it. This combination can be particularly relevant for families looking for an international education experience within Beijing rather than a standalone expatriate school environment.
Beijing No. 55 High School Academic Programs
The International Students Section at Beijing No. 55 High School offers two main international pathways: the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 7–10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12. Alongside the IB pathway, the section also provides a Chinese-medium track and language preparation for students from different educational and language backgrounds.
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
The IB MYP covers Grades 7–10. It provides a broad academic foundation while encouraging students to develop an international outlook, independent thinking and connections across different subject areas.
IB Diploma Programme (DP)
The IB Diploma Programme covers Grades 11–12. It provides the senior-secondary stage of the school's IB pathway and prepares students for further study through a globally recognised academic framework.
Chinese-Medium Programme
The International Students Section also offers a Chinese-medium pathway alongside the IB track. This option can be relevant for international students who want to study through Chinese and follow an education pathway connected to China's domestic higher-education system.
Chinese and English Language Support
Chinese and English are used as teaching languages. Language preparation classes are available for students who need additional support, including students starting with little or no Chinese. Classes are organised according to students' language levels and learning needs.
| Pathway | Grade Level | Learning Focus |
|---|---|---|
| IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) | Grades 7–10 | Broad academic foundation and global perspectives |
| IB Diploma Programme (DP) | Grades 11–12 | Senior-secondary IB education and preparation for higher education |
| Chinese-Medium Programme | International student pathway | Chinese-medium study with a pathway connected to domestic higher education |
| Language Preparation | According to student needs | Additional Chinese and language support for students who need it |
Teaching and Learning Approach
Beijing No. 55 High School describes its International Students Section as combining the IB educational approach with strengths of Chinese education. The curriculum places emphasis on foundational learning and a global perspective while supporting students from different cultural and educational backgrounds.
Teaching is delivered in Chinese and English. The section uses small classes and differentiated teaching, with instruction adapted to students' backgrounds, abilities and language levels. Students who require additional language preparation can receive targeted language support before or alongside their regular studies.
In practical terms: families can choose between an established IB pathway and a Chinese-medium pathway, while students who need additional language preparation can receive support within the International Students Section.
Modern Education in Beijing — Beijing No.55 High School
A Smart Campus in Beijing
Proud Youth Spirit in China
Beijing No. 55 High School Campus Environment and Daily Life
Beijing No. 55 High School offers an urban campus environment in Dongcheng District, combining academic facilities, sports spaces and cultural activities. For international students, daily life also includes opportunities to experience both Beijing's Chinese cultural environment and the school's international community.
No. 12 Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
The school is located in central Beijing, giving students access to an established urban neighbourhood and the city's wider public transport and cultural network.
Campus Facilities
Student Experience
A School Day Beyond the Classroom
Students can take part in sports, arts, languages and Chinese cultural activities alongside their academic studies. Activities reported in current public school information include football, basketball, street dancing, painting, French and Spanish language clubs, calligraphy, diabolo and Beijing Opera.
Practical Information
Transport and Meals
Because the school is centrally located, public transportation is an important option for families. Current public school-profile information lists no school bus service.
Students can choose between Chinese and Western meal options. Current public information states that meal charges are based on actual consumption and are separate from tuition.
Extracurricular and Global Opportunities at Beijing No. 55 High School
Life at Beijing No. 55 High School extends beyond academic lessons. The International Students Section offers sports, creative activities, language clubs and traditional Chinese culture alongside cultural trips, social practice and student-led events. These activities give students opportunities to develop interests while connecting with both Chinese and international communities.
Sports and Physical Activities
Students can take part in sports and physical activities through the school's athletic facilities and extracurricular clubs. Football and basketball are among the activities publicly listed for the International Students Section.
Arts and Creative Activities
Creative activities give students opportunities to express themselves outside the classroom. Publicly listed activities include street dance and painting, with performances and talent shows also forming part of school life.
Chinese Culture and Traditional Arts
Traditional Chinese activities are an important part of the international student experience. Students can explore calligraphy, diabolo and Beijing Opera while gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
International Cultural Activities
The school creates opportunities for cross-cultural exchange through cultural festivals, annual trips, social practice and multicultural events. These activities connect students with Beijing and the wider Chinese community.
Clubs, Community Service and Student Leadership
Students can develop leadership and communication skills through the Student Council, debates, charity activities, performances and other community-focused events. These experiences encourage initiative, teamwork and social responsibility.
Beijing No. 55 High School University Destinations and Graduate Pathways
Beijing No. 55 High School's International Students Section prepares students for higher education in China and overseas. Graduates have progressed to universities in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong, reflecting the international pathways available after the school's programmes.
Reported University Destinations
How the Graduate Pathway Works
Students following the IB pathway can use the International Baccalaureate Diploma as part of their applications to universities in different countries. The Chinese-medium pathway provides another route for students targeting higher education in China. The school also provides university counselling to help students plan their applications and identify suitable higher-education options.
Beijing No. 55 High School Fees 2026–2027
Beijing No. 55 High School's International Students Section offers different tuition levels depending on the programme and grade. The main choices are the IB pathway and Chinese-medium classes. Here is the current annual fee structure reported for the 2026–2027 academic year.
| Programme | Grades | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| IB MYP | Grades 7–10 | RMB 72,500 |
| IB Diploma Programme | Grades 11–12 | RMB 83,800 |
| Chinese-Medium Programme | Grades 7–9 | RMB 63,800 |
| Chinese-Medium Programme | Grades 10–12 | RMB 70,600 |
What Does the First Year Really Cost?
For a new student, the realistic first-year budget is more than tuition alone. Families should also allow for the RMB 2,000 application fee, the refundable book deposit, transport if needed, meals, uniforms, personal expenses and any applicable examination or activity costs. For example, an IB MYP student would start with RMB 72,500 in annual tuition, before these additional expenses.
Fee note: Tuition is published on an annual basis. Additional costs and payment arrangements can change, so families should confirm the final invoice with the International Students Section before enrolment.
Beijing No. 55 High School Admissions
Admission to Beijing No. 55 High School's International Students Section involves document review followed by school assessment. The section serves international students across the IB MYP and IB Diploma pathways, with language support available for students who need it.
Who Can Apply?
The International Students Section is designed for students seeking an international education pathway in Beijing. The programme covers Grades 7–10 through the IB Middle Years Programme and Grades 11–12 through the IB Diploma Programme.
International Student Eligibility
International applicants are considered through the school's International Students Section. Eligibility and grade placement depend on the student's previous education, academic background, language level and the programme being applied for. Families should confirm their child's eligibility directly with the school before submitting an application.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the school's application materials together with previous academic records and identification documents. Published admissions information has listed items such as school transcripts, educational certificates, passport and visa copies, photographs, health documentation and guardian-related documents.
Entrance Assessment and Interview
Applicants normally complete an entrance assessment and interview as part of the school's admission process. Public admissions information describes interviews together with placement or entrance tests, with the subjects depending on the programme and grade level.
Application Timeline
Beijing No. 55 does not provide a single fixed public application calendar covering every international entry point. Families should contact the International Students Section early, confirm available places and obtain the current application and assessment dates for the intended grade.
What Happens After Admission?
Once the school confirms admission, families complete the registration and payment process and receive the information needed for enrolment. International students should also complete the relevant residence, health and guardianship documentation required for studying in China.
Prepare These Documents Early
Requirements can vary by grade and applicant circumstances, so confirm the final checklist with the school before applying.
Because the publicly available sources do not provide one confirmed 2026–2027 deadline for every grade, parents should verify the current intake dates, available places, assessment schedule and document requirements directly with Beijing No. 55 High School's International Students Section.
Student Support, Wellbeing and Language Support
Beijing No. 55 High School's International Students Section supports students from different educational and language backgrounds through bilingual teaching, language preparation, small classes and differentiated instruction. This is particularly important for international students adjusting to an English-and-Chinese learning environment.
| Support Area | What Students Can Expect | Alifa Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Language Support | Language Support The school provides Chinese language preparation for students who need additional support. Published information states that language preparation classes are available for students starting from zero Chinese. Classes are organised according to students' language levels and backgrounds. | Useful for students arriving with little or no Chinese. |
| English Language Support | Bilingual Learning The International Students Section uses Chinese and English as teaching languages. Students who need language enhancement can receive additional support, while differentiated teaching takes account of different abilities and language backgrounds. | English is part of the international learning environment. |
| Academic and Student Support | Academic Support The school uses small-class and differentiated instruction to respond to differences in students' educational backgrounds, abilities and language skills. International students also learn within an IB-focused environment with teachers who have participated in IB training, workshops, evaluation and assessment work. | Support is built into the classroom and programme structure. |
| Learning Support and SEN | Confirm Before Applying Public information confirms language tutoring and differentiated teaching, but it does not describe a dedicated specialist SEN programme or specialist SEN team. Families whose children have dyslexia, ADHD, autism or other specific learning needs should discuss their child's requirements with the school before applying. | Confirm individual accommodations directly with the school. |
Boarding, Accommodation and Guardianship
Beijing No. 55 High School's International Students Section is a day-school programme, so families need to consider accommodation and guardianship separately from school admission. This is particularly important for international students who are moving to Beijing with their families.
Boarding
Beijing No. 55 High School does not provide a boarding programme or school dormitory for students in the International Students Section. Students therefore need suitable accommodation outside the school and normally return home after the school day.
Accommodation in Beijing
The school is located at No. 12 Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing. Families should consider housing within a practical commuting distance of the campus. Because accommodation is separate from school tuition, parents should budget for rent, utilities, food and daily transportation when planning the total cost of studying at Beijing No. 55.
Guardianship for International Students
Families should confirm the school's current guardianship requirements before enrolment, particularly when the student is under 18. The appropriate arrangement can depend on the student's age, family circumstances and immigration status. Parents should also confirm who will be responsible for the student locally if the parents are not living in Beijing.
What Parents Should Plan
Before applying, families should confirm accommodation, transportation, parental residence and any required guardianship documentation. It is also useful to ask the International Students Section about after-school supervision and the practical arrangements for students who live farther from campus.
What Should Parents Consider Before Applying to Beijing No. 55 High School?
Beijing No. 55 High School can be an interesting option for families looking for an established international programme within a Chinese public-school environment. At the same time, the school may not suit every family, so parents should look closely at the programme, language requirements, living arrangements and total cost before applying.
What Families May Like
Established international education: Beijing No. 55 has a long history of international education and offers IB pathways for students seeking an internationally recognised curriculum.
Multiple study pathways: Families can consider the IB MYP, IB Diploma Programme or Chinese-medium options depending on the student's academic goals and language background.
Central Beijing location: The Dongcheng District location places students within an established urban area with access to Beijing's wider transport and cultural environment.
International community: The International Students Section brings together students from different countries while also providing opportunities to engage with Chinese language and culture.
What Parents Should Check Before Applying
- Confirm the correct programme and grade placement for your child's previous education.
- Ask about the student's required Chinese and English language level and any preparation classes.
- Confirm the latest tuition and additional costs, including application, books, transport and other school expenses.
- Check the school's current admission assessment, interview and application schedule before preparing documents.
- Because the programme is a day school, arrange suitable accommodation and understand the relevant guardianship requirements.
- Families with children who need additional learning or SEN support should discuss the child's specific needs with the school before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing No. 55 High School
What is Beijing No. 55 High School known for?
Beijing No. 55 High School is a public high school in Dongcheng District, Beijing, with a long history of international education. It began accepting international students in 1975 and its International Students Section was approved to offer the IB curriculum in 1994, making it the first IB school in mainland China. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
What curriculum does Beijing No. 55 High School offer?
The International Students Section offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 7–10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12. The school also offers Chinese-medium courses for international students. Teaching uses both Chinese and English, with language support available for students who need additional preparation. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
How much is tuition at Beijing No. 55 High School?
For the published annual fees, the IB MYP is RMB 72,500 per year, while the IB Diploma Programme is RMB 83,800 per year. Chinese-medium tuition is listed at RMB 63,800 for junior students and RMB 70,600 for senior students. A RMB 2,000 application fee and RMB 3,000 book deposit are also listed. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Does my child need to know Chinese before joining Beijing No. 55?
Not necessarily. The International Students Section provides language tutoring and preparation classes for students who need additional Chinese support, including students starting with little or no Chinese. Families should still check the language expectations of the specific programme and grade before applying. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Can foreign passport holders apply to Beijing No. 55 High School?
Yes. The school operates an International Students Section for international students. The school has historically served students from a large number of countries and regions. Families should confirm the current eligibility rules, available grade and required documents directly with the school before submitting an application. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Does Beijing No. 55 High School provide boarding?
No. The International Students Section does not operate a boarding programme or school dormitory. Families therefore need to arrange accommodation separately in Beijing and should consider the daily commute to the Dongcheng District campus. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Which universities do Beijing No. 55 graduates attend?
Published school information lists graduate admissions to universities including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Oxford, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, Waseda University, Seoul National University and the University of Hong Kong, as well as Ivy League universities. These destinations represent reported graduate outcomes rather than a guarantee for individual students. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
What extracurricular activities are available at Beijing No. 55?
Students can take part in sports, arts, language and Chinese culture activities. Published information includes football, basketball, dance, painting, French and Spanish clubs, calligraphy, diabolo and Beijing Opera, along with cultural trips, social practice, cultural festivals, charity activities, student council activities and debates. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Does Beijing No. 55 provide SEN or special learning support?
The published information confirms language tutoring and differentiated teaching, but it does not clearly describe a dedicated specialist SEN programme or specialist SEN team. Parents whose children have specific learning needs should discuss the required accommodations with the school before applying. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Where is Beijing No. 55 High School located?
Beijing No. 55 High School is located at No. 12 Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing. Its central Beijing location gives students access to the city's wider public transport and cultural environment. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Alifa Education Services
Considering Beijing No. 55 High School for Your Child?
Beijing No. 55 High School suits families looking for an established international programme in central Beijing. The International Students Section combines IB pathways with a Chinese-medium option, bilingual teaching and language support. Because the programme is a day school, families also need to plan accommodation and daily transport separately.
Before applying, families should confirm the appropriate grade and programme, current tuition, application documents, assessment requirements, language support, accommodation arrangements and guardianship requirements for their child. View the Beijing No. 55 High School profile in the Alifa school database for the latest school information collected by Alifa.
✉ Ask About Beijing No. 55 High School →Disclosure: Alifa Education Services is an independent education placement consultancy. We may earn a referral fee from partner schools when families enrol, at no extra cost to the family. Our recommendations are based on fit, not fee structure.
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