Beijing No. 65 Middle School: What Sets It Apart for Students

Introduction

Beijing No. 65 Middle School is one of the oldest schools in the city and it checks every box. It has a rich history and strong academic results. It also has a full program for foreign students.

Choosing a school in Beijing is a big decision. For expat families, it can feel even harder. You want strong academics. You want your child to feel safe. You want them to fit in and feel at home.

The school is located at 115 Beiheyan Street, Donghuamen Subdistrict, Dongcheng District, Beijing. It is close to the Forbidden City and East Chang'an Avenue. Few schools in Beijing offer this kind of setting.

But location is just the start. The school has over 160 years of history. It has a proven track record. It welcomes students from all over the world. It gives every child the tools to grow and succeed.

The campus is close to Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, and Tiananmen Square. Students learn in one of the most historic parts of Beijing. This alone sets the school apart.

This article covers everything you need to know. You will learn about the school's history, programs, campus, and fees. You will also find out how to apply.

Beijing No. 65 Middle School Legacy and History

Beijing No. 65 Middle School has a long history. In 1864, the founders established the school. That makes it over 160 years old. It is one of the oldest schools in Beijing.

The school started in 1864. That puts its founding in the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty. It kept going through the Guangxu period and beyond. It survived over a century of change. In 1955, the high school section split off to become its own school. This made it Beijing's first standalone high school.

By 1961, the school earned district-level key school status. One year later, in 1962, they promoted it to a municipal-level key school. This is one of the highest honours a Beijing school can receive.

Today, the school is located at 115 Beiheyan Street in Dongcheng District. It is north of the Forbidden City. It faces the Imperial City Wall Relics Park. The Red Building of Peking University is nearby. So are Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, and Tiananmen Square. Students learn in one of the most historic parts of the city.

The school's motto is: Clarify Aspirations, Honour Virtue, Pursue Knowledge with Diligence, Embrace Innovation. This motto shapes the school ethos. It guides how teachers teach and how students grow.

In 2024, the school joined the Jingshan Education Group. This partnership gives students access to shared resources and top-quality teaching. The school also works with Peking University and Beijing Normal University to link secondary and higher education.

The school is also a member of the Chinese Society of Education. This reflects its standing in the national education community.

Academic Programs: Tracks, Talents, and Outcomes

Beijing No. 65 Middle School offers strong academic programmes. There is something for every type of learner.

The Three Admission Tracks

There are three main paths:

• The 1+3 Training Programme targets second-year junior high students. It focuses on science, technology, and humanities. It uses project-based learning. Each year, the school accepts thirty students
• Special Talent Recruitment is open to students with skills in art, science, or sport. The school recruits dancers, tech innovators, taekwondo athletes, track and field athletes, and volleyball players
• The school bases Regular Transition on senior high entrance exam scores and a comprehensive quality review

Elective Courses and Curriculum Reform

The school runs a wide elective programme. Students can pick from subjects across science, the arts, and technology. This supports personal development and helps each student find their strengths.

The school is also committed to curriculum reform. It blends traditional subjects with modern skills. Students can explore Computer Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Informatics. The school has an Artificial Intelligence Robot Studio. This gives students hands-on experience with emerging technology.

Fine arts are also a key part of school life. In 1995, the founders established the Golden Sail Dance Troupe. It has won over 30 national, municipal, and district gold awards. The Wind Band and Chorus are also top-ranked student art groups in Beijing.

Science and Technology

The school is a first-batch Beijing Science and Technology Demonstration School. It is part of the Jinpeng Electronics and Information Science Corps. Students compete in national and Beijing-level contests. They have won awards at the National Youth Communication Innovation Contest.

The school's science programmes connect with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This opens doors for students who want to pursue research.

Physical Education

In this place, people regard sports with great seriousness. The Taekwondo team has won seven straight Dongcheng District championships. A world champion coach leads the team. The school also fields track and field, and volleyball teams.

International Department: The Expat Parent's Guide

The school set up its International Department in 2002. This makes it one of the first public schools in Beijing to offer international education. The department has complete authority to enrol foreign students.

Who Can Apply

The department enrolls students aged 11 to 18. To apply, students must:

• Hold a foreign ordinary passport (non-Chinese citizens only)
• Meet the age requirements for their grade level
• Show proof of completing the previous level of education
• Provide a valid language score (see below)
• Submit a Foreigner Physical Examination Record
• Provide a no-crime record certificate from their home country

If parents do not live in Beijing, they must appoint a local guardian. You need a notarised power of attorney.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction depends on the programme track.

• Chinese-taught programme: Students need HSK Level 4 or above (180 points minimum)
• English-taught programme: Students need a TOEFL score of 80 or an IELTS score of 6.0

Students who do not yet meet the Chinese need can join a preparatory language class first. The school offers Chinese language tutoring to help them catch up.

The Learning Pathway

In the first year, the primary language of instruction is English. Students study Chinese with great intensity. Once they reach HSK Level 4, they join regular classes alongside Chinese students. Once they hit HSK Level 4, they join regular classes. From there, they can aim for Chinese universities or apply abroad

The bilingual faculty team includes both Chinese teachers and full-time foreign teachers. Foreign teachers handle oral English and help students adjust to the school culture. This bilingual approach supports both academic progress and cultural adaptation.

Cultural Adaptation and Student Wellbeing

The school understands that moving to a new country is hard. It offers strong support through:

• A homeroom teacher system for day-to-day guidance
• Counselling services for emotional and social-emotional learning needs
• A Chinese-international student pairing programme
• Classroom guidance lessons on Chinese culture and school life
• Mentoring sessions to help students set goals and track students' progress

International students are also encouraged to join school clubs and events. The school holds a Cultural Festival each year. Students can take part in arts, sports, and technology groups. Community service is also part of school life.

The school uses video surveillance and a full boarding system to keep students safe. Residential teachers live on campus and support students around the clock.

The boarding system places students in a 24-hour Chinese language environment. This speeds up language learning in a natural way.

Campus and Facilities

The campus covers 17,000 square metres. The total building area is 26,000 square metres. It is a compact but well-equipped urban campus.

School Facilities

The school has made a significant investment in its facilities. These include:

• A Digital Laboratory that leads the nation in data collection and real-time analysis
• A Virtual and Reality Laboratory with a 3D Printing Lab
• An Artificial Intelligence Robot Studio
• A Self-Made Experiment Laboratory for hands-on science
• An eco-museum for biology, geography and environmental learning
• Standard physics, chemistry, and biology labs
• Music classrooms, fine arts studios, dance rooms, and calligraphy classrooms
• A full library and a large electronic reading room
• A campus studio and closed-circuit television network
• A 250-metre plastic track and many sports courts
• An auditorium for school events

All classrooms have multimedia teaching equipment. All teachers have computers. The school has complete connectivity through a campus network.

The campus location adds even more value. Students are steps from the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, and the Imperial City Wall Relics Park. The school runs Forbidden City series courses. These connect classroom learning with real cultural sites.

Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing's most famous areas, is also nearby. Students can explore the city without difficulty. Public transport links are strong, with subway and bus lines close to the school.

Fees, Enrollment, and How to Apply

Tuition Fees

Beijing No. 65 Middle School is a public school. Its international department fees are lower than those of private international schools in Beijing. Here is a breakdown of the estimated annual costs:

Junior High Stage (approx. per year)

• Tuition, textbooks, and insurance: 80,000 – 120,000 RMB
• Accommodation (if boarding): 15,000 – 30,000 RMB
• Meals: 5,000 – 10,000 RMB
• School uniform: Approx. 5,000 RMB

Senior High Stage (approx. per year)

• Tuition, language training, and cultural activity fees: 100,000 – 150,000 RMB
• Accommodation (if boarding): 15,000 – 30,000 RMB
• Meals: 5,000 – 10,000 RMB
• School uniform: Approx. 5,000 RMB

In USD terms, the total estimated annual cost — including tuition, boarding, and meals — is approximately $21,590. This is a fraction of what private international schools charge in Beijing.

How to Apply

Here are the steps:

1. Contact Alifa Education Services — WhatsApp: +8615201079455 for consultations about admission to this school
2. Material review — The school reviews your application within 1 to 2 weeks. If it passes, they will invite you for a video interview
3. Interview — The video interview checks Chinese skills, learning motivation, and qualities
4. Admission notice — If you pass, the school sends a pre-admission letter
5. Visa — Apply for an X1 visa at the Chinese embassy in your country. You will need the pre-admission letter and the JW202 form from the school
6. Enroll — Arrive in China and complete registration at the school

Documents You Will Need

• Completed Application Form for Foreign Students
• Passport personal information page
• Recent ID photo (white background, electronic format)
• Junior high graduation certificate (for senior high applicants)
• Transcripts from the past two years (with school seal)
• HSK, TOEFL, or IELTS score report
• Foreigner Physical Examination Record (valid for 6 months)
• No-crime record certificate from home country
• Guardian power of attorney (if parents are not in Beijing)

Conclusion

Beijing No. 65 Middle School stands out for good reason. It has over 160 years of history. It offers strong academic tracks, a bilingual education programme, top-class facilities, and real support for international students. It sits in a part of Beijing that is rich in culture.

For expat families, the school ticks every box. It delivers quality education at a price far below private international schools. It prepares students for both Chinese and overseas universities. It helps them grow as learners and as people.

The International Department has welcomed foreign students since 2002. It has the experience, the systems, and the staff to help your child thrive. From counselling services to cultural festivals, every part of the school supports student growth.

If you are thinking about enrolling your child, do not wait. The application deadline is 1 September. Start preparing now.

Alifa Education Services is here to help. We work with expat families across Beijing to simplify the admission process. The team knows the requirements inside out. They manage the paperwork, guide you through the steps, and ensure that they miss nothing.

Book your free consultation with us today. Visit the ALIFA website or make direct contact with them. Give your child the best start possible in Beijing.

Related Articles

Schools in Beijing China: Top 07 for Happy Kids & Minds

Schools in Beijing China blend world-class education with vibrant cultural experiences. From Keystone Academy’s innovative programs to ISB’s rich legacy, these top institutions offer your child exceptional learning environments, global friendships, and pathways to success.

Alifa Education ServiceEmmanuel Usang

Top 6 International Schools in Kunming Yunnan: Which School to Admit Your Kid

Explore top-rated international schools in Kunming, Yunnan. From IB programs to British curriculum, find which school matches your child’s educational needs.

Alifa Education ServiceEmmanuel Usang

Beijing Keystone Academy: Top Expat School in China?

Beijing Keystone Academy blends East-meets-West education near the Wenyu River, ranking #4 among China’s top international schools. With 97% IB pass rates and graduates entering Yale and Wharton, is this bilingual campus right for your child?

Alifa Education ServiceEmmanuel Usang