Foreign schools in China are some of the best schools in the world. They use famous study programs like IB, AP, and A-Levels that people know everywhere. These schools have great teachers, modern buildings, and students from many countries. This means your child gets a really good education.
If you are a parent from another country, these schools give your child a chance to learn with kids from around the world. Your child will do well in studies and make good friends. The schools help students learn two languages, be creative, and understand the world better. This helps students get into the best colleges anywhere in the world.
This guide will show you the best foreign schools in China. We will talk about what makes them special and what you should think about when picking the right school for your child and how Alifa Edtech helps parents choose the right schools for ther kids.
Top Foreign Schools in China in Different Cities
International schools in China primarily enrol the children of expatriates, adopting foreign educational models. Below is a list of foreign schools for expatriate children:
Beijing
Dulwich College Beijing opened in 2005. It follows the British education system and is linked to Dulwich College in the UK. The school is known for high-quality teaching and strong academic results. Many celebrity families choose it. The environment is caring and focused on growth. Students enjoy both learning and activities in a global setting.
International School of Beijing (ISB)
Founded in 1980, ISB is a non-profit school that offers the full IB programme. It welcomes students from many countries and supports all backgrounds. The school focuses on respect, global thinking, and strong academics. ISB is known for its inclusive culture and modern learning spaces. Families like its balanced approach to education and community life.
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)
WAB began in 1994 and serves international families in Beijing. It offers all levels of the IB programme and supports creative, student-led learning. The school encourages curiosity and teamwork. Many expats choose WAB for its friendly atmosphere and strong results. With modern facilities and caring staff, WAB is known for helping students grow in every way.
Yew Chung International School of Beijing
This school started in 1996 and offers a mix of Chinese and Western education. Students learn in both Chinese and English. The school offers IGCSE and the IB Diploma. It focuses on bilingual skills and cultural understanding. Families choose it for its language support and global outlook. The school values respect, learning, and personal growth.
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi
Founded in 2003, this school offers the IB programme and follows British teaching methods. It works with top schools and groups around the world. Students enjoy both academics and activities. The school focuses on values, creativity, and strong learning. Parents trust its high standards and warm environment. It’s a popular choice for expat families.
Canadian International School of Beijing
Opened in 2006, this school offers both the Canadian NB curriculum and the IB programme. It supports learning in English and French. The school has a caring, global setting where students grow and thrive. Families choose it for strong academics and global learning. The environment is safe, friendly, and focused on helping each student succeed.
Harrow International School Beijing (AISL Beijing)
Harrow Beijing began in 2005 and follows the British National Curriculum. Students take IGCSEs and A-levels. The school has a strong focus on leadership and personal growth. It is linked to Harrow School in the UK. Families value its rich history, strong teaching, and leadership training. Harrow Beijing is a top choice for British-style education.
Shanghai
Shanghai American School (SAS)
SAS opened in 1912 and is one of Asia’s top international schools. It offers both the IB and AP Capstone diplomas. The school provides strong academics with modern teaching methods. Students come from many countries. SAS is known for its history, quality teachers, and great campus life. Families choose SAS for its global focus and academic success.
Wellington College International Shanghai
This school started in 2014 and combines British and international learning. It offers the IB programme and follows high UK standards. Students enjoy balanced learning through academics, arts, and sports. The school supports each child’s growth. Families trust it for strong academics and character development. It’s a popular choice among international and local families.
Dulwich College Shanghai (Pudong)
Opened in 2003, Dulwich College Pudong offers a strong academic path with a focus on the IB curriculum. It also provides Chinese language programmes for global learners. The school links to Dulwich College in the UK. Students enjoy a rich mix of learning and culture. Families value the school’s high standards and global outlook.
Concordia International School Shanghai
Concordia opened in 1998 and follows the American school system. It focuses on both education and character building. Students are encouraged to reach their full potential. The school offers a safe, welcoming space with strong academic support. Families choose Concordia for its values, teaching quality, and strong community spirit.
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
This school began in 1993. It offers bilingual education in Chinese and English. Students can also study IGCSE and take exams from Cambridge. The school supports global learning and deep cultural understanding. Families choose it for its strong language programme and international environment. The school is known for high-quality bilingual teaching.
Guangzhou
American International School of Guangzhou (AISG)
This school offers American-style education to expat families in Guangzhou. It has a strong focus on academic success and global skills. The school creates a caring and safe space for students. It supports children from many cultures. Families trust it for a smooth transition and a familiar learning style for international kids.
BASIS International School Guangzhou
BASIS Guangzhou opened in 2017. It combines the BASIS model with AP programmes. The school focuses on science, technology, engineering, and maths. It also supports liberal arts learning. Students enjoy high-level teaching and strong academic challenges. Families choose BASIS for its focus on innovation and strong student outcomes.
The British School of Guangzhou
This school serves expat families living in Guangzhou. It follows British-style education with global standards. The school offers strong academics, creative learning, and personal growth. Students enjoy a balanced school life. Families choose it for its friendly environment, strong leadership, and good results in both academics and activities.
Shenzhen
BASIS International School Shenzhen
BASIS Shenzhen offers a top American-style education. The school uses advanced teaching methods. It offers AP courses and strong academic support. Students are challenged in both science and liberal arts. Families choose BASIS for high-quality learning and modern teaching. The school prepares students well for university and beyond.
Shenzhen Shekou International School
SIS is an international school in Shenzhen. It supports families from many countries. The school provides global education in a caring setting. Students grow through strong academics and personal support. SIS is known for its focus on learning, culture, and connection. Families trust it for its warm community and high teaching standards.
Harrow International School Shenzhen
This school offers the British National Curriculum, IGCSE, and A-levels. It focuses on leadership and personal growth. Harrow Qianhai follows the strong values of Harrow UK. The school helps students succeed in both academics and life. Families pick Harrow for its rich tradition and focus on character and achievement.
Chengdu
Léman International School Chengdu
Léman opened in 1997 and was the first international school in Chengdu. It follows an American curriculum. The school supports expat families with high standards and global learning. Students enjoy a caring space to grow and achieve. Families choose Léman for its experience, strong academics, and welcoming international setting.
SPGS International School Chengdu
This school started in 2019 and is the first overseas campus of St. Paul’s Girls’ School in the UK. It offers true British education in Chengdu. The school is known for academic strength and tradition. It helps girls grow in confidence and knowledge. Families trust it for its high standards and British-style learning.
Why Choose Foreign Schools in China?
Today, many families want to send their kids to international schools in China. These schools are different from public schools and Chinese schools.
They welcome expat students and foreign students who have foreign passports. The schools use international curriculum instead of Chinese curriculum. This makes them great for families living away from home.
Real International Education
International schools give students real global education. They are not like regular secondary schools or middle schools in China. These schools use famous study programs like IB, British, or American systems.
This is different from the national curriculum that Chinese nationals study. Students get an education that matches world standards. This helps them move easily to study or work in other countries.
They don't face big changes in culture or studies. Many bilingual schools and private schools in major cities also offer similar benefits.
Great Foreign Teachers
These K-12 schools have many skilled foreign teachers. These teachers bring new ways of teaching. They help students learn better and faster.
Students improve their English quickly. They also learn about different cultures and ways of thinking. This helps them become creative and talk with people from other countries. The international school sector focuses on academic excellence through these experienced teachers.
Complete Student Growth
These independent school environments care about more than just books. They help students grow as people. Students learn to be creative, work in teams, and become leaders.
The schools have fun activities and clubs. Students can try new things and find what they like. They learn by doing things themselves. This approach is common in preparatory school settings that focus on well-rounded development.
Many Cultures Together
Students in these schools come from many different countries. They speak different languages and have different traditions. Chinese students can meet kids from around the world. This helps everyone understand and respect other cultures.
Students become more open-minded and learn about the world. The international schooling environment creates global citizens.
Less Study Stress
These schools are different from those that only care about test scores. They don't put too much pressure on exams like some traditional schools do.
Parents can help their children find their interests and talents. They don't need to worry only about grades and competition. This makes learning more enjoyable and natural.
Things to Think About
These schools have many good points, but they also have some challenges. The cost is usually high. Getting in can also be hard.
But for families who want to give their children international education and help them compete globally, these schools are a smart choice.
Foreign nationals and families seeking alternatives to standard educational paths find great value in these institutions.
International Divisions of Public Schools vs. Schools for Expatriate Children: A Comprehensive Analysis
In the field of international education, the international divisions of public schools and expatriate schools serve different purposes. They help different types of students. This article compares these schools in many ways.
We will look at who can join, what they teach, teachers, buildings, culture, and college help. Both types of schools are important for the education sector and economic development in China.
Admission Requirements
- International Divisions of Public Schools: Getting in often depends on where you live or your hukou (household registration). For example, in Beijing, these divisions mainly take local students. They are different from ordinary schools and rural schools. Students must pass entrance exams. They need good scores in tests like the High School Entrance Examination (Zhongkao). These schools have a quota of students they can accept each year.
- Schools for Expatriate Children: These schools mainly take children of people from other countries. Students and at least one parent need to have a foreign passport or valid residence permit. Foreign passport holders get priority. Some schools also take children from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or foreign experts working in China. The international community in major cities supports these schools.
Curriculum
- International Divisions of Public Schools: These divisions mix Chinese education with international programs like IB, AP, or A-Level. They keep some required local courses. This follows local education rules. Their approach to education balances both systems. They are different from key schools that focus only on the Chinese curriculum.
- Schools for Expatriate Children: They follow only international curricula, such as IB, AP, or IGCSE. This ensures students fit well with global education standards. It prepares students for college enrollment overseas. Private education options like these focus on international standards.
Faculty
- International Divisions of Public Schools: Teachers include both local and international staff. Some have studied or worked overseas. Schools focus on teacher training and working with international partners. They hire qualified teachers who understand both systems. This differs from technical schools that focus on specific skills.
- Schools for Expatriate Children: Most teachers are from other countries. They have international teaching certificates and lots of experience. They create a real English environment. Their approach to education uses global teaching methods. Academic education quality is very high.
Facilities
- International Divisions of Public Schools: They use existing public school buildings. But they often upgrade facilities and labs for international curricula. Many are located in Development Area zones with better resources.
- Schools for Expatriate Children: These schools have very modern buildings. They offer new classrooms, libraries, labs, art centers, and sports areas. They create an excellent learning environment. Current students enjoy top-quality facilities.
Cultural Atmosphere
- International Divisions of Public Schools: They promote international education but keep Chinese culture elements. This helps students keep their cultural identity. They feel proud in cross-cultural settings. Cultural diversity is balanced with local traditions.
- Schools for Expatriate Children: Students come from many different countries. These schools promote global awareness and cross-cultural communication. Cultural diversity is very high with students from the international community.
University Guidance
- International Divisions of Public Schools: They give personal help for overseas college applications. Some focus on both paths - local university entrance exams and international study. Online education tools help with guidance.
- Schools for Expatriate Children: These schools are known for complete college counseling. They often work with famous global universities. This ensures students get into their chosen colleges. College enrollment rates are very high.
Conclusion
Foreign schools in China are great for kids from other countries. These schools mix the best education with students from many places around the world.
Your child will learn important skills for today's world. They will speak two languages well. They will also do very well in their studies.
When you pick these schools, you give your child a strong start for their future. Your child will do well in our connected world where everyone works together.
These schools help your child succeed and be ready for anything that comes next.
Alifa helps you unlock your child’s future in China. From school selection to enrollment, we take the stress out of choosing the right international or bilingual school - Contact us today!