Introduction
Shenzhen Yaohua Experimental School is one of Futian District's best schools. The school opened in 2004. It teaches students from the age of 6 to 18. The campus sits near Lianhua Mountain. Xiangmi Lake is nearby. Hong Kong is only three miles away.
The school has over 3,000 students. More than 460 teachers work here. This creates a 1:8.5 teacher-student ratio. Small classes give each student personal attention. Parents love Yaohua for two reasons. Students can prepare for Chinese National Board exams. Or they can study international courses for overseas universities.
Why do families choose Yaohua? The school excels in gifted education. It has strong international programmes. Competition training is excellent. Yuan Cao is a famous graduate. He published major research in Nature magazine. He now studies at MIT.
The international programme gets 100% of students into top global universities. Expert teachers make this possible. Great facilities help too. A student-centred approach guides everything.
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A Brief History and Transition to Excellence
Shenzhen Yaohua Experimental School began in May 2004. It began as a school owned by the state and operated by a private entity. This gave it flexibility. The school could design its own curriculum. The founding philosophy was clear. The goal was "Glorifying China, Giving Back to Society, and Operating Education for the Public Good." This mission shaped every part of the school.
The school earned many honours. It became a Shenzhen First-Class School. It won recognition as an Advanced Unit for Chinese College Entrance Examination Work. The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office named it a Chinese Language Education Base. These awards show the school's commitment to quality education.
Big changes are coming soon. The school's lease ends in February 2026. Primary and junior high will become public schools. This will happen in the first half of 2026. The change will take place on the original site. Senior high school will move to Lilin School. This school is in Guangming District. The school promises to keep its teaching philosophy. The faculty team will stay.
This shift from private school to public school could help more families. Government backing may bring new resources. Yaohua's special teaching approach will remain.
Academic programmes and curriculum strengths
Gifted Education and Competition Training
People know Yaohua for its strong maths and science education. The school offers special programmes. These include the Global Chinese Youth Mathematics Scholarship Class. There is also the USTC Young Talent Class. These programmes use small groups. Each class has 30 students.
Expert coaches lead competition training. Wang Chao is a national physics gold medal coach. Fei Zhenpeng coaches national mathematics teams. The results are great. In 2008, Yaohua students took 8 of the top 10 spots. This was in the National Junior High School Mathematics Competition. Between 2007 and 2009, students won first prizes. These were in the National Youth Informatics Olympic League.
Students excel beyond mathematics too. They win in physics. They win in chemistry. They win in information technology competitions. In 2025, several students won second prizes. This was in the National High School Physics Competition. This steady success proves the school's strong programme.
International Curriculum Options
The International Department started in 2009. It offers many paths to global universities. Students can choose IGCSE. They can pick A-Level courses. Hongkong’s DSE programmes are available too. Each follows international education standards.The school prepares overseas Chinese students for the Chinese Academic Proficiency Test. This test is also called APT. Foreign students must pass this test. It lets them graduate from Chinese high school with a diploma. The Yaohua Scholarship Class helps students prepare for this exam. The program covers all core subjects. These include Chinese, Math, English, Physics, and Chemistry. Students study for three years. They follow the Chinese high school syllabus. This preparation ensures they can pass the APT. A diploma opens doors to top Chinese universities.
IGCSE builds the foundation. Students study the English Language. They learn Chinese. They take Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Economics. This programme teaches basic skills. It connects different subjects.
A-Level courses let students focus. They pick 3-4 subjects. They base the choice on their interests. The world recognises this British system. Universities in the UK accept it. So do schools in Australia and Canada.
HKDSE targets Hong Kong universities. Some subjects use Chinese-language questions. This makes it easier for mainland students. DSE qualifications work globally. Students have flexibility for university applications.
The school also offers AP courses. These are for U.S. universities. AP classes include Human Geography. There's Psychology, U.S. History, and Economics. Other options are Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus. These courses can earn university credits. They make applications stronger.
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A dual-language programme started in 2021. Students learn English plus another language. They can choose German, French, Spanish, or Japanese. This prepares them for global exchanges. It helps with international careers.Yaohua offers a special program for overseas Chinese students. The program is called the Chinese Language & Culture Education Foundation Yaohua Scholarship International Class. Chinese Language and Culture Education Foundation of China It provides full scholarships. Students from Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries apply for these scholarships.
The scholarship covers everything. Students pay nothing. The total value is 26,900 USD per year. This includes tuition and fees of 160,000 RMB. Housing costs 10,000 RMB. Living expenses are 14,000 RMB. Study tours cost 4,000 RMB. Uniforms cost 930 RMB. The scholarship lasts three years.
The program started in 2011. It was approved by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office. The Chinese Language & Culture Education Foundation Yaohua Scholarship International Class sponsors it. Yaohua Experimental School runs it. The program recruits 20 outstanding students each year. Students must be under 18 years old. They must hold valid foreign passports. They must be non-Chinese citizens.
The results are excellent. All 11 graduating classes achieved 100% admission to top Chinese universities. Some 87 students entered Tsinghua University or Peking University. This is a 37.5% admission rate to China's top two schools. Some students also got into overseas universities through their A-Level programs.
Students study the full Chinese high school curriculum. They can also choose international courses. These include A-Level and HKDSE programs. The school provides cultural experiences too. Students visit famous Chinese sites each year. They join Chinese speech contests. They participate in calligraphy exhibitions.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Extracurricular Opportunities
Campus Infrastructure
The campus covers 31,117 square metres. Floor space reaches 43,897 square metres. Plans will expand the total area. It will grow past 120,000 square metres. This growth supports more students and programmes.
Smart classrooms have interactive whiteboards. They have projectors too. Advanced audio systems enable hybrid learning. Eight science labs serve different subjects. These include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Geography. Equipment includes microscopes. There are spectrometers too.
The library has print resources. It has digital resources too. Students access bilingual books. They use academic databases. Online journals are available. The e-library has got upgrades in 2025.
An arts and sports centre combines many functions. It has an indoor gym. There are dance studios. Piano rooms are available. There is an auditorium too. Sports facilities include many options. Basketball courts are there. So are volleyball, tennis, and soccer fields. These support physical education. They support clubs too.
Information technology infrastructure helps modern learning. New AI labs have opened for coding training. Robotics clubs use special spaces. Students build skills for future tech careers.
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Residential Life
Boarding facilities use apartment-style dormitories. Each room houses 6-10 students. Rooms have air conditioning. The accommodation includes private showers. The school provides study desks. Wardrobes too. The fee is 2,600 RMB per semester. This covers utilities. It includes bedding, drinking water, and laundry.
Day students can choose lunch care. This costs 550 RMB per semester. It includes beds for rest. Supervisors provide supervision. The package includes meals. The cafeteria offers three meals daily. Snacks are available too.
Boarding builds independence. It builds social skills. Trained staff supervise the dorms. They give support. Students learn time management. They balance schoolwork with personal life.
Extracurricular Activities
Yaohua offers many activities beyond classes. Robotics clubs join national competitions. Students develop technical skills. They learn teamwork. Model UN programmes teach diplomacy. They teach public speaking. Students represent different countries. They debate global issues.
Olympic sports programmes build athletic skills. Students train in swimming. They do track and field. Team sports are popular. Sports teams compete at district levels. They compete at city levels too. Physical education teaches skills. It teaches healthy habits.
Arts programmes include instrumental music. There are choirs. Visual arts labs are available. Students perform at events. The Chinese Choral Festival is one example. Music classes cover Western instruments. They cover Chinese instruments too. This builds cultural knowledge.
The school connects with the local community. Service projects make this happen. Students volunteer in the neighbourhood. They learn civic responsibility. These experiences build character.
Faculty Expertise and Student Support
Teacher quality and composition
The faculty mix local experts with global perspectives. Local teachers lead Chinese classes. They teach maths and physics. Many hold special-grade certifications. They have won teaching awards.
Jiang Jinxin is a veteran maths teacher. He has 34 years of experience. He earned recognition as a Futian District Outstanding Educator. Such teachers provide deep knowledge. They use proven methods.
Overseas returnees bring global views. Many studied at top universities. These include the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The University of Southampton is another. Chai Ying teaches in the International Department. She studied at Southampton. She has seven years' teaching experience. She won an Excellent Homeroom Teacher award.
Foreign teachers come from the United States. Some come from Canada. They teach English as a Second Language. They teach Western culture. Oral English is another subject. They provide real language experiences. Foreign teacher positions include Z work visas. The government provides health insurance subsidies. Some get shared housing support.
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Teaching Method
International classes have 30-40 students. Teachers can track each student's progress. They adjust instruction as needed.
Tiered instruction handles different ability levels. Basic tracks support students who need more time. Advanced tracks challenge high achievers. They receive deeper content. This flexibility helps every student.
The school uses inquiry-based learning. Students do not memorise facts. They ask questions. They design experiments. They draw their own conclusions. This builds critical thinking.
Project-based learning connects subjects to real life. Students might use LEGO in geometry. They perform plays like Hamlet in English. These hands-on methods boost engagement.
University Counselling Support
College counseling starts early. Grade 10 students explore interests through activities and workshops. By Grade 11, they work with dedicated counsellors. They plan university selection. They work on applications.
Each student gets personal guidance. Counselors track trends at top schools. These include Ivy League schools. UK G5 universities receive attention. The top eight schools in Hong Kong also track their progress. Counselors help students choose courses. They suggest activities that strengthen applications.
Support includes essay editing. The team offers interview prep. Students practise with mock interviews. Counselors review personal statements many times. They make sure essays show students' strengths well.
The school arranges campus visits. Students meet university admissions officers. These connections help students understand what universities want. Alumni networks provide mentorship. They offer advice about university life.
Academic Integrity and Student-Centred Values
Yaohua stresses academic integrity in all programmes. Students learn proper citation methods. They understand the consequences of plagiarism. Honesty sits at the core of education.
Student-centred building design supports learning. Classrooms help group work. They support individual study. Common areas encourage peer interaction. The physical space reflects educational values.
All-teacher moral education involves every faculty member. Teachers do not deliver content. They mentor students. They address behaviour issues. They model ethical conduct. Programs on integrity help. Habit formation programmes exist. Resilience programmes build well-rounded people.
Tuition and Accessibility: Making Quality Education Affordable
2025 Tuition Structure
Yaohua's tuition is affordable. It compares well to other Shenzhen private schools. For 2025, semester fees are clear:
- Primary School: 25,000 RMB per semester
- Junior High School: 30,000 RMB per semester
- Regular Senior High School: 28,000 RMB per semester
- International Curriculum Class: 64,000 RMB per semester
These fees include textbooks. They include workbooks. Health exams are also included in the coverage.
Extra costs include school uniforms. These run 1,000-1,500 RMB. Boarding students pay 2,600 RMB per semester. This is for housing. Lunch care is optional. It costs 550 RMB per semester. Day students can buy campus meals. These cost about 1,000-1,500 RMB monthly.
School bus service costs 800-1,200 RMB per month. The price varies by route. Clubs need separate fees. Competition training costs extra. All are voluntary. They charge at actual cost.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Chinese Language Education Foundation offers full scholarships. Outstanding overseas Chinese students can apply. This programme covers all costs. The total is 145,500 RMB per year. Here's what it includes:
Since 2011, almost 260 students have completed this programme. All got into top Chinese universities. Some 87 entered Tsinghua University or Peking University. This is a 37.5% admission rate. It shows exceptional programme quality.
Value for Money
Many international schools charge over 130,000 RMB per semester. Yaohua's international programme costs 64,000 RMB. It offers excellent value. The school delivers comparable curriculum quality. It has experienced teachers. Admission results are great. The cost is almost half.
The shift to public school status may improve access more. Government support could stabilise costs. It might lower them. Educational standards will stay high. Families should watch for official announcements. New policies will come.
Payment and Refund Policies
Tuition goes through the school's bank account. Notifications come before each semester starts. Other fees use the school's financial system. WeChat Pay works. Alipay works too. Parents must confirm these payments.
The refund policy is fair. Withdrawals in the first month get full refunds. Between one and two months, families get 50% back. After two months, no refund applies. This protects both families and school planning.
Conclusion
Shenzhen Yaohua Experimental School stands out as a top educational choice. The school offers rigorous academics with personal attention. Small classes ensure every student gets proper support. Multiple pathways help students reach their goals. They can prepare for China's Gaokao exam. They can follow international courses like IGCSE and A-Level. Special programs serve unique needs.
One standout feature is the Chinese Language & Culture Education Foundation Yaohua Scholarship International Class. This full scholarship targets overseas Chinese students under 18. Students from Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia can apply. The scholarship covers everything. Students pay zero fees. The value reaches 189,930 RMB per year (approximately $26,900 USD). This includes tuition, housing, meals, study tours, and uniforms. All 11 graduating classes achieved 100% admission to top Chinese universities. Some 87 students entered Tsinghua University or Peking University.
Expert faculty combine local knowledge with global perspectives. Modern facilities include AI labs and robotics spaces. Sports venues and arts centers support well-rounded growth. University admission results prove the school delivers. International students reach top global universities. Domestic students enter China's best schools.
The cost remains reasonable compared to other international schools. Government subsidies help eligible families. The 2026 transition to public school status may bring more benefits. Quality will stay high.
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