Introduction
Xi'an Liangjiatan International School (XLIS), the successor of Xi'an Hi-Tech International School's International Department, was founded in 2003. XLIS is an IB World School in Northwest China and offers the full IB continuum through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The school describes itself as the first IB World School in Northwest China to establish this three-programme pathway.
You're a professional parent. Your employer is sending your family to Xi'an. School choice is one of your first decisions. The school operates as a non-profit institution.
Xi'an offers fewer international-school options than cities such as Shanghai or Beijing, which can make school selection especially important for relocating families. XLIS has operated for more than two decades and offers the full IB continuum, boarding options and an internationally diverse school community.
"Good school" means different things to different families. You need facts. What does the IB curriculum look like? What is the campus like? What does it cost? How do you apply?
This guide answers all that.
Xi'an Liangjiatan International School and Its Unique Background
Xi'an Liangjiatan International School (XLIS) was founded in 2003 as the successor to Xi'an Hi-Tech International School's International Department. Today, XLIS operates as a state-owned, not-for-profit international school supported by the Xi'an Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee. The school's non-profit model means revenue is reinvested into its educational development and school community.
XLIS is a key international education program supported by the Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee of Xi'an, Shaanxi. The school serves international families in Xi'an and supports the wider international community connected with the city's High-Tech Zone.
By 2017, XLIS earned full authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization. XLIS was the first school in Northwest China to do this across all three programs.
The school also holds:
- WASC accreditation
- Council of International Schools (CIS) membership
- SAT and AP examination-center authorization
- ACAMIS membership
- EARCOS membership
- Child Safeguarding recognized-school status
For the 2025–2026 academic year, XLIS reported 686 students from 48 countries and regions across 43 classes. The school also reported 96 Chinese and international teachers from more than 20 countries and regions. These figures reflect XLIS's current published school community information for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Xi'an Liangjiatan International School at a Glance
Note: School information may change. Families should confirm current details before applying.
Key Takeaways
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XLIS was founded in 2003 and offers a full IB continuum. Students can study through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
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XLIS is an IB World School in Northwest China. The school describes itself as the first IB World School in the region to establish the PYP, MYP and DP pathway.
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Annual tuition for 2026–2027 ranges from RMB 133,380 to RMB 215,380. DP1 and DP2 tuition is RMB 215,380 per year, with transportation, boarding and some other services charged separately.
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XLIS reported 686 students from 48 countries and regions for the 2025–2026 academic year. The school operates 43 classes across its Primary and Secondary divisions.
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XLIS reported 96 Chinese and international teachers from more than 20 countries and regions. This gives students access to a multinational teaching community.
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Admissions depend on eligibility, academic review and English-language readiness. XLIS uses WIDA assessment for applicants who require English as an Additional Language support.
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XLIS offers both transportation and boarding options. For 2026–2027, the annual school bus fee is RMB 11,000, weekly boarding is RMB 60,000, and full boarding is RMB 80,000.
How Does Xi'an Liangjiatan International School Rank Nationally?
Rankings matter when you're choosing a school from abroad
Rankings can provide one useful comparison point, but families should also consider curriculum, admissions requirements, teaching quality, student support and school fit.
KingLead Rankings
In the 2026 KingLead China International School Innovation Competitiveness Ranking, XLIS was listed 10th among the Top 30 schools for children of foreign nationals. In the 2025 ranking, XLIS placed 14th in the same category and received a 4A rating.
Forbes China Rankings
In the 2025 Forbes China International School Ranking, Xi'an Liangjiatan International School ranked 39th, with a reported score of 79.3.
Hurun Education Rankings
In the official 2025 Hurun Education Top International Schools in China ranking, XLIS ranked 19th among schools for children of foreign nationals.
Watch Xi'an Liangjiatan International School
Explore Xi'an Liangjiatan International School (XLIS) through videos featuring the school, campus, student projects and learning experience.
Watch more Xi'an Liangjiatan International School (XLIS) videos featuring campus life, student projects and school activities.
IB Curriculum at Xi'an Liangjiatan International School
XLIS offers a full 15-year IB path. A child can start at age 3 and finish at 18. No school changes. No curriculum switches.
IB Primary Years Programme — Early Years to Grade 5
The IB Primary Years Programme uses inquiry-based learning. Young students explore six cross-subject themes. The goal is to build curiosity. XLIS uses relatively small classes, with class-size limits varying by programme and year level.
IB Middle Years Programme — Grades 6 to 10
The IB Middle Years Programme covers eight subject areas. Students link core subjects to real-world problems. The classroom environment builds critical thinking at each stage. In grade 10, students complete a personal project. This builds research and planning skills. Those skills matter in the Diploma Programme.
Diploma Programme — Grades 11 and 12
The Diploma Programme is the most demanding stage. Students take six subjects. Three are at a higher level. Three are at the standard level. Students also complete the Theory of Knowledge, an extended essay, and a Creativity, Activity, and Service project.
XLIS has published strong Diploma Programme results for individual graduating cohorts. The school reported a 100% pass rate and a 45/45 result for its 2022 cohort, while the 2023 cohort also achieved a 100% diploma success rate with a highest score of 42/45. IB results vary by cohort, so families should check the school's latest published results when comparing academic performance.
All students must study the Chinese language, history, and culture. That is not common in international schools. XLIS is set in one of China's most historic cities. The curriculum reflects that.
XLIS is also an SAT and AP testing center; students take those exams on campus.
Xi'an Liangjiatan International School Campus and Community
The XLIS campus is located in the Xi'an International Community in Chang'an District, Xi'an. The school reports a campus area of approximately 68,666 square metres (about 103 mu or 17 acres). XLIS describes the site as a green and modern campus designed to support international education.
Campus facilities include a library, black box theatre, large theatre, Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, indoor basketball hall, football field and multimedia learning facilities. The school also provides student dormitories, health services and other campus support facilities.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, XLIS reported 686 students from 48 countries and regions across 43 classes, together with 96 Chinese and international teachers from more than 20 countries and regions.
Xi'an Liangjiatan International School Tuition Fees
Xi'an Liangjiatan International School (XLIS) has published its official fees for the 2026–2027 academic year. Annual tuition ranges from RMB 133,380 to RMB 215,380, depending on the student's year level.
| Year Level | Full-Year Tuition | One-Semester Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| ECE | RMB 133,380 | RMB 73,359 |
| PYP1 | RMB 133,380 | RMB 73,359 |
| PYP2–3 | RMB 138,600 | RMB 76,230 |
| PYP4–5 | RMB 165,000 | RMB 90,750 |
| PYP6 | RMB 171,600 | RMB 94,380 |
| MYP1 | RMB 179,300 | RMB 98,615 |
| MYP2 | RMB 182,300 | RMB 100,265 |
| MYP3 | RMB 208,920 | RMB 114,906 |
| MYP4 | RMB 205,920 | RMB 113,256 |
| MYP5 | RMB 215,380 | RMB 118,459 |
| DP1–2 | RMB 215,380 | RMB 118,459 |
Additional XLIS Fees
Families should also consider registration, transportation and boarding costs in addition to tuition.
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | RMB 2,000 | For new students; non-refundable |
| Seat Guarantee Deposit | RMB 20,000 | Credited toward tuition |
| School Bus | RMB 11,000/year | Annual transportation fee |
| Weekly Boarding | RMB 60,000/year | Boarding during the school week |
| Full Boarding | RMB 80,000/year | Full boarding option |
Tuition includes teaching materials, software, library and database access, snacks, and access to sports and fitness facilities. School bus services, dormitory accommodation, uniforms, certain field-trip costs and overseas excursions are charged separately.
New students are required to pay a RMB 2,000 registration fee. A RMB 20,000 seat guarantee deposit is also required and is credited toward the student's tuition fee.
Fee information last reviewed: August 2026. Tuition and other school charges may change between academic years. Families should confirm the final fees directly with Xi'an Liangjiatan International School before enrollment.
What Extracurriculars and Holistic Development Does XLIS offer?
XLIS prioritizes the whole-child idea. The DP needs creativity, activity, and service hours. Students have real ways to meet those hours at XLIS.
Sports include swimming, basketball, and ACAMIS tournament play. In 2024, XLIS hosted a swim meet. It drew 500 students from 24 schools across 9 cities.
Arts spaces include a digital art studio, a photo lab, pottery rooms, music production, and a gallery. Students work toward real shows and exhibitions.
XLIS invests in ongoing professional development for its teaching staff. In June 2024, the school hosted IB workshops attended by 265 IB education professionals from China and several other countries and regions. The school also provides staff with opportunities for IB-related training and professional development.
XLIS also offers opportunities connected with The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
The learning journey at XLIS goes beyond the classroom. "Week Without Walls" sends students on travel and service projects. Xi'an's cultural treasures are part of the curriculum. The Terracotta Warriors, the ancient city wall, and the Silk Road heritage are not day trips; they are learning tools.
Xi'an Liangjiatan International School Admissions Process and Eligibility
XLIS uses rolling admissions for eligible students aged 3 to 18. Admission depends on age, previous academic records, English-language readiness and the school's ability to support the student.
Contact Alifa Education Services. We will guide you on submitting an online application.
Admissions Steps
- Submit the online application and required documents.
- Complete the entrance or English assessment if required.
- Attend a student and parent interview.
- Receive the enrollment decision and complete payment.
English Requirements
English is the main language of instruction. Students who need additional English support may complete a WIDA assessment.
- P4–P5: WIDA 2
- P6–M3: WIDA 2.5
- M4–M5: WIDA 4
- DP1–DP2: WIDA 4
Documents
Applicants may need:
- Passport copies
- Previous school reports or transcripts
- Immunization records
- Relevant learning-support documents
University Counseling
XLIS provides university guidance from the secondary years, including application planning, one-to-one counseling, essay support and scholarship guidance.
Families should confirm current eligibility, available places and document requirements directly with XLIS before applying.
Is Xi'an Liangjiatan International School the Right Choice for Your Child?
Be honest about the trade-offs. Xi'an is not a first-tier city. You will not find the same range of international services as in Shanghai or Shenzhen.
XLIS offers a complete IB pathway, an internationally diverse school community and published academic outcomes across multiple graduating cohorts. Families should consider these factors alongside curriculum fit, admissions requirements, tuition, boarding and their child's individual learning needs.
Ask yourself three questions. Do you want a clear IB path from early years to university? Do you value a close, diverse community? Are you open to a city with lower costs and a rich history? If yes to all three, XLIS is worth serious thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Xi'an Liangjiatan International School cost?
For the 2026–2027 academic year, annual XLIS tuition ranges from RMB 133,380 to RMB 215,380, depending on year level. Registration, transportation, boarding and some activities are charged separately.
What curriculum does XLIS follow?
XLIS is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). English is the main language of instruction.
Who can apply to Xi'an Liangjiatan International School?
XLIS uses rolling admissions for eligible students aged 3 to 18. The school accepts foreign-passport holders as well as applicants holding Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan identification, subject to assessment and available places.
Does XLIS offer boarding?
Yes. XLIS offers weekly and full boarding options. For 2026–2027, weekly boarding is RMB 60,000 per year and full boarding is RMB 80,000 per year.
Does XLIS offer scholarships?
Yes. XLIS publishes the XLIS Silk Road Scholarship Program for eligible students, including MYP4–5 and DP1–2 applicants. Scholarship criteria, places and application deadlines can change each year, so families should confirm the current cycle directly with the school.
What English level is required for XLIS admission?
English is the language of instruction. Students learning English as an additional language complete WIDA assessment. Published expected levels are WIDA 2 for P4–P5, 2.5 for P6–M3, and 4 for M4–DP2.
Is XLIS an IB World School?
Yes. The International Baccalaureate lists Xi'an Liangjiatan International School as an IB World School offering the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme.
Does XLIS provide university counseling?
Yes. XLIS says university counseling begins in M4 and continues through DP2, with one-to-one guidance, university planning, application support, essay preparation and scholarship guidance.
Alifa Education Services
Need Help Applying to Xi'an Liangjiatan International School?
Alifa Education Services helps international families compare schools and navigate applications in China. Tell us your child's age, passport, academic background and target city, and we can help you understand whether Xi'an Liangjiatan International School (XLIS) or another suitable school may fit your family's needs. We also provide support with guardianship, visas and arrival arrangements.
📅 Book a Free Consultation →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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