Beijing International Bilingual Academy vs Keystone Academy

	B Beijing International Bilingual Academy Beijing, China	K Keystone Academy Beijing, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 76,000 - 292,000	Fees / year RMB 289,800 - 323,950
Age range	Age range 1 - 17 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Montessori Curriculum, Chinese National Curriculum, American Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,700	Pupils 1,596
Typical class size	Typical class size 21	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2006	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location No.1 Yumin Road, Houshayu, Shunyi District, Beijing — the campus is in the suburban Shunyi area (postcode 101300). The school is reachable by car and local buses (routes 933, 855 and Shun 22); the nearest subway access is Line 15 (Houshayu Station) combined with a short bus or taxi ride.	Location Keystone Academy is in the northeastern suburbs of Beijing: No. 11 Anfu Street, Houshayu Town, Shunyi District (postcode 101318). The campus is in the Shunyi district near Beijing Capital International Airport and is reached by the S11/Jingcheng and local roads; the school's admissions office lists the campus address and phone for directions.
Stages	Stages BIBA serves from Early Years (kindergarten/early childhood) through Primary (KG–G5), Middle (G6–G8) and Upper/High School (G9–G12). High‑school students follow a mix of IGCSE (G9–10) and IBDP or A‑Level options (G11–12).	Stages Keystone is a full K–12 school split into Primary (early years/primary), Middle (MYP-style curriculum) and High School (IB Diploma in Grades 11–12). The website presents distinct Primary, Middle and High School pages and materials for each division.
School type	School type BIBA is a co‑educational, bilingual (Chinese–English) international school. The school offers optional boarding for secondary students (grades 6–12).	School type Keystone is a private, co-educational K–12 school that operates both day and residential (boarding) programs. The school's Residential Life program describes dormitory living and student supervision; students are required to board starting in Grade 9.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school describes a schoolwide approach to tailored support: differentiated/tiered instruction, inclusive classrooms, personalized mentoring and targeted language support (for example specialized English coaching in the secondary years). Early Years and primary pages note individual portfolios, parent–teacher collaboration and regular developmental reporting. For specific formal SEN (additional‑needs) provision or case‑by‑case admissions decisions, contact Admissions directly.	Additional learning support The school runs a Student Development Support Centre (CSD) that provides academic support plans, accommodations and ongoing case management; the centre also helps coordinate with external specialists when needed. The admissions policy asks families to disclose learning support needs so the school can assess whether it can provide appropriate support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation BIBA is based in China and describes itself as rooted in China while operating as an international bilingual school; it is authorised by international bodies such as the IB and WASC. It does not present a formal affiliation to another country's national school system.	Country affiliation Keystone is an independent school located in China; its program explicitly weaves a Chinese curricular thread into a bilingual, international model rather than being affiliated to a foreign national school system.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school website does not indicate any religious affiliation; BIBA presents itself as a secular, bilingual international school.	Religious affiliation The school does not identify with any religion on its official pages; its materials present Keystone as a secular 'world school' focused on bilingual and experiential education.
School day structure	School day structure Published local school guides report a typical school day start around 08:20 with classes ending about 15:50 and optional ECAs running until about 16:50; exact daily timings and ECA schedules are set by division and can vary by year group and season, so check the school calendar or ask Admissions for current division timetables.	School day structure The school's published schedules vary by program and year group and the site does not offer a single public bell-time table for all divisions. Example program pages show typical arrival for programs around 8:15–8:30 and program-day end times near 15:30, and the FAQ notes after-school activities and evening boarding routines for residential students (including supervised study periods). For exact daily start/end and break times you should request the current parent handbook or contact admissions.
Bus service details	Bus service details BIBA runs an optional paid school bus service (school lists an annual bus fee range and a Bus Application Form in its downloadable resources). Bus fees and routes vary by year and pickup area (fees are listed as a paid optional service on the school fee page), and parents must apply for bus service via the school's Bus Application Form. Contact Admissions or the Finance Office for current routes, stops and pricing for your address.	Bus service details Keystone provides a paid school-bus service (route and fee details vary by year and program). Summer/short-program pages list school-bus fees and typical pick-up (around 8:15) and drop-off (around 15:30) times for day programs, and the FAQ notes a school bus service for after-school activities (e.g., 16:30 pick-up after clubs). For route coverage, fees and pick-up/drop-off points the admissions office can provide the current routes and pricing.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - No application fee amount is listed on the school's admissions pages or the tuition and fees page. Tuition fees (per semester and per year) - Nursery class: RMB 38,000 per semester. - EY2–EY4: RMB 93,700 per semester. - KG: New student RMB 126,700 per semester; continuing KG student RMB 122,100 per semester. - Grades 1–5: RMB 143,000 per semester (RMB 260,000 per year). - Grades 6–8: RMB 146,300 per semester (RMB 266,000 per year). - Grades 9–10: RMB 151,050 per semester (RMB 273,000 per year). - Grades 11–12: RMB 160,600 per semester (RMB 292,000 per year). Billing schedule and payment terms - The school year is split into two semesters with the semester dates published on the school's billing page. Payment is due by the date stated on each invoice; tuition is not pro rata by month or day. Placement is not guaranteed if payment deadlines are missed. A 5% sibling discount applies for second and subsequent children (subject to the conditions stated by the school). A 10% tuition discount may apply to continuing students who meet the school's advancement and payment conditions. Boarding fees (optional) - Boarding is optional and meal-inclusive (three main meals and three snacks per day). - 4 students per room (Grades 6–10): RMB 75,000 per school year. - 2 students per room (Grades 11–12): RMB 90,000 per school year. - Single room (Grades 11–12): RMB 125,000 per school year. Other costs and optional charges - Uniform (optional, except EY): RMB 3,100–3,400 per set. - Lunch and snack service (optional): RMB 5,800–8,600 per school year. - School bus (optional): RMB 10,000–16,000 per school year. Withdrawal and refund information - Withdrawals require written notice and completion of the school's refund and withdrawal forms; refunds are not automatic. Normal processing time for refunds is 30 working days. No refunds are given for withdrawals resulting from violations of Chinese laws/regulations, serious school-rule violations, or force majeure events. Refund schedule (tuition): 100% before orientation day; 80% if within one month after school starts; 60% if within two months after school starts; no refund after two months. Meal, bus, and boarding refunds have specified timelines and conditions. Payment methods and currency - Invoices are issued via the school's education payment platform (“School Pay”) for payment to a student-specific account (scan code). Payment options listed by the school are: School Pay electronic payment, cash in RMB at the School Finance Office, or payment by pay card at the School Finance Office. The school lists payments in RMB only.	Fee details Application fee - The school's public admission pages do not publish a fixed application-fee amount. Keystone uses the OpenApply application system and indicates that application submission includes payment of required application fees as part of the process. Tuition fees (annual, current academic year) - Primary School: RMB 289,800 per year. - Middle School: RMB 320,850 per year. - High School: RMB 323,950 per year. Per-term breakdown - Keystone publishes tuition as annual amounts by school division. A per-term (semester/term) breakdown is not published on the school's public pages and therefore per-term figures are not available in the school's public materials. Boarding and meals - Boarding and meal fees (for students required to board from Grade 9 onward) are RMB 110,250 per academic year. Boarding is required starting in Grade 9. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school states that next year's tuition and other fee levels are determined and announced in February each year. Detailed billing schedules (term invoicing dates, due dates) and standard payment terms are not published on the school's public admission pages. OpenApply is used during application processing and the admission process references submission of application fees as part of that workflow. Other costs and optional fees - Some after‑school activities and specialist external programs may carry additional charges; most teacher‑run KAP activities are included but certain activities run by hired specialists may require extra fees. Uniform procurement and supplier arrangements are handled by the school (supplier selection has been announced) but uniform costs are not listed publicly. Additional costs such as trips, optional program fees, transport or personal items are not published as fixed amounts on public pages. Refund information - The school does not publish a detailed public refund/withdrawal policy (refund amounts, timelines, or administrative procedures) on its admission or how‑to‑apply pages. Fee payment options - The school's public pages do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay). The application process is handled through OpenApply and the Admissions Office is the listed contact for payment and billing questions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Keystone Academy provides a residential life program on campus. Beginning in Grade 9, students are required to board on campus; boarding and meal fees are 110,250 RMB per academic year. Dorms are supervised by dorm parents—teachers who live in private apartments on each hallway; each student room has a private en suite bathroom, and there are student lounges with kitchen facilities. The residential program includes 24/7 supervision, academic support, library access after hours, outings and activities, and a Health Center.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform: The school has a uniform; a School Uniform Store is available for uniform purchases.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Meals are provided as part of the boarding arrangement, with boarding and meal fees included in the annual cost (110,250 RMB).
House system	House system House system: The Middle School Student Council leads House activities.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Governance and ownership: The Board is chaired by Dr. Wang Wei, who also chairs EduChina Group and the BIBA Board. The leadership includes Chief Director Dr. K.C. Pang, Principal Ouyang Hua, and Co-Head of School Dr. Michael Bevis.	Governance and ownership The school operates as a non-profit organization; Beijing Keystone School is described as a non-profit Chinese school.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) offers a continuous curriculum from Early Years through Grade 12 that integrates Chinese national standards with international programmes to provide bilingual instruction and an international perspective. Early Years (ages 1–5) combine play-based learning with Montessori practices, and Elementary (KG–Grade 5) follows Chinese–American standards with bilingual emphasis and Chinese cultural study. The Middle Years integrate the Chinese national curriculum with the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework to develop inquiry, research skills and global perspectives. In High School, students study Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9–10 and most students move into the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, with UK A-level courses also available as an alternative. The IB Diploma subject offerings cover sciences, mathematics, languages, arts and humanities, and the school supplements academic programmes with STEAM, community service and other enrichment alongside national coursework.	Curriculum details Keystone Academy (北京市鼎石学校) operates a K–12 bilingual (Chinese–English) programme that deliberately integrates elements of the Chinese national curriculum with international curricula and a boarding model. In the primary school the programme uses a dual‑language immersion approach and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), combined with a distinctive “China” thread that embeds Chinese language, culture and national curriculum standards. The middle school covers Grades 6–9 and explicitly blends the China national curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) alongside continued bilingual, inquiry‑based learning. The high school prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP), including the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS) and a bilingual/China‑focused approach to TOK and the curriculum in Years 11–12. Across all stages Keystone emphasizes experiential learning, outdoor education and a broad co‑curricular programme (KAP) and provides university‑counselling support to prepare students for tertiary study.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning BIBA describes SEL as embedded across its bilingual IB-based curriculum through character education, virtue education and the school's “4R” (Respect, Responsibility, Rigor, Relationships) character system. Early Years and Primary pages describe classroom approaches that develop social and emotional skills through play-based inquiry, paired Chinese/English teachers, monthly themes and regular home–school collaboration (parent workshops, portfolios and conferences). The school also cites whole-school initiatives such as a House System and extensive extracurricular activities (200+ ECAs) that the school says foster collaboration, resilience and leadership. These provisions are described on the Early Years and Primary sections of the school website.	Social & emotional learning Keystone integrates social and emotional learning across its curriculum and residential programme: Primary and Middle School pages describe CARE time, advisory groups (each student has a faculty advisor), experiential learning and co-curricular activities aimed at social and emotional development. The school's mission and programme pages also emphasise character and community-building as a core part of student development. Residential Life describes dorm parents and structured dorm activities that foster mentoring, conflict mediation and leadership development outside class time. These elements are presented as school-wide, routine provisions rather than a single separate SEL course.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) BIBA's public pages describe tiered and personalised support strategies—for example ‘flexible tiered instruction, inclusive classrooms, and personalized mentoring' and targeted academic coaching in secondary years—but they do not list specific categories of special educational needs (e.g., dyslexia, ASD, ADHD) or specialist SEN staff on the website. The Middle/High School and Primary curriculum pages reference data-driven assessment and personalised learning pathways as part of their support approach. The school's site does not publicly specify which distinct SEN diagnoses it supports or claim to be a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) The website describes a Student Development Centre and names learning-support teachers and psychologists in school communications, indicating an in‑school learning-support function. A programme page and news items reference “learning support” staff working with students (for example in short programmes such as Readers Theatre). The site does not list a public catalogue of specific categories of Special Educational Needs it accepts, nor does it describe itself as a specialist SEN institution. For clarity, the school's public pages show learning-support staff exist but do not specify which exact SEN conditions are supported.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language BIBA publishes an English Language Development (ELD) programme for multilingual learners that uses formal assessments (MAP and WIDA) to create personalised learning goals and growth pathways. The Primary and school curriculum pages describe ELD as integrated across subjects through project-based learning and a full-cycle support system from classroom teaching to extracurricular activities. The school also offers Chinese-as-a-second-language provision (CSL) alongside ELD as part of its bilingual model. These details are provided on the Primary/Academics and ELD pages of the school website.	English as an additional language Keystone operates a bilingual-immersion model and states that “every teacher…teaches not only his or her subject, but also languages,” which underpins language support across the curriculum. The site also publishes specific language-targeted programmes (for example a Readers Theatre short programme described as designed for students for whom English is a second language). These descriptions show EAL support is provided through the school's bilingual model and designated learning-support staff rather than a separately labelled EAL department. The website does not present a standalone, itemised EAL admissions policy or tiered EAL levels on public pages.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing BIBA's site states the school promotes students' physical and emotional wellbeing through its curriculum emphasis on balanced body and mind, character education and school health measures. The Early Years page notes an on‑campus nurse, a health and safety management system, and nutrition provision; Primary and Middle School pages reference character education, the House System and personalised mentoring as supports for psychological safety. The Child Protection page frames wellbeing alongside safeguarding as part of the school's approach to preventing and responding to harm. These provisions are described on the Early Years, Primary and Child Protection pages.	Mental wellbeing Keystone states that student mental, emotional and physical well‑being “drives everything we do,” and describes integration of well‑being into curriculum (CARE time), advisory groups and the residential programme. The site names psychologists and counsellors within its Student Development Centre in news content, and the Residential Life page lists counselling and support services plus a Health Center. Those pages indicate counselling and learning‑support staff are available as part of routine student services, but the website does not publish a public, detailed clinical or referral pathway for specialist mental‑health care.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding BIBA's Child Protection page defines safeguarding and child protection, explains the distinction between them, and indicates the school has designated Safeguarding Leads and Child Protection Officers. The Primary School site also lists ‘Child Protection and Psychological Safety' within its Student Well‑being and Values framework. The Child Protection page is the main public source for these statements; the site does not publish detailed named contact lists or a full public child‑protection policy text on the pages accessed.	Safeguarding The website states faculty and staff are trained in child‑protection and describes measures for student safety in residential life, including dorm parents who provide 24/7 supervision, an advising system, counselling/support services and an on‑site Health Center. Residential Life and the Primary School well‑being page explicitly refer to staff training in child protection and to systems intended to ensure safety and security. The public site does not appear to publish a separate, detailed child‑protection policy document or a named online safeguarding policy page for external download.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Beijing International Bilingual Academy operates a Beijing campus established in 2006. The school opened a Tianjin campus in 2017 and a Guiyang campus in 2018. The campus network forms an educational ecosystem centered on 'Love and Fulfillment.' The school is a bilingual (Chinese-English-language) international school rooted in Chinese culture, serving learners from Early Years through High School. Outdoor Education is part of the academic program across the campuses.	Facilities overview Keystone Academy is located at No.11 Anfu Street, Houshayu, Shunyi District, Beijing. It operates a Beijing campus with a residential life program. The school uses a bilingual immersion curriculum in English and Chinese, with every teacher contributing to language development across subjects. The residential life program provides a structured community that emphasizes leadership and character development. The learning model emphasizes experiential learning, service learning, and global engagement on campus. Graduates are prepared for top English-speaking universities worldwide.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school is authorized by IBO, WASC, ACAMIS and ISAC. Early Years uses a self-designed Early Years curriculum; Elementary School follows the American Common Core Standard and local Chinese curriculum; Middle School follows the IBMYP and local Chinese curriculum; High School uses IGCSE for Grades 9–10 and either IB Diploma Programme or UK A-levels for Grades 11–12. The University Guidance System provides comprehensive support to secondary students and their parents for university admissions, with a focus on end-to-end guidance. The Secondary Career & University Guidance Office coordinates a full-cycle process to help students explore strengths, interests, options, and targeted pathways. The BIBA Institute of Learning and Research conducts research, organizes exchanges, and promotes academic development within the school.	Academic facilities Primary School uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in the primary grades. The High School offers the Keystone Diploma Programme (IB DP) and is authorized to deliver the Diploma Programme; the Middle School Programme is in the process of authorization. Keystone Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) from foundation year to grade 12.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers over 200 extracurricular activities across age groups, fostering holistic development in learning, fitness, and social-emotional skills. These ECAs include competition participation in robotics, debate, math, science, and business, supporting leadership and collaboration. The Alumni Association and the Parent-Teacher Association engage families and students in ongoing school life.	Extra curricular facilities Keystone Academy provides a broad range of extracurricular clubs and groups (KAP), and students can establish new clubs. The program includes service learning and experiential learning, with school-wide initiatives addressing issues such as climate change, environmental protection, and wildlife. The campus emphasizes a world-school approach that integrates local and global perspectives.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) was established in 2006. The school initially opened under the name Kinstar International School and adopted the Beijing International Bilingual Academy name in 2011. Over time BIBA developed into a multi‑campus group, with additional campuses opened in Tianjin (2017) and Guiyang (2018). BIBA operates as a private school and is listed as a member of the broader EduChina/BIBA group.	History Keystone Academy (北京市鼎石学校) opened in 2014; the school's public “About” pages state it was established that year and presents itself as a Chinese K–12 school that borrows international curriculum frameworks. The school is governed by a board (校董会); the leadership page lists Edward Shanahan as board chair and names Meng Siyuan (孟思渊) as the founding/executive principal, indicating a governance model with an international leadership team.
Community	Community BIBA describes its community around the themes “Love · Family · Fulfillment” and positions itself as “deeply rooted in China, with the world in mind.” The school reports a diverse student body (around 1,600 students from more than 30 countries) and maintains a broad extracurricular programme of more than 200 ECAs. School life regularly includes whole‑school open days, concerts and art expos, charity events and culture celebrations that bring families, staff and students together.	Community Keystone describes its community as a bilingual, residential-capable learning community that combines classroom and experiential learning and pursues schoolwide initiatives such as service‑learning and global-facing events. The site's community pages highlight regular student-led projects, public talks and outreach (for example service projects and school events) that bring families, staff and students together.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school webpage describes a formal Parent‑Teacher Association and PTA Parent Committees that coordinate parent involvement across the campus. According to the school, those committees have organised over 200 events with more than 300 speakers, benefiting over 2,000 families and involving roughly 15,000 parent participants. The PTA is shown as supporting family‑facing programming such as speaker series, community workshops and schoolwide activities, and it helps mobilize parent volunteers for charity and community service days. The PTA's activity is presented as both a vehicle for parent education and a practical support network for school events and student programmes.	Parent teacher association The school's parent body is organized as 鼎石家校委员会 (the PTA/parent‑school committee); all parents and staff are considered members and an executive committee of around ten parent and teacher volunteers coordinates routine activities. The PTA sponsors recurring parent groups and activities listed on the site, including a PTA choir, a “dad's football” team and a parent cooking group called 鼎鼎大厨. The PTA also helps organize and support community service programmes and publicity for school events; the site lists examples such as online teaching in Gansu, services for people with visual impairment, and traditional building‑protection projects. For contact or coordination the PTA provides a mailbox (pta@keystoneacademy.cn) on the school's parents page.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The High School Curriculum (Grade 9 to 12) uses IGCSEs in Grades 9 and 10; most Grades 11 and 12 study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with UK A level courses also offered. The Middle School Curriculum integrates the national curriculum with the IB Middle Years Programme to develop critical and higher-order thinking, global perspectives, and research methods. The Elementary School Curriculum is based on Chinese-American standards, emphasizes bilingual balanced education, development of inquiry and innovative capabilities, and Chinese culture. The Early Years Curriculum combines Play-Based Learning with Montessori practices and uses monthly themes and virtue education to guide child-centered, student-led development.	Academic & intellectual Keystone Academy uses a bilingual immersion model in English and Chinese across the school. The Primary School follows the Inquiry-Based Primary Curriculum (IPC) to deliver integrated studies. In secondary, the school offers the IB Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) from foundation year to Grade 12.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative An annual Winter Concert and Art Expo showcases student work and performance. The school offers over 200 extracurricular activities, providing diverse opportunities that support holistic development across learning, fitness, emotional, and social skills. Extracurricular activities foster teamwork, creativity, and leadership through a range of programs.	Arts & creative Arts education includes Chinese Performing Arts and Chinese Visual Arts in the primary and middle years. The English Immersion Program covers humanities, sciences, and performing arts. The Keystone Activities Program provides extracurriculars in music, visual arts, theatre, athletics, student council, and community service.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school emphasizes bilingual education and follows a Chinese-American standards framework, with a focus on bilingual balanced education and Chinese culture. The mission promotes intercultural understanding and integration within a global community. The curriculum and culture support international mindedness and cross-cultural competence.	Cultural & language Keystone maintains a bilingual environment with instruction in both English and Chinese. The Chinese Thread weaves Chinese language, culture, literature, and related topics into the curriculum. In high school, bilingual learning supports the international and Chinese cultural context within the Diploma Programme.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There are over 200 extracurricular activities available, designed to support students' learning, fitness, emotional, and social development in a safe, inclusive environment. These activities contribute to students' social skills and peer engagement.	Social & hobbies The Keystone Activities Program offers team sports, music, visual arts, theatre, and social clubs. There are extensive co-curricular opportunities, including student council and community service. Weekly activities and groups enable students to pursue personal interests beyond academics.
Community & service	Community & service BIBA Charity initiatives connect the school with the broader community. The Parent-Teacher Association engages the community with hundreds of events and thousands of participants. The Alumni Association provides current students with international academic and career advice and supports overseas alumni. The BIBA Institute of Learning and Research conducts research and promotes the school's academic development.	Community & service Creativity, Activity, and Service are embedded in the Diploma Programme. The school encourages community engagement and service through co-curricular activities and DP requirements. Students undertake service projects as part of their learning and personal growth.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional A University Guidance Handbook supports college planning, and the university counselling team coordinates admissions processes. 100% of BIBA students have been admitted to their ideal universities, reflecting the effectiveness of the school's university counselling.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is a hallmark of Keystone's high school program. The program emphasizes residential character and leadership education. University and career counseling supports help students plan their college pathway.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Chinese Thread includes health and wellbeing as core components of Physical Education and Wellness. Bilingual immersion fosters cognitive flexibility and social-emotional development. Arts, athletics, and service activities support balanced wellbeing and personal growth.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught include Chinese and English as core languages of instruction across Early Years through Secondary. English Language Development (ELD) provides language support. BIBA Learning+ integrates Chinese language and culture with IB-aligned learning to build bilingual proficiency and intercultural competence. French is offered in Middle School.	Language provision Chinese and English are the core languages taught. The bilingual approach aims for graduates to be proficient in both languages. The program spans Primary School through High School.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school provides bilingual education in English and Chinese across all levels. In Early Years, each classroom is led by a native Chinese and a native English-speaking teacher, and bilingual use is integrated into daily activities. The curriculum blends IB with Chinese national standards to support bilingual development.	Bilingual teaching The school uses bilingual immersion in Chinese and English across the Primary School, Middle School, and High School programs. Every teacher teaches not only their subject but also languages. Graduates are prepared to think, communicate, read, analyze, and innovate in both English and Chinese.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The school operates a fully immersive bilingual model with Chinese and English used throughout each day. In Early Years and Elementary, bilingual immersion is complemented by a dedicated Chinese Language & Culture program (BIBA Learning+). The Middle and High School programs maintain bilingual instruction alongside IB and national curricula, with additional language offerings such as French.	Immersion programs Bilingual immersion in Chinese and English is integrated into the curriculum, with teachers acting as language teachers alongside subject instructors to develop bilingual proficiency across the student body.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards I searched the school's official site for awards that are explicitly given to the school (not to individual students) during the five-year window January 1, 2021 – January 1, 2026 and did not find any school-level awards listed there. What I checked on the official site: - The school's "BIBA's Competitive Edge" / About pages (where accreditations and professional authorizations are listed). - The site search and news/event navigation (the site's News & Events and related pages and the site search indexes). These pages and the site search results do not show a page titled or summarising awards conferred on the school in the 2021–2025 period. - Other pages (for example scholarship and school news/academics pages) that document student scholarships, programmes and student achievements — these confirm the site reports many student-level recognitions and programme introductions, but I did not find items that state an institutional award was conferred on BIBA in the specified five‑year period. If you'd like, I can: - search again and expand the date range or look at archived pages, or - contact the school (via the contact details on its site) and request an official list of institutional awards, or - pull a list of external recognitions reported about the school by third‑party sources (news sites or rankings). Which of those would you prefer?	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Below I list the accreditations, authorizations and memberships the school itself publishes on its website, with a one-line plain-language explanation of each and why it matters. - International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) — BIBA is authorized to offer IB programmes (the school reports MYP and DP authorization). The IB authorization means the school has met the IB's programme standards and is permitted to deliver IB curriculum and assessments. - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC / ACS WASC) — BIBA is accredited by WASC. WASC school accreditation is a formal external review that confirms a K–12 school meets recognized quality standards and engages in ongoing school improvement. - Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) — BIBA is a member of ACAMIS. ACAMIS membership connects the school with other regional international schools for student activities, staff professional development and inter-school collaboration. - International Schools Athletic Conference (ISAC) — BIBA is listed as part of ISAC. ISAC is a regional inter-school athletics/activities league; membership provides structured competitive sports and co-curricular events with other international schools. - East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) — BIBA is a member of EARCOS. EARCOS membership gives schools access to regional professional development, conferences, grants and networking with other East Asia international schools. - Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications (PDQ) — the school lists membership / centre status with the University of Cambridge's PDQ network. Being a Cambridge PDQ centre or member means the school can run Cambridge-accredited professional development programmes for teachers and leaders. - Examination centre for the "Certificate for Bilingual Teachers Competence" — the school states it is an official examination centre for this certificate. That indicates BIBA provides the site/facility for teachers to sit a recognized bilingual-teaching competence test (as described on the school site). - Authorization by the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC / International ACAC) — BIBA reports authorization/recognition from IACAC. Membership or authorization with IACAC connects the school's college‑counselling staff to an international professional network for university admission guidance. - Official authorization as an ACT test centre (and an ACT GAC authorized teaching centre) — BIBA reports it is an ACT-authorized testing centre and has established an ACT GAC teaching centre. ACT test‑center authorization means the school can administer the ACT on-site and provide related test-preparation/administration services. Notes: - Each item above is taken from the school's “BIBA's Competitive Edge” / About pages where the school lists its "authoritative academic certifications" and related credentials. Where helpful I added a short explanation using the relevant organization's public description. The school's page is the source that states BIBA holds each of these.	Accreditations - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): Keystone is accredited by WASC (covering foundation year through Grade 12). WASC is a U.S.-based regional accrediting body that evaluates whole-school quality and continuous improvement; its accreditation indicates the school meets a set of international standards for governance, curriculum, student support and school improvement. - International Baccalaureate (IB) — Diploma Programme (DP) authorization: Keystone is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme in its high school. The IB Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised two-year curriculum for ages 16–19 that focuses on academic breadth, critical thinking and international-mindedness; authorization means the school has met IB standards and is approved to assess and award the IB Diploma. (The school's site also shows ongoing DP cohorts and published DP results.) - International Primary Curriculum (IPC) registration: Keystone states it is registered with the inquiry-based International Primary Curriculum and uses the IPC in its primary grades. The IPC is a thematic, inquiry-led curriculum for young learners; registration indicates the school follows IPC units and framework in primary years. - Middle Years Programme (MYP) — status on the school website: the school's materials refer to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in their middle‑school descriptions and in DP-related reporting, while the FAQ also states the school has been “in the process of gaining authorization for [its] Middle School Programme.” That wording indicates the school references MYP practice and/or staff for middle years while its formal authorization status was described as in-process on the FAQ. (See the FAQ and the program/news pages for the school's description of middle‑school provision.)
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Submit an online application. Parents should use BIBA's official application channels (the school website / WeChat and the OpenApply portal linked from the site). Make sure you fill in the application form completely and upload any immediately requested documents — an incomplete online application will delay the next steps. 2. Prepare and submit supporting documents. The school asks for the completed application plus required documents (examples available in the site's Download Resources such as the School Recommendation Form and the Age/Placement guide); typical documents families should have ready are recent school reports, passport/ID, and any previous testing or language records. If you are uncertain which documents are required for your child's year level, confirm with Admissions before attending testing or interview. 3. Attend interview and/or testing. After the school receives the completed application and documents, Admissions will schedule the student's interview and any grade-appropriate tests; testing and interview are required for all applicants. Parents should expect subjects and formats to vary by grade (for example, BIBA requires a Chinese writing test for applicants in Grades 2–12 who have attended a Chinese school or are native Chinese speakers). Be prepared to bring originals of school reports and ID to the interview/testing session if requested. 4. Receive an enrollment decision and notice. The school will notify families in writing if a place is offered or if further steps (such as re-testing) are required. Note that acceptance is conditional on meeting any stated requirements (for example additional testing or documentary checks). If a place is offered, read the offer letter carefully for the payment deadline and other conditions. 5. Complete fee payment to confirm placement. BIBA requires tuition/payment to be made by the date shown on the invoice; placement is not guaranteed until the Finance Office confirms payment. Check the Tuition & Fees page for the current fee schedule, payment methods, and the school's refund/withdrawal conditions so you know the deadlines and the consequences of late payment. 6. Submit the health check / medical paperwork. After payment and acceptance, the school requires a health-check report (the site lists submission of a health check report as a final administrative requirement). Make sure any immunization/medical documents follow the format or content BIBA specifies (ask Admissions for the exact health form or any medical checklist). 7. Prepare for start of school. Follow the orientation instructions in the enrollment notice (uniform orders, bus registration and lunch/meal options are handled separately and often have their own forms). Note optional costs (uniforms, lunch, bus and boarding) and the school's stated refund schedule for withdrawals made after the school year starts. If you have additional logistical questions (transport, sibling discounts, or division-specific placement) contact the Admissions or Finance Office directly.	Admissions 1. Create an application account (OpenApply) and start your child's application. Keystone asks families to open an account on keystoneacademy.openapply.cn and begin the online application as the first step; because places are limited there is an application cap for the Foundation Year, Grade 1 and Grade 7, so families interested in those grades should start as early as possible. If you have previously applied to Keystone or registered for an admissions event with the same email, you can log in with that address rather than creating a new account. 2. Expect the school to invite scheduled meetings and assessments within a few business days. After you submit the initial application, the Admissions Office will email guidance to schedule a parent meeting and a student meeting/assessment (the site notes this guidance usually arrives within 2–3 working days). Parents should watch the inbox they used for the application and be ready to propose times for those meetings. 3. Prepare and request required school documents and recommendations. Keystone asks applicants to request a current teacher recommendation through the application system; personal recommendation letters are optional. School records must be provided according to the grade: applicants for Foundation Year–Grade 3 should supply one and a half years of school reports; applicants for Grades 4–11 should supply two and a half years of reports. 4. Complete the written statements and (where required) student essay inside the application. Families must complete a parent statement in the OpenApply account; applicants in Grades 6–11 are also required to complete a student essay in the application. These written materials are part of the Admissions Committee's review packet. 5. Track application progress online and wait for committee review. You can log in to your OpenApply account at any time to check whether the application file is complete; completed files are submitted to the Admissions Committee for discussion. Keystone states final decisions are normally communicated in early spring for on-time applicants; families should plan for a multi-week review timeline once the file is complete. If you have particular timing constraints (for example mid‑year entry), contact Admissions directly to discuss options. 6. Post‑decision practical steps if accepted. The school's scheduled next steps typically include formal acceptance communication and then the usual enrolment actions (parents are asked to follow the admissions office's instructions to complete enrollment paperwork and any required payments). For short programs and Archway offerings the site explicitly states that fees are collected after acceptance; for full-year enrolment the Admissions Office will provide the enrollment checklist and payment instructions at the acceptance stage. 7. Be aware of grade availability and language/age requirements. Keystone indicates primary entry grades they plan to admit each year (notably Grade 1 and Grade 7) and says other grade-level admissions depend on vacancies from departing families; Grade 1 entrants must be six years old by August 31 of the entry year. The school also notes applicants for Grade 1 and above should have sufficient Chinese and English to access the bilingual, immersion curriculum. Parents should contact Admissions early to confirm whether there are current openings for the grade you need.
Scholarships	Scholarships BIBA publishes a scholarship programme for current and prospective students with three broad categories: Academic Scholarships, High-Achiever (talent) Scholarships, and Minor/Contribution Scholarships. The school's materials describe eligibility windows (scholarships commonly targeted at students entering certain grades such as Grade 6, Grade 9 and Grade 11) and that awards are competitive, conditional on continued progress and participation, and regularly reviewed. The school's published scholarship descriptions (and secondary summaries of the programme) show different award formats: some pages describe scholarship amounts (examples on the school's scholarship page include tiered RMB awards for academic winners and fixed annual awards for talent/minor categories), while earlier summaries and announcements describe tuition remissions as a percentage for top academic awards — because the site has multiple historic summaries, the precise award levels and validity periods can vary year-to-year. For those reasons, confirm the current award types, amounts, application timing and conditions directly with BIBA Admissions (the school's scholarship page and public summaries explain the application components — exam/interview, reports, auditions or portfolios — and state that the final decision and duration of the award are at the school's discretion).	Scholarships Keystone operates both merit‑based scholarships and need‑based financial aid; families must submit a scholarship application in addition to the standard admission application. The school states it offers named scholarships (for example the Academy's “Scholar” awards reported in school news) and has an established scholarship/financial aid program intended to help talented students who cannot otherwise afford tuition. The Admission Policy and FAQs make two points parents should note: (1) scholarship applicants complete a separate scholarship form as part of the process, and (2) limited financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated need and is managed annually by the Admissions Office. Selection is competitive and the school treats scholarships and admissions as related but distinct evaluations — if you intend to seek assistance, complete both the main application and the scholarship form and be prepared to supply any supporting materials the admissions team requests. For the most up‑to‑date guidance on application deadlines, required financial documents and the scale of awards, contact admission@keystoneacademy.cn or consult the school's scholarship pages and admissions office directly.
Waitlist	Waitlist BIBA's Admissions Policy indicates the school operates a waiting-list practice and gives admissions priority to siblings of current students or graduates and to those on the previous year's waiting list. Placement is described as first-come, first-served and also depends on the candidate's overall assessment (interview/testing) and timely payment; the school therefore uses both assessment results and chronological order when allocating limited places. The website does not publish a step-by-step public procedure for joining or tracking a live waiting list (for example, how/when the school notifies families on the list), so if you need a seat and the grade is full you should contact Admissions to ask how to be added and what the expected turnaround time is.	Waitlist Keystone does not present a public, numbered “first‑to‑be‑offered” waitlist on its website; instead, the school describes a rolling process for reviewing late/over‑capacity applications and vacancies. The Admissions Policy explains that if spaces become available, the school will review overdue applications from late April onward on a rolling basis, and that places in many grades (especially Grade 1 and Grade 7) are limited and only other grades are considered when space opens up because current families depart. Practically, that means families whose applications arrive after the main deadline or who apply for non‑standard grades should expect their files to be held in a rolling admissions pool and reviewed against available seats rather than being placed on a public, position‑based waitlist. Parents who want to be considered for an unexpected vacancy are advised to keep their application current in OpenApply and to contact admission@keystoneacademy.cn to confirm their interest and status.
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