Canadian International School of Beijing vs The British School of Beijing Shunyi

	C Canadian International School of Beijing Beijing, China	T The British School of Beijing Shunyi Beijing, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 135,500 - 336,800	Fees / year RMB 165,000 - 361,100
Age range	Age range 6 months - 18 years	Age range 1½ - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), German Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,400	Pupils 1,100
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 11
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, German
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 2009
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location CIS Beijing is on a single downtown campus at 38 Liangmaqiao Road in Chaoyang District (the Liangmaqiao/3rd Embassy area of central Beijing), within easy reach of the embassy and Sanlitun neighbourhoods. The school describes itself as a downtown campus and gives the full address and admissions contact on its website.	Location The school is situated at No. 9 An Hua Street in the Shunyi District, a popular suburban area approximately 25 kilometers northeast of central Beijing. This neighbourhood is often described as an "expat oasis," known for its family-friendly residential compounds and proximity to the Capital International Airport.
Stages	Stages CISB covers Early Years through Grade 12: Early Years (from around 6 months to 5 years), Elementary (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12). The site also notes the school delivers the IB PYP, MYP and DP within a Canadian (New Brunswick) curriculum framework.	Stages The school is divided into Early Years (ages 18 months to 5 years), Primary School (ages 5 to 11), and Secondary School (ages 11 to 18). The Secondary stage culminates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students aged 16 to 18.
School type	School type CISB is a co‑educational, private day school; the school's public materials describe a single downtown day campus. External summaries list it as a private day school; the official site does not describe on‑site boarding.	School type The British School of Beijing, Shunyi is a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school operates a Student Support/Student Support Services structure and states in its admissions information that it accepts students with mild learning disabilities and certain physical disabilities, with placements considered case‑by‑case. Elementary facilities listed on the site (for example a sensory room) indicate specific resources used in support and inclusion.	Additional learning support The school offers dedicated assistance through its Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) departments. The EAL programme helps students access the English-taught curriculum through personalised support, which can range from one-on-one tutoring to integrated in-class assistance.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation CISB follows a Canadian curriculum in partnership with the New Brunswick provincial system and presents itself as a Canadian international school on its website. The school combines that Canadian curriculum with the IB continuum (PYP/MYP/DP).	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the British education system, following the English National Curriculum and offering IGCSEs. Uniquely, it also provides a German Primary Programme for native German speakers to study core subjects in their home language.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not list any religious affiliation on its public materials and presents itself as a secular international school. No faith or religious denomination is indicated on the official site.	Religious affiliation The school does not have a religious affiliation and welcomes families from all cultural and religious backgrounds.
School day structure	School day structure Division‑specific schedules are published for families (for example through the Parent Portal and the Student/Parent handbooks), and the school calendar shows regular school days plus occasional early dismissals. School transport timings on the site indicate buses arrive around 8:00–8:10 a.m. and regular dismissal is mid/late afternoon (see bus times below); for exact start/end times by division check the school's Student Handbook or contact Admissions.	School day structure The school day typically begins with registration around 8:25 am, with lessons starting at 8:40 am. The day concludes at 3:30 pm, after which students may depart or attend optional co-curricular activities.
Bus service details	Bus service details CISB operates an on‑site school bus service; the school says its fleet typically arrives at campus each morning around 8:00–8:10 a.m. and departs after school at about 3:45 p.m. (Mon–Thurs) and 2:45 p.m. (Friday). A later bus for after‑school activities is available (about 4:45 p.m. Mon–Thurs and 3:45 p.m. Friday); most stops serve north‑east Beijing and the school will consider new stops when there is sufficient demand. The school lists a dedicated bus email and phone extension for enquiries and publishes a bus policy and stop/fee details.	Bus service details An optional bus service is available for students, covering major residential compounds in Shunyi and downtown Beijing. Regular buses depart the school at 3:40 pm, and a late bus service is available for Secondary students participating in after-school activities.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - The school operates an online application process; the publicly available pages do not list a fixed application fee amount for new applicants. Parents will be required to submit an application through the school's admissions system. Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year) - A detailed grade-by-grade tuition table for the current academic year is not published on the public School Fees page. CISB publishes a formal Tuition Fee Schedule and individual invoices to families (the public site indicates fee schedules are issued as part of re-enrolment/package information). Exact per-term and per-year tuition figures are provided to enrolled families and on official fee documents. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school uses an invoicing and re-enrolment timetable; historical re-enrolment notices show an early-bird deadline and fixed withdrawal deadlines by term (examples cited for 2023–24: early-bird deadline and term withdrawal cut-off dates). Formal payment dates, discounts and the term-by-term billing schedule are issued on the school's fee/invoice documents to families. Boarding fees (if applicable) - CISB's public programme listings (Early Years through High School, plus student life pages) do not include a boarding/residential programme; no boarding fees are published because boarding is not presented as an offered option. Other costs and typical additional fees - Uniforms and sports wear are sold via the CISB School Shop (online purchases via the school's Yoopay link); uniform costs are charged to families through that shop. Summer-camp, after‑school activities, enrichment courses and special programmes carry separate fees (examples and rates for summer programmes are published on the site). Additional common charges include student bus service, meals and trip/excursion fees; amounts are detailed in the school's fee documents. Refund information - The school's re‑enrolment materials reference withdrawal deadlines and a formal refund/withdrawal policy included with invoices and re-enrolment packages; refund rules and any applicable penalties are set out in those official documents provided to families. A sample set of term withdrawal dates and early-bird arrangements are shown in re-enrolment notices. Fee payment options - The website and school shop reference online payment through Yoopay and the Parent Portal; the school issues invoices to families and uses its payment platforms for transactions. Bank transfer or local electronic payment methods are commonly used via those systems (Yoopay/Parent Portal are referenced).	Fee details Application and Registration Application Fee: RMB 2,500. This is a non-refundable fee required with every application submitted. Security Deposit: RMB 16,000. This is payable to secure a school place once the student has been accepted. Tuition Fees The tuition fees are payable annually or split by term. The termly breakdown is as follows: Pre-Nursery (Mornings): Autumn Term: RMB 66,000 Spring Term: RMB 49,500 Summer Term: RMB 49,500 Full Year Total: RMB 165,000 Pre-Nursery (Full Day), Nursery and Reception Autumn Term: RMB 99,000 Spring Term: RMB 74,000 Summer Term: RMB 74,000 Full Year Total: RMB 247,000 Year 1 and Year 2 Autumn Term: RMB 117,600 Spring Term: RMB 88,000 Summer Term: RMB 88,000 Full Year Total: RMB 293,600 Year 3 Autumn Term: RMB 123,000 Spring Term: RMB 92,000 Summer Term: RMB 92,000 Full Year Total: RMB 307,000 Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 Autumn Term: RMB 124,600 Spring Term: RMB 93,400 Summer Term: RMB 93,400 Full Year Total: RMB 311,400 Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 Autumn Term: RMB 132,400 Spring Term: RMB 99,300 Summer Term: RMB 99,300 Full Year Total: RMB 331,000 Year 10 and Year 11 Autumn Term: RMB 141,400 Spring Term: RMB 105,900 Summer Term: RMB 105,900 Full Year Total: RMB 353,200 Year 12 and Year 13 Autumn Term: RMB 144,500 Spring Term: RMB 108,300 Summer Term: RMB 108,300 Full Year Total: RMB 361,100 Additional Costs EAL Charge: A one-off charge of RMB 20,000 applies to students required to join additional English support lessons. Bus Service: Optional service arranged on request. Annual fees range from RMB 17,000 to RMB 21,200 depending on distance. Uniform: All students must wear the uniform and P.E. kit, which can be purchased from the school uniform shop. Examinations: Fees for Year 10 and above include entrance fees for examinations in accordance with the curriculum. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Due Dates: Tuition fees must be paid on or before the first day of the academic year or term. Early Bird Discount: A discount applies if the full year fees are paid by 6th June 2025. This discount becomes invalid if a student withdraws during the year. Payment Methods: Payments can be made via bank transfer to the school's Bank of China account. If paying in foreign currency, the exchange rate is based on the Bank of China middle rate at the time of payment, and all bank charges must be borne by the remitter. Refund Information Security Deposit: Fully refundable when the student leaves the school, provided all accounts are settled, school property is returned, and required written notice is submitted. Application Fee: Non-refundable.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All students wear CISB school uniforms while on campus. Uniforms and CISB merchandise are available through the CISB Online Uniform Shop, which stocks all uniform articles including athletic wear.	Uniform requirement The school enforces a strict uniform policy where all students from Early Years to Year 11 are required to wear the official school uniform, which must be kept neat, tidy, and clearly labelled with the student's name. Students in the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) are exempt from the standard uniform but must adhere to a "business smart" dress code, wearing professional attire such as suits to set a positive example for younger pupils.
Food options	Food options The CISB cafeteria is operated by Sodexo, providing healthy, balanced meals prepared onsite. A diverse menu includes Western and Chinese-inspired dishes. Students use a smart card for food services, with balances managed via WeChat or in person.	Food options The school provides a comprehensive lunch service prepared fresh on-site by an in-house catering team led by an experienced Head Chef, ensuring nutritious and high-quality meals for all students. The menu changes monthly to offer a diverse range of options, including Western, Chinese, and other international cuisines, and features special "International Lunch Days" every Wednesday to introduce students to global flavours. The kitchen is fully equipped to handle specific dietary requirements, including allergies and religious restrictions, with all beef, lamb, and chicken served being certified Halal.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership CISB was founded in 2005 as a State Level Project. It is a not-for-profit, co-educational international school governed by a Board of Directors. It is fully licensed and accredited by the New Brunswick Department of Education and is undergoing accreditation with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).	Governance and ownership Part of the Nord Anglia Education family.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) delivers a New Brunswick (Canadian) curriculum taught within the International Baccalaureate framework and is authorized to offer the PYP, MYP and DP. Early Years (6 months–5 years) includes a Montessori nursery and early-years programming that prepares children for the Primary Years Programme. Elementary School (Grades 1–5) follows the IB Primary Years Programme. Middle School (Grades 6–8) comprises the first three years of the five-year MYP (MYP covers Grades 6–10) and teaches the eight MYP subject groups, including Language & Literature, Language Acquisition (Mandarin or French), Mathematics, Sciences, Individuals & Societies, Design, The Arts and Physical & Health Education. High School (Grades 9–12) provides senior secondary courses with the two-year IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, and students who complete the IB Diploma at CISB also qualify for the New Brunswick High School Diploma.	Curriculum details The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for its youngest students, moving into the English National Curriculum for Primary and Lower Secondary education. Uniquely, the school offers a German Primary Programme that allows native German speakers to study core subjects in their home language alongside the English curriculum. At the Upper Secondary level (ages 14-16), students prepare for and sit the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. For the final two years in the Sixth Form (ages 16-18), the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as its pre-university qualification.
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 CISB states that Social-Emotional Learning is integrated across its IB programmes and is supported through a daily Advisory programme with extended Advisory sessions on Wednesday afternoons for deeper SEL work. Elementary structures include daily morning meetings, classroom agreements and a response-to-intervention model for tiered support. Teachers receive training in responsive classroom approaches and work with the school counsellor when students need individual or small-group interventions. The school names specific leaders involved in SEL delivery, including the Middle/High vice-principal and school counsellors who contribute to programme design and delivery.	Social & emotional learning The school integrates social development into its daily life through a "Behaviour and Social Graces" (BSG) programme, which emphasizes respect, good manners, and positive self-expression. In Primary School, the PAWS system (Positive Behaviour, Academic Achievement, Working Together, Sport) is used to encourage and record student achievements, fostering a strong community spirit. Secondary students engage in a "citizenship and PHSE" (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) programme delivered by their form tutors to support their personal development.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) CISB's admissions information states the school accepts students with mild learning disabilities and certain physical disabilities but notes it cannot accept students whose needs it cannot effectively meet. The school has a Learning Support role on staff (for example, Paul Amos is listed as Learning Support) and an Inclusion Policy describing differentiated instruction and support. Where needs exceed school capacity the admissions process and support planning involve observations, external assessments and collaboration with parents and external professionals. CISB is not presented as a specialist SEN institution; support is provided within its mainstream programmes.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school employs a dedicated Student Support Team that works with class teachers and external specialists to assist students with additional educational requirements. While the school can cater to mild to moderate needs on a case-by-case basis, it is not a specialist SEN institution and may require assessments during the admissions process to ensure they can meet a child's specific needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language CISB is an English-medium school and explains that non-native speakers complete WIDA assessments during admission; the school runs an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students who need extra support. The EAL department describes a co-teaching model in which EAL teachers co-teach content classes (especially Individuals & Societies and some Sciences, Maths and Design) and collaborate with content teachers on scaffolding and sheltered instruction. The website also lists EAL staff and sets WIDA-based proficiency requirements by grade for progression.	English as an additional language The school offers a comprehensive EAL programme delivered from a dedicated "EAL Hub" to ensure non-native speakers can fully access the English-taught curriculum. This support uses structured courses based on the Cambridge English Programme, with students grouped by ability and assessed regularly using CEFR-aligned tests to track progress. A one-off fee applies for students who are required to join this additional support programme.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CISB publishes that it employs school counsellors and psychologists who provide one-to-one and group counselling, workshops and wellbeing programmes (for example, stress-management and meditation sessions) across Early Years through High School. The school's counselling team is named in staff pages and news items, with counsellors trained in approaches such as CBT and with external training like ASIST noted for some staff. Counsellors work with teachers, parents and external specialists (occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and clinical psychologists) when needed to create support plans. The school describes advisory and counselling as central elements of student wellbeing provision.	Mental wellbeing Student wellbeing is a primary priority, managed by a robust pastoral structure that includes class teachers in Primary and Form Tutors in Secondary. The Secondary School has a dedicated "Assistant Head of Secondary – Pastoral" who oversees student welfare, alongside university counsellors who support older students with future planning. The school emphasizes a close-knit community experience where staff are trained to identify and respond swiftly to social and emotional needs.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding CISB publishes a detailed Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy (effective February 2025, revised May 2025) that sets out roles, reporting procedures, definitions of abuse, staff responsibilities and links to Chinese law and international best practice. The policy names the Designated Safeguarding Lead (David Bremner) and a Deputy DSL (Hisham Farghaly) and states that all staff must be trained and required to report concerns. The school's Policies page links explicitly to the full child protection policy and to related policies (Inclusion, Health & Safety, Complaints). The document therefore provides the formal procedures and contact points for safeguarding and child-protection matters.	Safeguarding The school strictly adheres to the UK statutory guidance "Keeping Children Safe in Education" and follows rigorous "International Child Protection Standards." A dedicated team, led by a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and supported by Deputy DSLs in both Primary and Secondary schools, oversees all child protection matters. All staff undergo strict recruitment vetting and are required to recognize and report any concerns regarding student safety immediately.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located at 38 Liangmaqiao Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing 100125, China. The campus spans about 38,000 m2 and is air-quality controlled. It is situated in the embassy district, within walking distance to multiple embassies and Chaoyang Park's north gate. The facilities support learning both inside and outside the classroom.	Facilities overview The school is located on a purpose-built campus in the Shunyi district, designed to provide a safe and engaging environment for students. Key general facilities include the "Chatter Box" community café and a warm, welcoming dining hall for students and parents. A standout feature is the custom-built, temperature-controlled air dome, which features a powerful filtration system to ensure year-round access to clean-air sporting activities. The campus also houses dedicated libraries for Primary and Secondary students. The Secondary library, built in 2019, serves as a central hub with over 10,000 books, quiet study areas, and integrated technology.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Two gymnasiums support fitness and physical education, along with a dedicated nursery gym. The campus includes a 25-meter swimming pool with a wading pool. An athletics field, a dance studio, and science and design technology labs support sports and STEM learning. An onsite cafeteria, a 500-seat auditorium, and a lecture theatre provide spaces for gatherings and performances.	Sports facilities Facilities include a multi-use indoor sports hall, a 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool (plus a dedicated Early Years pool), indoor basketball courts, a full-size outdoor football pitch, tennis courts, and a dance studio.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus houses libraries for Elementary and Middle/High students. It includes Science and Design Technology labs and makerspaces to support hands-on learning. Specialized Visual Arts and Music classrooms are on site. An auditorium and a lecture theatre support assemblies, presentations, and performances.	Academic facilities The school is equipped with specialist learning environments to support its rigorous curriculum. Classrooms feature interactive whiteboards and are supported by purpose-built computing labs, cutting-edge science laboratories, and design technology (DT) workshops. For creative and technical subjects, students have access to art and photography studios (including a darkroom), a cookery kitchen, and a LEGO Robotics lab with 3D printers. The school also provides an "IB Hub," a dedicated study space designed specifically for International Baccalaureate students to research and collaborate.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities After-School Activities (ASA) are offered, and there are regular field trips. Outdoor Education programs include Week Without Walls and field trips. The Duke of Edinburgh program is part of the student life program. Students participate in performing arts and competitions, such as StageCats performances and mathematics competitions.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) was founded in the fall of 2005 as a state-level project established in partnership with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Education, the Government of Canada, and the New Brunswick (Canada) Department of Education. It operates as a not-for-profit, co-educational international school governed by a Board of Directors and is licensed and registered with the Beijing education authorities. CISB holds recognition from the New Brunswick Department of Education and has engaged in external accreditation processes with organizations such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC). Over the years the school has developed a larger downtown campus and a range of programmes to serve Beijing's diplomatic and expatriate communities.	History The school was originally established in 2003 and has since grown to become a leading institution in the region. It is owned and operated by the Nord Anglia Education family, a global network of premium international schools. The school recently celebrated "20 Years of Excellence," marking its long-standing presence in Beijing. Over the years, it has developed significant community traditions, such as the annual Unity Week and International Day, which celebrate the diverse nationalities within the student body.
Community	Community CISB's student body includes learners from more than 60 nationalities, creating a multicultural school community. The school schedules a variety of whole-school and division-level events that bring families together, including an International Festival, a recently introduced CISB Sports Day, and student-led activities such as TEDx Youth and CANMUN (CISB's Model UN). Regular elements of school life also include arts weeks, service-learning projects and experiential learning trips like Week Without Walls, which are used to build connections across the community.	Community The school fosters a vibrant community through major cultural events like "Unity Week," where students dress in national colours and participate in cross-cultural learning activities. The "International Day," often the finale of this week, invites the entire community to celebrate with food, booths, and performances. Students also engage in "Week without Walls" residential trips across China to build friendships and cultural understanding. Furthermore, the community is deeply involved in service, with students and families fundraising for local charities such as "Dew Drops Little Flower."
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association CISB's Parent's Association (PA) is an active family group with listed representatives for the 2024–25 year (for example, a Middle School representative, a High School representative, and a Treasurer) and communicates its initiatives through the school's news channels. The PA played a central role in organizing the revitalized Terry Fox Marathon of Hope at Chaoyang Park, an event that involved students, families and staff and combined community-building with charitable fundraising. The association describes its focus as bringing families together around events and initiatives across the year and invites parent collaboration and support for those activities. Information about current PA officers and the PA's recent activities is published on the school website and in school news posts.	Parent teacher association The Parents' Association (PA) plays an integral role in school life, organizing large-scale events such as the "Winter Fayre and German Market" and the "International Day," which features booths and global cuisine. They actively support student learning by creating educational presentations and videos about different countries during Unity Week. The PTA also arranges special assemblies with cultural performances, such as Chinese puppet shows and dance routines.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers an internationally recognized Canadian (New Brunswick) curriculum taught within the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, providing the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) as an IB World School.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Mandarin is taught as a second language, with a daily 40-minute period in Preschool and Elementary, and Mandarin as one of eight subject groups in Middle and High. French is offered starting in Grade 9 and is supported through after-school language programs. Mother tongue languages are supported through library resources and Mother Tongue Self-Taught courses in the IB Diploma Programme, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports non-native speakers.	Language provision The school's primary language of instruction is English, supported by a specialized English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students who need assistance accessing the curriculum. Mandarin Chinese is a compulsory core subject for all students from Early Years through to Year 13, with classes streamed by ability to cater to everyone from absolute beginners to native speakers. From Year 7, students can expand their linguistic skills by choosing to study French or Spanish as a second foreign language. Additionally, the school supports home language maintenance by offering specialist native-speaker programmes for German students (from Early Years) and Korean students (from Year 7), ensuring they can develop high-level literacy in their mother tongue alongside their English studies.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school teaches all subjects in English. Mandarin is taught as a second language, with daily Mandarin instruction in Preschool and Elementary. In Grades 6–12, Mandarin Language and Literature is available for native Chinese speakers. From Grade 9, students may study French, and mother tongue language classes are available from Grade 11.	Bilingual teaching The school offers a dedicated bilingual education pathway through its German Primary Programme for students in Klasse 1 to 4. In this stream, native German speakers are taught core subjects, which includes Mathematics, German, and Topic (Humanities and Science) all in German, strictly following the Thuringian Curriculum from Germany. To ensure full integration and bilingual development, these students join their English-speaking peers for non-core subjects such as Music, Art, and Physical Education, as well as for whole-school assemblies and break times.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards China Schools Awards 2025 (Finalist) – Holistic Education Award The school was selected as a top-three finalist in this category, recognizing its commitment to educating the "whole child" and providing outstanding opportunities for student development outside the classroom. China Schools Awards 2025 (Finalist) – Diversity and Inclusion Award The school was shortlisted as a finalist for this award, acknowledging its efforts to create a supportive environment where all community members feel celebrated and safe. China Schools Awards 2022 (Finalist) – Holistic Education Award The school was named a finalist in this category, highlighting its innovation and commitment to meeting students' emotional, social, ethical, and academic needs
Accreditations	Accreditations • Licensed / registered with the Beijing municipal Bureau of Education — the school's official local registration that authorizes it to operate as an international school in Beijing. • Accredited by the New Brunswick (Canada) Department of Education to deliver New Brunswick programmes — this allows CISB to offer the New Brunswick pathway/credentials and aligns the school with that Canadian provincial curriculum. • Authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School (PYP, MYP and DP) — IB authorisation means CISB is approved to deliver the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, a recognised international continuum of inquiry-based curricula. • Currently engaged in the Council of International Schools (CIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation processes — the school's website states it is undergoing these external accreditation processes, which are independent international reviews of governance, teaching & learning, safeguarding and whole-school practice (note: the site describes these as ongoing processes rather than completed accreditations).	Accreditations Beijing Education Commission (International Department) The school is officially registered with the local education commission under the International Department, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) The school is inspected by the ISI, an organization approved by the UK Government, and holds status as an officially accredited British School Overseas. IB World School The school is approved to deliver the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a pre-university qualification for students aged 16-19. IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) The school is a member of this association, which represents world-class headteachers and preparatory schools delivering the British curriculum. ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools) Membership in this organization connects the school with other international schools in the region for student sports, cultural events, and professional development. Cambridge International Examinations Testing Centre The school is approved to administer examinations from Cambridge International, a provider of international qualifications like the IGCSE. Edexcel Testing Centre The school is an authorised centre for Edexcel, allowing students to take academic and vocational qualifications through this UK examination board. College Board SAT and ACT Testing Centre The school is authorised to administer these standardized tests, which are key requirements for students applying to universities in the United States. HSK and YCT Examination Centre The school is an approved centre for the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) and YCT (Youth Chinese Test), enabling students to gain official certification for their Mandarin skills.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Once you inquire, the school assigns a dedicated Admissions Officer who will guide you through paperwork, tours, and next steps; keep that officer's contact details for follow-up. Parents should be ready to explain the child's current school placement, intended start date, and any learning-support needs during this stage. 2. Visit — The Admissions Officer will offer an on-campus visit or a virtual meeting so your family can view facilities and meet staff. During the visit you can ask specifically about how CISB integrates the IB programmes with the New Brunswick (Canada) curriculum and how the school supports transitions from other curricula. If you cannot visit in person, request a virtual tour and ask for sample timetables, examples of student work, and a description of typical class sizes (average 18–20; maximum 25). 3. Application — Complete the OpenApply application and upload all required documents listed on CISB's Application Checklist (two full years of school reports notarized and translated into English, confidential school reference for Grade 1+, passport and visa copies for student and parents, birth certificate, medical insurance proof, completed Enrollment Agreement and Health Questionnaire). A non-refundable application fee of RMB 2,000 is required when you submit the application; keep receipts and record the OpenApply application ID. Parents should ensure transcripts are full (all terms/semesters), officially notarized and translated where necessary — incomplete or non-notarized records delay review. 4. Assessment & Interview — After documents are reviewed, CISB schedules the appropriate assessment(s), observation and an interview (often a Principal interview) for the student and family. English language ability is measured with the WIDA assessment across Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing (levels 1–6); there are minimum English proficiency requirements from Grade 5 upward, so check FAQs for grade-specific thresholds. Be prepared to provide recent school reports and, where relevant, samples of work or teacher references; if your child needs additional language support, discuss available EAL/learning-support options during the interview. 5. Decision & Enrollment — CISB reviews each application holistically (academic records, assessments, interview and references) and aims to notify families within 1–3 working days after assessment completion (allow 5–7 working days in peak periods). The school operates rolling admissions and class placement depends on seat availability; note that applications received in March or later for Pre‑School and Elementary may require Principal approval and could be deferred to the next academic year. Once accepted you will be asked to return the signed Enrollment Agreement and follow the school's payment and registration instructions — confirm deadlines and refund/withdrawal dates with Admissions to avoid losing a place. Note on tuition/fees: CISB's full tuition schedule is published on the School Fees / Tuition page; the application fee of RMB 2,000 is specifically listed in the application checklist. Independent fee aggregators (which mirror published school figures) list per-grade annual tuition ranges for 2025–26 (for example, total first‑year costs and annual tuition by grade). Tuition amounts can change year to year — contact admissions to request the official current fee schedule, payment options, and details about extras (bus, meals, ASA, uniform).	Admissions 1. Make an Enquiry: Parents are encouraged to start the process by submitting an online enquiry form, sending an email, or calling the admissions team directly to express interest. 2. Discover Our School: Families are invited to visit the campus either in person or virtually to meet the academic team, ask questions, and share their specific educational needs. 3. Apply for a Place: Parents must submit an online application form along with supporting documents; depending on the child's age, the school may also request further references and an assessment to ensure the right class placement. 4. Application Review: The school Principal reviews the completed application, after which the admissions team contacts the family to confirm the admissions status and outline the next steps for enrolment.
Scholarships	Scholarships CISB runs an internal Scholarship and Bobcat Grants programme that is intended primarily for current CISB students (awards are credited to tuition for the stated academic year). For 2025–2026 the school has allocated up to RMB 3,000,000 across Scholarships and Bobcat Grants; Scholarship categories include Academic Scholarships (examples published include up to RMB 200,000 for IB/NB Diploma students and RMB 100,000 for Grades 9–12), CISB Excellence Scholarships (for Leadership, STEM and the Arts) and Bobcat Grants (up to RMB 5,000 per student per trip for extracurricular team support). All awards require a formal application to the CISB Scholarship Committee with the documentation specified for each award; decisions are internal, final and applied as tuition credit for the stated year, so families should check deadlines, eligibility criteria, and whether new applicants (incoming students) may apply for particular scholarships.	Scholarships The school does not explicitly list academic or talent-based scholarships for incoming students.
Waitlist	Waitlist CISB does operate a waiting‑list system when a grade level is full. Accepted students for whom no place is immediately available are placed on the waiting list in strict chronological order based on the date their application was completed. The school applies priority criteria when offering places from the waiting list; priority groups explicitly include Canadian Embassy staff, CISB alumni/returning students and siblings of current students — if you think you may fit a priority category, notify Admissions and supply supporting documentation. When a space becomes available CISB will offer it according to that order; parents should confirm with Admissions how long waitlist offers remain open and whether any deposit or re-confirmation is required.	Waitlist The school does not explicitly detail a specific "waitlist" or "pool" system policy. However, they do note that students are placed in year groups according to their date of birth, academic level, and language ability, and that they accept applications throughout the school year.
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