International School of Beijing vs Keystone Academy

	I International School of Beijing Beijing, China	K Keystone Academy Beijing, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 150,900 - 356,000	Fees / year RMB 289,800 - 323,950
Age range	Age range 2 - 19 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,809	Pupils 1,596
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 1980	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ISB's campus is in the Tianzhu / Capital Paradise area of Shunyi District at No. 10 An Hua Street, northeast Beijing — a neighbourhood that hosts several international schools and expatriate residential compounds. The campus is primarily accessed by car or taxi (Didi); event and visitor guidance refers people to the North Gate and notes limited on‑campus parking. It is roughly 25–35 km from central Beijing depending on route and traffic, so many families plan commute times around peak hours.	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 ISB serves Early Years through Grade 12 and is organised into Early Years, Elementary, Middle and High School divisions (EY2–Grade 12). Placement and age guidelines are set out in the school's admissions/placement information.	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 ISB is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school (no boarding). It is an IB World School offering programmes through high school.	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 ISB runs Student Support services that include Learning Support and English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) provision; the school publishes Learning Support and Language Support policies and assesses individual needs as part of admissions and ongoing support. For specifics about levels of provision or complex needs, the admissions or Student Support team should be contacted 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 ISB does not have an official national affiliation — it operates as an international school serving an expatriate and international community. It is authorised to deliver IB programmes.	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 is non‑religious / nondenominational and does not have a faith affiliation.	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 A typical school day is reported to run roughly 08:20–15:20 (times can vary by division and year). ISB's academic year normally starts in early August and finishes in early–mid June; exact term dates and daily timetables are published on the school calendar each year.	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 ISB coordinates an optional, contracted school-bus service for families; routes, door‑to‑door coverage and annual fees vary by distance and are arranged through the school or its transport contractor. Bus places are optional, subject to route availability, and require parent sign-up and payment — families should check the current routes, fees and sign-up process with ISB Admissions or Transport.	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 fees - Non-refundable Application Fee: RMB 2,800 (applies for the academic year of application only). One-time and prepayment fees - One-time Entry Tuition Fee (new students): RMB 15,000. Due at the same time as Tuition Fees. - Non-refundable Tuition Prepayment Fee: RMB 30,000 required to secure a place; this prepayment is applied against the annual tuition. Due dates: re-enrolling students on or before March 20, 2025; newly enrolled students within 7 calendar days of the invoice date. Tuition fees (annual) by year group - Early Years (EY2) Half Day: RMB 150,900. - Early Years (EY2) Full Day: RMB 245,900. - Early Years (EY3): RMB 246,900. - Early Years (EY4): RMB 249,900. - Kindergarten (KG): RMB 292,300. - Grade 1: RMB 297,500. - Grade 2: RMB 299,900. - Grades 3–5: RMB 303,900. - Grades 6–8: RMB 322,900. - Grades 9–10: RMB 345,000. - Grades 11–12: RMB 356,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition invoices: re-enrolling students due on or before June 1, 2025; newly enrolled students due within 20 calendar days of the invoice date. - Installment plans (available on a needs basis and subject to conditions): Two-Installment Plan — payments due June 1 and October 1, 2025; Four-Installment Plan — payments due June 1, August 1, September 1, and October 1, 2025. Application to use an installment plan must be submitted by May 20, 2025. A late payment surcharge of 2% per month, compounded monthly, applies to overdue fees. - Pro-rated fees for late entry are applied by quarter (minimum one quarter charged): Quarter 1 = 100%; Quarter 2 = 75%; Quarter 3 = 50%; Quarter 4 = 25% of annual fees. Boarding - ISB operates as a day school; no boarding fees are published for ISB. Other costs - Annual optional bus/transportation: RMB 16,500 to RMB 26,800 depending on distance (2025–2026). The Transportation Fee applies only to students who register for the service. - The publicly posted schedule does not list set amounts for uniforms, daily lunch, specific co-curricular or instrument hire fees; such ancillary charges may be invoiced separately. Refund information - Application Fee and Tuition Prepayment Fee are NOT refundable. Tuition refund deadlines: full-year tuition (less the non-refundable Tuition Prepayment Fee) refundable if withdrawal is received on or before July 1, 2025; tuition for the second semester refundable if withdrawal is received on or before November 1, 2025. Entry Tuition Fee refundable only if withdrawal is received by July 1, 2025 for Semester 1 starters or by November 1, 2025 for Semester 2 starters. Transportation refunds follow a short-window scale; fapiao must be returned for refunds. Fee payment options - Payments must be made by bank transfer (invoices are issued in RMB only). No cash payments are accepted. USD payments are converted to RMB at the Bank of China middle rate at time of receipt; all bank charges are the payer's responsibility. Bank details are printed on invoices and are available from the Business Office.	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 requirement —
Food options	Food options There is an on-campus cafeteria for the Elementary and Middle/High School divisions.	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 —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ISB is a non-profit school governed by a 12-member Board of Trustees elected and nominated by the parent community.	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 ISB delivers an International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Early Years through Grade 12: Primary follows the PYP, Middle School follows the MYP (typically Grades 6–10), and Grades 11–12 offer the IB Diploma Programme. High school students may pursue the full IB Diploma in Grades 11–12 or take individual IB courses alongside ISB's own High School Diploma; graduation requires a minimum of 24 credits. ISB's High School Diploma is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS) and is recognized by China's NCCT. In Grades 9–10 students follow a broad academic program (English, mathematics, sciences, individuals & societies, world languages/EAL, PE) with room for electives to prepare for DP pathway decisions. Across all stages the school integrates Chinese language learning, STEAM, arts, service learning and extensive co‑curricular options, and the high school offers a Pathways program allowing combinations of DP and non‑DP courses with microcredentials/Impact Certificate opportunities.	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 ISB describes an EY–12 Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programme built around five competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social-Cultural Competence, Nurturing Relationships and Purposeful Action. SEL is delivered through classroom integration, Elementary morning meetings and a Middle/High School mentoring programme, and is intended to be embedded across subjects rather than taught as a separate ‘detour' from academics. The school references research and uses Tripod's 7Cs framework to guide teacher practice and care for students. ISB explicitly values student voice, partnerships with families, resilience and emotional safety as part of its SEL approach. These details are published on ISB's curriculum SEL philosophy page.	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) ISB's Student Support Services state the school enrolls students with mild, moderate and intensive learning needs and lists learning support teachers, EAL teachers, instructional assistants, a school psychologist, speech-language pathologists and an on-site private occupational therapist as part of the support team. The school describes targeted, evidence-based interventions, a comprehensive referral process, curriculum modification where necessary, and a Life Centered Education (LCE) class for students with intellectual disabilities in grades K–8 staffed by special education teachers and instructional assistants. ISB's FAQ and admissions guidance note that admission of students requiring support depends on available space and the school's ability to provide necessary resources. The Student Support pages also state that fees may apply for intensive-class tuition or a 1:1 teaching assistant. ISB's Student Support Services page provides these details.	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 ISB provides EAL support from Kindergarten through Grade 10 and, in High School, offers fully credited EAL courses aligned with Common Core ELA standards for reading, writing, listening, speaking and language. The high‑school EAL model is described as subject-specific and designed to foster independence, academic vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing skills; students exit EAL when multiple measures indicate a high level of English proficiency. EAL and classroom teachers collaborate to make grade-level curriculum accessible, and proficiency is assessed with multiple data points (for example WIDA and MAP are mentioned). These provisions are described in ISB's Student Support / High School course guide pages.	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 ISB's Counseling Department states it provides developmentally appropriate, student-centred counselling through classroom lessons, small groups and individual work, and that counselors lead SEL and health initiatives in each school section. Counselors also offer workshops, parent education, mediation and stress-management support, and they form part of the school's Crisis Response Team; the school notes that families may be referred to external services when more in-depth therapeutic support is required. The Student Support Services page frames these counselling services as part of a wider network (including SLPs and a school psychologist) that aims to promote students' social-emotional development. These counselling and student-support descriptions are published on ISB's curriculum and student support 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 ISB publishes a Child Safeguarding Handbook and describes a safeguarding system that includes rigorous staff recruitment and vetting, criminal-background checks, an employee Code of Conduct, annual safeguarding training for staff and contractors, and policies for identifying and responding to children in need of protection. The school links its safeguarding work with its SEL curriculum and describes access and campus‑use guidelines for parents and visitors. ISB's safeguarding pages also reference external accreditation feedback (an independent accreditor's 2023 comment) and provide downloadable child-protection information. These safeguarding measures and policies are set out on ISB's Safeguarding page.	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 ISB is a fully accredited non-profit private school in Beijing serving students from Early Years through Grade 12. The campus spans 32 acres and includes Library Media Centers, two Performing Arts Centers, and two purpose-built sports domes. The campus features a 665-seat sports stadium and dedicated spaces for arts, science, and language learning. ISB serves around 1,800 students with a 1:8 faculty-to-student ratio.	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 ISB has two purpose-built sports domes and a 665-seat sports stadium. These facilities support a broad athletics program as part of ISB's cocurricular offerings.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ISB operates one of the region's leading international school Chinese language programs from Early Years to Grade 12. In Elementary School, ISB offers a Dual Language Program to develop proficiency in speaking and writing in two languages and cultures. ISB has its own Chinese Language and Culture Center and offers Chinese language accelerator programs. ISB offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (full diploma) and the ISB Pathways Program, and runs a 1:1 MacBook laptop program. World Languages include Chinese, French & Spanish.	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 ISB offers more than 200 cocurricular programs. Co-curricular offerings include Athletics, Performing Arts, Activities, Aquatics, and Clubs and Service Groups.	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 ISB traces its origins to a small diplomatic school in Beijing in the 1970s and was formally established in 1980; the early institution grew out of schools run by several embassies (including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada and New Zealand). ISB operates as a non-profit and is overseen by a 12-member Board of Trustees responsible for governance, finances, and appointing the Head of School. Over time the school moved from temporary diplomatic sites to a purpose-built campus in Shunyi and expanded its facilities and programmes through the 1990s and 2000s.	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 The ISB community includes students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni from many nationalities and is active year-round with school-wide cultural and social events. Regular community highlights include an annual International Day (a cultural parade and family-run country booths) and a large Spring Fair that draws thousands of visitors. Families and staff also connect through speaker series, performances, athletics and volunteer-organized activities that aim to build relationships across the school.	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 ISB's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a volunteer-led organisation whose membership is open to all parents and faculty and which supports new-family orientation and community-building. The PTA organises major community fundraisers such as the Spring Fair and helps coordinate International Day booths and the cultural parade. Beyond those flagship events, the PTA runs movie nights, dance programs, visiting-author talks and a parent speaker series, and it posts volunteer opportunities through the school portal. The Booster Club—run by parent volunteers—focuses on school spirit and hands-on support for athletics, performing arts and academic co-curriculars (team parents, concessions, spirit items, receptions, etc.). Contact details and sign-up information for PTA and Booster Club activities are available on the ISB website.	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 ISB is a non-profit international school in Beijing that serves students from Early Years through Grade 12. It has a four-decade history (established 1980) and a student body of around 1,800. The faculty-to-student ratio is about 1:8. The campus features include two performing arts centers, a dedicated sports dome, and a broad range of co-curricular offerings (200+ activities). The school emphasizes challenging and joyful learning, with a focus on literacy and STEAM, and it aims to develop students who are globally minded and socially responsible.	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 ISB offers a range of performing arts, visual arts, theater, and music programs as part of its co-curricular and curricular activities. The school supports student creativity through its arts facilities and performance opportunities across the Middle and High School years.	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 ISB provides a Dual Language Program (English and Chinese) from Early Years through Grade 5, designed to help students become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural, with equity of English and Chinese language and culture and ongoing literacy in both languages. World languages offered include Chinese, French, and Spanish, with program structures in Middle and High School supporting language study across grades.	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 Co-curricular activities at ISB exceed 200 options, including clubs, arts, athletics, and service groups, providing students with opportunities to explore interests, build friendships, and develop new skills outside the classroom.	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 ISB emphasizes real-world learning and service as part of its core focus on purpose and compassion. Students engage in service opportunities and community projects as part of their learning experience.	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 ISB features leadership and professional development elements through its co-curricular programs, alumni engagement, and pathways that help students develop skills for college and beyond.	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 The school prioritizes social-emotional learning and relationship-building as part of creating a healthy school community. It maintains a strong emphasis on student well-being and a supportive learning environment.	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 ISB provides English-language instruction from Early Years through Grade 12. English Language Arts is a core subject, and EAL supports language development for students who need additional English support. World Languages include Chinese, French, and Spanish, with progression paths in Middle School (Foundation and Intermediate levels) and High School offerings such as Chinese, French & Spanish, and IB Self-Taught A. The Dual Language program also provides bilingual English-Chinese experiences.	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 ISB offers a Dual Language Program in English and Chinese. The program aims for students to become bilingual, bi-literate, and bicultural. Learning occurs in English and Chinese with emphasis on reading, writing, and communication in both languages. The program uses ISB's curriculum as the core and promotes equity between English and Chinese language and culture.	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 —	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 Awards and formal recognitions to the school itself on ISB's website in the past five years (items are those explicitly shown on ISB's site; I have excluded awards given to individual students or student groups): - International SOS Foundation — Duty of Care Award (awarded to ISB). Date reported on ISB site: November 6, 2024. One-line significance: an external recognition for organisational practices in health, safety and welfare of staff and community. - Hurun Education — named ISB the #1 International School in China (2025). Date reported on ISB site: August 20, 2025. One-line significance: a national ranking/recognition published by Hurun and presented on ISB's site as a formal honour to the school. - Forbes China — Forbes China International Schools Annual Selection (2025): ISB listed as #1 International High School in Beijing and #2 among international high schools in China. Date reported on ISB site: August 20, 2025. One-line significance: a national ranking published by Forbes China and presented on ISB's site as recognition of the school's standing. - Chinese Language Festival — Outstanding Participation Award (Mainland China region). Date reported on ISB site: June 17, 2021. One-line significance: an event-level award given to ISB as a school for its collective participation and entries in a regional Chinese-language festival. Notes: - All items above are taken from content published on ISB's official website or ISB's official blog (links and publication dates are given in the cited pages). If you'd like, I can pull the exact ISB pages into a single PDF or give the direct page links for each citation (or check for any additional formal recognitions listed elsewhere on the site).	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations International School of Beijing — accreditations (as listed on ISB's website): - New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) — a U.S.-based regional accreditor that evaluates whole-school quality and governance; NEASC accreditation supports recognition of the ISB high-school diploma internationally. - Council of International Schools (CIS) — an international accrediting body that assesses school-wide standards (including teaching, leadership, safeguarding and facilities) and emphasizes continuous school improvement. - National Center for School Curriculum and Textbook Development (NCCT) — a PRC education authority recognition cited by ISB; it is the Chinese body referenced on ISB's site in relation to curriculum/textbook and official status in China. - International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) — ISB is authorized by the IBO to deliver the IB Diploma Programme for grades 11–12; that authorization permits ISB students to undertake the IB Diploma recognized by universities worldwide.	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. Start the online application and create an account: Begin by clicking the school's Apply Now link (the application is managed through ISB's online application portal). When you create your account and submit the online application you will be assigned a dedicated Admissions Officer who will be your main contact through the process. Parents should review ISB's School Age Placement Guide first so they understand which grade the child will be considered for before submitting materials. 2. Speak with your Admissions Officer and check required documents: Before or immediately after you submit the application, schedule a call or email exchange with your assigned Admissions Officer to confirm which documents are required for your child (transcripts, passport/visa documentation, proof of residency or visa status where applicable). For high school applicants note that original sealed transcripts will be required on arrival to finalize course scheduling and to confirm credits-to-graduation. Keep scanned copies ready (translated if necessary) so you can upload them promptly when asked. 3. Request confidential school recommendation form(s): In the application platform there is a section to provide teacher names, school names and email addresses so ISB can send Confidential School Recommendation Forms to current/previous teachers. Inform the nominated teachers to expect an email from ISB and to complete the recommendation promptly — missing or late recommendations slow the admissions review. This step is required for most applicants and is used together with transcripts and assessments during the committee review. 4. Pay the application fee and any entry fee invoiced: After submitting the online application you will receive an invoice; ISB's non-refundable application fee for the academic year is RMB 2,800 and (for new students in the 2025–2026 year) there is also a one-time entry tuition fee (listed on the Tuition & Fees page). These payments must be completed to move the application forward — keep proof of payment for your records. If your employer will be paying fees, mention that to the Admissions Officer early so the finance/agreements process can be coordinated. 5. Language testing and placement assessments: ISB arranges English language proficiency testing for non-native English speakers and Chinese testing for applicants to the Dual Language Program; these assessments are used for placement and to determine EAL support needs. Expect the Admissions Officer to schedule tests or to request recent assessment results; additional academic assessments may be requested by the Admissions Committee in order to ensure an appropriate placement. Families should be ready to provide past assessment reports and to allow time for any ISB-administered tests. 6. Family Introduction Meeting and committee decision: The final step before a decision is a Family Introduction Meeting (on campus or virtually via Microsoft Teams) with your Admissions Officer or a member of the team — this meeting gives the school context about the student and family. Once ISB has the completed application, recommendations, testing/assessments and the family meeting, the Admissions Committee typically completes its review approximately two weeks from the date the application is fully complete; the Committee may request extra documentation or assessments if needed. If admitted, the Admissions Office will issue offer details and invoicing; if a place is not immediately available the application may be placed in the school's wait pool in accordance with ISB admissions policies. Additional practical points parents should be aware of: ISB uses priority categories and visa/documentation rules (for example, Chinese nationals permanently resident in mainland China are not eligible under current regulations), so you should confirm your family's priority status with Admissions early. Sibling status, returning families and strong English proficiency can affect priority within categories; if you are applying for a start in August aim to complete steps early in the admissions cycle and, for sibling priority in some cases, complete the application by March 15 of the intended year of entry. Always keep originals (sealed transcripts) for arrival and be prepared for placement differences when moving between systems.	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 ISB's public materials do not advertise a general, school-wide tuition scholarship or need-based financial-aid program on the Admissions or Tuition & Fees pages. The school does operate advancement-funded programs — for example, the Student Empowerment Fund (SEF) and the Annual Fund — which provide grants for student projects and for targeted program support, but these are project/initiative grants rather than tuition scholarships or bursaries. If you need information about any occasional donor-funded opportunities or specific support, contact the ISB Advancement or Admissions offices directly; Advancement runs the SEF (for student project grants) and the Annual Fund which supports programs and grants. Parents needing tuition-assistance options should discuss this directly with Admissions so the school can confirm whether any limited, case-specific arrangements exist.	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 ISB operates a wait pool (sometimes described as a wait pool rather than a formal ranked “waiting list”) for applicants who meet the school's admissions criteria but for whom no place is immediately available. A student can be placed in this wait pool after the Admissions Committee has reviewed the application; when places open they are offered according to ISB's Admissions Policies and priority categories. The FAQs note a specific practical point: siblings of enrolled students who have completed the application process prior to March 15 of the intended year of entry are given priority in times of limited places. If you are placed in the wait pool, stay in contact with your Admissions Officer and ensure the school has up-to-date documents and contact details so they can offer a place quickly if one becomes available.	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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