International School of Beijing vs Western Academy of Beijing

	I International School of Beijing Beijing, China	W Western Academy of Beijing Beijing, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 150,900 - 356,000	Fees / year RMB 146,500 - 376,700
Age range	Age range 2 - 19 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,809	Pupils 1,400
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1980	Opened 1994
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 WAB's campus is in Laiguangying, Chaoyang District (10 Lai Guang Ying Dong Lu), northeast Beijing — about 500 m off Jingmi Lu. The school is near bus stops on Jingmi Lu and is reachable from Line 15 (Cui Ge Zhuang) with local buses to the Ma Nan Li stop; visitor parking is available on campus.
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 WAB is an Early Childhood–Grade 12 international school, organised into an Early Childhood Center, Elementary School (Junior/Senior Grade 1–Grade 5), Middle School and High School (Grades 9–12). The school follows IB programmes across the sections.
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 WAB is an independent, non-profit international school and an authorised IB World School. It is co-educational and operates as a day school (no boarding facilities).
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 WAB uses an integrated student-support model; services include learning support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), counseling, educational psychology and psychological services, and access to therapies such as speech and occupational where needed. Teachers work with the Student Support team and parents to create individualised plans and reasonable adjustments.
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 The school is an independent international school founded to serve the expatriate community and is not affiliated with a particular country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is non‑religious / nondenominational and does not have a faith affiliation.	Religious affiliation WAB is nonsectarian and does not have a religious affiliation.
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 Standard school hours are 8:30am–3:20pm Monday–Friday. Elementary and Early Childhood bell times and break/lunch windows are published (for example, ES morning break and a lunch window around midday; detailed bell times are available on the school's ‘School Day' page).
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 WAB runs a student bus service to and from campus; buses typically arrive between 8:00–8:30am and afternoon buses depart around 3:25–3:30pm. The school also offers ASA (after-school activity) buses and a limited ‘late bus' service; families must communicate changes to the Transportation Manager and follow the school's procedures for bus changes. Public city bus lines and subway connections are also listed for families using public transport.
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 fees - Application fee: RMB 2,100 per applicant (non-refundable). Annual tuition fees (by year group) — published for 2025–2026 - Early Years (3/4 years old, half day): RMB 146,500 per year. - Early Years (3/4 years old, full day): RMB 246,500 per year. - Junior Grade 1 – Senior Grade 1: RMB 293,100 per year. - Grades 2–5: RMB 314,300 per year. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): RMB 333,500 per year. - High School (Grades 9–10): RMB 367,100 per year. - High School (Grades 11–12): RMB 376,700 per year. Per-term (per-semester) guidance — calculated - WAB's academic calendar is structured in two semesters. The per-term figures below are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by two to provide a per-semester amount (this is an inferred per-term breakdown for database use; WAB publishes annual fees). - Early Years (half day): RMB 73,250 per semester (RMB 146,500 ÷ 2). - Early Years (full day): RMB 123,250 per semester (RMB 246,500 ÷ 2). - Junior Grade 1 – Senior Grade 1: RMB 146,550 per semester (RMB 293,100 ÷ 2). - Grades 2–5: RMB 157,150 per semester (RMB 314,300 ÷ 2). - Middle School (Grades 6–8): RMB 166,750 per semester (RMB 333,500 ÷ 2). - High School (Grades 9–10): RMB 183,550 per semester (RMB 367,100 ÷ 2). - High School (Grades 11–12): RMB 188,350 per semester (RMB 376,700 ÷ 2). Billing schedule and payment terms - Returning students: full annual tuition is due by April 30, 2025. - Newly admitted students: tuition fees must be paid within 21 calendar days of the invoice date. - A non-refundable portion of RMB 30,000 of the annual tuition is required each school year to secure a student's enrollment. - Prorated tuition is available for students enrolling after the October break: a 10% reduction of tuition per calendar month applies from October (excluding the non-refundable RMB 30,000). - Late payments incur a surcharge of 2% per month on overdue balances. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; WAB does not operate a boarding programme. Other costs and common additional fees - Laptops and calculators: students are required to purchase their own laptops and calculators (cost borne by the family). - Lunch and snacks: not included in tuition; lunch purchases via SmartCard typically range from RMB 30 to RMB 45 per meal. - Optional/extra-cost items not covered by tuition: intercity travel for competitions, conference-related travel, individual music lessons, additional after-school swim lessons, and home language programs. - Enriched Inclusion Program Fee (if applicable) is non-refundable. - Transportation: standard WAB school bus service within the designated WAB network is provided without an additional tuition charge. - Any school uniform costs or optional activity fees are treated as additional charges when applicable (families should expect occasional optional fees for external activities or equipment). Refund information - Application fee (RMB 2,100) is not refundable. - RMB 30,000 of the annual tuition is non-refundable. - The remaining portion of the annual tuition (the refundable Grade Level Tuition Fees) is refundable according to a tiered schedule when the Admissions Office receives written withdrawal notice. The published refund schedule (examples of key cutoff points) is: on or before May 30, 2025 — 100% of the refundable portion; August — 90%; September — 80%; October — 70%; November — 60%; December — 50%; January — 40%; February — 30%; March — 20%; April — 10%; May and June — no refund. Specific dates and percentages are published by the school. Refunds require return of the original WAB fapiao and must be claimed within three months of the student's last school day. Fee payment options and instructions - Invoices are issued in RMB. WAB accepts bank transfers in RMB or other currencies (families should ensure the full invoiced amount is received after any bank charges). The school provides CITIC Bank account details and requires the invoice number or student number to be included with the remittance. SWIFT code and account information are published with invoices. Overseas RMB cash deposits may also be accepted. - Card payments: overseas debit/credit cards incur additional fees (example published rates: Visa/Master 2.8%; AMEX 3.0%; JCB 3.5%). Local credit/debit card handling fees are also noted (example: 0.6% for local credit cards plus RMB 20 administration on debit transactions). All bank fees are the payer's responsibility. - Fapiao (official Chinese tax receipt) will be issued for tuition only after full payment; WAB Finance issues fapiao on request and provides instructions for corporate and personal payers. Notes for records - The figures above are WAB's published annual tuition rates for 2025–2026 and the school's published payment and refund rules. Per-term numbers shown under “Per-term (per-semester) guidance” are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by two to align with WAB's two-semester calendar and to provide a per-semester amount for database use (this division is an inferred breakdown; WAB's official invoices are issued as described above).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Day school; no on-campus boarding.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school does not require a uniform.
Food options	Food options There is an on-campus cafeteria for the Elementary and Middle/High School divisions.	Food options Sodexo provides lunch options on campus; students can purchase meals using a SmartCard.
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 Independent non-profit international school governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees.
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 Western Academy of Beijing delivers the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (Early Years–Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). In Early Years and Elementary students follow the inquiry-based PYP framework (ages 3–12) with transdisciplinary subject coverage and a PYP Exhibition as an extended inquiry. Middle School runs the MYP across Grades 6–10 with eight subject areas taught concurrently, MYP objectives and assessment approaches, and a culminating Personal Project. High School (Grades 11–12) offers the IB Diploma Programme: students choose subjects across the six DP groups and complete the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service) with a wide range of SL/HL course options. WAB's curriculum covers literacy/language and literature, language acquisition, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics, the arts, design, PHE and school-wide social‑emotional learning, and it is informed by additional reference standards such as ACARA, CEFR and HSK while providing personalised pathways and experiential learning opportunities.
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 WAB describes SEL as an integrated part of its Student Support model, with homeroom/subject teachers as primary supporters working closely with counselors and specialist staff to develop individual plans. The Counseling Department uses a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate model addressing academic, personal, social, and global/intercultural domains across Elementary, Middle and High School. Counseling staff explicitly list social skills, relationships, and positive coping strategies among their areas of support, and the school links inclusion and belonging to improved social‑emotional outcomes. Counselors also provide resources to parents and collaborate with Learning Support and EAL teachers to support students' social integration.
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) WAB's Learning Support team provides inclusive, classroom‑based accommodations, pull‑out small‑group interventions, co‑teaching and targeted programs such as Individualized Literacy Support (ILS) and Enriched Inclusion, with progress reviewed regularly and Individual Education Plans where required. The school states it works with external specialists and coordinates on‑campus therapy (speech, language, occupational) when needed, and the Educational Psychologist supports assessment and program planning. Staff lists and roles for Learning Support are published for each school section, indicating an embedded, collaborative model rather than a segregated specialist facility. The school does not describe itself on its public pages as a specialist SEN institution; rather, it presents learning support as an integrated student support service.
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 WAB publishes a dedicated EAL program that uses co‑planning and co‑teaching with classroom teachers and offers in‑class support, small‑group instruction, one‑to‑one assistance, and targeted Emergent and Bridging English programs for students new to English. The school assesses progress using WIDA descriptors alongside teacher observation and regular assessments, and EAL teachers are named on the site for each section. The model is described as flexible and adaptive to individual needs and aims for maximum classroom integration while providing focused language blocks as required.
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 WAB's Counseling Department states its remit includes promoting personal well‑being, healthy relationships, and balance between academics and extracurricular life, with counselors working across personal and social domains in all school sections. The site also names an Educational Psychologist who provides psychoeducational assessment, individual and group psychotherapy, crisis management, and coordination of external therapy services on campus. The school publishes that psychological services include consultation with teachers and parenting workshops to support student mental health and home‑school partnerships. Together, these pages present a linked model of counseling and psychological services for student mental wellbeing.
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 WAB states it is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students and aligns its approach with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and China's Law on the Protection of Minors. The site names Mr. Todd Hutchinson as the designated safeguarding officer and provides a contact email (safeguarding@wab.edu), and it describes child‑protection screening for staff including completion of ECIS online child protection training, police background checks, a Code of Conduct, and reference checks. A downloadable safeguarding policy is linked from the page. These published statements set out the school's public safeguarding responsibilities and contact routes.
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 The campus is on one site with six buildings housing Elementary, Middle and High School sections. The classrooms are flexible and purpose-built to support a variety of learning experiences. The campus includes three libraries, Design Technology Studios, Science labs, Photography, editing and recording suites, and specialist language classrooms. The grounds feature gardens and trees with Duck Lake at the center, and dining courts, cafes and lounges. The campus has a state-of-the-art indoor air filtration system.
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 The facilities support multiple sports with an indoor swimming pool, three full-size gyms, and the multi-sport Tiger L'Air dome. There is a FIFA-approved full-length football field with a track. A Vertex climbing wall and indoor basketball courts are available, along with tennis courts and a fully-equipped workout room.
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 The campus includes three well-resourced libraries, Design Technology Studios, science labs, and photography, editing and recording suites. It features specialist classrooms for languages and learning kitchens. Music, drama and dance studios support performing arts, with three theatres on site. The six-building campus houses separate elementary, middle and high-school facilities designed to meet developmental needs.
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 Three theatres support performances and productions. Music, drama and dance studios enable arts-based extracurriculars, while design spaces, photography/editing/recording suites support visual media clubs. The libraries and learning spaces provide resources for clubs and competitions, contributing to a wide range of extracurricular options.
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 Western Academy of Beijing was founded on September 1, 1994 by a group of parents and teachers to provide additional schooling choices for Beijing's growing international population; it opened that day in a refurbished factory with 149 children from Nursery through Grade 6. In the early 2000s WAB moved to a purpose-built campus (August 2001) and added dedicated facilities over the next decade, including an Early Childhood Center (2002), a new Middle School (2003), the HUB (2005) and a High School (2006). WAB operates as an independent non-profit governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees; the board combines appointed and community‑elected members and limits any single nationality to no more than 50% of voting membership. Notable milestones in its history include an early partnership with Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots (from 1997), hosting China's first Swiss School at WAB in 2017, and a 30th‑anniversary community celebration on September 1–2, 2024.
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 WAB describes a diverse international community that extends beyond students to include parents, staff and alumni; parents are organized and active in school life. Regular community and cultural activities include markets and fairs (for example the Winter Community Market and annual Fun Fair), school‑hosted events such as the dragon boat race on Duck Lake, and city‑focused Community Link activities that bring families together around local sights and culture. The school also runs parent‑focused learning sessions and makes campus facilities available to families outside school hours to support social and recreational connections.
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 WAB's volunteer parent organisation is called Parent Link; all WAB parents and guardians are members and are invited to participate in its activities. Parent Link's stated mission is to connect, support and enrich the community and it communicates parent needs and views to school leadership. Sub‑groups and initiatives run or supported by Parent Link include Tiger Spirit Link (support for extracurricular sports and arts), Friends of the Library (book clubs, fairs and reading events), Charity Link (student‑led service collaborations) and the Parent Link shop (volunteer‑run clothing and gift sales). Parent Link organises signature events such as the annual Fun Fair, Community Market/Career Fair, Winter Community Market and Staff Appreciation Day, and also produces practical resources like the WAB Beijing Living Index to help families settle in. For questions or to get involved, Parent Link lists a contact email (parentlink@wab.edu) and encourages new volunteers.
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 Model United Nations (MUN) is a student activity in which participants explore global issues and public speaking, following United Nations procedures to tackle world challenges. The World Scholar's Cup is a global competition where teams compete in debate, writing, and subject categories, with local rounds leading to opportunities to travel abroad for advanced rounds. ACAMIS Teams Mathematical Challenge involves teams of Grade 9 and 10 racing to answer increasingly difficult math problems.
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 Choir, band, orchestra, and instrumental programs provide opportunities for vocal and instrumental performances across school sections. The instrumental program includes String Orchestra, Beginner Band, Intermediate Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band, and students may audition to represent WAB at APAC Music Conference and the ISCMS Festival. Visual arts are offered through after-school activities and exhibitions, and drama and film programs include student productions and related opportunities.
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 Chinese language is taught in all school sections, and Chinese language programs accommodate beginners through native speakers. China Studies trips for Grades 6–12 include week-long field experiences across different regions, with experts in Chinese culture and the arts visiting classes. Students engage in local community activities and authentic partnerships to deepen their understanding of China.
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 Elementary School After School Activities (ASA's) include WABTV, Elementary School Student Council, Stop Motion Movie Making, Physical Activities, Lego Clubs, and Reading for Pleasure. Middle and High School offer a broad range of activities and student-led clubs, including Student Council, MS STEAM Team, Inkblot, Model United Nations (MUN), ACAMIS Teams Mathematical Challenge, Yearbook Committees, and the Tiger Sports Entertainment Network (TSEN). World Scholars Cup is a competitive activity for debate and related topics.
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 Global Citizenship includes CAS (Creativity, Action, Service), a core IB Diploma Programme component that integrates service with learning. CAS is the heart of the diploma, emphasizing life outside academics. Korean InfoByte is a service club that translates the WAB weekly into Korean to support the local Korean community; TBD@WAB is a community service club partnering with Springsations to assist single mothers in China.
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 Tiger Leadership offers High School students leadership opportunities with certifications and real-world experience in areas such as event management, fitness center supervision, and lifeguarding. Coach in Training (CIT) provides a pathway to become a certified coach for Middle School teams and complete NFHS/CA coaching courses. Each school section maintains its own Student Council to voice student perspectives and contribute to school life.
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 WABX program provides more than 100 sporting options and 16 competitive sports for students from Senior Grade 1 to Grade 12. The athletics program participates in interschool competitions through APAC, ACAMIS, and ISAC and includes a wide sports-exchange program with other international schools. The Olympic Dream Series offers a year-round emphasis on participation, teamwork, and athletic 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 English is the language of instruction and primary language of communication at WAB, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for all grade levels. Chinese is taught through a tiered program that serves students from Junior Grade 1 to Grade 12, including a China Studies program that uses Chinese for authentic purposes. From Grade 6 onward, Spanish and French are offered as curricular languages, and German is available through Swiss School Beijing up to Grade 9. The school also runs Home Language Programs for fluent speakers and a Dutch language program supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, with access to Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, and German as Home Languages.
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 —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
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 All entries below are taken from WAB's public website (news and school pages) and refer to awards or recognitions given to the school or its school sections in the past five years (2021–2025). • China Schools Award (CSA) — Arts & Creativity (WAB, Mar 11, 2025): CSA judges the strength and breadth of arts provision across a school; the school's news item reports WAB won the 2025 Arts & Creativity category. • KingLead: China's Most Innovative International School (WAB, Mar 20, 2025): KingLead's annual ranking/recognition named WAB “China's Most Innovative International School” (the school's news item notes this was the fifth consecutive year of recognition). This is a sector ranking/recognition reported by WAB's news pages. • KingLead: Top‑30 / Five‑A Kindergarten recognition for WAB ECC (Jun 17, 2024): WAB's Early Childhood Center (ECC) was listed among KingLead's Top‑30 international kindergartens in China and rated as a Five‑A kindergarten in the published ranking. This recognition applies to the ECC section of the school. • China Schools Awards (CSA) — Science & Technology Award (WAB, 2024): WAB's site states the school won the 2024 CSA Science & Technology Award, which recognises integration of STEM and educational technology across a school's programmes. • China Schools Awards (CSA) — Staff Development & Wellbeing Award (WAB, 2024): WAB's site states the school won the 2024 CSA Staff Development & Wellbeing Award, which recognises schools prioritising professional growth and staff wellbeing. • China Schools Awards (CSA) — Holistic Education Award (WAB, 2023): WAB's site reports it received the 2023 Holistic Education Award, which recognises a school's commitment to emotional, social and broader developmental provision beyond academics. • ISC Research International Schools Award — Strategic Leadership (WAB, 2022): WAB's internal accreditation/strategy pages note the school was the 2022 winner in ISC Research's International Schools Award Strategic Leadership category, an external recognition tied to the school's Strategy 2022+ work. If you'd like, I can: (a) pull the individual news pages for each of the 2022–2025 awards so you have the school's full news text and dates, or (b) produce a short, dated timeline of these awards for use in a brochure or summary document.
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 • International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP) — WAB is an IB World School offering the full IB continuum (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes); this means the school is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to deliver those programmes. • New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) — WAB is a NEASC‑accredited international school and is participating in the IB‑NEASC Collaborative Learning Protocol (CLP), a contemporary accreditation/evaluation pathway focused on learning impact and improvement. • Council of International Schools (CIS) — WAB is accredited by CIS and has engaged in the CIS Deep Dive pathway (Global Citizenship & Intercultural Learning) as part of its school improvement work. CIS accreditation indicates the school meets international standards for governance, teaching and student support. • Licensed in China as a “School for Children of Foreign Nationals” — WAB's campus operates under the Chinese licensing category for schools serving foreign‑national children, which is the local regulatory status that governs its operation in China. • IB Preferred Training School designation — WAB is listed on its site as one of the IB's preferred training schools, a designation meaning the school hosts and/or supports recognised IB professional learning and training.
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. Submit an enquiry (OpenApply enquiry form). Start by submitting the online enquiry form (OpenApply) so the Admissions team has your basic family details and can set up an account for you; this lets you save progress and return to the application. Parents should use the same email address they plan to use for official communications and check spam folders for replies. 2. Complete the OpenApply application (one form per child) and upload documents. Each child needs a full OpenApply application with supporting documents (school reports, passport copies, student and parent statements, and a confidential teacher reference); check the online checklist so nothing is missed. Be prepared to pay the non-refundable application fee (listed on the school's fees page) and note that WAB requires a non-refundable portion of tuition (enrollment deposit) once a place is accepted. Parents should confirm their child's birthdate against WAB's August 31 cut-off and have scanned copies of passports and recent school reports ready. 3. Admissions review and timeframe. After you submit a complete application, the Admissions team reviews documents to understand academic background, language needs and any support requirements; the school aims to respond within a few working days but the review can take longer (for example if additional documentation or specialist reports are needed). If your child has identified learning support needs, expect the review to include follow-up with student-support staff. Parents should upload full and clearly legible documents and respond quickly to any Admissions requests to avoid delays. 4. Interview / assessment stage (if required). WAB will schedule interviews or assessments as appropriate: language assessments for students from JG1 who are not native English speakers and math placement testing for Grade 10+ applicants; other assessments or conversations may be used to check fit and to identify required support. Prepare your child by explaining the purpose of the assessment (it is to place them correctly and identify support needs, not to “pass/fail”) and bring originals of documents to any on-campus meetings. If your child needs English-language support, ask Admissions about the school's EAL arrangements before enrollment. 5. Decision, offer and enrolment paperwork. Admissions decisions are made by a committee (section leaders and support teams) and families are notified by OpenApply email; a formal offer will include invoicing instructions, deadlines and the non‑refundable enrollment amount (the tuition page lists payment deadlines and the 30,000 RMB non‑refundable portion required each year). Newly admitted families must meet the invoice payment deadline (typically within 21 calendar days for new students) and returning-student payment deadlines are published annually; review the Tuition & Fees page for proration rules (e.g., reductions for mid-year entry) and late-payment surcharges. Parents should read the Tuition & Fees Terms & Conditions carefully before accepting an offer.
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 WAB's public website does not advertise a general, school-wide tuition scholarship or needs-based financial-aid program for families; the official Tuition & Fees pages and Admissions materials describe fees, deposits and limited fee-related policies but do not list routine tuition scholarships. There are a few exceptions and related supports to be aware of: the Swiss School Beijing section (a WAB section) has a Tuition Fee Discount Policy for Swiss families; the school also publicises project and student grants (for example Global Citizenship / changemaker grants that fund student projects, not tuition), and staff contracts commonly include dependent tuition benefits for employees' children. If you need information about any exceptional financial support or one-off awards, contact Admissions directly (they can confirm whether any limited bursaries, discounts or staff-dependent rates apply and advise on documentation and eligibility).
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 WAB does use a waitlist approach when the requested grade is full. Admissions policy and the Swiss School section both note that places are offered based on availability and that later applications are more likely to be waitlisted; when a place opens, Admissions will contact waitlisted families through the OpenApply system. Your position on the waitlist depends on timing, the completeness of your application and the school's assessment of fit and support capacity, so submitting a complete application early improves your chances. OpenApply (the platform WAB uses) also supports explicit “Waitlisted” statuses and re‑application workflows, which is how WAB typically manages offers, notifications and any subsequent moves from waitlist to offer. If you're time-sensitive (for relocation or visa steps), tell Admissions your preferred timelines so they can advise on realistic likelihoods and timing.
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