The International Montessori School of Beijing vs Tsinghua International School

	T The International Montessori School of Beijing Beijing, China	T Tsinghua International School Beijing, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 49,900 - 344,900	Fees / year RMB 186,000 - 218,000
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, IB (MYP), American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Chinese National Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 400	Pupils 560
Typical class size	Typical class size 4	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 1990	Opened 2009
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location MSB is located in Chaoyang District, Beijing at Building No. 8, 2A Xiang Jiang Bei Lu (Xiangjiang Beilu). The school site and campus pages note it sits in a villa/residential area on the edge of Chaoyang (near the Chaoyang–Shunyi junction), with standard road access and on-site campus facilities; families typically travel by car or school bus.	Location Tsinghua International School (THIS) is on the Tsinghua University High School campus in Haidian District, Beijing, opposite the Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), with a strong academic neighbourhood and university links. The school is reachable using local roads and public transport serving the Zhongguancun/Tsinghua area; the school's address and office phone are listed on its website.
Stages	Stages MSB runs a full-age programme from early years to secondary: Little Bees (6–24 months), toddler/infant and preschool (roughly 18 months–6 years), elementary (Grades 1–6 / ages ~6–12) and middle/high school through Year 12. The site lists specific pages for each stage and fee bands up to Grade 11–12.	Stages THIS operates a Primary, Middle and High School program (grades 1–12) with separate curriculum pages for the middle and high school divisions. The curriculum is based on U.S. Common Core standards combined with required Chinese language and culture courses.
School type	School type The International Montessori School of Beijing is a co-educational day school (no boarding is advertised on the school site). It is operated as an international school and appears under the Wisdom International Education Group umbrella.	School type THIS is a co-educational international school attached to Tsinghua University High School (清华附中) and serves international and returning Chinese students. The school has undergone WASC accreditation processes and has reported receiving WASC accreditation in its published materials.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support MSB publishes a student-support programme that includes EAL (English as an Additional Language), reading and library support, classroom-level differentiated support, one-to-one and small-group learning support, psychological/behavioural assessment and, where required, full-time shadowing; some supports (for example individualized IEP tutoring or additional staff) may carry extra fees. The admissions policy notes trial/assessment periods for applicants with additional needs.	Additional learning support THIS provides English-language support for students still mastering English: Structured English Immersion (SEI) classes are offered in middle school and eligibility is determined using the WIDA test. The school website does not publish a detailed, separate Special Educational Needs (SEN) department description; if your child has diagnosed learning needs, contact the admissions office to discuss specific accommodations and assessments.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation MSB does not state an affiliation to a single national school system; it identifies as an international school in Beijing and is part of Wisdom International Education Group. In 2025 the school also announced a partnership to develop an American-style high school pathway with a California school district (Placentia‑Yorba Linda USD).	Country affiliation The international school is part of (operates on the campus of) Tsinghua University High School and is run within Beijing, China; admissions information notes it enrolls foreign passport holders and residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan for grades 1–12.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school website does not indicate any religious affiliation; programme and policy pages present MSB as a non‑religious, international institution.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated on the school's official materials; THIS presents itself as a secular international school.
School day structure	School day structure MSB publishes an academic calendar with term dates, school events and holiday periods but does not publish standard daily start/end times on its public pages; parents are directed to the admissions or contact team for operational details. Office/contact information and the calendar are available on the site.	School day structure Published and parent-facing summaries report a typical school day beginning around 08:00 and ending around 15:15, with extracurricular activities and after-school clubs running later in the afternoon (for example, many activities are reported around 15:30–17:30). Exact daily schedules, start/end times and break/lunch arrangements vary by division and year level—confirm current times with admissions.
Bus service details	Bus service details MSB operates an optional school-bus service run in partnership with Beijing BAIC Taxi Group (北京北汽出租汽车集团). Routes and stops are set according to demand and are adjusted annually; the school warns it may not be able to serve addresses far outside regular routes and that mid‑year moves can affect continued eligibility. For route details and booking the site links a bus-service document and gives a bus email (busservices@msb.edu.cn) and a contact (Joseph) via the main switchboard.	Bus service details THIS offers a daily school-bus service with designated pick-up and drop-off points for elementary, middle and high school students; external summaries report multiple routes across Beijing (commonly reported as around eleven routes). Parents should contact the admissions or transport office for current route maps, pick-up points, fees and registration procedures. }
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition (annual; per-term shown as equal instalments across three academic terms — school publishes annual rates only) - Infant & Toddler (0–36 months): RMB 49,999 per year. Per term (1/3 of annual, shown for billing reference): RMB 16,666. - Toddler (Morning only, 18 months–3 years): RMB 167,900 per year. Per term (1/3): RMB 55,967. - Toddler (Full‑day, 2–3 years): RMB 240,000 per year. Per term (1/3): RMB 80,000. - Early Childhood 1 (ages 3–4): RMB 252,400 per year. Per term (1/3): RMB 84,133. - Early Childhood 2 (ages 4–5): RMB 252,400 per year. Per term (1/3): RMB 84,133. - Early Childhood 3 (ages 5–6): RMB 270,900 per year. Per term (1/3): RMB 90,300. - Elementary (Grades 1–4): RMB 279,100 per year. Per term (1/3): RMB 93,033. - Grade 5: RMB 294,600 per year. Per term (1/3): RMB 98,200. - Middle (Grades 6–8): RMB 304,900 per year. Per term (1/3): RMB 101,633. - Grade 9: RMB 329,000 per year. Per term (1/3): RMB 109,667. - Senior Years (Grades 11–12 where published): RMB 344,900 per year. Per term (1/3): RMB 114,967. Application fee, placement deposit and first‑year one‑off charges - Application fee (one‑time): RMB 3,000. - Placement / enrolment (seat) deposit (one‑time): RMB 20,000. This deposit is held by the school while the student is enrolled and is refundable subject to the school's withdrawal and refund policy and after deduction of any outstanding fees or unreturned school property. The school requires the deposit at acceptance to secure a place. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school publishes annual tuition rates and requires payment to secure enrollment; parents must provide written confirmation and pay the placement deposit within the timeframe stated in the offer (the school specifies a 10 working‑day deadline for deposit on acceptance). The school's admission documentation confirms the deposit requirement and refund treatment. - General payment terms reported for MSB include: all fees payable in RMB; accepted payment channels include bank transfer, UnionPay card payments and domestic card options. International bank transfers are possible but funds must be credited in RMB; late payment surcharges (commonly reported) may apply — examples in public fee summaries cite a 2% per month surcharge on overdue fees. Specific invoice due dates, installment plans (if any), and banking details are provided on the school's billing/invoice documents. Boarding / accommodation - Boarding is not applicable. MSB describes campus buildings as infant/toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle/High teaching facilities and lists no dormitory or boarding accommodation. MSB operates as a day school with optional services (lunch, bus) for families. Other costs and optional services - Lunch services: available as an optional paid service; the school operates a staffed lunch programme and provides details/pricing through its lunch service documentation. - School bus (transport): MSB offers contracted school‑bus services; published summaries and school profiles show annual bus fees in a range (examples reported around RMB 11,200 to RMB 16,900 per year depending on route). Exact route fees and invoicing are handled by the bus service administration. - Materials, textbooks, devices and extracurriculars: these are additional to tuition. Parents should budget separately for items such as specific learning materials, optional clubs/activities, field‑trips, and any required devices for older students; the school lists extracurricular programmes and supplies requirements but does not publish a single combined charge for these items in the public fee summary. - Uniforms: the school's public pages describe student life and routines; a standard uniform charge is not given in the public fee summary. Parents should budget for uniform purchase(s) and replacements as applicable. Refund information - The placement (seat) deposit of RMB 20,000 is refundable. Refunds of the deposit and any other paid fees are subject to the school's withdrawal and refund policy; the school states the deposit will be refunded (after deducting outstanding charges such as unpaid tuition, lunch, bus fees or unreturned school property) and that the deposit is not invoiced (receipt is issued and must be returned before refund processing). The school's admissions policy notes the school may withhold refunds where required by the withdrawal policy. Fee payment options (methods commonly accepted) - Bank transfer (domestic and international transfers allowed but funds must be credited in RMB; include student name and invoice number as payment reference). - Card payments via UnionPay (debit/credit). Public fee information indicates card transactions may incur bank/processing fees. - Cash or in‑person payment may be accepted per school billing instructions. Please note: specific invoicing dates, available installment plans, exact bank account details and any transaction charges are provided on the school's invoices and billing communications; the items above summarise the school's published fee structure, deposit requirement and commonly reported payment methods and late‑payment terms.	Fee details Application fees - The school's public admissions pages do not list a specific, published application or registration fee amount. Applications are submitted through the school's OpenApply portal; OpenApply supports collecting application fees and records payments, but THIS does not publish an application-fee figure on its public pages. Tuition fees by year group (published annual rates) - Primary (Elementary): RMB 186,000 per academic year. - Lower secondary (Middle/Junior high): RMB 208,000 per academic year. - Upper secondary (High school): RMB 218,000 per academic year. (Note: the school's published fee page gives these amounts as annual fees for the 2024–25 academic year; no per-term breakdown is published on the school's fee page.) Per-term amounts and billing frequency - The school's public fee page states annual tuition only; it does not publish a per-term fee or an explicit billing frequency (for example, whether tuition is invoiced annually, by semester, or by term). Therefore no official per-term figures or invoicing schedule can be provided from the public pages. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school's public pages do not set out a published billing calendar, invoice due dates, late-payment penalties, or detailed payment terms. The admissions pages explain the application and assessment timeline (including two common intake cutoff dates), but the site does not publish the school's invoicing or refund deadlines. Boarding / accommodation fees - The school's published fees page does not list boarding or accommodation fees and does not describe boarding as a standard, published offering on the international‑department fee page. No official boarding fee is published on the school's public fee page. Other costs and typical ancillary charges - School lunches: the school confirms lunch is charged separately and gives a general range of about RMB 15–25 per meal for cafeteria lunches. - Other ancillary costs: the school's fee page states that “other fees will be charged according to actual circumstances” but does not itemize school-uniform costs, transportation (school bus), exam fees (AP/IB), extracurricular trip costs, learning‑materials or device charges. These items are therefore not published in detail on the school's public fee page. Refund information - The school's publicly available fee page does not publish a general refund policy (for example, pro‑rata refunds, deadlines for withdrawal refunds, or conditions for refunding deposits). No specific refund terms are shown on the publicly available admissions or fee pages. Fee payment options (methods commonly used / platform noted) - The school uses the OpenApply online admissions platform for applications; OpenApply supports recording payments made by credit card and by bank transfer, and can issue invoices and receipts through the portal. The school's public pages do not, however, publish an explicit list of all accepted payment methods (for example, which card networks are accepted or local bank details). Parents completing payment through OpenApply would normally see available payment methods in their applicant invoice. Summary of what is and is not published (brief) - Published clearly on the school site: annual tuition for Primary (RMB 186,000), Middle (RMB 208,000) and High School (RMB 218,000) (shown as the school's 2024–25 annual rates) and an approximate cafeteria lunch cost (RMB 15–25 per meal). - Not published on the school's public pages: a specific application fee amount, per-term tuition amounts or confirmed billing frequency, detailed billing/payment terms and deadlines, boarding fees or a boarding policy, uniform costs, exam or activity fees itemized, and a formal refund policy. The admissions portal (OpenApply) is used for applications and supports payment collection, but the school's public pages do not list exact payment-method acceptances or invoicing schedules. If you require these specific items (application fee amount, per-term invoices, boarding costs, refund rules, or accepted payment instruments) the school's admissions office provides applicant invoices via the OpenApply portal and can supply official invoicing and payment-term documentation directly to enrolled or admitted families.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Day school; no boarding provision.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options School Lunch: Students have access to the dining hall of Tsinghua University High School. The dining hall is a two-story building with multiple food options. Primary school students have an independent canteen, and primary students also receive a mid-morning snack. Lunch is charged separately, typically around CNY 15-25 per meal.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Part of Wisdom International Education Group.	Governance and ownership The school is affiliated with Tsinghua University and Tsinghua University High School. It is located on the grounds of THUHS, and it benefits from the resources of Tsinghua University and THUHS.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details MSB delivers a Montessori‑based, individualized curriculum that spans early years through secondary education (ages 0–18). The school's age bands are infant/toddler 0–3, early childhood 3–6, primary 6–12 and secondary 12–18, with age‑appropriate Montessori and project‑based learning in each stage. The full curriculum covers core literacy and numeracy, cross‑disciplinary project work and specialist programmes in science, art, music and physical education (including weekly labs, exhibitions and performances). MSB operates dual streams (bilingual Chinese/English and a pure‑English stream); bilingual students learn subjects in an immersion model while every student receives a 40‑minute daily Chinese language class and EAL support is provided as needed. At secondary level the school integrates Montessori practice with a standards‑based academic middle programme and has announced the launch of a US‑style university‑preparatory high school in partnership with PYLUSD (announcement in 2025).	Curriculum details Tsinghua International School (THIS) operates an international K–12 programme (Grades 1–12) that integrates Western curricula with sustained Chinese language and cultural study. The elementary programme (Grades 1–5) follows a US-style curriculum aligned with the Common Core and AERO standards, uses Singapore Math and Beijing Normal/PRC-aligned materials for Chinese, and emphasizes project- and inquiry-based learning. The middle school (Grades 6–8) continues this inquiry-based US standards approach with bilingual English/Chinese tracks, world language options (including French and Spanish) and STEAM offerings. The high school is credit-based (minimum 25 credits for graduation; the school recommends ~28 for competitive university preparation), follows US Common Core frameworks through Grade 11, and provides a wide range of required and elective courses across sciences, mathematics, humanities, arts and technology. For external qualifications and assessments, THIS is an authorized AP provider and on‑campus test centre (offers roughly 16 AP courses and administers AP, SAT, ACT and PSAT exams), so students typically prepare for AP exams and standardised admissions tests rather than IB/IGCSE pathways.
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 MSB states that Social and Emotional Learning is embedded across the curriculum using a virtues/character-education approach (the school uses the Virtues Project), with virtues explored in classrooms, playgrounds and assemblies and reinforced in weekly celebration assemblies. MSB says this work is integrated into daily learning rather than treated as a separate subject, and aims to develop students' self-regulation, resilience and interpersonal skills. The school also runs student leadership (Student Council) and regular community events which it cites as part of pupils' social development. (Sources: MSB news on SEL; Learning at MSB).	Social & emotional learning THIS describes a formal school counselling service that explicitly supports students' social and emotional development; the counselling team lists programmes such as individual and group counselling, teaching self‑help skills, assisting transitions and creating positive behaviour plans. The counselling pages say the team works closely with teachers, parents and school leadership to support students' social/personal growth and to teach interpersonal skills and self‑esteem. The school names two counsellors on its site: Gerald Anthony (Primary School Counselor) and Laura Zhang (Secondary School Counselor). These services are described as part of the personalised support offered under Social & Emotional, Academic and Career domains. The description and staff names are published on THIS's School Counseling page.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) MSB publishes a Learning Support programme on its website that lists additional provisions including regular learning support, speech therapy, psycho-educational assessment, one-to-one or small-group teaching and the option of a full-time shadow. The school says it has on-site staff to provide tailored academic and counselling support and that counselling, assessments and observations used to guide teachers are provided free of charge, although additional manpower for admitted students with existing needs may incur fees. MSB also states that applicants with known learning needs are assessed during admissions and must supply past records to allow the school to determine if it can meet the child's needs; the admissions/enrolment policy notes a probationary period during which the school may withdraw a place if it cannot meet a student's needs. MSB does not describe itself as a specialist SEN institution; it frames support as part of its general learning-support provision.	Special educational needs (SEN) THIS's public faculty listing includes staff roles titled “Learning Specialist” (e.g. Vicky Zhao) and the counselling overview refers to helping to “remove learning barriers,” indicating the school provides in‑school learning support. The site also describes whole‑staff training on differentiated instruction, which the school says is intended to help meet diverse learner needs. The school does not, however, publish a detailed list of specific special educational needs (for example, dyslexia, ADHD, sensory or physical needs) that it can or cannot support, nor does it present itself as a specialist SEN institution in its public materials. For precise limits of provision and formal SEN policy the school asks families to contact admissions or the support team directly.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language MSB publishes an EAL programme and an English department structure (Reading, Libraries and an EAL team) on its Student Support page. The school describes initial English assessments in the first two weeks of term, small-group in-class and after-school EAL lessons, phonics-focused instruction for beginner learners, and an Individualised English Programme (IEP) for pupils who need intensive support (IEP places are fee-based). MSB also states that classroom teachers receive EAL training and that preschool EC1/EC2 receive formal EAL support from specialist EAL teachers while toddlers are expected to acquire English more naturally in the classroom environment.	English as an additional language THIS publishes multiple English Language Support (ELS) roles on its faculty page, including a Head of Primary ELS (Caroline Williamson) and named Primary and Secondary ELS teachers, showing an organisational provision for English language support. The school's Primary section states that English is the main language of instruction and that students are taught by native English teachers alongside Chinese teachers. The admissions process also includes an academic English test as part of entry requirements, indicating English placement is assessed on entry. The site does not present a separate public EAL policy document, but the named ELS staff and admissions testing are described on the school site.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing MSB's Student Support material states the school offers psychological/counselling support, assessment and observation to meet students' social and emotional needs and to guide classroom teachers; the school says these services are provided without charge when initiated by the school. The school's job listing for a School Counselor outlines duties to facilitate social/emotional development, provide individual support (including for low-incidence needs and autism spectrum conditions), run group guidance and social-skills activities, and consult with teachers and families. MSB therefore presents counsellor-led support and school-initiated assessment/observation as part of its approach to student mental wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing THIS's counselling programme explicitly includes crisis intervention, individual and group counselling, referrals to external services and creating individual positive behaviour plans as part of student mental‑health support. The school has also run staff training on psychological crisis intervention and prevention, describing sessions for faculty on identifying crisis signals and response procedures. The school's stated core values include wellbeing and the counselling and crisis‑training pages frame mental‑health support as a school priority. For details about clinical or external therapeutic arrangements the school directs families to contact the counselling team.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school's public website does not publish a standalone safeguarding or child-protection policy that could be located during this review. Therefore, MSB does not appear to publicly disclose detailed safeguarding/child-protection policy documents on its website. For specific, up-to-date safeguarding policies or designated safeguarding contacts you should contact the school directly (contact details are provided on the MSB website).	Safeguarding THIS publishes evidence of safeguarding‑related activity: the counselling service lists crisis intervention and creation of behaviour plans, and the school has public reports of staff training in psychological crisis intervention and response procedures. The school's core values list Wellbeing and refer to protecting student health and safety as a priority. However, THIS does not appear to publish a standalone child‑protection or safeguarding policy document on its public website; a formal written safeguarding/child‑protection policy is not linked from the public pages. Families seeking the school's formal safeguarding policy or detailed reporting procedures should contact the school directly.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The International Montessori School of Beijing has four main academic buildings housing the Infant and Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School programs. The campus includes art and music studios, children's kitchens, libraries, science labs, gyms, and a separate multi-purpose hall with a stage and an indoor ball court. Outdoor facilities include two all-weather sports fields, a running track, a sandbox, a basketball court, and six playgrounds. All buildings are equipped with high-tech, ozone-free air purification systems and air curtains over the main entryways. Location is Building No. 8, 2A Xiang Jiang Beilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing.	Facilities overview The school provides high-speed wireless networks for students and teachers, and every classroom has an interactive smart board and a projector. Advanced Apple computer labs, a PC lab, and a mobile Apple cart support computing education. Several iPads are available for teaching use, and the STEAM lab offers a technology-rich environment for hands-on learning. The library is the center for literature and research, supporting project work and reading development. The school provides extensive online resources through a web-based LMS, Power School for attendance and grading, and subscriptions to online tools such as Noodle Tools and Discovery Education, which teachers integrate into instruction.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Outdoor facilities include two all-weather sports fields, a running track, a sandbox, a basketball court, and six playgrounds. The multi-purpose hall contains a stage and an indoor ball court. The MSB swimming team uses a 25-meter pool for training and competitions. Gyms support physical education.	Sports facilities The school is a member of the International School Athletic Association (ISAC). As a member, students have opportunities to participate in inter-school competitions in Beijing and Tianjin with other international schools. The elementary division participates in the Junior International Schools Athletic Conference (JISAC) events in Beijing and surrounding international schools. The sports program includes basketball, soccer, and volleyball and runs boys and girls teams at elementary, middle, and high school levels. Sign-ups occur before each sport season, and teams emphasize sportsmanship, leadership, and healthy competition.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The four main academic buildings house the Infant and Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School programs. The campus includes art and music studios, libraries, science labs, and children's kitchens. Gyms support physical education, and a dedicated multi-purpose hall supports performances and indoor activities. All buildings are equipped with high-tech, ozone-free air purification systems and air curtains over main entryways.	Academic facilities The school provides high-speed wireless networks for students and teachers, and every classroom has an interactive smart board and a projector. Apple computer labs, a PC lab, and a mobile Apple cart support computing education. The STEAM lab offers a technology-rich learning environment where students move beyond textbooks to practice concepts. The library is the center for literature and research, providing resources for project work and reading development, and librarians assist students with information needs. The school offers extensive online resources, including a web-based LMS used for virtual learning, and subscriptions to resources such as Noodle Tools and Discovery Education integrated into classroom instruction.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Beyond the classroom, MSB offers extensive enrichment activities led by teachers and external partners. Athletics includes school sports teams that participate in JISAC and a MSB swim team, with friendlies against other international schools and a weekly running club. After-school activities (ASAs) cover science, football, drama, basketball, baking, language clubs, golf, Kungfu, fencing, chess, robot programming and more. The Extended Learning Program for Middle School provides courses in novel studies, creative writing, leadership, drama, chess, outdoor activities, and STEM.	Extra curricular facilities THIS offers a rich range of extracurricular activities to enrich campus life. The elementary, middle, and high schools run active club programs, with some elementary clubs supported by third-party providers while middle and high school clubs are led by students or teachers. There are 56 student clubs, 8 team-building trips, and 7 Chinese culture trips planned for the 2025-2026 year. Representative clubs include a chorus, AI art, aerospace, baking, book club, chess, robotics, drama, environmental science, philosophy, and other clubs across performing arts, culture, STEM, and service. Clubs are student- or teacher-led and operate alongside annual learning-practice activities and campus events.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 1990 at the residence of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, MSB began as a single Montessori classroom with about ten children and focused on early years Montessori education. Over the 1990s the school expanded locations — moving to China World Trade Center in 1992 and to the Sanlitun Diplomats' Language and Cultural Centre in 1995 — and introduced a Mandarin programme alongside Montessori methods to develop a bilingual approach. The school consolidated campuses at Xiangjiang Garden in 2012 and progressively expanded its age range, gaining approval to open a middle school in 2016 and launching formal middle‑school courses in 2019, after which it described itself as serving students from early childhood through secondary levels. MSB is part of the Wisdom International Education Group, which is named on the school site footer.	History Tsinghua International School (THIS) was established in March 2009 as the Fuzhong campus to provide an international-style education within the Tsinghua University High School framework. It was created to serve international families, children of foreigners, and Chinese returnees by combining Western pedagogical approaches with required Chinese language and culture courses. The school is located on the grounds of Tsinghua University High School and draws on that affiliation and its resources as it developed primary, middle and high divisions. Over time THIS has continued to formalize international-facing accreditation and testing relationships as part of its development.
Community	Community MSB's community life includes regular schoolwide and year‑level events that bring together students, families and staff, such as seasonal performances, an annual Arts Carnival and the school's ‘Fun after 5' / summer picnic. The school calendar and news feed also list cultural celebrations and community activities tied to the Chinese New Year (CNY) — for example CNY celebratory weeks and a CNY bazaar — as well as termly showcases like winter performances and graduation ceremonies. School communications (news posts and event listings) show the school uses these events both for student presentations and for wider family engagement.	Community THIS describes a multicultural school community and runs a regular calendar of events that bring together students, parents and staff. Annual community and cultural events include Sports Day, International Day, STEAM Day and an Arts Festival; the school also stages curriculum-based field trips and exchange programs to extend learning beyond campus. Many events invite family participation through open days, performances and curriculum workshops that connect classroom work with the wider community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association All parents become members of the MSB Parents Association (家委会) on enrolment; the PA is a volunteer body that acts as a liaison between families and the school administration and teachers. The PA runs a staffed coffee station in the elementary building that sells drinks, snacks and homemade baking, with proceeds split between charitable projects and the PA's operating funds. Regular PA activities listed on the school site include monthly parents' coffee mornings, a September clothing sale, an autumn picnic and charity sale, a December baking charity sale, a February new‑family welcome lunch, an April book sale, a May picnic that supports school programming and a June teacher appreciation breakfast. The PA maintains a committee structure (chair, co‑chair, accountant, cashier and heads for Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School) and manages class parent representatives; notices and coordination are shared through class WeChat groups and the PA's public account (MSBParentsAssociation). The PA states that all finances are handled transparently and that parents are encouraged to join and support events.	Parent teacher association The school works with an active parent body (often referred to on school pages as a Parent Council) and operates a Parent School lecture series for families; the site notes a 26th Parent School session held on December 17. THIS and its Parent Council have jointly organized sharing sessions on key transitions (primary→middle, middle→high, and college entrance), with parents, students and staff presenting practical advice. The school also runs division-level parent–teacher meetings (PTCs) that are used to review student progress and align home and school support. Parents are regularly invited to help at community events, attend curriculum afternoons and participate in information sessions that strengthen home–school partnership. Typical parent-linked activities described on the site include hosting parent lectures, coordinating volunteer support at events, and co-hosting transition and curriculum workshops.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual MSB uses a Montessori curriculum centered on hands-on, multi-sensory learning. The teacher guides each child through the learning process, using materials fitted to the child's pace. The program emphasizes academics alongside essential life skills and character development. It blends Montessori with globally recognized academic frameworks to prepare students for university, career, and life.	Academic & intellectual THIS was founded in 2009 to provide an education that blends Western and Chinese learning. It operates a primary, middle, and high school on the campus of Tsinghua University High School, Haidian District, Beijing, opposite Yuanmingyuan. The student body includes international students, children of foreigners, and Chinese returning from overseas studies.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative MSB has dedicated art and music studios on campus. It hosts annual art events including the MSB Art Show and Montessori Art Carnival. Arts programming is integrated with the Montessori approach as part of a well-rounded experience.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language MSB serves families from many nationalities; 51 nationalities are represented. The school offers a high-quality bilingual program. MSB is located in Beijing and is part of the Wisdom International Education Group. The school's international orientation is reflected in its mission to blend Montessori with global academic frameworks.	Cultural & language The school offers a full-English environment with Chinese language and culture as a required core course, supporting strong bilingual development.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies MSB hosts community events, such as the Pegasus Run for Elementary and Middle School and Harvest Party. Field trips for G7-G9 (International) are part of the program. The school offers after-school activities such as Fun after 5.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service MSB has a Parents' Association that organizes activities for children, parents and staff, and funds raised support charity. The Parents' Association serves as a communication bridge between families and school leadership. The school also maintains a Student Council and an Alumni network to involve students and graduates in school life.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional MSB provides leadership opportunities through a Student Council and other student-led initiatives. The Parents' Association offers leadership roles for parents and volunteers, coordinating events and fundraising.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus includes two all-weather sports fields, a running track, a sandbox, a basketball court and six playgrounds. Buildings are equipped with ozone-free air purification systems and air curtains over main entryways. Montessori education emphasizes life skills and social-emotional development in addition to academics. Athletic events, such as the Pegasus Run, promote physical well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and Chinese are the languages taught across MSB's programs. Elementary instruction is in Chinese, with English literacy support through the Guided Reading program and daily Intensive Chinese instruction. Early Childhood offers an English-Only class for ages 3–6 and the Global Hanyu Program for Chinese language development. Middle School offers an Intensive Language program in English and Chinese and may include a third language as study advances. Teachers are trained in EAL teaching techniques to support native and non-native English speakers.	Language provision The curriculum is based on US Common Core standards with additional Chinese language and culture courses. The full-English environment supports language development across content areas and in social language. Chinese language and culture is a required core course, ensuring a strong Chinese level while exploring Chinese traditional culture in line with the Tsinghua Spirit. Students have strong proficiency in both Chinese and English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The Dual Language Program provides a full education in English and Chinese for students aged 3 to 12. Toddler and Early Childhood programs immerse students in bilingual environments that alternate between English and Chinese. Early Childhood offers an English-Only Montessori class for ages 3 to 6 and a Global Hanyu Program for Chinese language development. In Middle School, the Dual Language Program continues alongside an Intensive Language program in English and Chinese, with the possibility of studying a third language.	Bilingual teaching THIS provides a full-English environment across the curriculum, with Chinese language and culture taught as a required core course. The program integrates US Common Core standards with Chinese culture content. Students develop strong abilities in both Chinese and English, and the school serves primary, middle, and high school levels.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Toddler and Early Childhood programs provide bilingual environments that alternate between English and Chinese. The Dual Language Program is a core offering spanning ages 3–12. Early Childhood includes an English-Only Montessori class for ages 3–6 and the Global Hanyu Program for Chinese language development. Middle School provides an Intensive Language program to develop English and Chinese, with expansion toward a third language.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards - No school‑level awards listed on the MSB website for the past five years (2021–2025). I searched the school's public news and About pages and did not find any items described on the site as awards given to the school as an institution during that period. The site's news feed documents events, partnerships, anniversary materials and student competition results, but it does not list institutional awards to MSB in the 2021–2025 timeframe. - Note on student recognitions (included on the site but excluded per your instruction): MSB publishes news about student competition results (for example, students' honors in the AMC8 math competition), but those are individual or team student achievements rather than awards given to the school as an institution, so I have not included them here.	Awards (All items below are taken from the school website and are awards received by the school or by school teams/programmes within the past five years.) 1) Top award at the UNESCO 16th ASEF ClassNet Conference (Ljubljana, Nov 2023) — the school's AI education project (presented in collaboration with a partner school) earned the highest jury score at the 16th ClassNet Conference, recorded on the school site as “winning the top award for THIS.” This award recognises the school's project work in AI education at an international education forum. 2) “Prestigious / Famous International School with Public Reputation” at the 2022 International Online Education Summit (Dec 2022) — the school's 2022 highlights on the website state that THIS received the summit's honourific award, which the school presents as external recognition of its public reputation in international education. 3) Awards at the 13th “Hope China” Youth Educational Drama & Bilingual Choir Beijing Festival (2022) — the school reports that its four entries in the Beijing final won three Grand Prizes and one First Prize (plus related production awards). These prizes were awarded to the school's drama/choral entries and are listed on the school website. 4) Team awards at the Xuanzang Road Ultra Gobi Youth Challenge 2 (May 2024) — the school's weekly report documents that the THIS team received five team awards (EEC Xuanzang Road Cultural Heritage Award, Shackleton Award, Ultra Gobi Excellence Award, Ultra Gobi Progress Award, and Team Spirit Award). These are team-level awards recorded on the school site. Notes and scope limitations: - I included only accreditations and school-level or team awards that are explicitly described on Tsinghua International School's official website (this.edu.cn). Individual student prizes and awards listed on the site were excluded where they were clearly awarded to individual students rather than to the school or a school team. Where the website gave dates or renewal details (for example WASC), I relied on those statements as published on the site.
Accreditations	Accreditations - Member of the American Montessori Society (AMS). MSB's history page states it is a member school of AMS — a long‑standing professional association for Montessori schools that provides standards, professional development and a community of practice; membership signals alignment with widely‑recognized Montessori practice. - Designated observation/consultation base for Beijing Normal University's Montessori Research Institute. The school's history notes that MSB became an observation base for Beijing Normal University's Montessori research institute, which indicates formal recognition by a major Chinese teacher‑education institution for demonstrations, study and collaboration. - Local approval to open a middle‑school division. The school reports that it was formally approved to open a middle‑school program (2016) and subsequently launched middle‑school courses (2019); that approval reflects authorization by local/education authorities to extend its age range and offer secondary education. - Strategic international school partnerships (listed on the school website). MSB documents multi‑year strategic curriculum partnerships with U.S. institutions (for example, Niskayuna Central School District and School of the Woods) used to develop its middle‑school program; more recently (2025) MSB announced a strategic partnership with the Placentia‑Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) to offer an American‑style high‑school program aligned to WASC accreditation standards. These are programmatic partnerships and curriculum alignments reported on the website (not the same as formal accreditation by the listed foreign bodies). - School claim of participation in China's Montessori standards development. The school homepage states MSB is one of the organisations involved in setting China's Montessori standards; this indicates the school's self‑reported role in national Montessori discussions rather than an external accreditation certificate. Note: the school website describes memberships, local approvals and partnerships (above) and refers to using IB MYP methodology and WASC‑aligned curriculum options through partners, but it does not (on pages publicly available on the site) show an active IB authorization certificate or an independent, current WASC accreditation document in MSB's name. Where the website describes alignment to WASC standards or IB methodology, the wording refers to curriculum alignment or program methodology or to partner arrangements rather than a posted accreditation certificate for MSB itself.	Accreditations 1) WASC (ACS WASC) — Tsinghua International School holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC); the school first received a six-year WASC accreditation in January 2016 and the website records a successful renewal visit and continued accreditation in 2023. This accreditation is a U.S. regional-style, internationally recognised school accreditation that signals the school has met a set of quality and continuous-improvement standards used by many international schools. 2) College Board membership and authorised test centre status — the school is a member of the U.S. College Board and is identified on the website as an on‑campus test centre for AP, SAT and ACT (the site also refers to PSAT/AP testing availability). College Board membership and test‑centre status allow the school to offer AP courses and to administer College Board exams on site, which supports students taking those exams as part of the school's programme.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and online application — Start by completing MSB's online application form (the site labels this “Apply Now”). Parents should prepare to upload the child's passport, both parents' passports and visas (or Chinese ID where applicable), school reports (if any), one teacher recommendation, any learning‑support documentation, and payment of the RMB 3,000 application fee. Only fully completed applications are reviewed, and MSB operates rolling admissions so earlier complete submissions increase the chance of timely consideration. 2. Admissions review and interview — After your complete application is received the Admissions Director will contact you to arrange an interview or meeting; if the family is overseas MSB accepts an additional teacher recommendation in place of an in‑person interview. Parents should expect the school to check documents and past records carefully and to ask clarifying questions about the child's learning needs and school history. If your family cannot attend an in‑person interview, plan to supply the extra recommendation promptly so the application can proceed. 3. Decision and formal offer — If the school offers a place you will receive written notification. MSB requires written confirmation of enrollment within 10 working days of the offer and expects payment of the Placement (security) Deposit to secure the place; if the deposit is not received by the invoice date MSB may reassign the place. Parents should watch the invoice deadline closely and understand the deposit rules before confirming acceptance. 4. Placement deposit and what it secures — The Placement Deposit is ¥20,000 per child (a one‑time, refundable, non‑interest deposit held while the student is enrolled). The deposit secures the student's place; MSB's website explains the deposit will be refunded (less any outstanding charges) when a student leaves, according to the school's withdrawal and refund policy. Note that, under local regulations, the school cannot issue an official fapiao for the refundable placement deposit—MSB will issue a deposit receipt instead. 5. Practical requirements and probationary period — For Early Childhood applicants MSB follows Beijing Municipal Education Commission rules: the student and at least one parent must hold foreign passports and the parent must have a valid work visa (permanent‑resident cases are handled via direct contact with admissions). All new students are subject to a 20 attended‑school‑day probationary period during which MSB may withdraw acceptance if the school cannot meet the child's needs; parents should therefore disclose any past assessments or support needs up front. Also, all Early Childhood applicants must be toilet trained before their first day, and class placement is based on educational background and the child's age as of October 1. 6. Fees, other optional services and next steps after acceptance — Before finalizing acceptance, review the published tuition rates for the relevant year (MSB lists year‑by‑year tuition bands on its Fees page) and check optional services (lunch, bus) for separate charges. After paying the placement deposit and completing enrollment paperwork you will receive guidance on payment schedules, optional service sign‑ups (lunch/bus), and the calendar.	Admissions 1. Prepare application documents. Parents should gather photocopies and bring originals to the in-person interview: student identification (passport and, if applicable, current China visa page; for Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents the specific travel/ID documents listed by the school), a color passport-style photo (3.3 x 4.8 cm), immunization record (original and scanned copy), recent school transcripts and any award certificates, and parents' valid ID plus parents' undergraduate degree certificates. For specific grades, THIS requires particular documentary ranges (for example: original transcripts of the most recent one year for grade 2 applicants, two years for grades 3–8, and all transcripts since grade 9 for grade 9–11 applicants) — confirm which original documents you must bring because some documents are requested as originals at interview. 2. Complete and submit the online application. All applications are submitted through THIS's online application system (OpenApply); when you enter referee information the system will automatically send a secure link to teachers for recommendation forms, so provide accurate teacher email addresses. The school operates year‑round admissions, but applications are processed in the order received, so submit early if you need a specific start term; keep copies of every uploaded PDF and note the system checklist so you don't miss required items. 3. Testing and observation (school assessment). After the admissions office reviews materials, the student will be invited to an assessment day: a ~15-minute comprehensive potential assessment and written tests; applicants for Grade 7+ must take a mathematics test, and non‑native Chinese speakers take a Chinese placement test. Grade 1 applicants who pass the test also take a behavioral observation session; test results are valid for six months, so if you plan to defer more than six months the student will need to retake the tests. Plan travel and scheduling around the test date and bring originals of all documents requested on the day. 4. Family interview (where applicable). Students who perform well in the tests (and in the Grade 1 observation, if applicable) may be invited, together with their parents, to a family interview — typically within about a week after testing; Grade 1 students are an exception and do not have the family interview stage. Use the interview to clarify academic needs, language support, and any special educational or medical needs; bring any documents that support requests (IEPs, medical records, etc.) because the interview is used to confirm fit and logistics. 5. Admission decision and next steps. The admissions office will notify applicants by email once all steps (tests, observation, interview where applicable) are complete; responses are generally sent after the full application process finishes (the school indicates decisions are communicated by email). If offered a place, confirm deadlines for acceptance, start‑of‑term paperwork, visa/residence permit requirements and any payment deadlines — the school lists two cut‑off dates for transfer enrollments (Nov 15 for first semester and Mar 15 for second semester), so check these if you are requesting mid‑year entry. For specific payment instructions, enrollment deposits, or registration procedures, contact THIS Admissions directly (phone/email listed on the school site).
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships The school's official admissions and fees pages list tuition and incidental fees but do not publish a K–12 scholarship, tuition assistance, or fee‑remission program on the public site. For the 2024–25 academic year THIS lists tuition in RMB and specifies per‑year amounts by division (Primary ¥186,000; Middle ¥208,000; High ¥218,000) and notes that lunch and other incidental fees are charged separately (lunch typically ~¥15–25 per meal). If you would like to confirm whether any merit‑ or need‑based assistance, sibling discounts, payment plans, or bursaries are available in the current or coming year, contact THIS Admissions (phone: +86 10 6277‑1477 / +86 10 6279‑7000; email: this@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn) because the school's public pages do not describe such programs.
Waitlist	Waitlist MSB maintains a waiting‑list system and gives priority to certain groups, including returning students, siblings, applicants for full‑day classes, those previously enrolled in Montessori, and applicants who were on the previous year's waiting list. The school operates rolling admissions, and places are secured only after written confirmation and payment of the ¥20,000 Placement Deposit; if the deposit is not received by the invoice deadline MSB may offer the place to another applicant. The website does not publish a public, detailed algorithm or expected waiting times for the waitlist (for example, it does not state how positions are ordered within the waiting list or the typical time a family will wait), so families who want clarity on their current position or the likelihood of an offer should contact Admissions directly.	Waitlist THIS states it uses rolling admissions and that places are allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis; the school's public pages describe admissions as “rolling” and encourage applicants to contact admissions early because enrollment is by available places. The website does not publish a formal waitlist policy or describe a separate ‘pool' of held applicants; if you need to know whether THIS will hold a declined place on a waitlist or how long a held offer remains active, ask the admissions office directly (telephone and admissions email are published on the site). For transfer requests or timing questions, note the two published cut‑off dates (Nov 15 and Mar 15) and confirm how the school manages late applications in the year you apply.
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