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Tianjin International School

China, Tianjin

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees RMB 78,000 - 288,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 286
Type Co-educational
Opened 1986
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages English, Mandarin
Typical class size 21
Strengths Sport, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Tianjin International School is located in Hexi District, Tianjin. In 2012, the school moved to its current Hexi District location, and the campus is a purpose-built three-floor facility that houses Early Childhood through High School.

4-1 Sishui Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, China, 300222

The Essentials

Tianjin International School has 286 pupils, typical class sizes of 21, instruction in English.

Location
The Tianjin International School campus is at 4–1 Sishui Dao, Hexi District, Tianjin 300222, China. The campus sits in Hexi District and is a three‑floor facility housing the Early Childhood Center (ECC), Elementary, and Secondary divisions. It features 75 modern classrooms, two libraries, a STEAM wing with science labs and a robotics lab, art studios, an indoor gym, an outdoor soccer field, and a 350+ seat auditorium.

Stages
The school serves Foundation Class–Kindergarten, Elementary Grades 1–6, and Secondary Grades 7–12.

Type
Co-educational; day international school.

Additional learning support
English Language Support (ELS) services A and B are available for students needing additional language support. Secondary offers Learning Support with a Learning Support Teacher and Co-teacher. The school describes Academic Special Needs provisions in the admissions materials with services adjusted to the level of need.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation noted; the school is part of the LifePlus international school network.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated in official materials.

School day structure
The school day runs from 8:00 to 16:00, Monday through Friday.

Bus service
A bus service is provided with multiple routes. Morning pick‑up routes include Apple, Litchi, Grape, Orange and Mango lines with published times; tracking is via the iBusChina app.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The school has a cafeteria on campus. The Landing coffee shop provides on-site refreshments.
Fees

Annual tuition at Tianjin International School ranges from RMB 78,000 to RMB 288,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- New-student application fee: RMB 2,000 (one-time, payable when applying).

Tuition fees — annual and per quarter (billing by full quarters)

All tuition and fee amounts are quoted in RMB. Tuition is charged and refunded by full quarters; the per-quarter figures below are the annual fee divided into four equal quarters (school quarters).

- Foundation Class (half days or 3× full days): RMB 78,000 per year — RMB 19,500 per quarter.
- Foundation Class (full days): RMB 159,000 per year — RMB 39,750 per quarter.
- Junior Kindergarten (half days): RMB 78,000 per year — RMB 19,500 per quarter.
- Junior Kindergarten (full days): RMB 159,000 per year — RMB 39,750 per quarter.
- Kindergarten: RMB 180,000 per year — RMB 45,000 per quarter.
- Elementary (Grades 1–6): RMB 271,000 per year — RMB 67,750 per quarter.
- Middle School (Grades 7–8): RMB 283,000 per year — RMB 70,750 per quarter.
- High School (Grades 9–12): RMB 288,000 per year — RMB 72,000 per quarter.

Other annual fees and per-quarter equivalents

- School bus (if required): RMB 9,900 per year — RMB 2,475 per quarter.
- English Language Support (ELS) Service A: RMB 10,000 per year — RMB 2,500 per quarter.
- English Language Support (ELS) Service B: RMB 20,000 per year — RMB 5,000 per quarter.

Enrollment / re‑enrollment deposit

- An Enrollment Deposit payment is required to reserve a student's place; the school states the Enrollment Deposit is payable annually on enrollment and is non-refundable.
- The school's re‑enrolment communications have set a re‑enrolment deposit at RMB 35,000 per student for returning families (re‑enrolment deposit published in parent newsletters).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is charged and refunded according to full quarters; once a student has started a quarter, full tuition for that quarter must be paid; tuition is refunded only for full quarters not attended, less the non‑refundable Enrollment Deposit.
- Payment of the Enrollment Deposit is due upon receipt of the school invoice and before the first day of attendance.
- Parents must ensure payment is properly made and that the school is notified of payment. Late payments incur a 5% late fee for accounts 10 days overdue; accounts more than 20 days past due may lead to students being excluded from class until payment is made.
- The bus fee, if required, is refunded according to full quarters and should be paid according to the invoice before a student may ride the bus.

Refund information and special cases

- The Enrollment Deposit is non‑refundable. Tuition refunds are made only for full quarters not attended and are calculated less the non‑refundable Enrollment Deposit. No portion of tuition is refundable for students dismissed for disciplinary reasons or expulsion.
- English Language Services fees: second‑semester fees are refundable at the end of the first semester if a student withdraws, moves from Service B to A, or is determined to no longer require services; students who withdraw or whose level of service changes during the second semester are ineligible for refunds for that semester.
- Academic Special Needs Services fees, if required, are payable annually upon enrollment and are non‑refundable.
- School‑provided iPad return / purchase policy applies if a student withdraws within the first 1.5 years of receiving an iPad; buyout percentages vary by semester of withdrawal.

Sibling discount

- For families with three or more children attending the school, a 20% discount is applied to the remaining tuition for the third and subsequent children in one family.

Boarding fees

- Tianjin International School operates as a day school and does not publish annual boarding fees; external school listings classify the school as a day (non‑boarding) school. Boarding fees are therefore not applicable.

Other costs (uniforms, lunch, technology, trips, extracurriculars)

- Lunch, busing, learning support, and English language services are not included in the tuition fee; these are charged separately where applicable.
- Uniforms, lunch fees, field trips, some after‑school activities, examination fees, personal devices (MacBook requirement for Grades 7–12), and other incidental costs are not included in the published tuition and are the family's responsibility where applicable. The school states students in Grades 7–12 must have their own MacBook; school‑provided iPad policy applies in earlier grades.

Fee payment options and invoicing

- The school issues invoices; payment of the Enrollment Deposit is due on receipt of the invoice and before the first day of attendance. The school's fees page instructs that parents are responsible for ensuring payment is properly made and that the school is notified of payment. Specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, Flywire) are not listed on the public fees page; payment methods and bank details are presented on official invoices and billing documentation.

Summary of key annual fees (quick list)

- Application fee (new students): RMB 2,000.
- Foundation Class (half days): RMB 78,000 per year (RMB 19,500 per quarter).
- Foundation Class (full days) / JK (full days): RMB 159,000 per year (RMB 39,750 per quarter).
- Kindergarten: RMB 180,000 per year (RMB 45,000 per quarter).
- Elementary (Grades 1–6): RMB 271,000 per year (RMB 67,750 per quarter).
- Middle School (Grades 7–8): RMB 283,000 per year (RMB 70,750 per quarter).
- High School (Grades 9–12): RMB 288,000 per year (RMB 72,000 per quarter).
- Bus (if required): RMB 9,900 per year (RMB 2,475 per quarter).
- ELS A: RMB 10,000 per year; ELS B: RMB 20,000 per year.
- Re‑enrolment deposit noted in parent communications: RMB 35,000 per student (re‑enrolment).
Academics

Tianjin International School teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Tianjin International School in Tianjin, China provides Pre-K through Grade 12 education in English and follows an American curriculum, with Cognia accreditation. The school is organized into Early Childhood (FC–K), Elementary (Grades 1–6), and Secondary (Grades 7–12). Elementary focuses on sustained language development with a Daily 5 Literacy program, solid mathematics instruction, and deliberate character development, complemented by learning beyond the classroom and active parent partnerships. Secondary offers a broad Advanced Placement (AP) program, with about 15 AP courses and a Dual Enrollment option, and includes the AP Capstone Diploma. Across divisions, university and career planning and a robust co-curricular program support leadership development and lifelong learning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Tianjin International School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a dedicated counseling team and advisory teachers within a safe, caring community. The counseling team addresses emotional and social difficulties, helps students build emotional resilience, navigate interpersonal relationships, and manage stress. Follow-up and collaboration sessions are arranged to plan long-term social-skill training and self-esteem building. The environment is designed to be safe and supportive, with on-site health staff and counseling as part of student well-being. The school emphasizes SEL as an ongoing practice supported by counseling services and student-support structures.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, including types of needs supported, staff qualifications, or whether a dedicated SEN unit exists.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Tianjin International School provides Pre K–12 education in English. The Early Childhood Center uses English immersion to support language development, and the Elementary program emphasizes sustained language development and language arts to support reading, writing, listening and speaking. Language development is presented as a central feature of the curriculum across the lower grades. Explicit EAL staff, programs, or targeted EAL classes are not detailed in publicly available materials.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a school counseling team and advisory teachers who care for students and provide social-emotional support. Counselors address emotional and social difficulties, help students develop resilience, navigate relationships, and manage stress, with follow-up sessions for ongoing social-skill training and self-esteem building. A Health Office with a trained healthcare professional is on duty daily from 8:00 to 17:00. The school monitors air quality daily at 8:00 under nurse guidance and adjusts activities to protect health, including for students with asthma. Safeguarding and child-protection practices are integrated into school routines through established policies and designated staff.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is underpinned by Child Safety Policies and a Code of Conduct, with regular training for staff, volunteers, and students. Two staff members in each school are designated as Child Safety Specialists to raise awareness and respond to concerns. Policies and Procedures (English) govern safeguarding, with confidentiality maintained when concerns are raised. A confidential channel to raise concerns is available via an online form, and responses are handled by designated staff. The safeguarding framework integrates with on-site Health Office procedures to support student safety.
Parent Experience

History
The school began in 1986 as MTI Education Program at the Tianjin Binguan Complex, with a head principal, six full‑time teachers, several part‑time teachers, and about 30 students. In 1996 it relocated to the top floor of Xing Guo Middle School and adopted the name Tianjin International School. A dedicated Early Childhood Center was established, and in 2012 the school moved to its current Hexi District campus, expanding facilities and programs such as robotics. The school teaches PreK–12 in English and has grown into a multinational community; in 2025 it marked its 40th year, with International Day planned to celebrate the milestone on September 26, 2025.

Community
The school serves a multinational student body and supports a broad co‑curricular program, including Model United Nations, robotics, drama and athletics. The campus features 75 modern classrooms, two libraries, a STEAM wing with science labs, a robotics lab, a design center and a 350+ seat auditorium, plus spaces such as a cafeteria, The Landing coffee shop, and a PTO lounge for families. Annual events highlight culture and community, including International Day, Open House and student performances such as the Fall Play and Spring Play. The community calendar also includes regular opportunities for family involvement, such as Principal's Coffee and Parent Wednesdays.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that coordinates parent involvement and volunteers, supported on campus by a dedicated PTO lounge. The PTA supports ongoing family engagement through events such as Elementary Clubs and Parent Wednesdays. Open House is a major annual event that invites families to visit classrooms and connect with teachers. International Day, celebrated in 2025 as the 40th anniversary milestone, is a core community tradition with parent participation. Fundraising and service activities include the Christmas Bazaar, which raised funds for local charities and refugee support. Parents volunteer for fall camp and other activities, contributing to student learning and community projects.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus is spread across three floors on a purpose-built site in Tianjin. There are 75 modern classrooms. There are two extensive libraries. A STEAM wing houses fully equipped science labs, a VEX robotics lab, and dedicated art studios. The performing arts facilities include a 350-seat auditorium and a performing suite for choir and band, while an indoor gymnasium and outdoor soccer field support physical education; the cafeteria, The Landing coffee shop, a PTO lounge, and a welcoming lobby area foster community.

Sports Facilities
The campus features an indoor gymnasium and an outdoor soccer field.

Academic Facilities
Two extensive libraries serve different age groups and provide quiet study spaces and resources. The STEAM wing includes fully equipped science laboratories, a VEX robotics lab, and dedicated art studios.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Performing arts facilities support student ensembles and productions, including the 350-seat auditorium and a dedicated performing suite for choir and band. The campus also provides social and informal gathering spaces such as the cafeteria, The Landing coffee shop, and the PTO lounge to support student life outside class.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Tianjin International School offers a range of co-curricular activities that support academic enrichment and STEM learning. Central offerings include Model United Nations (MUN), robotics, drama, and athletics. The campus features a STEAM wing with fully equipped science labs and a VEX robotics lab to support hands-on work. Older students participate in Model United Nations conferences such as TIANMUN XIII, which develop public speaking, research, writing, negotiation, leadership, and teamwork.

Arts & Creative
The school provides strong visual and performing arts facilities, including art studios, a performing suite for choir and band, and a 350+ seat auditorium for productions. Drama is a regular feature, with school productions such as the Spring Play and other performances, and the LifePlus Fine Arts Festival showcases student talents across music, theatre, and art.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations exposes students to global issues and cross-cultural perspectives, with conferences such as TIANMUN XIII and events like MUNISQ and DIMUN involving students from multiple schools. The school also hosts China Day and other cultural activities to enrich understanding of Chinese culture and international awareness. These programs highlight intercultural communication and global citizenship as part of student life.

Social & Hobbies
Elementary and secondary clubs cover a broad range of interests, including arts, culture, and sports. After-school clubs run on a rotating semester schedule; for example, elementary clubs in fall 2024–25 included art, Chinese culture, drama, and Jiu-Jitsu on Mondays, with other clubs (e.g., Lego, table tennis, and puzzles) on Thursdays, and a modified Saturday football schedule, now held on Wednesdays. Club offerings are communicated through club letters and newsletters, with many activities resuming after winter break and continuing through the year.

Leadership & Professional
The Model United Nations program provides formal leadership opportunities, including student-directed conferences with roles for directors, executives, and chairs. Participants develop essential professional skills such as public speaking, research, writing, negotiation, and teamwork. Through participation in conferences like MUNISQ and DIMUN, students gain leadership experience and assume responsibilities within committees and event organization.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The campus offers extensive spaces for wellbeing and physical activity, including an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor soccer field, and a 350+ seat auditorium to support performing arts and community events. The LifePlus Fine Arts Festival and regular arts productions foster student wellness through music, drama, and collaborative performances. Outdoor learning initiatives, such as ECC Outdoor Classroom days, provide active, nature-based experiences that promote curiosity, problem-solving, and physical health.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for Pre-K through Grade 12. The school has a Chinese Language department led by a Director of Chinese Program and multiple Chinese teachers. French is offered in the secondary program, taught by a Secondary French Teacher. English Language Support Services are available for non-native English speakers, with ELS teachers and dedicated service fees.

Immersion Programs
English immersion is described for Early Childhood, with learners nurtured in an English-speaking environment to develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The ECC emphasizes learning through play and a student-centered approach within this English immersion setting.
Reputation

Awards
AP Capstone Honor School Award (China) – College Board (2024): Awarded for the second year running; Tianjin International School is one of 13 Chinese schools whose students earned AP Capstone Diplomas or Certificates in the prior two years, indicating strong AP Capstone programming.
AP Capstone Honor School Award (China) – College Board (2025): Awarded for the third consecutive year; the school is recognized for maintaining a rigorous AP Capstone program in China.

Accreditations
Cognia accreditation (since 2021). Cognia is the largest education improvement organization in the world, and accreditation by Cognia demonstrates the school's ongoing commitment to learners, teachers, leaders, and communities.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Step 1: Submission. Tianjin International School uses a rolling admissions policy and accepts applications throughout the year. To start, complete and submit the online application form. This step focuses on collecting basic information about your family and your child as a precursor to the rest of the process.

2. Step 2: Paperwork. The school will request supporting documents for both the applicant and the child. Typical documents include copies of your passport and visa or residence permit, and your child's immunization record, as well as previous school records or transcripts. All documents must be in English or translated into English. An Enrollment Deposit is required to reserve your child's space.

3. Step 3: Assessment. You will be invited to come to the school for an interview, and your child may be asked to take an assessment test in math, reading, and language. The admissions office will schedule any required tests as needed. This step helps the school assess readiness and fit with the program.

4. Step 4: Decision. After the process is complete, you will be notified within about one week of the decision. The outcome can be an acceptance, a decline, or placement of your child's name in the waiting pool. If accepted, you will be asked to pay the enrollment deposit and prepare to start school. Age-based placement uses September 30 as the cut-off: FC must be 3 by Sept 30, JK 4, K 5, and Grade 1 6 in the enrolment year.

Scholarships
Tianjin International School offers the TIS Scholars Award for secondary students. The scholarship targets tenth-grade applicants and provides either a full or a partial tuition scholarship for the eleventh and twelfth grades if accepted. Applicants must complete an essay about themselves, create a video detailing their accomplishments and efforts, and participate in an interview with a scholarship panel. The award is for up to two years, and recipients may later present the award to universities along with the school's confirmation. In 2025–2027, four scholarship recipients were celebrated, including both internal and external applicants.

Waitlist
The admissions process can result in placement of your child's name in the waiting pool if the application is not immediately accepted. The waiting pool is part of the decision pathway described in the final step, indicating that you may be offered a place when vacancies arise.
School Events
The school has not added events
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