For the coming weeks, we will be highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from our upcoming 2014-2015 School Choice Guide, which comes out in early February 2014. Scroll down for more information on how to participate in our annual school choice fair in March 2014.
Saint Paul American School (S.P.A.S) (北京师范大学第二附属中学) is a private, residential school program dedicated to meeting the educational needs of international students at the middle and high school level. S.P.A.S is guided by the standards, policies, and procedures of the Nacel International School System, which manages international programs all over the world. Located near the Olympic Village Park, and partnered with Number Two High School Attached to Beijing Normal University, S.P.A.S offers both an American curriculum, as well as intensive study in Chinese language and culture. This arrangement provides a unique dual diploma system that is fully accredited by the NCA (North Central Association on Accreditation and School Improvement). Saint Paul American School’s intercultural program currently serves students from 20 countries around the world.
Founding date: 2007
School type: International boarding school, grades 7-12
Is the school registered with the Ministry of Education? Yes
Accreditations: NCA
Tuition fees (2014-2015 Academic Year):
Application fee: USD 100 (around RMB 609)
Enrollment fee: USD 850 (around RMB 5,176)
One-year tuition:
USD 16,500 (around RMB 100,485) (Middle School), USD 17,500 (around RMB 106,575) (High School)
Room and Board: USD 2,000-3,000 (around RMB 12,180-18,270)
Food offered: Day students are offered a wide variety of Chinese, Korean and Western cuisines, as well as other international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Types of scholarships offered: Merit-based scholarships available.
Age range: 13-18
Number of students: 305
Nationality of students: China, South Korea, United States, Russia, Thailand
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes
Primary teaching language: English
Languages taught: English, Chinese
Class size: Max 25, min 5, average 15
Teacher/student ratio: 1:10
School hours: 8.35am-5.35pm
After school activities offered: Art club, basketball, book club, debate, drama, games, fitness club, jazz band, knitting, ping pong, soccer, study session, student council, student newsletter, volleyball, volunteering, yearbook. Following the regular school day, each student participates in a club or activity of their choosing from 3.10-4pm. Students have the opportunity to choose a different club or activity every nine weeks, or remain with the same one. Saint Paul American School also provides a wide range of out-of-school activities for students. These programs include Drama, Music, Volunteering, and Sports. All students are encouraged and welcome to take part in these recreational pursuits, allowing them to showcase their talents and show pride in their school.
Extra help offered: Pull-out ELL program, Bridging ELL program (co-teaching environment with specialist), Student Help Center (daily tutoring), Nightly study hall 6.30-8.30pm with two instructors as well as peer tutors.
School facilities: Saint Paul American School’s college-preparatory campus has one main teaching building, two dormitory buildings, a newly-renovated library, laboratory, computer and technology center, full sized gymnasium, Olympic-sized (50 meter) swimming pool, cafeteria, and outdoor multi-purpose court with a running track, basketball courts and a soccer field.
Total area of campus: 33,350 square meters.
School nurse: Yes, two; 24-hr in office and on call for emergencies.
Contact: 18 Guan Ao Yuan Longgang Lu, Qinghe, Haidian District (188 1039 2083, Admissions Director David Krieger, david.krieger@saintpaulamerican.org) stpaulamerican.org 海淀区清河观澳园18号
Word from a Parent: “For my son Johnny’s 15th birthday party I travelled from Colorado to SPAS in Beijing and saw firsthand how his life was going. I was able to meet some of his teachers, the staff, the principal, his classmates and his roommates. I ate lunch with the students in the cafeteria, hung out in his dorm room, saw where he played sports, and even took the bus with some of the students. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating that I felt like I was part of the SPAS family. Back home in the USA, Johnny’s family was missing him terribly … but Johnny was doing fine. Not just fine, but extremely fine. He had good friends, supportive teachers and staff and good facilities. As parents, we chose to send Johnny to China for high school so that he could learn Chinese language, appreciate other cultures, and at the same time not compromise his academics. While we had concerns both regarding our objectives being met and Johnny’s ability to adjust from being away from home, I now knew we didn’t have to worry.” – Bob Barron (American), father of John Barron (Grade 9)
For more information on the 2014-2015 School Choice Guide e-mail editor@beijing-kids.com and click here to view the 2013-2014 School Choice Guide on ISSUU. For more information on our upcoming School Choice Fair on March 1-2, 2014, please e-mail schoolchoicefair@truerun.com.
Photo courtesy of SPAS
