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.
Beijing SMIC School is located in southeast Beijing, in the Yizhuang BDA, Beijing’s largest hi-tech economic development zone. Beijing SMIC School was originally founded in 2005 to serve families employed by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Company (SMIC). Over the years, the school’s reputation grew along with enrollment demands as it expanded to include students from outside the company as well. The school has a teaching staff of over 200 (of whom nearly one-fourth are foreigners) that serve over 1,300 students from Pre-K to Grade 9 in both English and Chinese tracks. SMIC English Track is a highly academic international school-style division in a Chinese private school. The English Track offers an American-style curriculum (taught in English) based on U.S. standards, and provides a phenomenally successful and diverse after school program along with a unique Chinese language program. Whether Beijing SMIC School students pursue academics, sports, or other extra-curricular activities, the staff and active school community encourage their efforts to aim for excellence, while retaining a sense of honor, community and joy.
Founding date: 2005
Type of school: Local Private
Grades offered: Kindergarten- Grade 8 (En); Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 9 (Ch)
Is the school registered with the Ministry of Education? Yes
Accreditation: Preparing for WASC accreditation
Tuition fees (2013-2014 academic year; includes daily lunches, books): Chinese Kindergarten-RMB 36, 310, Gr 1-6: RMB 26, 100, Gr 6-9: RMB 28,920; English Kindergarten- RMB 54, 210, RMB Gr 1-5: 69100, RMB Gr 6-8: 75600
Application fee: RMB 300
Uniform: RMB 555
Transportation fee: RMB 3,600 (within BDA), RMB 8, 640 (Wangjing)
Daily snacks: RMB 600
Age range: 3-14
Number of students: over 1,300
Nationality of students: China (incl. Taiwan), USA, S. Korea, Canada, and Japan (English school)
Local Chinese students accepted? Yes
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Primary teaching language: Chinese in Chinese Track; English in English Track
Other languages taught: ASA French and Japanese
Class size: 18
Teacher/student ratio: 1:8
School hours: 7:50 am- 3:00pm
After-school activities offered: 14 academic electives (French, Japanese, Literature, Science & IT), 10 instrumental & choral music electives, 8 fine arts electives, & 38 sports electives (including interschool competition in soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and track & field)
Extra help offered: ESL, CSL, tutoring
School facilities: solar powered electronics lab, library, auditorium, lighted track and field, gym and swimming pool
Total area of campus in square meters: 29,000
School nurse/doctor: 2 doctors and 2 nurses
Lunch offered: choice of Chinese or Western
Contacts: No. 9 Liangshuihe 2nd Street, Beijing Economic Technological Development Area (BDA) (5802-6784, info@bjsmicschool.com) www.bjsmicschool.com 北京经济技术开发区凉水河二街9号
Word from a parent:
I have two kids and both of them are in the English Track of SMIC School. My son Jack is in the 4th grade and my daughter Yaoyao is in the kindergarten. They both love the school, teachers and their friends. Most of the kids have siblings here. I have been in the PTA for several years and have made great friends among the parents. I love almost all the teachers my kids have had. They are dedicated, intelligent and gracious. Despite the friendly atmosphere, the curriculum is rigorous, especially with math and science. The graduated students are reported to have performed outstandingly in other high schools. It is also worth mentioning that the school principals and directors are willing to listen to the parents’ needs and concerns. They have just equipped each of their classrooms with air purifiers based on parents’ suggestion. All in all, we are very satisfied with the school and hope they will open their high school soon.
YinerYa, (China) mother of Jack (9) and Yaoyao (5)-English track
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 Beijing SMIC