In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 24-25, we will be highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2015-2016 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 20.
The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is a leading international IB World School. Founded in 1994, WAB prides itself on its world-class facilities, highly-qualified teachers, global curriculum, warm and supportive environment, and service-oriented culture. WAB provides a learner-centered atmosphere that nurtures a strong sense of community among its 1,500 students with the mission to “Connect, Inspire, Challenge: Make a Difference.” WAB students are encouraged to take their place as responsible citizens of the world who can influence their surroundings through careful reflection and positive action.
Founding date: 1994
Age range: 3-18
Grades offered: Nursery-Grade 12
School type: International school
Total area: 110,000sqm
Number of students: 1,500
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Accreditations: NEASC, CIS, IBO, NCCT
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? No
Tuition fees (2014-2015 academic year):
• Application fee: RMB 2,100
• Early Years: RMB 98,000 (age 3, half-day), RMB 165,000 (ages 3-4, full day)
• Kindergarten to Grade 5: RMB 210,000
• Grades 6-8: RMB 223,000
• Grades 9-10: RMB 245,000
• Grades 11-12: RMB 252,000
• Transportation: Included in tuition fees
Lunch offered: Students purchase snacks and meals with a prepaid SmartCard. Range of Western, Chinese, and vegetarian options catered by Aramark.
Nationality of students: US, South Korea, Canada, The Netherlands, Australia, and more
Primary teaching language: English
Other languages taught: Chinese, French, Spanish and Dutch
Average class size: 14 (early childhood), 22 (elementary through high school)
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:8
School hours: 8.30am-3.30pm
After-school activities: Extensive sports and activities groups including volleyball, soccer, badminton, choir, band, Chinese culture and literature clubs, art, photography, speech and debate clubs, global citizenship project groups, and more
Extra help offered? EAL, learning support and mother tongue language support also available
Scholarships offered? Financial assistance available
School facilities: Six buildings, four of which provide a self-contained environment for each of the school sections – Early Childhood Center, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School – with the HUB Sports, Arts and Technology Center, serving as a shared resource for middle and high school students. Libraries in each school section, a rock climbing wall, an air-supported dome, indoor pool and theaters.
School nurse or doctor available? Yes, expat nurse in each school section.
Contact: 10 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District (5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu) www.wab.edu 朝阳区来广营东路10号
Word from a Parent:
“WAB is a community where my children are growing up with an appreciation for their talents and individuality, where they are challenged and supported in their discovery of how the world works, and where they are inspired to make a positive difference.”
– Marina Frias-Gavidia (Spain and Venezuela), MS principal and mother of Carolina (age 15) and Alejandro (age 10)
Photo: Courtesy of WAB
