In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 16-17, we’re highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2016-2017 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 4.
The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is a leading non-profit international IB World school. Founded in 1994, the school 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 1,400 students with the mission to “Connect, Inspire, Challenge: Make a Difference.” WAB has a tradition of academic success, demonstrated by the students’ outstanding IB test results and exceptional university placements worldwide. The student population represents more than 50 countries, and the school is one of seven IB “Preferred Training Schools” worldwide. WAB is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Office, CIS, NCCT, and NEASC.
Founding date: 1994
Age range: 3-18
Grades offered: Early Years to Grade 12
School type: Non-profit, independent international school
Total area: 99,900 sqm
Curriculum Description: IB World School offering IB Primary Years Programme (based on Reggio Emilia practices), IB Middle Years
Programme, full IB Diploma Programme, as well as the WAB High School Diploma
Boarding Program: No
Number of students: 1,400
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? No
Tuition fees (2015-2016 academic
year):
• Application fee: RMB 2,100
• Early Years (3-years-old, half-day): RMB
102,300
• Early Years (3-4 years old, full-day): RMB
172,000
• Kindergarten to Grade 5: RMB 219,500
• Grades 6-8: RMB 233,000
• Grades 9-10: RMB 256,000
• Grades 11-12: RMB 263,000
Type of lunch offered: Chinese, western, and vegetarian
Nationality of students: 51 nationalities represented including North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia
Primary teaching language: English
Other languages taught as electives: Chinese, Spanish, French, Swedish, German, Dutch, Finnish, and Danish
Average class size: 14 in Early Years, 22 in
rest of school
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:8 school-wide
School hours: 8:30am-3:20pm
After-school activities: WABX, a department dedicated exclusively to extracurricular activities, offers dozens of opportunities for athletics, art, academics, music, dance, drama, cultural exchange, and community
service
Special needs programs offered? Yes
Extra help offered? Enrichment, EAL,
learning support, behavioral support, speech
therapy, and counseling
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 innovative classrooms, labs and studios; the HUB Sports, Arts and Technology Center serves as a shared resource for middle and high school students; Libraries, gyms, and theaters dedicated to each school individual section, rock-climbing wall, air-supported dome, indoor pool, and outdoor education center
School nurse/doctor available on campus? Full-time expat nurses 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
Photo: Courtesy of WAB
