Nanjing
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International Schools
Sections
1. Types of International Schools in Nanjing
International schools in Nanjing primarily cater to expatriate families and offer a variety of curricula. These schools are typically divided into:
- Western-style international schools: Offering curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British (IGCSE/A-Levels), or American (AP).
- Bilingual schools: Combining international curricula with Chinese language and cultural education.
- Specialized schools: Catering to specific nationalities, such as Japanese or Korean schools.
2. Popular International Schools in Nanjing
Here are some of the most well-known international schools in Nanjing:
a. Nanjing International School (NIS)
- Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, and DP)
- Age Range: 3โ18 years (Pre-K to Grade 12)
- Tuition Fees (2023-2024):
- Pre-K: RMB 150,000/year
- Kindergarten to Grade 5: RMB 200,000/year
- Grades 6โ10: RMB 220,000/year
- Grades 11โ12: RMB 240,000/year
- Location: Xianlin College and University Town, Qixia District
- Transportation: School bus services are available for an additional fee.
- Highlights:
- Fully accredited IB World School.
- Strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with over 50 nationalities represented.
- Modern facilities, including science labs, sports fields, and arts studios.
b. British School of Nanjing (BSN)
- Curriculum: British National Curriculum (EYFS, IGCSE, and A-Levels)
- Age Range: 2โ18 years
- Tuition Fees:
- Nursery: RMB 120,000/year
- Primary: RMB 180,000/year
- Secondary: RMB 200,000โ220,000/year
- Location: Jiangning District
- Transportation: School bus services available.
- Highlights:
- Small class sizes and personalized attention.
- Focus on academic excellence and extracurricular activities.
- Strong community feel for expatriate families.
c. EtonHouse International School Nanjing
- Curriculum: IB (PYP) and Reggio Emilia-inspired early years program.
- Age Range: 2โ12 years
- Tuition Fees:
- Early Years: RMB 100,000โ120,000/year
- Primary: RMB 150,000/year
- Location: Jianye District
- Transportation: School bus services available.
- Highlights:
- Emphasis on inquiry-based learning and creativity.
- Multilingual environment with English as the primary language of instruction.
d. Lรฉman International School Nanjing
- Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, and DP)
- Age Range: 3โ18 years
- Tuition Fees:
- Early Years: RMB 150,000/year
- Primary and Secondary: RMB 200,000โ250,000/year
- Location: Jiangning District
- Transportation: School bus services available.
- Highlights:
- Part of the Nord Anglia Education group, offering global learning opportunities.
- State-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on STEAM education.
3. Admission Procedures
The admission process for international schools in Nanjing typically involves the following steps:
a. Initial Inquiry
- Contact the school via email or phone to request an information pack or schedule a campus tour.
- Most schools have dedicated admissions teams to assist expatriate families.
b. Application Submission
- Submit an online or paper application form along with the required documents (see below).
- Pay the application fee (usually RMB 1,000โ2,000, non-refundable).
c. Assessment and Interview
- Students may be required to take an entrance assessment or interview (in-person or online) to evaluate their academic level and English proficiency.
d. Offer and Enrollment
- If accepted, the school will issue an offer letter.
- Pay the enrollment deposit (usually RMB 10,000โ20,000, deductible from tuition fees) to secure the spot.
4. Required Documents
The following documents are typically required for admission:
- Completed application form.
- Copy of the studentโs passport and visa.
- Copy of parentsโ passports and visas.
- Previous school records (transcripts or report cards) for the past 2โ3 years.
- Immunization records.
- Passport-sized photos of the student.
- Any additional documents requested by the school (e.g., recommendation letters).
5. Transportation Options
- School Buses: Most international schools in Nanjing offer school bus services covering major residential areas popular with expatriates, such as Xianlin, Jiangning, and Jianye Districts. Fees range from RMB 5,000โ10,000 per year.
- Public Transport: Nanjing has an extensive metro and bus network, but these may not be convenient for younger children.
- Private Cars: Many expatriate families opt for private car services or hire drivers for daily commutes.
6. Cultural Considerations for Expatriate Families
- Language: While English is the primary language of instruction, learning basic Mandarin can help children and parents integrate better into the local community.
- Community Support: Many international schools have active parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and organize events to help families connect.
- Food and Dietary Needs: Schools typically offer a mix of Western and Chinese meals. Parents should inform the school of any dietary restrictions.
- Extracurricular Activities: Schools emphasize extracurriculars such as sports, music, and arts to provide a well-rounded education.
- Holidays: International schools observe both Chinese public holidays and Western holidays, ensuring cultural inclusivity.
7. Cost of Living and Housing Near Schools
- Housing: Popular residential areas for expatriates include Xianlin, Jiangning, and Jianye Districts. Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment ranges from RMB 8,000โ15,000/month, depending on proximity to schools and amenities.
- Cost of Living: Nanjing is more affordable than cities like Shanghai or Beijing, but international school tuition and housing can be significant expenses.
8. Tips for Choosing the Right School
- Curriculum Fit: Consider your childโs future education plans (e.g., university destinations) when selecting a curriculum.
- Location: Choose a school close to your residence to minimize commute times.
- Community: Visit the school to assess its environment, facilities, and community feel.
- Reputation: Speak to other expatriate families or join local expat forums for reviews and recommendations.
9. Additional Resources
- Expat Groups: Join Nanjing expat groups on platforms like WeChat or Facebook for advice and support.
- School Websites: Visit the official websites of schools for the latest information on fees, admissions, and events.
- Relocation Services: Consider hiring a relocation consultant to assist with school applications and housing.
By carefully considering the above factors, you can find the best international school in Nanjing to suit your familyโs needs. Let me know if you need further assistance!