For over 20 years, Beijing City International School (BCIS) has been part of Beijing's CBD community, continuously evolving its approach to teaching and learning to meet the changing needs of students.
From Early Childhood to High School, our four divisions share a common educational vision while recognizing that every stage of childhood brings different opportunities, challenges and needs. Across the school, we continue to strengthen our curriculum, teaching and student support to ensure that students know what they are working towards—and have the guidance and support they need to get there.
In the 2026–2027 academic year, we are placing an even stronger focus on high-quality teaching and learning, personalized learning, and effective, evidence-informed teaching practices. With high expectations and high support, we want every student to be challenged to grow while feeling supported along the way.
Our student support approach is equally comprehensive. By bringing together wellbeing, pastoral care and early intervention, we aim to identify and respond to students' needs early and thoughtfully—so that every student feels seen, understood and supported.
Applications for 2027–2028 are now open, with limited places still available in selected grades for 2026–2027.
Join Us This October
Our first whole-school Open House of the new academic year brings together all four divisions across two days.
Whether you are considering Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School or High School, this is an opportunity to explore how learning develops across the years, meet members of our academic and admissions teams, hear directly from students and discover what everyday learning looks like at BCIS.
Middle School & High School Open House
Sunday, October 18 | 1:30–4:00 p.m.
From the 2026–2027 academic year, BCIS has established separate Middle School and High School divisions, allowing each to focus more closely on the distinctive learning and developmental needs of students at different ages.
The Middle School years are a significant period of transition. Our approach combines the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) with carefully designed learning experiences that are appropriately challenging, engaging and relevant to students at this stage of development.
Students build strong academic foundations while developing the independence, curiosity and learning habits they will need for the years ahead.
Through interdisciplinary learning and authentic experiences, students are encouraged to make connections across subjects and apply their learning beyond the classroom. At the same time, a clear progression towards the IB Diploma Programme helps students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for the next stage of their education.
In High School, students take increasing ownership of their learning and begin to explore more deeply where their interests and strengths might lead them.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through research, field studies, internships, service learning and other authentic experiences. These opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge in new contexts, broaden their perspectives and develop the skills they need for life beyond school.
Students are also supported through strong academic programs, one-to-one advisory, counselling and comprehensive university guidance.
University planning begins early and develops throughout the High School years. From Grade 9 onwards, our University Guidance Team works with students as they explore their interests, identify possibilities, research universities, develop application strategies and prepare for the transition beyond BCIS.
Guidance is personalized to each student's interests, strengths, aspirations and circumstances, helping them make informed choices about their future and identify universities that are a strong match for their individual goals.
On October 18, the academic leadership teams from Middle School and High School will introduce their respective curricula, approaches to teaching and student support. Families will also have the opportunity to meet members of our teaching teams and hear directly from students about their learning and everyday experiences at BCIS.
Our University Guidance Team will introduce the support available throughout High School and explain how students are guided as they explore their interests, plan their pathways and prepare for university.
Elementary School Open House
Sunday, October 18 | 9:30–11:30 a.m.
At BCIS, Elementary School (Grades 1–5) is grounded in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and its transdisciplinary approach to learning. Alongside strong academic foundations, we encourage students to remain curious, ask questions and think deeply about the world around them.
Through inquiry and project-based learning, students do more than acquire knowledge. They learn to make connections across disciplines and apply what they have learned in authentic contexts, developing their ability to think, create, communicate and solve problems.
A clear curriculum and progression of learning runs throughout the Elementary years, including in the core subjects families care about most. Our Chinese program follows a carefully structured progression that supports students in developing their literacy, reading and communication skills. In mathematics, students focus on understanding mathematical concepts and applying them in real-life contexts, while developing mathematical thinking through the learning process.
At the same time, ongoing and systematic assessment helps us track each student's learning journey. We look beyond outcomes alone to understand students' effort, progress and learning processes, allowing us to provide more targeted support as they move into the next stage of their education.
On October 18, families will have the opportunity to learn more about the Elementary School's educational philosophy, learning goals, assessment approach and home-school communication. Guided by our admissions and academic teams, you will also explore the campus and learning spaces.
Student ambassadors will share their own experiences of learning and life at BCIS, offering families an authentic perspective on the Elementary School experience.
Early Childhood Open House
Saturday, October 17 | 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Since opening in 2014, the Early Childhood Centre (ECC) at Beijing City International School has been committed to providing high-quality, professional, international and future-focused early education for children aged 2 to 6.
For more than a decade, the ECC has drawn on the IB PYP framework while continuing to explore play-based and inquiry-driven approaches to learning. Transdisciplinary inquiry, play-based learning and personalized learning are woven throughout our curriculum, learning environments and everyday educational practice.
At the ECC, language learning happens naturally through everyday interactions in English and Chinese. Mathematics comes to life through building, sorting, measuring and discovering patterns. Outdoor exploration and hands-on experiences help children develop physical confidence, coordination and problem-solving skills. Everyday routines—from getting dressed and eating to tidying up—help children gradually develop independence and a sense of responsibility, learning to care for themselves and others.
As children grow, the level of challenge grows with them. From Toddler through Nursery, students progressively develop their English language, mathematical understanding, number sense and physical skills. In the Kindergarten class, learning becomes increasingly challenging while continuing to support the development of the skills children need to make a confident transition to Elementary School.
During the October 17 Open House, families will hear more about our curriculum and educational approach and explore the ECC learning spaces with members of our academic and admissions teams. You will also have the opportunity to see how children learn and experience their day at school.
Families can also speak one-to-one with our team about practical aspects of school life, including daily routines, meals, school bus services, extracurricular activities and extended care.
Join Us This October
A school's educational philosophy ultimately comes to life in the everyday learning and growth of its students.
The way a curriculum is designed, how learning unfolds, how teachers support students, and how a school responds to the needs of children at different stages all shape the educational experience.
For 20 years, BCIS has continued to refine its curriculum, teaching and student support while responding to the evolving needs of learners and families. In the new school year, we are raising our expectations to help students discover and realize their potential, while providing the thoughtful, consistent support they need to take on challenges and continue growing.
This October, come and experience the BCIS community for yourself. From curriculum and learning to teachers and student support, discover the environment in which your child will learn, explore and grow—and see how high-quality education takes shape in the everyday experiences of students at every stage.
We look forward to welcoming you to BCIS this October for our Open House.