Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
Beijing Aidi School is located in Beijing's Chaoyang District on Louzizhuang Road inside the CBD International Education Park (address: No.7 Louzizhuang Road). The campus sits in the city's eastern business/education zone and is served by local roads and public transport links that connect to central Chaoyang — parents should allow extra time for peak-hour traffic when commuting. For contact and exact directions, the school lists its address and admissions contacts on its website.
The school operates as a K–12 campus (kindergarten through senior high), enrolling children roughly aged 3–18. Curriculum pages and department sections on the school site describe separate kindergarten, primary, junior middle and senior high divisions.
Beijing Aidi is a private, co-educational school offering bilingual (Chinese–English) and international programme routes (including Australian and other international pathways). The school's materials and third‑party profiles indicate it runs day provision and also provides dormitory/boarding accommodation for some secondary students. Parents should confirm boarding availability and arrangements directly with admissions.
The school website highlights ‘learning tracking' and ‘individualised development' and states it offers customised learning plans (described on the site as multiple tailored schemes for individual students). For details about formal SEN policy, specific therapies or one‑to‑one support, contact the school's admissions or student‑support team because the website gives an overview rather than a full SEN policy.
The school was founded as a Sino–Australian (China–Australia) government‑level cooperative education project; its site notes historical ties with Australian education partners. It is operated in China under private school registration.
No religious affiliation is listed on the school's public materials; the school presents itself as a secular, non‑religious institution.
Published profiles give a typical school day around 08:40–16:20 (start mid‑morning to mid/late afternoon) with usual lesson blocks and extracurricular slots; the official website describes department timetabling in general terms but does not publish a detailed daily timetable online. Families should check the current term timetable with admissions before relocating.
Third‑party school profiles and the school's contact information indicate a school bus service is available for students; routes and stops are organised by the school and vary by neighbourhood. If you need school‑bus coverage for a particular address, ask admissions for the latest route map, pickup points, fees and safety/insurance arrangements.
Beijing Aidi School runs a bilingual K–12 programme that integrates Chinese-language education with international streams across kindergarten, primary and secondary stages. At primary and lower‑secondary levels the school follows a bilingual curriculum that prepares students for international external examinations before moving into formal secondary qualifications (including IGCSE-style study). For senior secondary students Aidi offers multiple diploma pathways — including A-Levels, AP (U.S. course options), the Australian WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education), vocational BTEC Level 3, and Hong Kong DSE — and it also delivers an NCUK International Foundation Year for pre‑university progression. The school is authorised to deliver and host international test preparation and exam services (AP/ACT/SAT support and language tests such as IELTS/TOEFL) to support university entry. In addition to academic tracks, the curriculum includes STEM, arts and sports programmes plus a wide set of elective and extracurricular options (the school cites project‑based STEAM, arts specialisms and a 1+X elective model).
Beijing Aidi School describes a school-wide focus on students' personal and character development through structured programmes such as project‑based learning (PBL), PDP early‑bird programmes and a broad extra‑curricular programme of clubs and societies that aim to build teamwork, leadership and social skills. The school's middle‑school page explicitly lists “个性发展” (personal development), “行为养成” (habit/behaviour formation) and “健康心理” (healthy psychology) among its priorities and links these to learning‑tracking, individual academic planning and co‑curricular activities. The site also highlights regular opportunities for students to practise communication and collaboration (debate, teams, performance groups and service clubs). These elements indicate SEL is embedded across curriculum, activities and academic planning rather than described as a single standalone programme.
The school does not publish a detailed special‑educational‑needs (SEN) policy on its public website that lists specific categories of needs or specialist provision. A third‑party profile (International Schools Database) reports that the school “has specialized staff and programs to support students with special learning needs” and that students have access to an educational psychologist, but the school's own pages do not set out which types of SEN are supported or state that it is a specialist SEN institution. Therefore, while external listings indicate there is some learning‑support provision, the school's website does not publicly detail the scope of SEN provision or confirm it is a specialist SEN school.
Beijing Aidi School publishes an English Language Center (ELC) and immersive English courses for school‑age learners (12–18) and describes daily English tuition and summer ELC programmes designed to raise academic English and support students joining international pathways. The school's language‑courses page details the ELC curriculum, class structure and the aim of helping students transition into the school's international high‑school streams. A third‑party school profile also notes the school offers additional English language support classes for students not yet fluent in the language of instruction.
The school states it conducts professional psychological testing and provides targeted intervention and counselling through professional psychology staff; the middle‑school page specifically notes the use of professional psychological tests and ‘专业心理老师' (professional psychological teachers) for targeted support. A published news item cited by third‑party education sites describes the school's psychological development centre using OCEAN psychological assessments with individual reports for students, which supports the site's statement about formal testing and one‑to‑one work. The school therefore publicises both screening/assessment activities and access to trained psychology staff as part of its student support.
Safety measures for early years (for example: dual security gates at the main and kindergarten entrances, daily health checks for children, scheduled annual health and dental checks, and routine disinfection of toys and spaces). The campus is designed to provide a ‘safe' learning environment more broadly.
1. Initial inquiry & visit. Contact the admissions office to request current admissions materials, schedule an on‑campus visit or attend an open day, and confirm which programme(s) you are applying to (kindergarten, bilingual primary, IGCSE/A‑Level, WACE/Australian, US/AP, or arts pathways). Parents should check whether the intake for their child's year group is open and whether the school is admitting local (Beijing) and/or non‑local students for that intake. Aidi publishes event/registration notices and encourages families to visit or make an appointment before applying.
2. Complete the online/paper application. Families complete the school's application form (online or downloadable from admissions) and submit required basic information; the school records intent and schedules the next steps (assessment or interview). Ask admissions in advance which version of the form applies to your child's pathway (e.g., international high‑school tracks versus domestic bilingual class). The school's admissions pages and third‑party summaries repeatedly list online/telephone reservation and form submission as the first formal step.
3. Gather and submit required documents. Typical documents the school asks for are: passport or national ID, current visa/residence permit (for non‑Chinese nationals), most recent school reports/transcripts, birth certificate, vaccination/health record, and school‑transfer or graduation certificates as applicable; Beijing local students may also need the district “five documents” (五证) or other local paperwork for school‑record (学籍) registration. Confirm the exact document list with admissions before you submit; different programmes and nationalities often require slightly different paperwork. Multiple admissions guides and local portals note the five‑certificate requirement for non‑local to local registration—parents should prepare originals and certified translations if needed.
4. Entrance assessment and language check. Aidi requires an entry evaluation that typically includes a written test and an interview; international tracks normally include English language assessment and subject checks (maths, English comprehension, and sometimes subject tests for older students). Younger applicants (KG/Primary) commonly have an interview/observation and simple readiness tasks rather than full formal exams. The school's public profile and admissions summaries explicitly state that entrance tests plus interviews are used to determine placement and any language support needed.
5. Special‑pathway checks (programme‑specific requirements). If you apply to a specialised pathway (A‑Level, WACE/Australian, US/AP or arts high‑school), expect additional requirements such as portfolio submissions for arts, demonstrated subject grades for A‑Level/AP, or minimum English thresholds (some pages report IELTS/placement guidance). Where language thresholds are not met, the school runs a language/bridge programme (language centre or pre‑session) that many families use before full entry to the international curriculum. Check the precise academic/portfolio/English minimums for the pathway you want—these differ by programme and year level.
6. Offer, acceptance and payment to secure a place. If the school offers a place you will receive formal enrolment paperwork; schools commonly require parents to return a signed acceptance and to pay a deposit or the invoiced tuition amount to secure the seat. The exact deposit amount and refund policy are not consistently published on third‑party pages, so confirm the current payment terms, timelines for payment, and whether there is a non‑refundable component before you accept. Contact admissions to get the latest invoice and written payment terms for your child's offer.
7. Registration, placement and additional assessment. After payment and acceptance the school completes administrative registration, assigns classes, and—if needed—places students into English support groups or sets up individualized learning plans. Parents should ask about arrival‑date orientation, uniform lists, health/medical form deadlines, and whether textbooks or digital devices are included or billed separately. The school's profiles note that learning support and differentiated placement are part of the post‑offer process.
8. Boarding, transport and meal arrangements (if applicable). If you plan to board, confirm room availability, the boarding fee schedule, weekend‑stay options, and any additional administration or management fees; if using school buses, ask about routes, fees and pickup‑drop rules. Multiple fee tables and school summaries list boarding and meal charges separately from base tuition—parents should budget for these extras and confirm the billing schedule with admissions/finance.
9. Visa, local registration and school records for non‑local families. Non‑Beijing families should confirm whether the school will assist with local school‑record (学籍) processes and what documents are needed to register with the district education authorities; some classes or programmes have different eligibility for local registration. If your child is not a Chinese national, verify visa/permit rules for study and whether in‑country guardianship rules apply. Admissions materials and local guides recommend starting these steps early because local paperwork and district approvals can take time.
10. Orientation and term start. Attend the school's scheduled orientation for parents and students (dates are set each year) and complete any outstanding forms (medical, emergency contacts, bus/meal signups). Confirm the school calendar, uniform delivery timeframe and the school's communication channel (parent portal / WeChat / email) so you receive start‑of‑term updates. The school publishes regular admissions calendars and asks families to follow those timelines for a smooth start.
Yes — Aidi publishes and is reported to run entrance/award scholarships for incoming students, including a high‑school scholarship programme tied to Beijing senior‑middle exam (中考) performance. Public reporting on the school's scholarship initiatives (often called a '奖学金计划' or in some reporting a '千万奖学金计划') shows structured awards for Beijing students who meet stated mid‑school exam thresholds; media and education portals have listed example tiers such as 120,000 RMB/year (or per year amounts reported) for top scorers and lower tiers (e.g., 70,000; 50,000; 30,000 RMB) for other score ranges. These scholarship schemes are typically programme‑ and year‑specific and often require Beijing academic registration (学籍) and application to particular school pathways; amounts, eligibility and application deadlines have varied by year in public announcements. Because the school's scholarship rules and the amounts can change, if you are interested in financial awards ask admissions for the current scholarship brochure (eligibility criteria, how awards are applied to fees, whether awards renew each year, and any conditions tied to Beijing residency or exam results).
Publicly available admissions materials for Beijing Aidi School do not publish a formal, detailed waitlist policy that I could find. The school's admissions notices and third‑party summaries describe a staged/rolling admissions cycle and the use of assessment rounds with subsequent '补录' (additional offers) when places open, which is common practice for busy Beijing international schools. Because the school does not appear to post a standard waitlist procedure online, families who are told a year group is full should contact admissions directly and ask (a) whether they operate a formal waitlist, (b) how candidates are prioritised (e.g., by application date, assessment score, sibling link or programme fit), and (c) how often the school releases additional places after initial offers. For the most reliable guidance about your child's specific case, request written confirmation from the admissions office about how they handle full cohorts and waiting applicants.
Located at 1555 Jufeng Road, near Jinjing Road in Pudong District, Shanghai. The campus sits in a dedicated education area with convenient access by road and public transit. The site covers a large campus with multiple buildings and substantial green space. The school serves pupils from kindergarten through Grade 12, including an international department.
The school comprises a Kindergarten, Primary Department, Secondary Department (including middle and high school) and an International Department.
Private, all-through boarding school. It operates as a boarding school and includes an International Department.
The school emphasizes personalized education and features an Apple Model Classroom approach. The International Department includes a Mandarin Center to support Chinese language learning for international students.
No official country affiliation is listed publicly.
No religious affiliation is indicated publicly.
The school day runs Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 4:00pm.
Nearby public transport options include multiple bus routes (e.g., 987, 1006, 791, 995, 1016, 774, 799) and Shanghai Metro Line 12.
Shanghai Gold Apple School operates as a modern boarding school with on-campus housing for students across its kindergarten through high school and international departments. Enrollment materials show a boarding option exists alongside day students, with accommodation priced at 5,000 RMB per semester. For the International Department's Mandarin Center, on-site dormitories house 2–4 students per apartment with private bathrooms and essential amenities, including Wi‑Fi, a water dispenser, air conditioning, hot water, and a washing machine, with living staff on 24-hour duty. The staff recruitment page notes that the school provides dormitories or arranges transport for staff, which confirms the existence of on-site housing infrastructure.
A school uniform is required. The Mandarin Center page lists a uniform fee of 5,000 Yuan for four-season uniforms. Color, sourcing, and purchasing details are not specified on the site.
The on-site canteen provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with meals primarily in Chinese style and some Western options; a halal window is available. Milk and dessert are provided at 10:00 am, and fruit and a late snack follow dinner.
Shanghai Gold Apple School was founded in 2000 by the Yalong Group (Shanghai Yalong Investment Group Co., Ltd.). It is a member school of Jianping Group, reflecting its governance and network within a private-education group.
Shanghai Gold Apple School is a K-12 modern boarding school in Pudong that comprises a Kindergarten, Primary Department, Secondary Department (middle and high school), and an International Department, with a Mandarin Center for Chinese language education. The domestic curriculum follows the Chinese national system for primary through high school, while the International Department provides international pathways aligned to UK and US frameworks. The International Department includes centers for Mandarin language (Mandarin Center), U.S. High School studies, and Cambridge International (Cambridge Center), with additional regional centers and a focus on overseas university admissions. The Mandarin Center Curriculum offers five categories: language courses, Shanghai curriculum, international curricula (primarily UK and US systems), specialty courses, and expansion courses, with personalized plans based on entry level. Graduation from the Secondary Department yields three certificates (achievement, physical ability, and bilingual speech); the Cambridge Center has produced many Oxbridge entrants, and the U.S. High School Center offers pathways toward admission to top U.S. universities.
Shanghai Gold Apple School supports social-emotional learning through the Apple Classroom model, which facilitates student self-construction and interaction, and through Life Guidance courses that help students develop good behavior and leadership within the school's five development areas (Keep Fit, Good Behavior, Art, Learning and English).
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) support.
English language development is a focus within the five development areas, with the Primary Department aiming for graduates to master 1000 English phrases, and the International Department offering centers such as the US High School Center and the Cambridge Center as part of its programs.
Mental wellbeing provisions are not explicitly described; Life Guidance courses contribute to student well-being and behavioral development.
A Safe Campus section exists under Campus Culture on the site, indicating safeguarding provisions are part of campus culture, though specific safeguarding policies are not publicly disclosed.
1. Program eligibility and options. Shanghai Gold Apple School runs three international streams: International Primary for ages roughly 6–12, International Middle for about 14–16, and International High School for students who have completed middle school or higher. International Primary classes are capped at 22 students per class, International Middle at no more than 30 per class, and International High School at 25 per class; teaching is conducted in English for the international high school. These details define which track a family should pursue based on the student's age and current grade.
2. Initial inquiry and registration. Families begin by contacting the admissions team by telephone or by online registration to start the process. After registration, parents wait for an admissions staff member to reach out with next steps and scheduling information. This registration step helps determine eligibility and the appropriate interview and testing windows.
3. Application and examination fee. An application/examination fee of 300 RMB must be paid to proceed with the assessment. The fee is paid as part of the enrollment process after registration and before testing. This fee is non-refundable and confirms the candidate's participation in the admissions assessments.
4. Entrance assessments and interviews. For international streams, admissions involve English and Mathematics examinations, followed by an interview (often bilingual). The class placement is informed by the exam results and interview performance. Successful candidates move on to the tuition/payment stage after completing these assessments.
5. Admission decision, tuition payment, and formal notice. Upon meeting the required assessments, families are asked to pay the applicable tuition and related fees. After payment, the school issues a formal admission notice, finalizing enrollment for the chosen program. This completes the admissions process and allows the student to begin the program.
Public information does not list scholarship programs for Shanghai Gold Apple School.
Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake is located in the Songshan Lake industrial park, Dongguan, Guangdong — the campus sits next to Huawei European Village and Songshan Lake Park. Address given on the school site is C4 CIMC Yi-Ning-Xi-Lu Road, Dongguan City, Guangdong, China. The site notes the campus is tranquil and has easy access to local transport links.
The school offers IGCSE and A‑level programmes and international preparatory (pre‑A level) options, with two‑year IGCSE and two‑year A‑level patterns and a one‑year pre‑A route described on the curriculum pages. The programmes are aimed at secondary / senior‑school students preparing for university.
MAS is a co‑educational school and operates boarding provision; students are placed in age‑appropriate boarding houses with houseparents and resident tutors on site. The Songshan Lake campus is part of the wider Merchiston group (links with Merchiston Castle School and other Merchiston campuses) and shares resources across those campuses.
The website describes a three‑teacher guidance model that includes academic mentors, pastoral care and a psychological counsellor as part of student support. The school does not publish a detailed Special Educational Needs (SEN) or specific learning‑support list on its public pages; parents are advised to contact admissions for case‑specific information.
MAS presents itself as part of the Merchiston family and cites an affiliation with Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, Scotland (UK).
The school website does not state any religious affiliation.
The site publishes an Academic Calendar and a timetable page (作息表) where the school timetable is made available; exact start and finish times are shown on that calendar/timetable rather than in prominent text. The boarding page notes that boarders follow the same working day as day students and have a structured evening homework period and supervised weekend activities.
The school refers to school buses in its uniform guidance (students must wear uniform on school buses), which indicates a bus service is used, but the website does not publish detailed route, provider or booking information. For pickup/drop‑off routes, costs and registration, the site directs parents to contact Admissions (admissions@merchistonacademy.cn / 400 999 0978).
Three age-appropriate boarding houses accommodate MAS Songshan Lake students, cared for by a Houseparent who lives on site alongside resident Tutors, promoting a family atmosphere. Boarding students follow the same school day pattern; after their evening meal they have structured homework time overseen by a staff member on duty, followed by social time and bedtime. A fully staffed medical centre supports boarders, and at weekends they may participate in a range of activities or undertake independent study.
All MAS students wear the school uniform on school days, on school buses, on school property and on school trips; exceptions may be allowed in special circumstances. Full dress is required from October to April and during the rally.
Boarding includes meals; boarders have evening meals as part of the daily routine.
There are three age-appropriate boarding houses for MAS Songshan Lake students.
Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake delivers UK‑style 14–19 provision with IGCSE, a Pre‑A‑level year where applicable, two‑year A‑levels and vocational BTEC pathways in partnership with Edexcel. Programmes run on three entry models — 0+2 (two‑year A‑level for G11–G13), 1+2 (one year Pre‑A‑level then two years A‑level for G10–G11 entrants) and 2+2 (two years IGCSE then two years A‑level) — with staged academic targets for each cohort. Core and elective subjects include Mathematics and Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Economics (students typically choose three at A‑level), with IGCSE equivalents and wider options such as Biology, Geography, Accounting, Computer Science, ICT, Drama and Art & Design. Language provision includes IGCSE English plus A‑level and Chinese pathways (including Chinese A‑level and HSK for international students), and the school offers extension and admissions‑test preparation (STEP/MAT/PAT) and competition training. The wider scope comprises vocational/internship modules (BTEC, finance, e‑commerce, data analysis), phase‑assessed general education credits (software, media, Mandarin, arts, performance) and a broad co‑curricular activities programme.
Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake states that pastoral care is a central part of its approach and places pastoral care “on a paramount position” within its holistic education model. The school describes boarding tutors and houseparents as important role models who live and work with students, which the school says supports students' social development and sense of community. Co-curricular activities (CCAs) such as Debate Club, Cultural Societies and team sports are listed as regular provision that supports teamwork, communication and wider social skills. The Boarding overview explicitly links boarding routines and house structures to encouraging interpersonal skills and a supportive community.
The school's public website does not set out a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) or inclusion policy. The site does describe targeted academic clinics (for example, Chinese Clinic and Science Clinic) that provide extra academic support, but these pages do not identify specialist SEN provision or list specific categories of special needs supported. There is no page on the website that describes a named SEN coordinator, specialist learning support team, or a formal SEN policy. Based on the website material I reviewed, Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake does not publicly disclose specific SEN provision or whether it is a specialist SEN institution.
The school's co‑curricular listings describe an English Clinic and an English Clinic/IELTS Preparation offering targeted English support; the site states that targeted EAL/IELTS provision is available, including an EAL provision note for Years 12–13. The English Clinic is described as focused lessons to improve English language proficiency and the IELTS preparation CCA is explicitly for students identified as needing exam support. These references indicate targeted English-language support primarily through CCA-style clinics rather than a separate full-time EAL department. The school does not publish a separate detailed EAL policy or an all‑school EAL programme on the public website.
The school lists staff with psychology and mental health-related roles: an individual profile identifies Richard Yu as a Psychology & University Guidance Teacher with a mental health teacher qualification and experience in school psychology and counselling. The Guidance Team page describes a university counselling team and named counsellors involved in student guidance. Boarding information states that houseparents and resident tutors are expected to provide responsive care and that staff receive ongoing in‑service training related to student welfare. The site also mentions a fully staffed medical centre on campus for student healthcare. These items on the website indicate the school provides pastoral, counselling and on‑site medical resources for student wellbeing, though the site does not publish a full mental‑health policy document.
The website emphasises pastoral care, boarding house structures with houseparents and resident tutors, ongoing in‑service staff training, and a fully staffed medical centre as parts of student care and supervision. Boarding pages describe principles such as dignity, inclusion and access to responsive care, and note that tutors and houseparents are important role models who live on site to support students' welfare. The public site does not appear to publish a standalone child protection or safeguarding policy, nor does it name a designated safeguarding lead on the pages reviewed. Therefore, while the site describes practical safeguarding-related provisions (boarding supervision, staff training and medical support), it does not publicly disclose a formal safeguarding/child‑protection policy document.
1. Follow the school's official WeChat and make initial contact. Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake (MAS) asks families to follow its official WeChat account as the first step; the Applications Process page on the school website lists this as Step 1 and this is also where open days, application links and contact details are announced. Parents should follow the account so they receive updates (assessment dates, open-day slots and application-link notices) rather than relying on third‑party summaries.
2. Pay the non‑refundable application fee (RMB 1,000). MAS requires a non‑refundable application fee of RMB 1,000 to progress an application; the Applications Process page shows this as Step 2. Keep the payment receipt and proof of payment — the school asks you to submit proof of payment with the application form and will not proceed with assessment without it.
3. Complete and submit the school application form. Parents should complete every section, including declarations about medical conditions and support needs — incomplete forms slow processing and the school uses the information to plan assessments and pastoral support.
4. Attend the interview and complete entry assessments (or arrange online if necessary). Both parents and the student are normally expected on campus for a face‑to‑face interview; an online interview is an alternative when required (for example, COVID‑related restrictions). Students take the entry assessments (the school specifically lists CAT4 and WIDA among the assessments); prepare copies of recent school reports and expect English proficiency testing (WIDA) and cognitive/ability screening (CAT4).
5. Provide required supporting documents at application or assessment. MAS lists the documents they require: mainland candidates should bring ID cards (international/HK/Macau applicants should provide passports), a recent frontal colour digital photo (two‑inch, white background), the application form, and academic transcripts for the last two years; CVs and certificates of awards are optional but recommended where relevant. The Application Information page also notes the school usually requests a confidential report from the applicant's current school and requires disclosure of any special learning needs so the Head of Section can assess reasonable adjustments.
6. Receiving an outcome, accepting an offer and next administrative steps. The school states parents will receive an offer letter by email within five working days after assessments, and offers should be accepted within five working days; if a candidate is declined they may reapply after six months once recommendations (if any) have been completed. After accepting a place, expect follow‑up steps such as fee‑payment instructions, a medical check on entry and placement decisions (year placement is determined by birth date and assessed ability); consult the school fee policy and the admissions team for payment deadlines and refund/withdrawal rules.
MAS publishes a specific scholarship page describing a range of awards and eligibility rules for 2024. The school runs targeted scholarships for different entry points and programmes: (a) A‑Level and DSE one‑year ‘crash‑course' scholarships (full or half tuition) using gaokao/DSE thresholds and interview performance — thresholds on the page show Guangdong candidates with higher listed score cutoffs (for example, A‑Level full scholarship considered at gaokao 500+ with interview; half scholarship at 470+). (b) Middle‑school/new‑student scholarships ("优才新生奖学金") tied to Dongguan Zhongkao scores (examples on the page show full award at a pure culture score of 700, half award at 650) and renewal conditions requiring the student to remain in the top percentage of the year. (c) Awards for outstanding graduates ("优秀毕业生奖学金") and academic/excellence awards (e.g., 20,000–50,000 RMB and other ranges) for students who achieve high university placements or sustained in‑school performance. Each scholarship page links to the application form and a WeChat/MikeCRM application URL; the page also sets renewal conditions (for multi‑year awards) and clarifies that scholarship value usually applies to tuition rather than extras such as boarding, uniform or activity fees — read the scholarship terms closely and contact admissions to confirm current availability and exact amounts.
MAS's published Applications Process states that where there are more candidates than available places, applications will be placed on a waiting list. The site gives no further public detail about waiting‑list ordering, typical wait times, or whether priority is given by application date, assessment score, sibling link or other factors; parents on the waiting list should contact admissions directly (admissions@merchistonacademy.cn or phone 400 999 0978) to ask about their position and any expected timeline. If an application is declined, the school's page also notes a candidate may reapply after six months, provided any recommendations have been followed.
Located in Beijing's Chaoyang District (address: 北京市朝阳区宝泉三街46号院, postcode 100018), the campus sits near the Fourth Embassy Area / Jinzhang corridor and is reachable from the East 3rd/4th Ring roads and nearby suburban districts. The school website notes the main campus and gives admissions contact details for relocation queries.
Chaoyang KaiWen Academy is a K–12 (pre‑school through Grade 12) bilingual school. High‑school pathways include international options (IBDP, A‑Level, AP) alongside a national (普高) pathway.
The school is a private, co‑educational K–12 international bilingual school. The campus offers boarding options for some year groups (third‑party and school listings indicate boarding is available for older primary and secondary students).
The school describes academic and personalised learning support and an emphasis on ‘学业支持'/individualised development in published materials, but it does not publish a detailed public SEN policy on its main pages; for specific additional‑needs provisions (assessments, individual education plans, staffing) contact the admissions office directly.
The school is a Chinese private school based in Beijing and does not operate as an overseas/state school tied to another country. It presents a bilingual, China‑rooted international programme.
No religious affiliation is indicated on the school's published materials or ‘About' pages.
Specific daily start/end times and break/lunchtimes are not listed on the public site; the school publishes a school calendar and recommends confirming division‑level daily schedules with admissions before relocating.
The school runs a dedicated school‑bus service covering large parts of northeast and east Beijing (sources and school materials list routes serving areas such as Tongzhou, Shunyi, Wangjing, Dongba, Changying, Sihui and parts of the East 3rd/4th Ring). Recent listings note around 30 bus routes; fees and exact pickup points vary by route and are managed by the school—confirm current routes and costs with admissions. }
The school collaborates with a professional catering company to provide safe, fresh, nutritious meals for students.
The school is owned by Beijing Kaiwen ZhiXin Education Investment Co., Ltd.
Chaoyang KaiWen's primary programme grounds students in the Chinese national curriculum while integrating Cambridge-English elements and bilingual teaching, with regular specialist classes in arts, physical education and STEM.
Lower secondary (Grades 6–8) continues the national curriculum while referencing Cambridge (CAIE) standards; Grade 8 students sit Cambridge Checkpoint and prepare to enter IGCSE in Grade 9.
Grades 9–10 follow the Cambridge IGCSE programme, leading to internationally recognised IGCSE qualifications across languages, sciences, mathematics and humanities.
Senior high (Grades 11–12) offers multiple pathways: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), A‑Level and AP courses, plus a National Curriculum pathway and an Arts pathway, so students can choose routes aligned with different university systems or artistic specialisms.
The school was authorised for the IBDP in February 2020; IBDP students complete the programme core (TOK, Extended Essay and CAS) while selecting subjects from the six IB groups, and the site also documents its CAIE, A‑Level and AP examination arrangements.
Chaoyang KaiWen states that it aims to develop students' intellectual, emotional, physical and social health and promotes character development through its CKWA+ character framework. The school's “About Us” and Kaiwen concept pages describe an emphasis on habits and dispositions such as courage, kindness and adaptability as part of student formation. School news and event posts describe speaker series and student workshops (e.g., “飞扬吧青春”) that have included sessions on emotion management and involvement of psychological/mental‑health staff. These materials indicate SEL is integrated through curriculum, talks and character education, though the website does not publish a separate, detailed SEL programme document.
The school's admissions and enrolment information says KaiWen aims to assess and provide reasonable, individualized educational suggestions and support during the admissions and placement process. Beyond that statement the school website does not publish detailed information about specific special educational needs (SEN) provision, which types of SEN it can support, or a dedicated specialist‑SEN service. The school is not described on its website as a specialist SEN institution. The school does not publicly disclose further specific SEN policies or staff profiles on its website.
The school's curriculum pages list ESL (English as a Second Language) among its language and特色课程 offerings, indicating some English support is provided within its programmes. However, the website does not publish detailed information about an EAL/EAL‑specific team, entry assessments, placement levels, or dedicated EAL intervention programmes. Therefore, apart from listing ESL as a course, the school does not publicly disclose fuller EAL provision or staffing details.
KaiWen's news and events archive describes mental‑health related activity such as parent workshops and a collaboration with a Peking University psychology centre on puberty and adolescent wellbeing, showing the school runs occasional specialist talks and family workshops. Other event pages mention psychological/mental‑health staff involvement in student talks and emotion‑management sessions. The school's overall mission and about pages also highlight attention to students' emotional development as part of whole‑child education. The website does not publish a standalone, detailed mental‑health policy or a full staff list for counselling services.
The school website describes practical safety and welfare measures such as school‑catered food services (including accommodations for allergies/dietary needs), school‑bus routing and limits on travel time, and dedicated dorm life staff and student management for boarding students. The curriculum pages also reference home‑school collaboration and parent committees that participate in student welfare. The site does not publish a publicly accessible, standalone child‑protection or safeguarding policy document with named safeguarding officers or procedural details. For specifics about safeguarding procedures and designated officers, the school asks families to contact the school offices directly.
1. Parents should have the child's approximate birthdate, current school and grade, and preferred start term ready; the school asks families to fill the inquiry form so the admissions team can respond with up‑to‑date availability and next steps. This is the first practical step because some grades fill quicker (class size is capped) and the office will advise whether a campus visit, assessment, or transfer steps are needed.
2. Complete the online application — After initial contact, complete the full application in the OpenApply system (the school uses ckwa.openapply.cn) and upload the documents requested there. Parents should prepare clear, legible copies of documents (student identity/passport, recent school reports, and any certificates) and ensure names/dates match official IDs; the admissions office reviews applications using the information you supply. Fill the form carefully: the school states it evaluates the application and family information to provide tailored advice and to schedule the next-stage assessments or interviews.
3. Documentation and compliance for Chinese/foreign nationals — If the student is a Chinese national entering an obligatory education stage, parents must cooperate with the school to complete any required new‑school or transfer (学籍) registration per Chaoyang District regulations; international/overseas applicants should consult the admissions office about required notarizations or translated documents. Parents should be ready to produce residency, previous school transcripts, and any legal documents the admissions staff requests; failure to provide required local registration paperwork can delay enrolment in compulsory grades. The school's admissions policy highlights that both Chinese and non‑Chinese applicants may apply but the registration process differs depending on nationality and grade level.
4. Assessment steps — The school conducts an admissions assessment that typically includes academic evaluation and interviews; for some applicants the school also arranges family interviews. Parents should expect the admissions team and committee to review submitted materials and to invite the student (and sometimes guardians) for an interview or assessment activity; overseas applicants are advised to contact the admissions office to arrange an appropriate experience. Be prepared to provide samples of recent schoolwork and for the child to take short assessments in Chinese and/or English depending on the grade and programme.
5. Decision and offer — After the admissions committee reviews materials and assessment/interview outcomes, the school will notify families of the decision; offers are granted to candidates selected from the applicant pool. Parents should note the school states applicants cannot change or resubmit their application materials after results are announced, so ensure the original submission is complete and accurate before finalizing. If offered a place, follow the admissions office's instructions promptly to accept the place and to complete any enrollment paperwork.
6. Acceptance, fee payment and enrolment formalities — Once you accept an offer, the admissions office will outline required fees, payment deadlines, and any one‑time enrollment items to complete registration; the school advises families to complete these steps before the stated enrollment deadline for the spring or autumn intake. Parents should clarify with admissions whether published fees are for day students only and whether boarding (if applicable) incurs additional charges; confirm invoicing method and deadlines directly with the admissions team. Keep copies of payment receipts and enrollment confirmations and ask for an e‑invoice or written confirmation of completed registration.
7. Practical arrival steps and onboarding — After formal enrolment, follow the school's instructions about uniform, start‑of‑term schedules, health/immunization paperwork, and orientation sessions; the admissions team will provide specific on‑campus onboarding details. If your child is transferring mid‑semester, notify admissions early because seat availability must be confirmed and local registration steps may differ. For overseas families, ask the admissions office about recommended arrival times and any local requirements for settling into Beijing (visa, residence registration, etc.).
8. If not admitted or deferred — If the school does not offer a place for the requested intake, ask the admissions office about re‑application timing, whether the school can hold application materials for the next intake, and any advice from the admissions committee on strengthening future applications. The school states it welcomes new applications for subsequent academic years; keep contact details current so the admissions office can inform you of openings or future open days. Parents should also ask whether the school maintains an internal contact list for future vacancies (see waitlist notes below).
Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy publishes scholarship and grant programmes targeted primarily at older entrants and enrolled students; the school has previously run the “Yinghe Scholarship Program” and a New Student Scholarship for applicants in Grade 9 and above. Scholarship awards have been described as tiered (for example: full tuition, 50% tuition, 30% tuition) depending on the class of scholarship or grant; some grant programmes (historically) required families to submit income documentation in addition to regular application materials. The admissions policy also notes a New Student Scholarship for Grade 9+ based on character, academic performance and past achievements and advises families to contact the admissions office to enquire about the current scholarship rules, application forms and timing. Because scholarship programmes, eligibility criteria and availability change from year to year, contact admissions (admissions@cy.kaiwenacademy.cn) for the latest details and to request the current scholarship application form and deadlines.
Public admissions materials for Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy do not describe a formal, published waitlist process; the school instead asks families to contact the admissions office to check grade availability and transfer‑in possibilities. Because class size is capped (24 students per class), if a grade is full the admissions office is the appropriate contact to ask whether they maintain an internal contact/availability list or can advise transfer‑in timing. Parents who want to remain under consideration should keep their application active and maintain up‑to‑date contact details with admissions; when a seat becomes available the school typically handles next steps directly through the admissions office. For a definitive answer about any active waitlist or how priority is determined, contact admissions by phone or email so they can explain current practice for the specific grade and term.
