Canadian International School of Beijing vs Keystone Academy

	C Canadian International School of Beijing Beijing, China	K Keystone Academy Beijing, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 135,500 - 336,800	Fees / year RMB 289,800 - 323,950
Age range	Age range 6 months - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,400	Pupils 1,596
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location CIS Beijing is on a single downtown campus at 38 Liangmaqiao Road in Chaoyang District (the Liangmaqiao/3rd Embassy area of central Beijing), within easy reach of the embassy and Sanlitun neighbourhoods. The school describes itself as a downtown campus and gives the full address and admissions contact on its website.	Location Keystone Academy is in the northeastern suburbs of Beijing: No. 11 Anfu Street, Houshayu Town, Shunyi District (postcode 101318). The campus is in the Shunyi district near Beijing Capital International Airport and is reached by the S11/Jingcheng and local roads; the school's admissions office lists the campus address and phone for directions.
Stages	Stages CISB covers Early Years through Grade 12: Early Years (from around 6 months to 5 years), Elementary (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12). The site also notes the school delivers the IB PYP, MYP and DP within a Canadian (New Brunswick) curriculum framework.	Stages Keystone is a full K–12 school split into Primary (early years/primary), Middle (MYP-style curriculum) and High School (IB Diploma in Grades 11–12). The website presents distinct Primary, Middle and High School pages and materials for each division.
School type	School type CISB is a co‑educational, private day school; the school's public materials describe a single downtown day campus. External summaries list it as a private day school; the official site does not describe on‑site boarding.	School type Keystone is a private, co-educational K–12 school that operates both day and residential (boarding) programs. The school's Residential Life program describes dormitory living and student supervision; students are required to board starting in Grade 9.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school operates a Student Support/Student Support Services structure and states in its admissions information that it accepts students with mild learning disabilities and certain physical disabilities, with placements considered case‑by‑case. Elementary facilities listed on the site (for example a sensory room) indicate specific resources used in support and inclusion.	Additional learning support The school runs a Student Development Support Centre (CSD) that provides academic support plans, accommodations and ongoing case management; the centre also helps coordinate with external specialists when needed. The admissions policy asks families to disclose learning support needs so the school can assess whether it can provide appropriate support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation CISB follows a Canadian curriculum in partnership with the New Brunswick provincial system and presents itself as a Canadian international school on its website. The school combines that Canadian curriculum with the IB continuum (PYP/MYP/DP).	Country affiliation Keystone is an independent school located in China; its program explicitly weaves a Chinese curricular thread into a bilingual, international model rather than being affiliated to a foreign national school system.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not list any religious affiliation on its public materials and presents itself as a secular international school. No faith or religious denomination is indicated on the official site.	Religious affiliation The school does not identify with any religion on its official pages; its materials present Keystone as a secular 'world school' focused on bilingual and experiential education.
School day structure	School day structure Division‑specific schedules are published for families (for example through the Parent Portal and the Student/Parent handbooks), and the school calendar shows regular school days plus occasional early dismissals. School transport timings on the site indicate buses arrive around 8:00–8:10 a.m. and regular dismissal is mid/late afternoon (see bus times below); for exact start/end times by division check the school's Student Handbook or contact Admissions.	School day structure The school's published schedules vary by program and year group and the site does not offer a single public bell-time table for all divisions. Example program pages show typical arrival for programs around 8:15–8:30 and program-day end times near 15:30, and the FAQ notes after-school activities and evening boarding routines for residential students (including supervised study periods). For exact daily start/end and break times you should request the current parent handbook or contact admissions.
Bus service details	Bus service details CISB operates an on‑site school bus service; the school says its fleet typically arrives at campus each morning around 8:00–8:10 a.m. and departs after school at about 3:45 p.m. (Mon–Thurs) and 2:45 p.m. (Friday). A later bus for after‑school activities is available (about 4:45 p.m. Mon–Thurs and 3:45 p.m. Friday); most stops serve north‑east Beijing and the school will consider new stops when there is sufficient demand. The school lists a dedicated bus email and phone extension for enquiries and publishes a bus policy and stop/fee details.	Bus service details Keystone provides a paid school-bus service (route and fee details vary by year and program). Summer/short-program pages list school-bus fees and typical pick-up (around 8:15) and drop-off (around 15:30) times for day programs, and the FAQ notes a school bus service for after-school activities (e.g., 16:30 pick-up after clubs). For route coverage, fees and pick-up/drop-off points the admissions office can provide the current routes and pricing.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - The school operates an online application process; the publicly available pages do not list a fixed application fee amount for new applicants. Parents will be required to submit an application through the school's admissions system. Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year) - A detailed grade-by-grade tuition table for the current academic year is not published on the public School Fees page. CISB publishes a formal Tuition Fee Schedule and individual invoices to families (the public site indicates fee schedules are issued as part of re-enrolment/package information). Exact per-term and per-year tuition figures are provided to enrolled families and on official fee documents. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school uses an invoicing and re-enrolment timetable; historical re-enrolment notices show an early-bird deadline and fixed withdrawal deadlines by term (examples cited for 2023–24: early-bird deadline and term withdrawal cut-off dates). Formal payment dates, discounts and the term-by-term billing schedule are issued on the school's fee/invoice documents to families. Boarding fees (if applicable) - CISB's public programme listings (Early Years through High School, plus student life pages) do not include a boarding/residential programme; no boarding fees are published because boarding is not presented as an offered option. Other costs and typical additional fees - Uniforms and sports wear are sold via the CISB School Shop (online purchases via the school's Yoopay link); uniform costs are charged to families through that shop. Summer-camp, after‑school activities, enrichment courses and special programmes carry separate fees (examples and rates for summer programmes are published on the site). Additional common charges include student bus service, meals and trip/excursion fees; amounts are detailed in the school's fee documents. Refund information - The school's re‑enrolment materials reference withdrawal deadlines and a formal refund/withdrawal policy included with invoices and re-enrolment packages; refund rules and any applicable penalties are set out in those official documents provided to families. A sample set of term withdrawal dates and early-bird arrangements are shown in re-enrolment notices. Fee payment options - The website and school shop reference online payment through Yoopay and the Parent Portal; the school issues invoices to families and uses its payment platforms for transactions. Bank transfer or local electronic payment methods are commonly used via those systems (Yoopay/Parent Portal are referenced).	Fee details Application fee - The school's public admission pages do not publish a fixed application-fee amount. Keystone uses the OpenApply application system and indicates that application submission includes payment of required application fees as part of the process. Tuition fees (annual, current academic year) - Primary School: RMB 289,800 per year. - Middle School: RMB 320,850 per year. - High School: RMB 323,950 per year. Per-term breakdown - Keystone publishes tuition as annual amounts by school division. A per-term (semester/term) breakdown is not published on the school's public pages and therefore per-term figures are not available in the school's public materials. Boarding and meals - Boarding and meal fees (for students required to board from Grade 9 onward) are RMB 110,250 per academic year. Boarding is required starting in Grade 9. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school states that next year's tuition and other fee levels are determined and announced in February each year. Detailed billing schedules (term invoicing dates, due dates) and standard payment terms are not published on the school's public admission pages. OpenApply is used during application processing and the admission process references submission of application fees as part of that workflow. Other costs and optional fees - Some after‑school activities and specialist external programs may carry additional charges; most teacher‑run KAP activities are included but certain activities run by hired specialists may require extra fees. Uniform procurement and supplier arrangements are handled by the school (supplier selection has been announced) but uniform costs are not listed publicly. Additional costs such as trips, optional program fees, transport or personal items are not published as fixed amounts on public pages. Refund information - The school does not publish a detailed public refund/withdrawal policy (refund amounts, timelines, or administrative procedures) on its admission or how‑to‑apply pages. Fee payment options - The school's public pages do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay). The application process is handled through OpenApply and the Admissions Office is the listed contact for payment and billing questions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Keystone Academy provides a residential life program on campus. Beginning in Grade 9, students are required to board on campus; boarding and meal fees are 110,250 RMB per academic year. Dorms are supervised by dorm parents—teachers who live in private apartments on each hallway; each student room has a private en suite bathroom, and there are student lounges with kitchen facilities. The residential program includes 24/7 supervision, academic support, library access after hours, outings and activities, and a Health Center.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All students wear CISB school uniforms while on campus. Uniforms and CISB merchandise are available through the CISB Online Uniform Shop, which stocks all uniform articles including athletic wear.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The CISB cafeteria is operated by Sodexo, providing healthy, balanced meals prepared onsite. A diverse menu includes Western and Chinese-inspired dishes. Students use a smart card for food services, with balances managed via WeChat or in person.	Food options Meals are provided as part of the boarding arrangement, with boarding and meal fees included in the annual cost (110,250 RMB).
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership CISB was founded in 2005 as a State Level Project. It is a not-for-profit, co-educational international school governed by a Board of Directors. It is fully licensed and accredited by the New Brunswick Department of Education and is undergoing accreditation with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).	Governance and ownership The school operates as a non-profit organization; Beijing Keystone School is described as a non-profit Chinese school.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) delivers a New Brunswick (Canadian) curriculum taught within the International Baccalaureate framework and is authorized to offer the PYP, MYP and DP. Early Years (6 months–5 years) includes a Montessori nursery and early-years programming that prepares children for the Primary Years Programme. Elementary School (Grades 1–5) follows the IB Primary Years Programme. Middle School (Grades 6–8) comprises the first three years of the five-year MYP (MYP covers Grades 6–10) and teaches the eight MYP subject groups, including Language & Literature, Language Acquisition (Mandarin or French), Mathematics, Sciences, Individuals & Societies, Design, The Arts and Physical & Health Education. High School (Grades 9–12) provides senior secondary courses with the two-year IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, and students who complete the IB Diploma at CISB also qualify for the New Brunswick High School Diploma.	Curriculum details Keystone Academy (北京市鼎石学校) operates a K–12 bilingual (Chinese–English) programme that deliberately integrates elements of the Chinese national curriculum with international curricula and a boarding model. In the primary school the programme uses a dual‑language immersion approach and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), combined with a distinctive “China” thread that embeds Chinese language, culture and national curriculum standards. The middle school covers Grades 6–9 and explicitly blends the China national curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) alongside continued bilingual, inquiry‑based learning. The high school prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP), including the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS) and a bilingual/China‑focused approach to TOK and the curriculum in Years 11–12. Across all stages Keystone emphasizes experiential learning, outdoor education and a broad co‑curricular programme (KAP) and provides university‑counselling support to prepare students for tertiary study.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning CISB states that Social-Emotional Learning is integrated across its IB programmes and is supported through a daily Advisory programme with extended Advisory sessions on Wednesday afternoons for deeper SEL work. Elementary structures include daily morning meetings, classroom agreements and a response-to-intervention model for tiered support. Teachers receive training in responsive classroom approaches and work with the school counsellor when students need individual or small-group interventions. The school names specific leaders involved in SEL delivery, including the Middle/High vice-principal and school counsellors who contribute to programme design and delivery.	Social & emotional learning Keystone integrates social and emotional learning across its curriculum and residential programme: Primary and Middle School pages describe CARE time, advisory groups (each student has a faculty advisor), experiential learning and co-curricular activities aimed at social and emotional development. The school's mission and programme pages also emphasise character and community-building as a core part of student development. Residential Life describes dorm parents and structured dorm activities that foster mentoring, conflict mediation and leadership development outside class time. These elements are presented as school-wide, routine provisions rather than a single separate SEL course.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) CISB's admissions information states the school accepts students with mild learning disabilities and certain physical disabilities but notes it cannot accept students whose needs it cannot effectively meet. The school has a Learning Support role on staff (for example, Paul Amos is listed as Learning Support) and an Inclusion Policy describing differentiated instruction and support. Where needs exceed school capacity the admissions process and support planning involve observations, external assessments and collaboration with parents and external professionals. CISB is not presented as a specialist SEN institution; support is provided within its mainstream programmes.	Special educational needs (SEN) The website describes a Student Development Centre and names learning-support teachers and psychologists in school communications, indicating an in‑school learning-support function. A programme page and news items reference “learning support” staff working with students (for example in short programmes such as Readers Theatre). The site does not list a public catalogue of specific categories of Special Educational Needs it accepts, nor does it describe itself as a specialist SEN institution. For clarity, the school's public pages show learning-support staff exist but do not specify which exact SEN conditions are supported.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language CISB is an English-medium school and explains that non-native speakers complete WIDA assessments during admission; the school runs an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students who need extra support. The EAL department describes a co-teaching model in which EAL teachers co-teach content classes (especially Individuals & Societies and some Sciences, Maths and Design) and collaborate with content teachers on scaffolding and sheltered instruction. The website also lists EAL staff and sets WIDA-based proficiency requirements by grade for progression.	English as an additional language Keystone operates a bilingual-immersion model and states that “every teacher…teaches not only his or her subject, but also languages,” which underpins language support across the curriculum. The site also publishes specific language-targeted programmes (for example a Readers Theatre short programme described as designed for students for whom English is a second language). These descriptions show EAL support is provided through the school's bilingual model and designated learning-support staff rather than a separately labelled EAL department. The website does not present a standalone, itemised EAL admissions policy or tiered EAL levels on public pages.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CISB publishes that it employs school counsellors and psychologists who provide one-to-one and group counselling, workshops and wellbeing programmes (for example, stress-management and meditation sessions) across Early Years through High School. The school's counselling team is named in staff pages and news items, with counsellors trained in approaches such as CBT and with external training like ASIST noted for some staff. Counsellors work with teachers, parents and external specialists (occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and clinical psychologists) when needed to create support plans. The school describes advisory and counselling as central elements of student wellbeing provision.	Mental wellbeing Keystone states that student mental, emotional and physical well‑being “drives everything we do,” and describes integration of well‑being into curriculum (CARE time), advisory groups and the residential programme. The site names psychologists and counsellors within its Student Development Centre in news content, and the Residential Life page lists counselling and support services plus a Health Center. Those pages indicate counselling and learning‑support staff are available as part of routine student services, but the website does not publish a public, detailed clinical or referral pathway for specialist mental‑health care.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding CISB publishes a detailed Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy (effective February 2025, revised May 2025) that sets out roles, reporting procedures, definitions of abuse, staff responsibilities and links to Chinese law and international best practice. The policy names the Designated Safeguarding Lead (David Bremner) and a Deputy DSL (Hisham Farghaly) and states that all staff must be trained and required to report concerns. The school's Policies page links explicitly to the full child protection policy and to related policies (Inclusion, Health & Safety, Complaints). The document therefore provides the formal procedures and contact points for safeguarding and child-protection matters.	Safeguarding The website states faculty and staff are trained in child‑protection and describes measures for student safety in residential life, including dorm parents who provide 24/7 supervision, an advising system, counselling/support services and an on‑site Health Center. Residential Life and the Primary School well‑being page explicitly refer to staff training in child protection and to systems intended to ensure safety and security. The public site does not appear to publish a separate, detailed child‑protection policy document or a named online safeguarding policy page for external download.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located at 38 Liangmaqiao Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing 100125, China. The campus spans about 38,000 m2 and is air-quality controlled. It is situated in the embassy district, within walking distance to multiple embassies and Chaoyang Park's north gate. The facilities support learning both inside and outside the classroom.	Facilities overview Keystone Academy is located at No.11 Anfu Street, Houshayu, Shunyi District, Beijing. It operates a Beijing campus with a residential life program. The school uses a bilingual immersion curriculum in English and Chinese, with every teacher contributing to language development across subjects. The residential life program provides a structured community that emphasizes leadership and character development. The learning model emphasizes experiential learning, service learning, and global engagement on campus. Graduates are prepared for top English-speaking universities worldwide.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Two gymnasiums support fitness and physical education, along with a dedicated nursery gym. The campus includes a 25-meter swimming pool with a wading pool. An athletics field, a dance studio, and science and design technology labs support sports and STEM learning. An onsite cafeteria, a 500-seat auditorium, and a lecture theatre provide spaces for gatherings and performances.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus houses libraries for Elementary and Middle/High students. It includes Science and Design Technology labs and makerspaces to support hands-on learning. Specialized Visual Arts and Music classrooms are on site. An auditorium and a lecture theatre support assemblies, presentations, and performances.	Academic facilities Primary School uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in the primary grades. The High School offers the Keystone Diploma Programme (IB DP) and is authorized to deliver the Diploma Programme; the Middle School Programme is in the process of authorization. Keystone Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) from foundation year to grade 12.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities After-School Activities (ASA) are offered, and there are regular field trips. Outdoor Education programs include Week Without Walls and field trips. The Duke of Edinburgh program is part of the student life program. Students participate in performing arts and competitions, such as StageCats performances and mathematics competitions.	Extra curricular facilities Keystone Academy provides a broad range of extracurricular clubs and groups (KAP), and students can establish new clubs. The program includes service learning and experiential learning, with school-wide initiatives addressing issues such as climate change, environmental protection, and wildlife. The campus emphasizes a world-school approach that integrates local and global perspectives.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) was founded in the fall of 2005 as a state-level project established in partnership with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Education, the Government of Canada, and the New Brunswick (Canada) Department of Education. It operates as a not-for-profit, co-educational international school governed by a Board of Directors and is licensed and registered with the Beijing education authorities. CISB holds recognition from the New Brunswick Department of Education and has engaged in external accreditation processes with organizations such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC). Over the years the school has developed a larger downtown campus and a range of programmes to serve Beijing's diplomatic and expatriate communities.	History Keystone Academy (北京市鼎石学校) opened in 2014; the school's public “About” pages state it was established that year and presents itself as a Chinese K–12 school that borrows international curriculum frameworks. The school is governed by a board (校董会); the leadership page lists Edward Shanahan as board chair and names Meng Siyuan (孟思渊) as the founding/executive principal, indicating a governance model with an international leadership team.
Community	Community CISB's student body includes learners from more than 60 nationalities, creating a multicultural school community. The school schedules a variety of whole-school and division-level events that bring families together, including an International Festival, a recently introduced CISB Sports Day, and student-led activities such as TEDx Youth and CANMUN (CISB's Model UN). Regular elements of school life also include arts weeks, service-learning projects and experiential learning trips like Week Without Walls, which are used to build connections across the community.	Community Keystone describes its community as a bilingual, residential-capable learning community that combines classroom and experiential learning and pursues schoolwide initiatives such as service‑learning and global-facing events. The site's community pages highlight regular student-led projects, public talks and outreach (for example service projects and school events) that bring families, staff and students together.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association CISB's Parent's Association (PA) is an active family group with listed representatives for the 2024–25 year (for example, a Middle School representative, a High School representative, and a Treasurer) and communicates its initiatives through the school's news channels. The PA played a central role in organizing the revitalized Terry Fox Marathon of Hope at Chaoyang Park, an event that involved students, families and staff and combined community-building with charitable fundraising. The association describes its focus as bringing families together around events and initiatives across the year and invites parent collaboration and support for those activities. Information about current PA officers and the PA's recent activities is published on the school website and in school news posts.	Parent teacher association The school's parent body is organized as 鼎石家校委员会 (the PTA/parent‑school committee); all parents and staff are considered members and an executive committee of around ten parent and teacher volunteers coordinates routine activities. The PTA sponsors recurring parent groups and activities listed on the site, including a PTA choir, a “dad's football” team and a parent cooking group called 鼎鼎大厨. The PTA also helps organize and support community service programmes and publicity for school events; the site lists examples such as online teaching in Gansu, services for people with visual impairment, and traditional building‑protection projects. For contact or coordination the PTA provides a mailbox (pta@keystoneacademy.cn) on the school's parents page.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers an internationally recognized Canadian (New Brunswick) curriculum taught within the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, providing the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) as an IB World School.	Academic & intellectual Keystone Academy uses a bilingual immersion model in English and Chinese across the school. The Primary School follows the Inquiry-Based Primary Curriculum (IPC) to deliver integrated studies. In secondary, the school offers the IB Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) from foundation year to Grade 12.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts education includes Chinese Performing Arts and Chinese Visual Arts in the primary and middle years. The English Immersion Program covers humanities, sciences, and performing arts. The Keystone Activities Program provides extracurriculars in music, visual arts, theatre, athletics, student council, and community service.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Keystone maintains a bilingual environment with instruction in both English and Chinese. The Chinese Thread weaves Chinese language, culture, literature, and related topics into the curriculum. In high school, bilingual learning supports the international and Chinese cultural context within the Diploma Programme.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies The Keystone Activities Program offers team sports, music, visual arts, theatre, and social clubs. There are extensive co-curricular opportunities, including student council and community service. Weekly activities and groups enable students to pursue personal interests beyond academics.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Creativity, Activity, and Service are embedded in the Diploma Programme. The school encourages community engagement and service through co-curricular activities and DP requirements. Students undertake service projects as part of their learning and personal growth.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership development is a hallmark of Keystone's high school program. The program emphasizes residential character and leadership education. University and career counseling supports help students plan their college pathway.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Chinese Thread includes health and wellbeing as core components of Physical Education and Wellness. Bilingual immersion fosters cognitive flexibility and social-emotional development. Arts, athletics, and service activities support balanced wellbeing and personal growth.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Mandarin is taught as a second language, with a daily 40-minute period in Preschool and Elementary, and Mandarin as one of eight subject groups in Middle and High. French is offered starting in Grade 9 and is supported through after-school language programs. Mother tongue languages are supported through library resources and Mother Tongue Self-Taught courses in the IB Diploma Programme, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports non-native speakers.	Language provision Chinese and English are the core languages taught. The bilingual approach aims for graduates to be proficient in both languages. The program spans Primary School through High School.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school teaches all subjects in English. Mandarin is taught as a second language, with daily Mandarin instruction in Preschool and Elementary. In Grades 6–12, Mandarin Language and Literature is available for native Chinese speakers. From Grade 9, students may study French, and mother tongue language classes are available from Grade 11.	Bilingual teaching The school uses bilingual immersion in Chinese and English across the Primary School, Middle School, and High School programs. Every teacher teaches not only their subject but also languages. Graduates are prepared to think, communicate, read, analyze, and innovate in both English and Chinese.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Bilingual immersion in Chinese and English is integrated into the curriculum, with teachers acting as language teachers alongside subject instructors to develop bilingual proficiency across the student body.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations • Licensed / registered with the Beijing municipal Bureau of Education — the school's official local registration that authorizes it to operate as an international school in Beijing. • Accredited by the New Brunswick (Canada) Department of Education to deliver New Brunswick programmes — this allows CISB to offer the New Brunswick pathway/credentials and aligns the school with that Canadian provincial curriculum. • Authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School (PYP, MYP and DP) — IB authorisation means CISB is approved to deliver the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, a recognised international continuum of inquiry-based curricula. • Currently engaged in the Council of International Schools (CIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation processes — the school's website states it is undergoing these external accreditation processes, which are independent international reviews of governance, teaching & learning, safeguarding and whole-school practice (note: the site describes these as ongoing processes rather than completed accreditations).	Accreditations - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): Keystone is accredited by WASC (covering foundation year through Grade 12). WASC is a U.S.-based regional accrediting body that evaluates whole-school quality and continuous improvement; its accreditation indicates the school meets a set of international standards for governance, curriculum, student support and school improvement. - International Baccalaureate (IB) — Diploma Programme (DP) authorization: Keystone is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme in its high school. The IB Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised two-year curriculum for ages 16–19 that focuses on academic breadth, critical thinking and international-mindedness; authorization means the school has met IB standards and is approved to assess and award the IB Diploma. (The school's site also shows ongoing DP cohorts and published DP results.) - International Primary Curriculum (IPC) registration: Keystone states it is registered with the inquiry-based International Primary Curriculum and uses the IPC in its primary grades. The IPC is a thematic, inquiry-led curriculum for young learners; registration indicates the school follows IPC units and framework in primary years. - Middle Years Programme (MYP) — status on the school website: the school's materials refer to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in their middle‑school descriptions and in DP-related reporting, while the FAQ also states the school has been “in the process of gaining authorization for [its] Middle School Programme.” That wording indicates the school references MYP practice and/or staff for middle years while its formal authorization status was described as in-process on the FAQ. (See the FAQ and the program/news pages for the school's description of middle‑school provision.)
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Once you inquire, the school assigns a dedicated Admissions Officer who will guide you through paperwork, tours, and next steps; keep that officer's contact details for follow-up. Parents should be ready to explain the child's current school placement, intended start date, and any learning-support needs during this stage. 2. Visit — The Admissions Officer will offer an on-campus visit or a virtual meeting so your family can view facilities and meet staff. During the visit you can ask specifically about how CISB integrates the IB programmes with the New Brunswick (Canada) curriculum and how the school supports transitions from other curricula. If you cannot visit in person, request a virtual tour and ask for sample timetables, examples of student work, and a description of typical class sizes (average 18–20; maximum 25). 3. Application — Complete the OpenApply application and upload all required documents listed on CISB's Application Checklist (two full years of school reports notarized and translated into English, confidential school reference for Grade 1+, passport and visa copies for student and parents, birth certificate, medical insurance proof, completed Enrollment Agreement and Health Questionnaire). A non-refundable application fee of RMB 2,000 is required when you submit the application; keep receipts and record the OpenApply application ID. Parents should ensure transcripts are full (all terms/semesters), officially notarized and translated where necessary — incomplete or non-notarized records delay review. 4. Assessment & Interview — After documents are reviewed, CISB schedules the appropriate assessment(s), observation and an interview (often a Principal interview) for the student and family. English language ability is measured with the WIDA assessment across Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing (levels 1–6); there are minimum English proficiency requirements from Grade 5 upward, so check FAQs for grade-specific thresholds. Be prepared to provide recent school reports and, where relevant, samples of work or teacher references; if your child needs additional language support, discuss available EAL/learning-support options during the interview. 5. Decision & Enrollment — CISB reviews each application holistically (academic records, assessments, interview and references) and aims to notify families within 1–3 working days after assessment completion (allow 5–7 working days in peak periods). The school operates rolling admissions and class placement depends on seat availability; note that applications received in March or later for Pre‑School and Elementary may require Principal approval and could be deferred to the next academic year. Once accepted you will be asked to return the signed Enrollment Agreement and follow the school's payment and registration instructions — confirm deadlines and refund/withdrawal dates with Admissions to avoid losing a place. Note on tuition/fees: CISB's full tuition schedule is published on the School Fees / Tuition page; the application fee of RMB 2,000 is specifically listed in the application checklist. Independent fee aggregators (which mirror published school figures) list per-grade annual tuition ranges for 2025–26 (for example, total first‑year costs and annual tuition by grade). Tuition amounts can change year to year — contact admissions to request the official current fee schedule, payment options, and details about extras (bus, meals, ASA, uniform).	Admissions 1. Create an application account (OpenApply) and start your child's application. Keystone asks families to open an account on keystoneacademy.openapply.cn and begin the online application as the first step; because places are limited there is an application cap for the Foundation Year, Grade 1 and Grade 7, so families interested in those grades should start as early as possible. If you have previously applied to Keystone or registered for an admissions event with the same email, you can log in with that address rather than creating a new account. 2. Expect the school to invite scheduled meetings and assessments within a few business days. After you submit the initial application, the Admissions Office will email guidance to schedule a parent meeting and a student meeting/assessment (the site notes this guidance usually arrives within 2–3 working days). Parents should watch the inbox they used for the application and be ready to propose times for those meetings. 3. Prepare and request required school documents and recommendations. Keystone asks applicants to request a current teacher recommendation through the application system; personal recommendation letters are optional. School records must be provided according to the grade: applicants for Foundation Year–Grade 3 should supply one and a half years of school reports; applicants for Grades 4–11 should supply two and a half years of reports. 4. Complete the written statements and (where required) student essay inside the application. Families must complete a parent statement in the OpenApply account; applicants in Grades 6–11 are also required to complete a student essay in the application. These written materials are part of the Admissions Committee's review packet. 5. Track application progress online and wait for committee review. You can log in to your OpenApply account at any time to check whether the application file is complete; completed files are submitted to the Admissions Committee for discussion. Keystone states final decisions are normally communicated in early spring for on-time applicants; families should plan for a multi-week review timeline once the file is complete. If you have particular timing constraints (for example mid‑year entry), contact Admissions directly to discuss options. 6. Post‑decision practical steps if accepted. The school's scheduled next steps typically include formal acceptance communication and then the usual enrolment actions (parents are asked to follow the admissions office's instructions to complete enrollment paperwork and any required payments). For short programs and Archway offerings the site explicitly states that fees are collected after acceptance; for full-year enrolment the Admissions Office will provide the enrollment checklist and payment instructions at the acceptance stage. 7. Be aware of grade availability and language/age requirements. Keystone indicates primary entry grades they plan to admit each year (notably Grade 1 and Grade 7) and says other grade-level admissions depend on vacancies from departing families; Grade 1 entrants must be six years old by August 31 of the entry year. The school also notes applicants for Grade 1 and above should have sufficient Chinese and English to access the bilingual, immersion curriculum. Parents should contact Admissions early to confirm whether there are current openings for the grade you need.
Scholarships	Scholarships CISB runs an internal Scholarship and Bobcat Grants programme that is intended primarily for current CISB students (awards are credited to tuition for the stated academic year). For 2025–2026 the school has allocated up to RMB 3,000,000 across Scholarships and Bobcat Grants; Scholarship categories include Academic Scholarships (examples published include up to RMB 200,000 for IB/NB Diploma students and RMB 100,000 for Grades 9–12), CISB Excellence Scholarships (for Leadership, STEM and the Arts) and Bobcat Grants (up to RMB 5,000 per student per trip for extracurricular team support). All awards require a formal application to the CISB Scholarship Committee with the documentation specified for each award; decisions are internal, final and applied as tuition credit for the stated year, so families should check deadlines, eligibility criteria, and whether new applicants (incoming students) may apply for particular scholarships.	Scholarships Keystone operates both merit‑based scholarships and need‑based financial aid; families must submit a scholarship application in addition to the standard admission application. The school states it offers named scholarships (for example the Academy's “Scholar” awards reported in school news) and has an established scholarship/financial aid program intended to help talented students who cannot otherwise afford tuition. The Admission Policy and FAQs make two points parents should note: (1) scholarship applicants complete a separate scholarship form as part of the process, and (2) limited financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated need and is managed annually by the Admissions Office. Selection is competitive and the school treats scholarships and admissions as related but distinct evaluations — if you intend to seek assistance, complete both the main application and the scholarship form and be prepared to supply any supporting materials the admissions team requests. For the most up‑to‑date guidance on application deadlines, required financial documents and the scale of awards, contact admission@keystoneacademy.cn or consult the school's scholarship pages and admissions office directly.
Waitlist	Waitlist CISB does operate a waiting‑list system when a grade level is full. Accepted students for whom no place is immediately available are placed on the waiting list in strict chronological order based on the date their application was completed. The school applies priority criteria when offering places from the waiting list; priority groups explicitly include Canadian Embassy staff, CISB alumni/returning students and siblings of current students — if you think you may fit a priority category, notify Admissions and supply supporting documentation. When a space becomes available CISB will offer it according to that order; parents should confirm with Admissions how long waitlist offers remain open and whether any deposit or re-confirmation is required.	Waitlist Keystone does not present a public, numbered “first‑to‑be‑offered” waitlist on its website; instead, the school describes a rolling process for reviewing late/over‑capacity applications and vacancies. The Admissions Policy explains that if spaces become available, the school will review overdue applications from late April onward on a rolling basis, and that places in many grades (especially Grade 1 and Grade 7) are limited and only other grades are considered when space opens up because current families depart. Practically, that means families whose applications arrive after the main deadline or who apply for non‑standard grades should expect their files to be held in a rolling admissions pool and reviewed against available seats rather than being placed on a public, position‑based waitlist. Parents who want to be considered for an unexpected vacancy are advised to keep their application current in OpenApply and to contact admission@keystoneacademy.cn to confirm their interest and status.
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