Canadian International School of Beijing

"Beijing City International School (BCIS) is an independent, co-educational, not-for-profit day school located in Beijing, China, serving students from toddler age through twelfth grade."

Founded in 2005, BCIS has grown into one of Beijing's well-regarded international institutions, built on a commitment to providing a rigorous, internationally minded education within a supportive and inclusive community. The school's not-for-profit structure reflects a mission centered on student learning and community wellbeing rather than commercial interests — a distinction that many families find meaningful when evaluating their options in Beijing's competitive international school landscape. Academically, BCIS is a fully authorized IB World School, offering the complete continuum of International Baccalaureate programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for younger students, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for the middle school years, and the Diploma Programme (DP) at the senior secondary level. This seamless PYP-to-MYP-to-DP pathway means that families who enroll their children early can follow a single, coherent educational philosophy all the way through to university preparation, avoiding the disruption of transitioning between different curriculum frameworks. The IB's emphasis on inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness, and the development of the whole child runs as a consistent thread throughout all three programmes. BCIS holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a regular member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), credentials that signal a commitment to meeting internationally recognized standards of educational quality and governance. The school has also achieved prospective membership status with the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) and is an active member of the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS), connecting the BCIS community to a broader network of international schools across the region. These affiliations offer students access to collaborative academic events, arts competitions, and sports tournaments that enrich school life beyond the classroom. For expatriate families and relocating professionals, BCIS offers the reassurance of a genuinely international community. The school draws students from a diverse range of national backgrounds, creating an environment where cross-cultural exchange is embedded in daily life rather than treated as an add-on. English serves as the primary language of instruction, making BCIS accessible to families arriving from English-speaking countries as well as those for whom English is a strong second language. What sets BCIS apart is the combination of its not-for-profit ethos, its full IB continuum from the earliest years through to the Diploma, and its strong institutional accreditations — all situated in one of the world's most dynamic and historically rich cities. Beijing itself becomes an extension of the classroom, offering students extraordinary cultural, historical, and experiential learning opportunities that few other cities can match. For families navigating an international move and seeking a school that balances academic rigor with a nurturing, globally oriented community, Beijing City International School presents a compelling and well-established choice.