Western Academy of Beijing

"Founded in 1994, Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) has established itself as one of the Chinese capital's most respected international schools, offering a rigorous, values-driven education to students from early childhood through Grade 12."

Operating as a non-profit, independent institution, WAB serves the internationally mobile community in Beijing — including the families of diplomats, expatriate professionals, and globally minded local families — with the support of the United States State Department's assisted schools program. WAB is a fully authorized IB World School, delivering all three core International Baccalaureate programmes in a seamless, continuous framework. Younger students in the early years through Grade 5 follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning and the development of internationally minded, curious learners. Students then progress into the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) through Grade 10, a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that connects academic subjects to real-world contexts and encourages students to think critically and act responsibly. In Grades 11 and 12, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP), widely recognized by universities around the world as a rigorous preparation for higher education. This end-to-end IB pathway gives families the assurance of curricular consistency and global portability — a particularly important consideration for families who may relocate again before their children complete their schooling. English serves as the primary language of instruction, making WAB an accessible option for anglophone expat families arriving from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and beyond. The American curricular influence, combined with the internationally recognized IB framework, means students receive an education that travels well, whether the next destination is a university in North America, Europe, or elsewhere in Asia. WAB is located in Beijing, China's dynamic capital city and a major hub for international business, culture, and diplomacy. The school's campus provides a dedicated learning environment within one of the world's most historically and culturally rich cities, giving students a remarkable backdrop for developing genuine global awareness. One notable distinction in WAB's history is its designation as an Olympic Educational Model School for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, a recognition that reflects the school's commitment to values such as international understanding, sportsmanship, and community engagement. This milestone speaks to WAB's standing within the broader Beijing community and its role as more than simply an academic institution — it is a place where students are encouraged to connect with the world around them. For relocating families weighing their options in Beijing, WAB presents a compelling combination of academic rigor, a coherent and internationally respected curriculum, a long track record of serving the expatriate community, and a non-profit ethos that keeps the school's mission centered on students rather than commercial interests. With nearly three decades of experience educating children of globally mobile families, Western Academy of Beijing offers the stability, community, and educational excellence that parents seeking the best for their children are looking for.