The Real Reasons Why These Students Chose Their Schools

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Parents may research, visit school campuses, and write extensive pro/con lists, but ultimately the education a school provides is for our children, and they have to be on board with the choice. When it comes to older kids, we as parents may even choose to take a step back and let them come to us with their decision, pending our approval of course. (After all, we do pay the school tuition fees.) The following teenage students tell us the reasons, in their own words, why they chose to attend the school they do.

Oscar Tsui, 

Tsinghua International School, Grade 11

Granted, it’s not the largest campus or the loudest name, but it wins me over in the East-or-West game. Situated in the campus of Tsinghua High School west of Beijing, it literally is closer to home: Rooted in Chinese culture of the East whilst bridging that of the West, it is – figuratively, too – closer to home. More than that, there are loving teachers and lovely friends, all in a tightly integrated community that, by the way, incorporates the AP curriculum – not that I considered any of these when I enrolled in 5th grade … but what more can I ask for?

XueFei Liu, 

Beijing City International School (BCIS), Grade 12

I chose BCIS because of its countless opportunities. While providing academic rigor, BCIS also allows me to explore my passions outside of academics. I’ve founded various clubs (such as a cappella and candle making) thanks to the support and resources BCIS provides. 

BCIS’s mission is unique, allowing me to empower others and inspire others for the sustainable development of the world. It’s meaningful to become a part of a community that serves the world, and I’m glad I did.

Alice Cantarutti, 

No. 55 International School, Grade 9

I chose 55 because it is downtown and super convenient. Most of my elementary school classmates also went to 55 so it was nice to start middle school with some familiarity. There are many subjects, which allow you to find what you really enjoy learning – in my case I love humanities. 55 also focuses a lot on CTC (Chinese traditional culture): We learn calligraphy, Chinese diabolo, drums, etc. The teachers are very nice and make classes very enjoyable. The classes are taught in English with IB system so it works out perfectly.

Jacob Kennedy, 

AISB-Hope International, Grade 9

I did not personally decide to enroll at AISB-Hope International; however, I am thankful that my parents enrolled me in 2014. They decided on AISB because of the strong focus on character, standing out from other schools in Beijing. It has been nearly nine years at AISB, and I prefer it to any other school. I admire the teachers for striving to create a secure environment for each individual. I have ten classmates, which I believe is beneficial. First, we all know each other and have close relationships with each other. Furthermore, there are no tryouts for sports; teams are often small and have the bare minimum of substitutes. Also, many of my friends have come and gone throughout my years at ASIB-Hope, but those I keep in contact with agree that AISB is, above all, the best school.

Jasper Roscher, 

German Embassy School of Beijing, Grade 12

When we – my family and I – left Bavaria for Beijing in summer of 2021, we had to decide which school my three siblings and I would attend. For me, it was important to attend a school where I could receive the German Abitur, the diploma you get after completing the German school system, to easily get access to universities in Germany, where I plan on studying after leaving school (mainly because universities are comparatively inexpensive in Germany; for German citizens, attending one even is almost completely free). So, I have been attending the German Embassy School of Beijing for almost eighteen months now.

Emma Sortais, 

Lycée Français International de Pékin (LFIP), Grade 11

I’ve attended the French International School of Beijing since I arrived in China when I was just 3 years old. We chose this school for many reasons. The first one would be to keep my French roots and grow in a French community. As I left France at a very young age, it was really important for my parents to transmit to me the French culture and language – a culture that I couldn’t have discovered elsewhere.

I stayed in this school because it follows the French program, which allows me to later study or work in France. It also offered great opportunities like learning various languages like English, Chinese, Spanish, or German. We really enjoyed the possibility of choosing the British International section, allowing me [to have]a double diploma, a real advantage for my future. I also chose to stay because I felt comfortable in my school overall.

Images: Courtesy of students, Pexels

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