Beanstalk International Bilingual School, widely known as BIBS, is a bilingual school in Beijing that grew from a single kindergarten opened in 1993 into a group spanning kindergarten through senior high school. It teaches a combined Chinese and English programme and is authorised as an International Baccalaureate World School, so families weighing it against a British curriculum school are choosing between an inquiry led IB route and a subject and examination route. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and works with the British Council on English provision.
Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) at a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | Chinese and English bilingual programme with the International Baccalaureate (IB) |
| Stages | Kindergarten to senior high school, ages 2 to 18 |
| Founded | First opened as a kindergarten in 1993 |
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); works with the British Council |
| Fee band | Bilingual band for Beijing |
| Campuses | Several campuses across Beijing, including a Shunyi campus |
Curriculum and academics
BIBS is built around a genuinely bilingual model, with Chinese and English running alongside each other through the school rather than one being treated as a foreign language bolt on. In the senior years the school follows the International Baccalaureate, the inquiry based programme recognised by universities worldwide, and its accreditation traces to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school describes its approach as blending Eastern and Western teaching traditions, which is reflected in the weight it gives to Chinese language and culture next to an internationally minded curriculum.
Because the bilingual route differs from a single national system, it suits families who want their children to leave fluent in both Chinese and English. Parents comparing pathways can read our British curriculum guide to see how the IB route differs from a British subject based programme, and our best British schools in Beijing roundup for the city's English national curriculum options. Ask BIBS directly for its most recent IB diploma results and university destinations.
Not sure this is the right fit?
Answer five short questions and our school finder shortlists three Beijing schools matched to your child and budget.
Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) fees
BIBS sits in Beijing's bilingual tier rather than the premium foreign passport band. Our Beijing international school fees guide places the bilingual Chinese international band at roughly RMB 130,000 to 220,000 a year, about USD 18,000 to 30,500, and names Beanstalk among that group alongside other bilingual schools. Treat that as the city band rather than a quoted figure for any one year group, since fees rise through the school and change annually.
Beyond tuition, budget for the extra costs common to Beijing schools, which our fees guide breaks down: a registration fee, a refundable deposit, optional bus and meal charges, and uniform and trip costs. Model the full annual figure with our fee calculator and confirm the current schedule with the school before you commit.
Admissions
The academic year begins at the end of summer, and the main intake aligns with it, with rolling entry where places remain. BIBS accepts both foreign passport holders and local Chinese students, which is part of what defines a bilingual school as opposed to a foreign nationals only international school. Admission usually considers prior school reports, an age appropriate assessment and, in the senior years, the language background needed to access a bilingual programme.
Popular year groups, particularly at kindergarten and at the start of each new school stage, can carry waiting lists, so apply early and ask the admissions team about availability for your child's year and the specific documents required.
Location and who goes there
Beanstalk runs several campuses around Beijing, including a Shunyi campus in the north east of the city where many international families live. Shunyi has long been one of the main expatriate areas, with international housing compounds, clinics and services clustered near the schools, which keeps commutes manageable for families based there.
The community is mixed, drawing both international families and Chinese families who want a bilingual education for their children. To weigh BIBS against the other bilingual and international options in the city, including where families live and how fees compare, start with the Beijing city hub, or line it up directly against schools such as Beijing World Youth Academy and Beijing Royal School.
Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) reviews
We do not yet hold any verified parent reviews for Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS). GlobalSchoolGuide is an independent guide and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we have collected enough verified first hand accounts to be fair to both the school and to families reading them. We would rather show nothing than show an invented score.
If your family has attended the school we would value your account of admissions, teaching, pastoral care and value for money. Share it through our school reviews hub and we will add verified contributions to this page.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) fees?
BIBS sits in Beijing's bilingual band, which our city fees guide puts at roughly RMB 130,000 to 220,000 a year, or about USD 18,000 to 30,500. Add registration, a deposit and optional bus and meal costs, and confirm the current schedule with the school.
What curriculum does Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) follow?
BIBS teaches a Chinese and English bilingual programme and is authorised as an International Baccalaureate World School, so the senior years follow the IB rather than a single national curriculum.
Is Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) a good school?
BIBS is one of Beijing's established bilingual schools, accredited by WASC and working with the British Council on English. We publish ratings only from verified reviews, so weigh recent IB results, the bilingual fit and a campus visit.
Who can enrol at Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS)?
As a bilingual school, BIBS admits both foreign passport holders and local Chinese students. Families should check eligibility and the documents required for their child's year group before applying.
When do Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) applications open?
The school year begins at the end of summer, and the main intake aligns with it, with rolling entry where places allow. Early year groups can carry waiting lists, so apply early and ask about availability.
