Beijing City International School, known as BCIS, is an International Baccalaureate World School in Beijing, opened in 2005 in the Baiziwan area of the Chaoyang district. An independent and not for profit day school, it teaches the full IB curriculum from the early years to grade 12 and was among the first schools in the city to offer all three IB programmes. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, is a member of the Council of International Schools, and on fees it sits in Beijing's premium tier.
Beijing City International School (BCIS) at a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | Full International Baccalaureate continuum: PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme |
| Stages | Toddler and early years to grade 12 (ages 2 to 18) |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); Council of International Schools (CIS) member; IB World School |
| Fee band | Premium for Beijing |
| Campus area | Baiziwan, Chaoyang district |
Curriculum and academics
BCIS runs the complete International Baccalaureate continuum, the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, which makes it one of the city's full route IB schools rather than one that offers the diploma alone. The IB curriculum is inquiry based throughout, building from concept led primary learning to the academically demanding diploma in the final two years, with English as the language of instruction and Chinese taught alongside it.
As a not for profit school, BCIS reinvests in its programme, and it holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges along with membership of the Council of International Schools and the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools. To see how it sits against the other established internationals in the city, read our best international schools in Beijing guide, and ask the school directly for its most recent diploma scores and university destinations.
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Beijing City International School (BCIS) fees
BCIS is a premium tier school. Our Beijing international school fees guide places the premium band at roughly RMB 280,000 to 340,000 a year, about USD 39,000 to 47,500, which is where the established full continuum IB and Anglophone schools sit. Tuition rises through the school, with the diploma years at the upper end, so treat the band as a guide rather than a quote for any single grade.
Beyond tuition, budget for the additional costs premium schools carry: a registration fee, a refundable deposit, and optional bus and meal charges. Currency matters too, since fees are set in renminbi while some families are paid in foreign currency, so model the full annual figure with our fee calculator before you apply.
Admissions
The academic year begins in August, and the main intake aligns with it, with rolling admission where places allow. As an international school in China, BCIS primarily serves families holding foreign passports, so confirm eligibility and the supporting documents before applying. Admission considers prior school reports and an age appropriate assessment, and for the diploma years a record that shows a student can access a demanding IB programme.
With enrolment of around 1,400 students drawn from more than 36 countries, popular year groups can carry waiting lists, so apply early and ask the admissions team about current availability for your child's grade.
Location and who goes there
The main campus sits in Baiziwan in the Chaoyang district, the part of Beijing with the largest concentration of embassies, multinational offices and international housing, and the school also runs an early childhood campus nearby. Chaoyang keeps commutes short for many international families and puts the school close to the central business district and the diplomatic quarter.
The community is internationally mixed, reflecting the diplomatic and corporate families who cluster in Chaoyang. To weigh BCIS against the other premium and IB schools in the city, including fees and neighbourhoods, start with the Beijing city hub, or compare it side by side with Beijing World Youth Academy and Beanstalk International Bilingual School.
Beijing City International School (BCIS) reviews
We do not yet hold any verified parent reviews for Beijing City International School (BCIS). 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 Beijing City International School (BCIS) fees?
BCIS sits in Beijing's premium band, which our city fees guide puts at roughly RMB 280,000 to 340,000 a year, or about USD 39,000 to 47,500. Add registration, a deposit and optional bus and meal costs, and confirm the current schedule with the school.
What curriculum does Beijing City International School (BCIS) follow?
BCIS teaches the full International Baccalaureate continuum, the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, with English as the language of instruction and Chinese taught alongside it.
Is Beijing City International School (BCIS) a good school?
BCIS is an established not for profit IB World School accredited by WASC and a member of the Council of International Schools. We publish ratings only from verified reviews, so weigh recent diploma results, curriculum fit and a campus visit.
Who can enrol at Beijing City International School (BCIS)?
As an international school in China, BCIS primarily admits students who hold a foreign passport. Families should check eligibility and the documents required before applying.
When do Beijing City International School (BCIS) applications open?
The school year begins in August, and the main intake aligns with it, with rolling entry where places allow. Popular year groups can carry waiting lists, so apply early and ask about availability for your child's grade.
