Tsinghua University High School International (THIS) held an Open Day on Oct. 30, 2025, amidst the crisp autumn breeze and warm sunshine, once again welcoming new families to its campus.
Nearly two hundred parents stepped into the school during the season of harvest and found with joy that the campus was filled with laughter and an atmosphere that was warm and vibrant throughout.
Through the Meeting with the Principals, sub-group presentations of Primary and Secondary, campus tours, and face-to-face consultations, parents received an immersive experience of THIS’ campus environment and teaching philosophies, developing a thorough understanding of admissions policies, curriculum offerings, and student life.
Now, let's take a look back at the highlights of THIS Open Day.
Principal's Welcome: Embracing a Vision of Integrated Education
At the Meeting with the Principals, THIS Executive Principal Zhu Ying (Renee) addressed the audience with warm greetings and a heartfelt welcome, extending her sincere regards to the parents.
Principal Zhu said that THIS is dedicated to being the model for harmonizing the best of Western and Chinese education and culture and that the school would develop the whole child, nurturing individuals of exceptional character who would make positive contributions to the world.
Through vivid examples and engaging stories, she reviewed the school's development path, the outstanding achievements and honors earned by students, in areas such as academic competitions, research projects, public service, teaching support, and athletics.
Emphasizing the school's commitment to its Core Values – Wellbeing, Collaboration, Respect, Integrity, Innovation, and Leadership, Principal Zhu stated that the school always takes the initiative to foster students’ interest, potential and dream so as to support their growth.
Principal Zhu also briefed the prospective families on topics including faculty’s aptitude and research, education of the Chinese language and culture, and graduate placements. She said:
"THIS endeavor to implement a dual native-language teaching model in that students, upon graduation, will master both Chinese and English as their native languages. We adopt Western curricula and, in our classrooms, encourage project-based learning to stimulate student initiative and support their development of interest."
As a result, THIS’ distinctive educational features cultivate students with solid academic knowledge, critical thinking skills, innovative ability, leadership qualities, outstanding talents, and global perspectives. “Our graduates are consistently admitted to top universities worldwide," Principal Zhu said with pride.
Academic Philosophy: A Systematic and Integrated Approach
THIS Academic Principal, Scott Pare, introduced the curriculum system, educational philosophy, and teaching arrangements that parents were concerned about. “Our integration of the curriculum aligns with our mission, vision, and core values,” he said.
Principal Pare explained that THIS uses various curriculums from the United States. For example, the Common Core standards for English and Math, SHAPE for PE, and NGSS for science. Each division will offer an in-depth overview of the curriculum. Character education is also an integral part of our homeroom program for students from Grade 1 through Grade 12.
While employing English as the primary language of instruction (except for Chinese Language and Chinese History courses), THIS fully implements project-based learning (PBL) and inquiry-based teaching, as well as integrating language skill development across all subjects. THIS also emphasizes interdisciplinary integration, offering comprehensive courses like STEAM to expand students' academic potential and overall capabilities.
Parents listened attentively, often expressing agreement with the philosophy implemented by THIS. They took notes on key information. Following the event, many parents expressed their appreciation and support for the school’s Core Values and educational philosophy.
Student and Parent Voices: Authentic Stories from THIS Community
In a heartfelt sharing session, student representatives Amy Liu (G11) and Eric Jia (G12) took the stage, switching effortlessly between Chinese and English to recount their learning and growth experiences at THIS.
They shared their participation in diverse club activities from Primary through Secondary grades, bilingual PBL academic projects, and their current participation in research mentorship programs, among other topics. Their bilingual aptitude and the compelling content of their stories deeply engaged the parents present, sparking widespread interest and thoughtful consideration about THIS.
Parent representative Mr. Jiang Kaifeng, also member of the Parent Committee, shared his personal experience in choosing THIS for both of his children.
Drawing on vivid examples of his children's healthy growth and well-rounded development, Jiang attested to the school's effectiveness in fostering both academic and personal growth. His account, described as sincere and persuasive by attendees, resonated with many families present.
Division-Specific Insights: Primary and Secondary Focus
This semester’s Open Day continued the usual Primary-Secondary twin sessions.
Liu Wei (Weiky), Vice Principal and Head of Secondary, then systematically explained to parents the Secondary’s curriculum features and educational philosophy.
She stated that THIS always seek to develop students' interests, and focuses on cultivating rigorous thinking skills, creativity, and research literacy. Through various means such as lab courses, club activities, and cultural experiences, the school broadens students' horizons and promotes holistic development.
Addressing the common parental concern of university placement, she further explained that THIS’ college counseling team frequently arrange meetings with university admissions officers, parent workshops, and student seminars, which provide systematic, professional support to help students apply to their ideal universities.
Rachel Rudisaile (Mrs. R), Head of Primary, shared the Primary grades’ campus culture, academic approach, bilingualism and multiculturalism, student experience, and home-school cooperation.
Her presentation was supplemented by Head of Primary Chinese Team Ms. Li Jingjing, who used classroom video footage to further elaborate the features of Chinese language teaching at THIS.
Campus Visit: Tours and Consultations
As is parents' favorite part of this Open Day, THIS student "Campus Ambassadors," assisted by teachers, guided parents on campus tours of the teaching buildings, Eastern and Western art classrooms, library, gymnasium, cafeteria, and other facilities.
They talked with enthusiasm in introducing the various specialized classrooms, teachers they met, and details of the campus culture. They also actively and earnestly answered all kinds of questions. The sincere attitude and detailed explanations of the young guides deeply impressed the parents.
Following the campus tours, the school specially arranged a consultation Q&A session. Vice Principal Liu Wei (Weiky) and Admissions Office Associate Director Li Nuoqian (Nora), among others, were present to provide advisory services to parents.
The teachers patiently and meticulously addressed numerous important questions regarding admissions policies and the school's curricular strengths.
Acknowledgement: A Promising Future
THIS Autumn Open Day concluded amidst the active participation and enthusiastic exchange between parents and students. We firmly believe that every sincere communication and presentation builds the foundation of trust and cooperation between home and school.
THIS will continue to uphold its own unique educational philosophy of providing a fertile ground for every student to nurture their potential and achieve holistic growth.
We thank all the families present for your very kind participation, attention and support. We look forward to joining hands with you and your children on this campus to write a brilliant future chapter together.
