The spring wind brings news of its arrival, and flowers bloom in their due season. On the morning of Friday, March 20, coinciding with the Spring Equinox—a time when plants are sprouting and vitality abounds—Tsinghua International School (THIS) opened its gates to welcome families for its spring semester Open Day.
Parents focused on international education made their way to campus as scheduled. Against the backdrop of a season bursting with life, they came to experience the warmth and strength that define THIS, and to seek out an education that empowers children to embrace the future with confidence and flourish as outstanding global citizens.
1 Principals' Meeting
At the Principal's Meeting, Renee Zhu, Executive Principal of THIS, emphasized that the school's educational mission is steadfastly dedicated to fostering creative critical thinkers who have roots in China and are prepared to lead in the global community.
Principal Zhu explained to the attending parents that since its founding, THIS has been committed to becoming a model of China-Western integrated education—not a simple addition of Eastern and Western elements, but a deep integration.
Guided by the philosophy of "Chinese Roots, International Qualities, China-Western Integration, and Tsinghua Characteristics," THIS retains the rigorous academic foundation of Tsinghua University High School while embracing the openness and diversity of international education.
Here, students not only study core subjects like mathematics, science, humanities, and economics in English, but are also required to take compulsory courses in Chinese Language and Chinese History—enabling them to inherit the essence of Chinese culture while developing the ability to engage in dialogue with their global peers.
"What we care about is not just how fast students can go, but how far they can go," Principal Zhu emphasized. She noted that THIS integrates its six core values—Wellbeing, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, and Leadership—into daily instruction, striving to inspire every student's potential and passion, and accompanying them on their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves.
On the Chinese education at THIS, Principal Zhu highlighted as saying that the school integrates Chinese Language, Chinese History, and Eastern Art into what is called a "trinity" curriculum structure, ensuring that every student gains a deep understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.
She noted that THIS upholds a dual-language approach in Chinese and English, using inquiry-based learning to cultivate student agency. "This is why our graduates possess not only academic rigor and intellectual openness, but also critical thinking and creativity—traits that have made them highly competitive applicants to top institutions worldwide."
Scott Pare, Academic Principal of THIS, then walked parents through the school's curriculum system. He offered a detailed overview of the US-standard framework that the school follows: English and Mathematics are aligned with the Common Core standards, Science follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and Physical Education adheres to SHAPE standards.
"Curriculum is the vehicle, but growth is the goal," Principal Pare stated. He explained that from elementary to high school, THIS integrates its mission and core values throughout a systematic curriculum. Project-based learning, inquiry-based instruction, interdisciplinary integration (such as STEAM courses), and language proficiency development are all comprehensively implemented across disciplines, aiming to expand students' academic abilities and comprehensive competencies.
He also emphasized that THIS has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 2016. This accreditation confirms that THIS's curriculum system, teaching quality, and student management meet internationally recognized standards.
This certification not only ensures that THIS students' credits and transcripts are recognized by universities in the United States and many other countries but also provides greater convenience and competitiveness for their future overseas applications.
(Note: WASC is one of the six major educational alliances authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit public and private schools, colleges, universities, elementary and secondary schools, and foreign institutions from the United States.)
The parents listened attentively, occasionally taking photos to capture key information. One parent remarked after the meeting that after hearing the principals' presentations, she gained a deeper understanding of THIS's educational philosophy and would now prioritize this school for her child's enrollment.
2 Student Sharing
During the student sharing session, 12th-grade students Maggie Pan and Tianxiao Wang took the stage to share their growth stories at THIS in both Chinese and English.
Reflecting on their journey from elementary to high school, they recounted their rich experiences participating in club activities, bilingual project-based learning, and research mentorship programs. The two students switched seamlessly between Chinese and English during their sharing, demonstrating fluent expression and clear thinking, which drew approving nods from the parents.
Maggie shared that at THIS, she not only developed valuable skills such as staying positive and optimistic, understanding others, public speaking and communication, event planning, and teamwork, but more importantly, she gained a deeper understanding of herself—she discovered her love for interdisciplinary learning, realized that she thrives in a warm and supportive community, and found joy in connecting with others.
This experience taught her that one's starting point doesn't matter; everyone can find their place at THIS and experience the warmth of having a second home.
"Here, teachers don't give you the standard answer; they guide you to ask questions and explore," Tianxiao shared. "What THIS taught me isn't just knowledge, but how to think."
He also noted that THIS is a small school, but the relationships between people are incredibly close—among classmates, across grade levels, and between teachers and students. This close-knit connection fills the school with warmth and makes THIS feel like a big family.
The sharing session was hosted by Li Nuoqian (Nora), Deputy Head of THIS Admissions Office.
3 Parent Sharing
"Why We Chose THIS Twice"
As a parent of two children and a member of the THIS Parents Council, Kaifeng Jiang's story was particularly touching.
He candidly said that choosing THIS for his children was no accident. "We have witnessed firsthand our children's growth here—they have become more confident, more proactive, and happier." Mr. Jiang traced his children's developmental journeys to illustrate THIS's profound strengths in academic cultivation and character development.
"Education is one tree shaking another tree, one cloud pushing another cloud. At THIS, I see teachers doing exactly that," he shared sincerely, resonating deeply with the parents in attendance.
4 Division Info Sessions
The Open Day's division information sessions continued the tradition of separate sessions for Secondary and Primary, allowing parents to gain targeted insights into the educational priorities for their child's respective grade level.
At the Middle School Information Session, Bernard Geoxavier (Mr. Geo), Deputy Head of the Secondary, systematically explained the curriculum features and educational philosophy for the middle school stage.
"We start with students' interests to cultivate rigorous thinking skills, creativity, and research aptitude," he introduced. The school broadens students' perspectives and promotes holistic development through diverse avenues such as experimental courses, club activities, and cultural experiences.
Addressing the college counseling topic that parents are highly concerned about, Mr. Geo stated, "The school's college counseling team organizes university information sessions, parent workshops, and student forums annually. Through a professional and systematic support system, we accompany each student on their journey to their ideal university."
Rachel Rudisaile (Mrs. R), Head of Primary, shared the school's campus culture, bilingual instruction, and home-school collaboration for primary graders.
Mrs. R shared that Primary operates within the US educational system, with periodic assessments of students' academic performance and abilities. But she emphasized that the school is more focused on the growth process itself and does not micromanage how students get there. "In Primary," she said, "we're not just teaching children content; we're teaching them how to learn and how to get along with others."
Li Jingjing, Head of the Primary Chinese Department, vividly demonstrated the characteristics and effectiveness of Chinese language instruction using classroom video clips. In the videos, students were performing the historical story of The General and the Chancellor, deepening their understanding of the text through role-playing.
According to Ms. Li, THIS Primary also uses methods such as drama performances, poetry recitations, and story creation to immerse students in experiences that enhance their Chinese expression skills.
5 Campus Tour
The campus tour, led by student "THIS Student Ambassadors," was once again the highlight of the Open Day.
These confident, cheerful young guides split into groups, escorting parents through the teaching complex, library, Eastern and Western art classrooms, gymnasium, cafeteria, and other campus facilities. With genuine enthusiasm, they introduced each space, each teacher, and the campus culture woven into every detail.
The "student ambassadors" fielded a wide range of questions with poise and sincerity, drawing frequent praise for their professional yet genuine demeanor.
6 Primary Workshop
THIS specially organized a Primary Workshop for Primary graders and their parents, inviting them to experience an authentic classroom atmosphere firsthand. During the interactive session, students took part in engaging literacy activities and cooperative games under the teachers' guidance, while the parents observed from the sidelines, gaining insight into how THIS sparks a love of learning through "learning by doing."
Many parents noted that the experience gave them a more intuitive understanding of THIS's teaching approach.
7 Q&A
After the campus tour, the school specially arranged one-on-one consultation sessions. Vice Principal Weiky Liu, Nora Li, and other teachers were present to engage in face-to-face conversations with interested parents.
Addressing various questions from parents—ranging from admissions policies and curriculum advantages to student life—the teachers patiently responded one by one, offering professional and sincere advice.
8 See You at THIS Again
After the last group of parents departed, THIS campus gradually grew quiet once more. Throughout the day, we made no deliberate effort to showcase—we simply opened our doors and shared our daily reality with those who care. And what parents saw through those open gates—the focused eyes, the confident expressions, the natural interactions between teachers and students—was the truest portrait of our school.
Trust between home and school is built through sincere conversation, while our educational vision finds expression in thoughtful presentations. At THIS, we remain dedicated to providing fertile ground where every student can grow, explore their potential, and flourish as a whole person.
We thank all the families who attended for your interest and support. We look forward to welcoming you and your child as members of the THIS community in the near future.
We will meet again on campus—to co-author your own wonderful chapters together.
Spring has arrived, and flowers are in full bloom. At Tsinghua International School, we await your arrival.
