Crisp autumn sunshine set the scene on October 29, 2026, as Tsinghua International School (THIS) held its Open Day. Parents spent three hours experiencing THIS's philosophy, curriculum, and campus life through four segments: school introduction, parallel primary and secondary presentations, campus tours with classroom experiences, and a Q&A.
School Introduction
Executive Principal Zhu Ying traced THIS's history: founded in 2009 to provide an East-West integration, international-quality education for talent recruited by Tsinghua University, it has developed a mature curriculum and distinctive culture over seventeen years. Its mission—" to fosters creative critical thinkers who have roots in China and are prepared to lead in the global community"—aligns closely with the Ministry of Education's 15th Five-Year Plan with priorities on competency and AI. "We want students to go out into the world, come back, and stand firm," she said.
Core values center on well-being, with integrity, collaboration, innovation, respect, and leadership built around it. Located beside Tsinghua University and Tsinghua High School, THIS fosters self-motivation and a culture of "positive spirit and rigorous scholarship." Four enrichment programs—Masters in the Classroom, Research Mentorship, SIGMA for math and science, and Y-Craft for the humanities—complement a pioneering AI effort: the school published China's first English-language AI literacy textbook and is among the first practice institutions for Tsinghua's K-12 AI general education initiative.
Academic Principal Scott Pare outlined the curriculum: an East-West integration program with AP courses, inquiry- and project-based learning, and dual mother-tongue proficiency. He praised THIS's Chinese program as the best in his career—equal instructional time for Chinese and English, leveled Chinese A and B classes, Chinese history and Eastern art for cultural grounding, and activities from China Day to Chinese debate and field studies.
Twelfth-graders Student representatives Benjamin and Amelie shared their journeys—from AP courses and AI research to founding a robotics club; from anthropology and psychology to launching a women's club. "Interest is discovered one class, one activity at a time," Benjamin said. Amelie noted the school helped her grow from fearing public speaking to expressing herself with ease: "If I could share one thing, it's the friendships I've built here."
Principal Zhu closed with the school motto—East-West integration, international quality, Chinese roots, Tsinghua character—and what THIS hopes for from families: support for the no-ranking policy, a belief that cooperation outweighs competition, commitment to dual mother-tongue proficiency, and respect for learning.
Primary Division
Head of primary Sean Simkins described a student-centered program where well-being runs through daily teaching and life. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) integrates subjects into thematic, cross-cultural frameworks. "Children learn by making mistakes," he said—THIS encourages independent thinking and discussion rather than simply supplying answers. Spartan Family, cross-divisional connections, and end-of-unit exhibitions build community and leadership.
Head of Chinese Liu Yangyang explained the Chinese curriculum: Chinese A follows national standards with Ministry of Education textbooks; Chinese B supports non-native speakers; the school develops its own classical readers and Tsinghua-based materials. Reading is emphasized through "Daily Article" and "Monthly Book," while "Chinese Star" and "Speaking Star" programs strengthen expression and public speaking. Picture-book creation, spring poetry festivals, China Day, and cultural field trips round out the experience. "The methods change, but the essence remains," she said.
Secondary Division
THIS Vice Principal and Head of Secondary Liu Wei noted that all teaching revolves around core values. The middle-school years matter most for values, self-awareness, study and life habits, and getting along with others—"resolve these in middle school, and you can run full speed in high school." Project-based learning, competitions, and field studies provide real-world practice in communication and collaboration.
The curriculum balances breadth with integration and choice: integrated science breaks down subject boundaries, a third language begins in eighth grade, and Chinese history is taught through philosophical and modern perspectives. Arts and PE serve all students; the high school offers a broad AP selection, with college counseling from ninth grade. The school is a SAT, ACT, and AP test center.
Parent representative Professor Jiang shared his family's reasons for choosing THIS: continuity with US schooling, strong Chinese literacy, small classes, and an inclusive atmosphere. He praised the parent association's energy in organizing activities that give families belonging and enrichment.
Campus Tours & Class Experience
Primary ambassadors greeted parents with group signs, warmly answering questions; secondary student volunteers introduced classes and campus life from personal experience, showcasing THIS students' composure and enthusiasm. Secondary parents observed live classes, while primary parents joined hands-on workshops in math, IPC, and English. Admissions staff then addressed application requirements and procedures in the Q&A session.
The THIS Open Day revealed not just curriculum and outcomes but the school's character: an East-West integration education, Chinese roots, the Tsinghua spirit, well-being first, and a supportive community. As Principal Zhu said, “the school may be ‘low-key and mysterious,’ but it opened its doors sincerely to every family.”
Education is never a one-way choice but a shared journey. We look forward to welcoming you.
