Education and Schools in China

Known for its rigid, exam-driven public system and an educational philosophy that emphasises results and discipline, China is serious about schooling. As an expat parent, you'll be faced with a difficult decision when choosing a school in China, with language and cultural barriers being two major considerations. 

There are various options for education and schools in China. You can choose to send your children to a public, private or international school, while homeschooling is another popular choice for expats and some locals.

Public schools in China

Foreigners occasionally send their children to public schools in China, particularly in the early preschool years. Western families are becoming more comfortable with the idea of permanence in China, and some want their children to become as well assimilated as possible.

Pre-school in China is not compulsory, but generally lasts three years. Compulsory education in China lasts for nine years and the education system is structured as follows: 

• Primary education covers six years of schooling (ages 6 to 12)
• Junior secondary education lasts for another three years (ages 12 to 15)
• Senior secondary school also lasts three years (ages 15 to 18)

While public education typically lasts nine years, most children go on to attend senior secondary school, which can be either an academic or vocational high school.

As is often the case, some state schools in China are better than others. Overall, the best schools offer a high standard of education and are, in many cases, more competitive and rigorous than the public options in an expat’s home country.

If you choose this option, you should know that Chinese schools don't have second-language programmes. All lessons and coursework are in Chinese, with few concessions made for foreign students. School days are also long, and the teaching style tends to centre less around critical thinking and more on teaching by rote. That being said, the Chinese government is working towards introducing interactive teaching methods to promote critical thinking. 

Useful links

• Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China

Private schools in China

Some Chinese private schools are better-funded equivalents of state-sponsored education, while others integrate aspects of international curricula and may offer instruction in English as well as Chinese. Alternative learning schools like Montessori and Waldorf also fall into this category. 

They often boast better infrastructure, more comprehensive facilities, and a larger selection of extracurricular activities than state alternatives. Tuition costs more than in public schools, but it is much less than in international schools.

Private schools in China tend to attract students from diverse but well-to-do backgrounds. This may be the perfect bridge for expat students who want to integrate into the local culture but also learn a familiar curriculum in a familiar language. 

International schools in China

Most expats in China send their children to an international school. In no short supply, these institutions are regularly the obvious choice for parents who want a smooth and quick transition for their children.

Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou boast the largest concentrations of international schools, but many medium-sized cities will have at least two or three nearby. Most follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum or the curriculum from the country they represent. That said, standard coursework often features local culture and many schools teach Mandarin or Cantonese. Classes are usually in English or the primary language of the school's home country.

International schools in China come in different forms and cater to all kinds of students. Admission to these schools is competitive, and the most popular frequently have long waiting lists. Admission can be a long process involving forms, interviews, placement tests and application fees, and it's typically best for parents to start corresponding from their home country.

One thing that connects all of these schools is the high cost of tuition. Costs at some schools rival international university tuition. If you're moving to China for work, you should try to negotiate an education allowance into your package if it isn't already included. 

Best International Schools in Shanghai
Best International Schools in Beijing
Best International Schools in Guangzhou

Useful links

• China International Baccalaureate School Association

Homeschooling in China

Homeschooling has been growing in popularity among foreigners and locals alike in recent years. Larger cities often have homeschooling support groups for parents and students, which provide opportunities for families to interact with one another.

That said, homeschooling is considered illegal for locals in China, but as an expat, you can legally homeschool your children. Chinese law stipulates that all children must receive nine years of compulsory education at a registered school. Still, the government has not yet fully implemented this law, nor does it seem to apply to expat children as they hold foreign citizenship. 

Nevertheless, the government has become increasingly vocal about its disapproval of the practice recently and has reiterated in numerous statements that homeschooling is not acceptable in China.

If you intend to homeschool your children, you should consider your options carefully, especially since homeschooled children aren't allowed to write the final school-leaving exam that determines entry to Chinese universities.

Special-needs education in China

In China, special-needs education has historically been provided separately from mainstream schools. There has been a recent move towards inclusive education, including greater admission of students with disabilities into mainstream schools as well as teacher training programmes. Still, progress has been limited: children may not receive all the necessary support, while early detection of learning difficulties is uncommon.

Parents of children with disabilities, whether physical, psychological or behavioural, should look to the services available in private and international schools. While the level of support varies between international schools, they are more likely to offer support facilities, including learning support teachers, counsellors and assistive devices.

Tutors in China

Education is highly valued in China, so children who need extra support outside the classroom may look for tutors. Tutoring is common in China and can be done in person or online. Parents can find tutors for their children who specialise in a specific curriculum or particular subjects and subject areas. 

The number of resources available seem endless, and there are many online platforms and portals to network and search for tutors, including TeacherOn and Preply, as well as tutoring companies such as Shanghai Expat Tutors.

Useful links

• TeacherOn
• Preply
• Shanghai Expat Tutors