BASIS International Schools FAQ

Q: How long has BASIS International Schools been around?

A: The first BASIS International School opened in Shenzhen, China in 2015. Opening with more than 400 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten – 9th, it has grown to more than 1,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12. When we opened this school, it was recognized as the largest first-year opening of an international school in the history of southern China.

Our second school, BASIS International School Guangzhou, opened in 2017. The school started with almost 400 students in Kindergarten-grade 9, and the school will continue to expand until it reaches capacity of 1,200 students in Pre-Kindergarten – grade 12. It was our first school to offer boarding.

In 2018 we opened two new schools–one in Hangzhou, China and one in the Park Lane Harbour coastal development in Huizhou, China. BASIS International School Hangzhou opened with a similar number of students and grades offered as our campuses in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, while BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour offers grades 5 – 10 currently, and will expand to 12th grade in coming years. This location is also a boarding school.

We continue to grow with new locations every year. Two new schools have opened in 2019: BASIS International School Nanjing, and BASIS International School Bangkok–our first school outside of China. New schools are planned to open in several prominent China cities in coming years, including Beijing, Jinan, and Shanghai. A second campus in Shenzhen, in the Futian district, will open in fall of 2020.

Q: What cities are schools currently in? What makes each location unique?

A: Currently we have schools in five cities in China: Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Park Lane Harbour (Huizhou), Hangzhou, and Nanjing. We also have a campus located in Bangkok, Thailand.

The range of locations offers a variety of environments for teachers to choose from. Our campus in Shenzhen is located in the Shekou area of the city and is often referred to by Westerners as “China-lite” because of the amount of Western amenities and restaurants

BASIS International Schools Guangzhou and Park Lane Harbour offer more relaxed environments. Our Guangzhou campus is located in a suburb outside the city, while Park Lane Harbour is part of a planned, beachside community along the coast of Xiaojing Bay. Hong Kong is within two hours of each city.

The Intercontinental Hotel & Conference Center in Hangzhou

The city of Hangzhou has become more known in the Western world over the past few years after Jack Ma made it the headquarters for Alibaba. Our campus is only a 15 minute drive to downtown, where there are many shopping options, stunning architecture, and Western restaurants. The scenic and historic West Lake area is also nearby.

Our newest school in China is in the city of Nanjing–and it’s the perfect location for a history buff. Known for its tree-lined streets, the walled city has numerous museums, temples, and mausoleums to explore, but it also has Asia’s largest high-speed rail station, which means Shanghai, Beijing, Zhengzhou, and other major cities are only a train ride away.

Bangkok, Thailand is a diverse city in almost every way–different cuisines and cultures come together here to offer a rich combination of traditional and modern lifestyles. Thailand’s rich culture, history, and beauty means many opportunities to explore ancient temples and historic sites alongside modern city conveniences.

Q: What new schools are opening in coming years?

A: In fall 2020 we will be opening a new school in Shenzhen’s Futian District. Futian is the financial district of Shenzhen, and offers many excellent shopping and entertainment options. Other planned locations for coming years include Beijing, Shanghai, and Jinan, China.

Q: What are the average qualifications and experience of a BASIS International Schools teacher?

A: All of our teachers must have a minimum of two years teaching experience, and a Bachelor’s degree. Many of our teachers have more experience–on average close to ten years. More than half of our teachers have advanced degrees. Our teaching community is diverse in both background and experience, and provides the opportunity for all teachers to grow and learn from each other. We actively seek out teachers and administrators with a broad range of experience who can contribute to our community.

Q: What after school activities are offered for students?

A: Student interest drives our after school activity options. BASIS International School Guangzhou has a robotics club, while BASIS International School Hangzhou offers ballet and woodworking clubs. One of the popular clubs at our Shenzhen campus is the medical club, and at the Park Lane Harbour location many of our boarding students have participated in plant care activities. These are just a few of the many after school activities our students can participate in.

Ballet club at BASIS International School Hangzhou

Plant caring activities at BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour.

Q: What elective classes are taught?

A: Every campus offers different elective classes. Teachers and administrators work together to create unique and exciting classes based upon student needs and interest. Some of the current electives offered by our schools include: African-American History, Analog and Digital Electronics, Digital Art, Medical Science, Uncovering Shenzhen: Anthropology and Cultural Patterns, and Forensics.