Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Kunming
Summary: If you're moving to Kunming with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Kunming
Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in China, is a vibrant city that has become increasingly popular with expats and digital nomads. While not as large as cities like Beijing or Shanghai, Kunming offers a handful of international and bilingual schools catering to the needs of expatriate families. Among the most popular are Kunming International Academy and Yunnan International School, which provide international curricula and a diverse cultural environment for students from around the world.
Kunming International Academy (KIA)
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location: Anning, Kunming
Website: www.kia-china.org
Kunming International Academy is dedicated to serving the international community in Kunming. It offers an American-style curriculum and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school boasts a wide range of extracurricular activities, modern facilities, and a commitment to fostering a multicultural environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
Yunnan International School (YIS)
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location: Chenggong District, Kunming
Website: www.yis-china.com
Yunnan International School offers an international education with a curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. YIS provides a diverse learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, and sports fields. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities to support student development beyond the classroom.
Kunming Utaloy International School
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location: Kunming Economic and Technological Development Zone
Website: www.utaloykunming.cn
Kunming Utaloy International School provides a bilingual education with a focus on Chinese and English language acquisition. The school follows the Chinese National Curriculum integrated with international teaching methods and materials. With excellent facilities and a wide array of extracurricular activities, it aims to develop students who are culturally aware and globally minded.
Kunming No. 8 High School Bilingual Department
Grades: Grade 1 through Grade 12
Location: Wuhua District, Kunming
As part of a prestigious local high school, the Bilingual Department at Kunming No. 8 High School offers a program that combines the Chinese National Curriculum with English language instruction. The school is known for its strong academic track record and provides a balanced education that prepares students for both Chinese and international university entrance examinations.
Beanstalk International Bilingual School Kunming Campus
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 6
Location: Chenggong District, Kunming
Website: www.bibs.com.cn
Beanstalk International Bilingual School's Kunming Campus offers a bilingual education that emphasizes English and Chinese language development. The school follows an international curriculum that incorporates elements of the Chinese National Curriculum, providing a well-rounded education with a global perspective. The campus features modern classrooms and facilities designed to enhance the learning experience.
Kunming Saint Germain International School
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 9
Location: Chenggong District, Kunming
Kunming Saint Germain International School is a relatively new addition to the international education scene in Kunming. It offers a bilingual program with a focus on French and English, catering to the needs of French-speaking expatriates as well as those seeking a multicultural learning environment. The school emphasizes academic excellence and cultural exchange.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- China Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in China
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in China
- Best Places to Live in China
- Real Estate in China
- Guide to Real Estate in China
- Pros & Cons of Living in China
- Cost of Living in China
- Thanksgiving in Beijing
- 10 Tips for Living in China
- 2024 Guide to Living in China
- Pros and Cons of Living in China 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to China