Keystone AcademyVerified
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$40K - US$60K
Curriculum: IB · American
Age Range: 5-18
Students: ~1,200
Location: Shunyi, Beijing
Updated April 2026
In Brief
Keystone is the right call if bilingual education - not just Chinese classes on the side - is genuinely important to your family. The IB results (average 36, 101 open-entry candidates, 2025) are excellent for a bilingual school. Boarding is available from Grade 9 but required from that point for boarding students. Budget for fees at the top of the Beijing market.
Keystone opened in 2014 as Beijing's first genuinely bilingual international school - the Chinese Thread is a mandatory curriculum strand for all students, not an add-on for Chinese-passport families. Roughly 55% of the student body holds foreign passports; the remaining 45% are Chinese, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwanese. The school sits in Shunyi, close to ISB and Dulwich. WASC accredited and a Round Square member school.
The 2025 IB results are the school's strongest argument: 101 candidates, 97% pass rate, mean score 36, 62% scored 35 or above, two perfect 45s, and 95 bilingual diplomas out of 100 awarded. Crucially, these are open-entry numbers - Keystone does not filter who sits the Diploma. University destinations in 2025 included Yale and Wharton, with more than 500 offers from 11 countries; 78% of students went to the US, 14% to the UK. Fees run CNY 289,800 (Primary) to CNY 323,950 (High School), plus CNY 110,250 annually for boarding. One-time application fee is CNY 2,000.
The main trade-offs are straightforward. The bilingual model means Chinese-language demands are real - families who want English immersion only should look elsewhere. Shunyi adds commute time from central Beijing districts. And with High School fees plus boarding reaching approximately CNY 434,200 per year, Keystone is among the most expensive schools in the country. For families who want their children to leave Beijing genuinely bilingual and IB-qualified, the case is strong.
What parents value
- –IB average 36 across 101 open-entry candidates (2025) - one of the strongest bilingual IB results in China. 95 bilingual diplomas awarded in 2025. 500+ university offers from 11 countries; Yale, Wharton among destinations. Boarding available from Grade 9. WASC accredited, Round Square member.
- –Mandatory Chinese Thread for all students - not an optional add-on. Roughly 55% foreign passports, 45% Chinese-passport families; culturally distinctive mix uncommon in Beijing's international sector.
- –Founded 2014 with a purposefully designed bilingual campus in Shunyi. Primary class sizes capped at 18.
Points of consideration
- –Chinese language demands are substantial throughout all year groups - not suitable for families wanting English-only immersion. Shunyi location adds 30+ minutes from central Beijing.
- –Among the highest fees in Beijing: CNY 323,950 for High School, plus CNY 110,250 for boarding - confirm the full boarding package cost directly with admissions.
- –Boarding is mandatory from Grade 9 for students who board; day-student option remains. Smaller cohort than ISB or WAB at approximately 1,200 students total.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (K3-G5) | 5 | NaN |
| Middle School (G6-G8) | 11 | NaN |
| High School (G9-G12) | 14 | NaN |
| Boarding + Meals (G9-G12, per year extra) | 14 | NaN |
Fees converted from CNY. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | NaN |
Photos
Academic Results
| IB Average (2025) | 36 |
| IB Candidates (2025) | 101 |
| IB Pass Rate (2025) | 97% |
| Scored 35+ (2025) | 62% |
| Perfect Scores (2025) | 2 |
| Bilingual Diplomas (2025) | 95 |
Keystone's 2025 IB cohort of 101 candidates achieved a mean of 36 with a 97% pass rate - all on open entry. 62% scored 35 or above and two students achieved a perfect 45. 95 of 100 diplomas awarded were bilingual diplomas, the highest bilingual diploma count in Beijing.
Source: Keystone Academy IB Results 2025 (keystoneacademy.cn)., July 2025
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Beijing's leading international schools draw students from across the expatriate community and a growing number of Chinese families with foreign passports. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.