School and Community

Teda International School (TIS) is a government-owned, nonsectarian, coeducational day school founded in 1995 to provide an outstanding Nursery to grade 12 educational program for students of all nationalities residing in Binhai New Area. The School is governed by the TEDA Educational Bureau with input from the TIS Steering Committee and Administrative Team. The school community includes members of foreign and local businesses as well as local government.

Mission Statement

Teda International School was established by the governing body of the Tianjin Economic Development Area to provide outstanding education to students of all nationalities. Teda International School endorses the principle that a good education is a means of realizing individual potential, of succeeding in the modern world, and of transforming society. Students achieve a sense of self-worth and fulfillment by becoming interconnected, capable and contributing members of society.

Facilities

Located on a modern campus in Tianjin, China, TIS offers internet ready classrooms equipped with computers, projectors, and interactive whiteboards; wireless access, a library, four computer labs, a theatre & music area with individual practice rooms, science laboratories, a gymnasium, practice field, and indoor and outdoor playground areas.

Accreditation & Memberships

TIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). It is a member of the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS), the Association of China and Mongolian International Schools (ACAMIS), the Principal (and Teacher) Training Center (PTC), and the International Schools and Colleges of Beijing (ISAC). The next reaccreditation visit is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2014.

Calendar

The academic calendar consists of two semesters with 182 total days of classroom instruction. The first semester commences in early August and finishes mid-December; the second semester commences in late January and concludes in mid-June.

Enrollment

Of the 317 students enrolled at TIS as of August 18, 2011, 66 are in the Early Childhood program, 126 are in the Primary School, and 125 are in the Secondary School. There are 30 student nationalities represented at TIS, of which 33% are Korean, 17% are European, 17% are North American, 13% are Chinese, and the remaining 20% represent other nationalities.

Faculty

There are 50 instructional faculty members and administrators employed with TIS for the 2011-2012 school year, including 58% North American, 20% Chinese, 6% European, 6% Australian, and 10% representing other nationalities.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum requirements for graduation at TIS are as follows:
• 4 credits of English
• 4 credits of Social Studies
• 4 credits of Mathematics
• 4 credits of Science
• 8 credits of electives

Curriculum

The curriculum at TIS is comparable to that offered in quality schools of like size in North America. English is the language of instruction at all academic levels. Beginning in grade 9, Advanced-Placement (AP) classes are available to students as are other non-AP electives in a variety of areas. AP classes are first-year college courses that students can take for college credit. There are 9 AP courses being offered in the 2011-2012 school year. All TIS graduates successfully enter colleges and universities either in North America or their home countries.

Grading System and Ranking

The school uses both letter (A, B, C, D, F) and percentage grades. The minimum passing grade is D (60%). Grade weighting is applied to AP classes. The Primary School uses a standards-based reporting system.

Standardized Tests

A systematic annual program of standardized testing is implemented to assess the student’s ability, achievement, interests, and aptitude. Students in grades 3-9 take the ISA each October. Students in grades 10 and 11 sit for the PSAT exam. Most Juniors and Seniors take the SAT exam. Teda International School is a certified testing center for many College Board tests including PSAT, SAT and AP.

Secondary Course Offerings

English: English as a Second Language (2 levels), English Language Support, English 6-12, AP English Language, AP English Literature

Math: Math 6, Pre Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry/Trigonometry, Pre Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus, AP Statistics

Science: Science 6-8, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science

Social Studies: Social Studies 6-8, World History and Geography 9-12, AP Psychology, AP Economics, AP Comparative Government

Electives: Concert Band, Choir, Studio Art, Drama, Athletics, Webpage Design, Spanish, Korean, Chinese (4 levels including AP)

Online Courses: In the 2011-2012 school year, TIS began a partnership with K12, which is a U.S.-based provider of online coursework. Through this partnership, TIS hopes to better meet the needs of students pursuing an accelerated course of study

School Wide Learning Goals

• Students will demonstrate good character by being honest and compassionate individuals

• Students will embrace their roles as global citizens by acting for the good of the planet & humanity

• Students will be excellent communicators by expressing their ideas effectively

• Students will embrace their creative potential by pursuing original thought and work

• Students will demonstrate their ability to think critically through analysis and questioning

• Students will act as problem solvers, focused on improving their communities and world

• Students will demonstrate an inner desire for knowledge and understanding

Extracurricular Sports Program

TIS offers a wide variety of individual and team sports for all age levels through its after-school Extracurricular Athletic Program. Almost 90% of the student population participates in the extracurricular sports program at some point during the school year. Athletic activities include basketball, volleyball, soccer, badminton, ping-pong, swimming, cross country, ultimate Frisbee and more.

After School Activities (Non-Athletic)

Teda International School runs an impressive after school activities program for students of all ages. Activities are divided into four general categories: leadership, service, visual/performing arts, and personal interest. Leadership activities include National Honor Society and Model United Nations. Service Club allows students the opportunity to design and carry out service projects that benefit local individuals or organizations. Several activities allow students to develop their creative talents. Personal interest activities include Chess Club and Gardening.

Student Support Panel

TIS provides support to students struggling through the Student Support Panel. This group includes the Guidance Counselor, Primary Principal and the Head of the English Language Center. The purpose of the support panel is to identify issues which may be inhibiting a student from taking full advantage of the TIS program and/or preventing a student from reaching his/her full potential. Students may be referred to the Student Support Panel by teachers and/or parents.

College Counseling

The TIS Counselor provides resources to assist students with career decision-making and post-secondary planning. All members of each graduating class pursue post secondary education. Members of TIS
graduating classes have been accepted into outstanding colleges and universities such as: Cornell University (USA), Rice University (USA), McGill University (Canada), Yeonsi University (Korea), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (China), Qinghua University (China), National University of Singapore (Singapore) and others.

English Language Center (ELC)

The English Language Center (ELC) at TIS sets itself apart from most other international schools in Asia. One of the few schools to champion to great effect an immersion-style instruction for students who need to upgrade their English competency skills fast, ELC prepares students for the rigors of an English language academic environment. As early as Grade 3, and all the way up to Grade 9, a standardized test assigns students to study English full-time in dedicated, age-appropriate classes until they are ready to join the mainstream. ELC also provides support for students in the mainstream through individualized pull-out and after school programs. From Grade 9 onwards, and in close cooperation with the appropriate departments, English language support focuses more on students’ critical thinking and academic writing extension as a basis for post-secondary success.

Early Childhood Academy (ECA)

The Early Childhood Center at TIS is comprised of 4 levels. Children between the ages of 10 months and 30 months are eligible to join the PreK1 or PreK2 classes which meet Monday through Friday from 8am to 12pm. At these levels, children are provided a clean, safe, and stimulating play environment staffed by qualified day care providers. For those children who are too big for PreK2 but who are not quite big enough for indergarten, TIS offers the PreK3 and PreK4 levels. In these levels, children continue to learn through play but are  introduced to a few more structured activities designed to teach them skills that will be important as they enter Kindergarten. Students in the ECA enjoy access to their own Library, Science Room, Sand and Water Room, Computer Lab, and eating area. Each year, demand for slots in Teda International School’s Early  Childhood Academy typically exceeds availability.