Western Academy of Beijing (WAB, ) is an international school located in Beijing. Founded in 1994, the school provides education from early years 3 to grade 12. WAB uses the IB PYP (IB Primary Years Programme) until Grade 5, IB MYP (IB Middle Years Program) up to and including grade 10, and the IB DP (IB Diploma Program) for grades 11 and 12.
WAB was an Olympic Educational Model School for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Out of the 500 schools across China, which were awarded by Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games as an Olympic Educational Model School, WAB was among the top 120 schools.
WAB was established in 1994 to serve foreign-national families residing in Beijing.
Over time, WAB developed purpose-built facilities and expanded its campus to house Early Years, Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions.
WAB's three school sections, Elementary, Middle, and High, are all located on one campus across six buildings. Each school section has its own self-contained environment, and the entire campus is equipped with a professional-grade indoor air filtration system.
The 99,000 m<sup>2</sup> campus boasts a wide range of facilities, including 3 well-resourced libraries, Design Technology Studios, Science labs, film editing and recording studios, as well as professional-level music, drama and dance studios. Students enjoy the use of dining courts, cafes and lounges, an indoor swimming pool, 3 full-size gyms, a private-use lake, a FIFA-approved football field, as well as indoor basketball and tennis courts.
The Western Academy of Beijing currently has a student population of around 1,400 students from 58 countries.
The student-to-teacher ratio and average class sizes vary depending on division and grade level, with smaller classes in Early Years and larger but still moderated sizes in later grades.
WAB offers the IB PYP for Early Years through Grade 5, MYP through Grade 10, and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11âÂÂ12.
English is the primary language of instruction.
The school provides support for English language learners through an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program embedded across grade levels.
WAB implements inclusive learning support services for students with diagnosed learning needs and provides individualized support in collaboration with families and external partners.
WAB offers a wide range of extracurricular and co-curricular programs, including arts (visual and performing), athletics, clubs, community service and service-learning activities.
Activities are offered from Junior Grade 1 to Grade 5 students in the Elementary School. These can include culture, games, arts, and sports. In Middle and High School, students can choose from a range of activities and student-led clubs, as well as arts and service.
Athletics is offered to students from Junior Grade 1 to Grade 12 with opportunities to participate in 16 different competitive sports.
WAB participates in interscholastic sporting competitions, including the ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools), ISAC (International Schools Association in China), Tri-Cities (Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai), China Cup, EARCOS, and APAC (Asia Pacific Activities Conference). Sports include rugby, football (soccer), tennis, badminton, cross-country, track and field, volleyball, basketball, swimming, baseball, table tennis, and softball.
WAB is accredited by:
And is a member of: