Saint Paul American SchoolBeijing is a private English-language boarding school in Haidian District, Beijing, aimed at grades 7-12 students from the expatriate community of Beijing, and international exchange students. St. Paul American School is part of the Nacel International School System, with sister schools in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, Korea, Philippines, and France. Students receive US curriculum instruction in English leading to a diploma from Saint Paul American School, and will be provided with courses in Chinese language, culture and history offered in collaboration with SHSBNU. The dual diploma offers students an opportunity to take advantage of learning in the American school system and explore Chinese language, culture, and history. Scholarships are available.
Academics
Saint Paul American School offers a variety of courses designed for each grade and English level. Independent studies are available with a pre-approved written plan, teacher, and principal approval. All students are placed in their classes according to their grade and English ability.
Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus
Social studies: Middle School Social Studies, American Government, Geography, US History, World History, Economics, Social Issues, Current Events
Language arts: English Composition, Academic Writing, Communication Skills, Speech, American Literature, World Literature, Creative Writing
Electives: Information Technology, Digital Art, Web Development, Art, Music, Drama, Beginning Band, Symphonic Band, Health, Physical Education, College Preparation
Chinese classes: Chinese 1, Chinese 2, Chinese 3, Chinese 4, Chinese 5, Chinese 6, HSK 3, HSK 4, HSK 5, HSK 6, AP Chinese
Test preparation: Intensive English I, Intensive English II, TOEFL Preparation, SAT Preparation
The program has registered for a separate CEEB School Code from that shared by the SHSBNU Gaokao campus and Project Global Access, another program in the international division. This allows for an American curriculum to be presented to college representatives, and provides SPAS students an advantage in college application.
SPAS belongs to the Qinghe campus of the Second High School Attached to Beijing Normal University. This campus, located just to the north of Beijing Olympic Forest Park, is home to several boarding school programs and a public middle school program. Facilities on campus include two dormitory buildings, library, laboratories, computer and technology center, full-sized gym, a Chinese and an international cafeteria and more. An outdoor multi-purpose court with a running track, basketball courts, and soccer field is accessible to students.
Academic year and day
The SPAS academic year consists of two semesters with a vacations schedule that is a hybrid of the American and Chinese calendar. The first semester starts in late August and ends in January with a Christmas break in December. The second semester starts after Chinese New Year in February and runs until June. SPAS does not celebrate several traditional Chinese festivals, but holds annual Halloween parties and proms. Students also have the exclusive opportunity to engage in events including "Spirit Weeks", monthly outdoor activities known as "CAPS trips", and annual Autumn and Spring Trips to Inner Mongolia, Hangzhou, or Shanghai. The program also engages in campus-wide activities including Sports Day, usually held at the end of September, and College Fairs in autumn and spring.
Student publications
Students at Saint Paul American School self-publish an annual Yearbook and a student-run Newsletter. Additionally, the school website features some of the best student work on its student work page , including student art work , student speeches , student created websites and student performances .
