#China #Chongqing #KL International School #May Zhou #Chongqing Bashu

A Decade of Dedication at KL International School of Chongqing Bashu

In 2015, the KL International School of Chongqing Bashu (KLIS) opened its doors, bringing a piece of authentic American education to Southwest China. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this pioneering institution, Chairwoman of the School Board, May Zhou, reflects on the profound journey from a modest beginning to an influential international school.

From Humble Beginnings to Flourishing Community

When KLIS first began, it was an audacious dream characterized by minimal resources: three students, a handful of dedicated teachers, and a single building. However, Zhou's vision remained unwavering; she aimed to construct an educational environment capable of catering to the growing and evolving needs of students in a rapidly changing world.

"The number 'three' in Chinese culture represents limitless potential—'one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three,'" said Zhou, signifying how the school has blossomed from those initial three students into a thriving community from nearly 20 countries, united under a shared pursuit of knowledge.

KLIS has grown to establish a comprehensive K–12 American curriculum that now provides education to over 800 students. The school’s mission is clear: to meet the educational needs of expatriate and overseas Chinese families in Chongqing while contributing to the development of the city as a global business hub.

Educational Philosophy and Pedagogical Concept

With a curriculum that emphasizes personalized learning and cultural awareness, KLIS is committed to nurturing students' individual abilities and encouraging their aspirations. "Education transcends merely imparting static knowledge; it is about fostering capabilities for rapid learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and effective cross-cultural communication," Zhou elaborated.

In line with the U.S. Common Core State Standards, KLIS has implemented a Student First approach that affirms the importance of whole-child education and tailored educational pathways. With over 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses now available, KLIS represents a fusion of traditional learning and innovative teaching models, striving to cultivate skills necessary for the future.

The language of instruction is predominantly English, apart from Chinese courses, emphasizing the development of critical thought, creativity, and problem-solving prowess. Zhou highlights that students are not only encouraged to excel academically but also to cultivate logical reasoning, emotional wellness, and global competencies essential for navigating a connected world.

Achievements and Global Impact

Looking back on the decade, Zhou reflects on the challenges and triumphs, particularly in witnessing students' personal and academic growth. In standardized assessments like MAP testing, KLIS students consistently outperformed the global averages in mathematics and surpassed native English-speaking averages in English assessments.

In addition to achieving recognition in academic testing, students have participated successfully in various international competitions, ranging from the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) to the American Computer Science League. The school’s graduates have gained admission into prestigious universities worldwide, ensuring that KLIS’s reputation for quality education continues to be recognized globally.

In the latest Forbes China International School Rankings, KLIS proudly secured the 34th position nationally for high schools and 29th for middle schools, affirming their top stature within Chongqing.

Focusing on the Future

As KLIS embarks on the next decade, Zhou stated, "Our path ahead has never been clearer." Amid ongoing educational transformation driven by the emergence of artificial intelligence, the school plans to uphold its core values—personalized learning, cross-cultural understanding, and global competence—while continuing to explore innovative educational methodologies.

KL International School of Chongqing Bashu is set to engage parents, students, educators, and community partners in an enriching collaborative endeavor to reshape the educational landscape. As they look forward to an exciting future, the commitment to fostering an adaptable, knowledgeable generation of learners remains resolute, ensuring that KLIS continues to lead in providing quality education in a dynamic world.