“We desire for our students and staff is that over their lifetimes they will be global citizens of truth, integrity, service, and excellence who positively influence society.”

Located in the Hexi District of Tianjin, China Tianjin International School (TIS) is a private school, founded in 1986. The school offers education from the age of three through to high school graduation. TIS is the founding member of the International Schools of China (ISC) with sister schools in Chengdu, Qingdao, Yantai, Wuhan, and Wuxi.

TIS have been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1992.  Registered with the Tianjin Education Bureau and is also accredited in China through the National Center for School Curriculum and Textbook Development (NCCT). These two accrediting bodies attest to the high standard that the school have achieved and continue to maintain. The school is also members of EARCOS, ACAMIS and ISAC. These memberships provide them with interschool competition in sports, music, art and science.

Inception Story

Over 30 years ago, a small group of Americans decided to begin a school for their children. Shortly thereafter, they were asked if the children of expatriate businessmen could join, and so began Tianjin International School, the 2nd oldest international school in China. Throughout thirty rich years of history, TIS has grown to be a pillar of excellence in international education in Tianjin. The American and Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum has an international flavor making it an attractive option for both westerners and Asians alike. From three-year old to twelfth graders, the school aligns its education to their values of Truth, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. In each division of the school, strong academics, excellent music program, and various extracurricular activities provide the balance that is needed to grow well-rounded students. The school has a beautiful and modern facility, but the thing that leaves the strongest impression on families is their warm and friendly staff.  Highly qualified and trained staff consistently seeks to make meaningful connections with students and their families, showing them the care and love that is needed for children to grow and mature into healthy, productive contributors in society.

Torchbearer of the School

Dr. Scott Finnamore is the Head of School at Tianjin International School. He has been instrumental to the success of TIS by building outstanding relationships with the Chinese Government and successfully leading the transition to the current campus. I have lived in China for almost 17 years, and I have seen many changes in our city of Tianjin. But one thing I have been so grateful for is TIS which year after year is a constant in the expat life where things always seem to be in motion. The community I have found at TIS gives busy expats a place to call home. We’d love for you to join TIS to be a part of that community.-says Dr. Scott Finnamore

Life of Students

Tianjin International School’s purpose-built campus is designed to meet the learning needs of international students in the 21st century. The campus boasts 75 modern classrooms, 5 fully-equipped science laboratories, 2 libraries, a full performing arts center, state-of-the-art auditorium, full size indoor double court gymnasium, and tennis courts, separate playgrounds for the kindergarten and elementary students, outdoor classroom for Early Childhood and more.

Students at Tianjin International School are involved with many activities on campus. A variety of activities are offered for the purposes of building relationships, developing new skills, being part of a team, and having fun! Activities include art, band, Model United Nations, Journalism, community service projects, yearbook, drama, student council, competitive sports and much more.

TIS Learner Goal

• TRUTH

The school strives for all the students to Love TRUTH that they may:

• Clearly articulate their own worldview
• Critically compare their worldview to other major worldviews
• Accept themselves and others as created with intrinsic value
• Live life with purpose and meaning
• Appreciate the interconnectedness of truth to all disciplines
• INTIGRITY

Act with INTEGRITY that they may

• Use their time, talents, and resources appropriately
• Make wise choices
• Take responsibility for their actions
• Proactively maintain all areas of their health
• Take on appropriate challenges for personal growth
• SERVICE

Engage in SERVICE, that they may

• Seek to understand and interact respectfully with all cultures
• Positively influence others with love and kindness
• Build relationships maturely
• Develop leadership characteristics humbly
• Be responsible caretakers of the world around them
• EXCELLENCE

Pursue EXCELLENCE, that they may

• Experience a wide variety of disciplines
• Pursue learning as a continuing habit of life
• Effectively express their thoughts in oral and written communication
• Analyze and interpret information critically
• Produce creative and original works

Exceptional Facilities

The early childhood center have designed beautifully especially for the youngest children! Even the tables and chairs are graduated in size. Each part of the facility was carefully designed with the children in mind, and the school seeks to utilize the space to foster a rich learning environment. Color, warmth, and beauty flow from both the inside and the outside of the building.

• Outdoor Classroom

All the children take part in learning in a carefully designed outdoor classroom. There are climbing and sliding structures, a water area which becomes a tactile area in the winter, a paint area, and a sand area. Children can dress-up, dance, and make music. Children can ride scooters, bicycles, and tricycles. A beautiful garden has been planted and cared for by the Early Childhood Center children and teachers. The school has harvested tomatoes, beans, squash, carrots, pumpkins, radishes, and more. The flowers that were planted have attracted butterflies. They believe that the learning that occurs outdoors is priceless and invaluable.

• School Lunch and Snack Times

To provide their youngest students with a warm, safe, and family-like environment, their mid-morning snack and lunch are served right within the ECC facility. The school provides a healthy snack that is prepared in their own Early Childhood Center Learning Kitchen. Daily hot lunches are also prepared on campus and provide students in the Early Childhood Center with both Western and Chinese food. Quality and hygiene standards are carefully monitored by the staff. If parents do not wish to purchase lunches, they are welcome to send along food prepared at home.

• Parental Involvement

The school values their ECC parents and feels it is important for them to be actively involved in their child’s education. The school also provides many opportunities for them to visit school and take part with their child. There are special events such as International Day, Sports Day, Parent/Child Visits, Donuts with Dad, Parent Workshops, and ECC Class assemblies.