Tan Yifan

    cicitan2011@gmail.com

    BASIS Schools Inc., a charter school giant in the United States, will soon open its first overseas branch in Shenzhen, a city constantly improving its international status and keeping abreast of other well-known cities across the world.

    As the opening day draws near — at the beginning of September — Basis International Shenzhen, which is located in the Shekou Network Valley, is well-prepared for the arrival of teachers from other Basis Schools in the United States and students from the Pearl River Delta region.

    Founded in Tucson, Arizona, by educators Michael and Olga Block in 1998, Basis combines its unique educational philosophy with Chinese strengths, providing a fresh teaching method for local students.

    According to the founders, a Basis education is custom-made for every student and offers the best parts of different educational systems — starting with the American and European methods.

    Currently there are 18 Basis Schools in the United States, 16 of them are public schools, which are fully funded by local governments, and two of them are private schools, which are located in Silicon Valley and New York.

    Basis Schools provide K-12 education. In their elementary years, students attend classes such as humanities, math, science, Mandarin, art, music, drama and physical education. In middle school, students prepare to take AP courses when they enter Grade 9. In high school, students will take Capstone courses and complete a senior project.

    Graduates have the opportunities to enter top universities in English-speaking countries, including the United States and Britain.

    Jill McConnell, a professional American educator, is the current head of Basis Schools.