Frequently Asked Questions about Eton International School  
     
 
 
 
     
 
How many classes are there at each campus?
We have a capacity for five classes at our Lido Campus and Global Trade Mansion campus, and four classes at our Pinnacle Plaza Campus. Our new Oriental Plaza campus is a large open plan classroom for international and bilingual students. The bilingual Palm Springs campus opening in February 2005 will have 8 classrooms.
 
 
 
 
How many teachers are in each class?
There is a one to five teacher to student ratio in each class which is usually one lead teacher and two to three teaching assistants.
 
 
 
 
 
Do all the Teaching Assistants speak English?
Yes. All of our Teaching Assistants speak English and all international classes are conducted in English.
 
Where do most of the students come from?
Eton is an International School and as such our students come from all over Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America and Africa.
 
Does my child have to be fully toilet trained in order to attend Eton International School?
While we prefer that all students in the Kindergarten and Reception classes are toilet trained prior to beginning their education at Eton, we do have facilities available for changing diapers and assist parents in making toilet training a positive experience.
 
Where can I learn more about the Montessori Method?
There are many Montessori resources available online, such as the Montessori Foundation website at http://www.montessori.org, the American Montessori Society website at http://www.amshq.org, and the Association Montessori International website at http://www.montessori-ami.org. Please contact Eton International School to borrow Montessori books or videos from our library or speak to one of our Montessori professionals.
 
What is the free "Mommy & Me" program?
In response to the growing need for a place for young mothers to go with their babies and interact with other new moms, Eton International School hosts a free Mommy & Me program for parents and their infant children ages 0-18 months old. This group meets every Monday at each school camps For more information, or to reserve you place, please call the Eton International School Administrative Office (6539 7171) or view this webpage.
 
Can my child attend Eton's Nursery for only part of the week?
We are happy to let your child attend the Nursery class for three, four or five days per week. The tuition for the shorter week is pro-rated, however the Application Fee and Capital Levy must still be paid in full in your child's first year. Children attending the Nursery class either three or four days a week must have set days that the child must attend.
 
Do you have a Full Day Nursery option?
Eton offers a range of options for children 1-3 years old. Our regular Nursery classes run Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 11:30AM. Your child may extend his or her day until 12:45PM for an additional $700 per year. This option includes a hot lunch provided by the school. An Extended Day program is also available until 3:30PM for an additional $2,550 per year. Nursery students who stay the full day will have lunch, play outside (weather permitting), and take a short nap. The rest of the afternoon will be filled with fun art activities, more time in the Nursery environment, and participation in activities with the Kindergarten. The Extended Day option does not include lunch. An optional hot lunch is available for an additional $600 per year.
 
Is there an opportunity for my child to learn Chinese at your school?
Eton International School is an intensive English learning environment, however we do have a Chinese option available at all levels. If you indicate that you would like your child to learn Chinese, we can arrange daily private or small group Chinese lessons. The lessons will last approximately 20 minutes and are taught by our Chinese teaching assistants who tailor their teaching to your child's Chinese level. Many of our teaching assistants are also certified Chinese teachers and have the skills and expertise necessary to help your child fall in love with spoken and written Chinese.
 
Is there a lunch service and what is the fee?
Yes, Eton offers an optional lunch service at both campuses. The fee for this service is US$600 for the full academic year for full day students and $700 for the whole academic years for morning students who wish to extend until 12:45pm. At our Lido Campus the lunch is catered by the Holiday Inn Lido and at our Pinnacle Plaza Campus the lunch is catered by the Hideaway Restaurant.
 
What are the fees for the extra-curricular activities?
Fees for extra-curricular activities range from US$45-US$100 per child per eight or nine week session, depending on the activity. Exact fees and activities offered for each term are confirmed one month before the term begins. Click here to learn more about Eton's extra-curricular activities.
 
The Application Form states that the balance of tuition is due within 5 days of the invoice date. What does that mean?
After submitting your child's application form with the application fee and deposit, you will receive an invoice stating the total amount due and the minimum amount due. The minimum amount will be due within 5 days of the invoice date.
 
What does it mean to be a "Montessori" school?
Since "Montessori" is a word in the public domain, it is possible for any individual or institution to claim to be "Montessori." However, an authentic Montessori classroom must have these basic characteristics at all levels:
1. Teachers credentialed in the Montessori philosophy and methodology for the age level they are teaching, who have the ability and dedication to put the key concepts into practice.
2. A partnership established with the family as it is considered an integral part of the individual's total development.
3. A multi-aged, multi graded heterogeneous grouping of students.
4. A diverse set of Montessori materials, activities and experiences which are designed to foster physical, intellectual, creative and social independence.
5. A schedule which allows large blocks of time to problem-solve, see connections in knowledge and to create new ideas.
6. A classroom atmosphere that encourages social interaction for cooperative learning, peer teaching and emotional development.
Source of Information: American Montessori Society

How are you similar to or different from the other Montessori schools in Beijing?
The following is a list of some of the things we offer that differ from what is offered at the other Montessori schools in Beijing:
Intensive English learning environment supported by English native speaking staff in each classroom.
Superior school management system in the areas of student evaluation, inter-campus communication, and family accessibility.
Smaller class sizes (18-25 children per class)
Complimentary extended day care for parents who work late.