Primary School

BIBA Elementary School offers a warm, challenging journey for 6-10-year-olds, integrating inquiry-based learning, bilingual immersion, and data-driven support to foster curiosity, skills, and a solid foundation for IB.

Welcome
Curriculum Overview
BIBA Learning+
TAG
Student Well-being and Values
ELD
CSL

Nurture the Inquisitive Spirit, Cultivate Confident Communicators & Lifelong Thinkers

Course videos

BIBA Elementary School provides a warm, dynamic, and challenging learning journey for children aged 6 to 12. As a WASC-accredited IB World School, we focus not only on knowledge acquisition but also on nurturing each child’s innate curiosity, communication skills, and comprehension. Our internationally diverse faculty integrates concept-driven inquiry-based learning with a support system that honors individual differences. Through bilingual immersion, project-based exploration, and character education, we help students build confidence, responsibility, and a sense of belonging in a safe, open, and diverse environment—preparing them for a seamless transition into the IB curriculum.

We rigorously adhere to the Common Core State Standards, particularly in English Language Arts and Mathematics, ensuring every student establishes a strong academic foundation. Our curriculum is research-based and emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, enriched by a global perspective and differentiated instructional approaches tailored to students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Consistent with our belief in data-informed instruction, we utilize international assessment tools such as MAP, WIDA, STAR, and Words Their Way to identify strengths and areas for growth early in each child’s learning journey. This enables us to adapt teaching methods in a targeted manner. Transparent data reporting and collaborative home-school communication work together to ensure consistent and meaningful growth for every child.

Language Program | Cultivating Excellent Bilingual Readers and Communicators

At BIBA, our elementary literacy curriculum is centered on the Science of Reading approach and enhanced by the structured UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute) framework. This foundation systematically develops phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and reading comprehension skills. Students advance through a blend of close reading, leveled reading, group discussions, and creative writing exercises, ensuring that every child receives solid support during critical stages of language development. We emphasize differentiated instruction to not only help students master reading skills but also to foster their self-confidence, cultural identity, and ability to express themselves.

Mathematics Program | Empowering Mathematical Thinkers and Communicators

In math instruction, BIBA integrates the strengths of both Western and Chinese educational traditions: our curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards while incorporating the rigor and systematic approach characteristic of Chinese math education, creating a unique bilingual learning pathway. The curriculum emphasizes both conceptual understanding and practical application, encouraging students to think, ask questions, and communicate “like mathematicians.”

We focus on how each child formulates questions, expresses logical thinking, and develops reasoning skills. Our goal is not merely to teach children to get the correct answers but to teach them how to approach and understand the problems themselves.

STEAM Program | Understanding the World through Exploration

BIBA’s STEAM curriculum is framed by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which prioritize learning and understanding science through real-world exploration and practice. We encourage students to actively ask questions, propose explanations, and discover principles through hands-on experiments, model design, project creation, and cross-disciplinary learning.

Science exhibitions, field investigations, and thematic research offer essential practical experiences. As students design solutions and build models to tackle real-world challenges, they develop a deeper appreciation of how technology impacts society and strengthen their sense of responsibility toward the environment and community.

To us, science is more than a subject—it is a way of understanding the world and participating in it responsibly.

Arts Program | Cultivating Future Creators and Connoisseurs

At BIBA, we believe arts education is essential for igniting imagination, shaping cultural perception, and nurturing innovative thinking. Our arts curriculum goes beyond skill acquisition to guide students in exploring diverse artistic forms, developing unique visual expression and critical thinking, and becoming compassionate and visionary global citizens.

Interdisciplinary & Concept-Driven Inquiry: The arts curriculum is deeply integrated with subjects across the humanities, sciences, and languages. Students investigate global themes, cultural identity, and personal expression, forging connections between knowledge, self, and the wider world through creative projects.

Process Over Product: We emphasize the full creative journey—from initial inspiration and sketching to material experimentation and final presentation. Through continuous reflection and critique, students learn to embrace ambiguity, developing resilience and adaptable problem-solving skills.

Dialogue Between Traditional & Contemporary: Students engage with both traditional art forms (such as ink painting, calligraphy, and folk crafts) and modern media (including digital art, installation, and conceptual practices). This cross-cultural and temporal dialogue cultivates deep aesthetic appreciation and informed judgment.

Studio Thinking & Exhibition: Our classrooms function as dynamic studios where students learn to think, create, and exhibit as artists. Through annual exhibitions, drama productions, concerts, and cross-grade collaborations, they gain confidence in sharing their work, articulating their ideas, and growing through audience interaction.

Specialized Talent Program (STP): For secondary students demonstrating exceptional potential in arts or athletics, our specialized STP provides personalized guidance and advanced training. This program is designed to help talented students refine their portfolios and skills, creating a competitive pathway to their dream universities.

BIBA Learning+ | Chinese Language and Culture

BIBA Learning+ is our school-developed curriculum that masterfully integrates the IB philosophy and assessment methods with China's National Curriculum Standards (2022). This unique fusion creates a bilingual learning experience that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture while maintaining a global outlook, purposefully designed to build students' language proficiency, cultural identity, and intercultural competence.

Centered on Chinese literacy, the program incorporates immersive mathematics and inquiry-based learning activities inspired by the Confucian values of Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Integrity (Ren, Yi, Li, Zhi, Xin). Through meticulously designed lessons, autonomous learning tasks, and process-oriented assessment, we systematically develop students' critical thinking and expressive skills.

BIBA Learning+ is characterized by three core commitments:

A Strong Foundation & Rich Experiences: We complement rigorous training in language and mathematics with authentic, experiential learning. Museum studies, debate clubs, and writing workshops take students beyond the classroom, providing opportunities to express themselves and apply their Chinese skills in real-world contexts.

Classical Wisdom & Personal Connection: By studying classical literature, poetry, and folktales, students do more than learn language arts—they build an emotional connection to traditional culture. Through engaging with festivals, opera, and calligraphy, they gain cultural confidence and a passion for expression.

Reading Fluency & Confident Expression: We honor each student's individual reading preferences and expressive style. From read-alouds and role-playing to self-selected reading and creative writing, our approach helps students become thoughtful, articulate bilingual communicators prepared for a global future.

TAG (Talented & Gifted) Program
— A Community of Exceptional Learners

At BIBA, we believe every student has unique potential. Our TAG Program is designed for those who demonstrate outstanding ability in specific areas. Through interdisciplinary project-based learning, cross-grade collaboration, and real-world challenges, we create tailored learning experiences that allow gifts to flourish.
Personalized Learning Pathways: Rather than simply assigning more work, we use professional assessments to design a learning journey that matches each student’s cognitive style and pace. Your child will receive content and challenges suited to their ability.
Interdisciplinary Theme Exploration: Students engage in cutting-edge projects like “Sustainable Cities” and “AI & Ethics,” developing critical thinking, creativity, and leadership. They might design eco-initiatives for local authorities or collaborate with tech companies on innovative solutions
Connecting with the Real World: We partner with research institutes and innovative enterprises to offer students professional project experience. Last year, TAG students co-designed community spaces with architects and developed apps at hackathons.
A Community That Grows Together: TAG students are not just learners—they are innovators and leaders. They initiate and lead projects, form research groups with like-minded peers, and bring ideas to life under expert mentorship.
At BIBA, we don’t ask students to do “harder” problems—we invite them to go deeper. We believe true gifted education isn’t about racing through a set curriculum; it’s about opening the right door for each student and supporting them as they pursue excellence at their own pace.

BIBA 4R Character Education System
House System
Child Protection and Psychological Safety
Activities & Competitions: Explore Through Experience, Grow Through Challenge
Extracurricular Activities & Clubs — Explore Interests, Build Community, Expand Horizons
Sports & Athletics — At BIBA, Sports Teach More Than Movement—They Teach a Language of Growth

At BIBA, the four core values of Respect, Responsibility, Rigor, and Relationships are central to our school culture. Through daily classroom activities, assemblies, and interactions, students consistently practice these values—learning to understand others, take responsibility, think critically, and build positive relationships. Character education is integrated with academic, social, and emotional development, helping shape students into warm-hearted and capable individuals.
In continuation of the Confucian tradition, BIBA organizes students into five Houses named Ren (Benevolence), Yi (Righteousness), Li (Courtesy), Zhi (Wisdom), and Xin (Integrity). This cross-grade, cross-cultural system strengthens community belonging. Through annual arts, sports, charity, and challenge events, students collaborate and compete for house honors. Older students serve as leaders and mentors, fostering an environment of guidance and growth that enhances both leadership and community spirit.
Student safety is the foundation of our educational mission. BIBA implements a comprehensive child protection framework that includes regular staff training, clear reporting procedures, and close communication with families. We adhere to the principles of transparency, respect, and confidentiality, creating a trustworthy environment where every child feels psychologically safe and supported.
At BIBA, we believe learning extends far beyond the classroom. With over 200 extracurricular options, specialized sports teams, and competitive platforms both domestically and internationally, we integrate learning into life and empower growth through real-world practice and challenge. We help every student find their community, unlock their creativity, and become true explorers in the fields they love.
Here, every interest finds room to grow, and every passion is met with support. Students learn perseverance through effort and strength through teamwork. They challenge themselves in competitions and grow on bigger stages. We believe meaningful education lies within these authentic experiences.
Extracurricular activities at BIBA are central to student-directed exploration and personalized development. With over 200 clubs and activities to choose from, students extend classroom learning, cultivate new interests, broaden social circles, and deepen academic engagement—all while building confidence and discovering their strengths.
At BIBA, physical education goes beyond fitness—it’s a vital pathway to developing teamwork, resilience, and a healthy lifestyle. Our international sports team consists of Chinese and international teachers and coaches, all with professional teaching backgrounds, bilingual skills, and certifications such as National Athlete. We offer a wide range of sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, martial arts, track and field, outdoor adventures, and more. Our program balances inclusivity and excellence, helping every student grow through sports.

English Language Development (ELD)

Express with Confidence, Integrate with Ease

Express with Confidence, Integrate with Ease

At BIBA, we provide a professional and systematic academic English program for students from multilingual backgrounds, designed to help them overcome language barriers and build confidence in bilingual learning. We go beyond language instruction to emphasize cultural integration and identity, empowering every student to find their voice and integrate seamlessly into the community.
Personalized Learning Based on Scientific Assessment

Personalized Learning Based on Scientific Assessment

Using international tools such as MAP and WIDA, we accurately assess each student’s language proficiency and develop tailored learning goals and growth pathways.
Language Integration Across Subjects

Language Integration Across Subjects

English learning is deeply connected with disciplinary content. Through project-based learning and thematic inquiry, students strengthen their academic English skills naturally in subjects like mathematics and science.
Cultural Integration and Confidence Building

Cultural Integration and Confidence Building

We create authentic contexts for language use through international cultural events and cross-cultural exchange programs, helping students build cultural identity and expressive confidence in an inclusive environment.
Ongoing Tracking and Support

Ongoing Tracking and Support

A full-cycle support system extends from classroom teaching to extracurricular activities. We monitor progress regularly and adjust teaching strategies dynamically to ensure continuous growth for every student.
The ELD program focuses not only on language advancement but also on learning strategies and intercultural thinking. We aim for every student to not only learn English but also thrive in a globalized setting.

Chinese as a Second Language (CSL)

Learn the Language, Understand the Culture, Connect the World

At BIBA, we believe learning Chinese goes far beyond language acquisition. It serves as a bridge connecting China and the world, allowing students from diverse cultural backgrounds to understand Chinese culture while reflecting on and deepening their own cultural identities. Our CSL program is designed to help non-native speakers authentically integrate into the Chinese-speaking world, developing not only practical language skills but also deep cultural understanding and a global perspective.
Deep Integration of Language and Culture

Students learn Chinese in authentic contexts while engaging in cultural practices such as calligraphy, traditional music, and festival celebrations. This allows them to grasp the ideas and values behind the language—moving from “speaking” to “understanding the culture.”
Immersive and Interactive Learning

Project-based approaches—including Chinese story drama workshops, debate competitions, and solar term projects—enable students to acquire the language naturally and express themselves confidently.
Personalized Learning Pathways

We respect each student’s linguistic background and learning pace. Differentiated instruction and customized tutoring help them steadily improve and gain a sense of achievement.
Intercultural Competence

In our bilingual environment, students participate in collaborative projects and cultural salons, using Chinese in genuine communication and becoming empathetic communicators with cultural openness and international awareness.
BIBA’s CSL program offers students not only language proficiency but also a key to understanding another civilization. Here, Chinese characters are more than symbols—they are a gateway to Eastern wisdom; learning Mandarin is not merely skill acquisition—it is the beginning of a meaningful connection with one-quarter of the world’s population.