Kunming International Academy
Kunming International Academy (KIA) is a private, non-profit institution that serves the educational needs of the international community in Kunming, China. The school focuses on providing a high-quality, holistic education designed to nurture and develop young adults into mature, healthy individuals who can fulfill their potential as global citizens.
Mission and Philosophy
The educational philosophy at Kunming International Academy is rooted in the belief that there are absolute truths that serve as the framework for understanding the world and ourselves. This foundation drives the pursuit of truth in all its forms, enhancing the educational experience through a shared perspective that values diverse viewpoints.
KIA’s core mission is to provide an education that transcends national and cultural boundaries while maintaining a commitment to respect for all individuals, cultures, and religions. The school’s academic program follows an American-style approach, but it also integrates global perspectives to reflect the diversity of its international student body. This integrated worldview aims to prepare students not only for academic success but also to become compassionate, informed, and active participants in a global society.
The Academy emphasizes the development of the whole person—intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. The school believes in a partnership with parents, recognizing that parents have the ultimate responsibility for their child’s education. KIA works closely with parents to provide an environment where children can thrive academically and personally.
Our Story
Kunming International Academy (KIA) was founded in 1994 to provide a high-quality educational option for the international community in Kunming. At the time, there were limited choices for expatriates to educate their children, with options mainly being homeschooling, Chinese schools, or sending children to boarding schools outside of China.
In response to this gap, two families decided to establish an international school to cater to the educational needs of foreign students. They began classes in the Wu Hua Children’s Palace in September 1994 with only fourteen students, laying the foundation for KIA.
Over the years, KIA has grown and evolved, with more students, improved facilities, and a deeper commitment to its mission. In 2019, the school celebrated its 25th anniversary, reflecting on its past achievements while looking forward to continuing its mission of offering a faith-based education to the international community in Kunming.
Despite the changes over the years, the core mission of Kunming International Academy has remained consistent: to provide quality education to help develop young adults who are well-rounded, mature, and capable of contributing positively to the world community.
A Letter From the Director
As the Director of Kunming International Academy, I am constantly inspired by the privilege of serving an international community of students, staff, and parents. Each day, I am amazed at the unique opportunity to live and work in China, where our school is home to students from 29 different nations.
Kunming International Academy provides an American-style education while incorporating a global perspective, making it an ideal learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds. At KIA, students are encouraged to Learn, Love, and Lead—three guiding principles that help them grow as individuals and leaders.
We have created a nurturing environment where students are free to take intellectual risks, explore new ideas, and build a worldview that prepares them to lead with integrity and compassion. The individual attention given to each student ensures that they receive the support they need to succeed academically and personally.
I invite you to explore Kunming International Academy and see for yourself the vibrant, global community that we are proud to be part of. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to know more about the opportunities we offer.
Sincerely,
Marina J. Lytle
Director, Kunming International Academy
Kunming International Academy Accreditations and Affiliations
Kunming International Academy holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Accrediting Commission for Schools, part of WASC, is one of six regional accrediting bodies in the United States. WASC is responsible for evaluating and accrediting institutions in several regions, including California, Hawaii, Guam, East Asia, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
WASC accreditation signifies that Kunming International Academy meets rigorous academic and operational standards. Accreditation ensures that the school provides a well-defined, high-quality education, with clear objectives and conditions for achieving those objectives. It also demonstrates that KIA is capable of maintaining these standards over time.
Through periodic evaluations, self-assessments, and peer reviews, WASC supports KIA’s ongoing development and continuous improvement. This accreditation gives confidence to the community that KIA provides a strong educational foundation, preparing students for success in their future academic endeavors and as global citizens.
For further details about WASC accreditation and the criteria involved, please visit the official WASC website.
Academic Programs
Kunming International Academy offers a comprehensive academic program designed to meet the needs of international students. The curriculum follows an American-style system, with an emphasis on developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. KIA aims to prepare students for higher education and the challenges of an interconnected world.
Early Childhood Education
KIA offers early childhood education programs that focus on the developmental needs of young children. These programs are designed to foster creativity, emotional intelligence, and a love for learning through hands-on experiences and play-based activities.
Primary and Secondary Education
KIA’s primary and secondary education programs provide a rigorous academic experience that emphasizes both academic achievement and personal growth. The curriculum integrates subjects such as English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, and is designed to help students develop a well-rounded set of skills.
High School
The high school program at Kunming International Academy prepares students for college and beyond. Students are offered a broad range of courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and are encouraged to pursue extracurricular activities that enhance their academic and personal development.
Special Programs and Services
KIA also provides a range of special programs and services to support the academic success and personal development of students. These include English as a Second Language (ESL) support, college counseling, and extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and cultural exchanges.
Campus and Facilities
Kunming International Academy’s campus is designed to provide a conducive environment for learning and growth. The facilities are modern and well-equipped, with classrooms, science and computer labs, libraries, sports facilities, and outdoor spaces for recreational activities. The campus is designed to accommodate the diverse needs of its international student body and support their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
- ADDRESSHupanzhimeng Xiaoqu, Kunming
昆明湖畔之梦小区
- PHONE(0871) 64126887
- FAX(0871) 64126829
- WEBSITEwww.kia-china.org
