“Who knew a school could have such a fascinating story?” I overheard a child exclaim. Today we explore China Renmin University Affiliated Elementary School. This school is more than just bricks and mortar. It has a rich history.
China Renmin University Affiliated Elementary School began in 1954. It was initially named China Renmin University Staff Children’s Elementary School. The school was inside China Renmin University. It moved several times. In 2005 it settled in Haidian District. Zheng Ruifang is the current principal.
In 1954, China Renmin University supported the school. It was built at Zhang Zizhong Road. At the beginning, there were only 24 students. From 1954 to 1967, Lu Jing was the principal. Shen Yan was an honorary principal from 1956 to 1958.
In 1958, the school moved twice. It finally settled on the campus of China Renmin University. The school was renamed Haidian Road Elementary School. Ren Huiying was principal from 1967 to 1971. Cheng Zhigang was principal from 1971 to 1979.
After the smashing of the “Gang of Four” China Renmin University reopened in 1978. The school was officially named China Renmin University Affiliated Elementary School. In the early 1980s, the student population grew to over 600. Ren Huiying was principal from 1979 to 1991. Yun Bingzhi was principal from 1991 to 2003. The school covered 15 acres. The building area reached 10900 square meters. There were 46 teaching classes with 1889 students. In 1999, an artificial turf football field was built. Zheng Ruifang became principal in 2003.
China Renmin University wanted more space. In 2005, the school moved to a new address. The new campus covers 30 acres. The building area is 23000 square meters. It can accommodate 800 boarding students. It can also accommodate 1500 students for dining. The school has 63 teaching classes with 2889 students.
Leaders and teachers are united. They love the school and care for the students. This tradition set the tone for the school. Ren Huiying clarified the school’s philosophy in 1987. She wanted to create an environment suitable for children. She focused on building a strong foundation and developing abilities. Yun Bingzhi proposed “four developments”. These are comprehensive development, full participation, harmonious development, and special development. Zheng Ruifang aimed to create suitable moral education and campus environments. The school’s philosophy is law-based governance. It values scientific research and democratic management. It aims for excellent school spirit and outstanding teachers. It strives for advanced equipment and quality management. The goal is to be known internationally and a leader domestically.
In August 2005, President Ji Bao Cheng proposed to “strive to create a world-class elementary school”. Today the China Renmin University Affiliated Elementary School has five locations with 184 classes and 7388 students. There are 473 teachers. The school has formed a new pattern of colorful education.