Tsinghua University High School

In 1915, amidst a turbulent China, Tsinghua University High School began its journey as Chengzhi School. It’s hard to imagine Tsinghua University High School as anything other than the prestigious institution it is today. But its history reflects the very changes and challenges China itself has faced. Initially, Chengzhi School was a humble institution with elementary grades and a kindergarten. Fast forward to 1939, as the shadow of war loomed, the school, along with Tsinghua University, made a courageous move south. It became a part of the National Southwestern Associated University in Kunming. This wartime merger was a testament to the resilience of education in the face of adversity. After the war, in 1946, the school returned to Beiping, now known as Beijing. Then, another transformation occurred. In 1952, Chengzhi’s junior high division merged with Yenching University’s middle school, forming the Tsinghua University Affiliated Junior High School. Tsinghua University High School continued to evolve. In 1960, the school expanded again, establishing a high school section and adopting its current name. It began enrolling students from Beijing, solidifying its role in the city’s educational landscape. Tsinghua University took a unique approach, directly appointing the headmaster and providing financial backing. This allowed for a different kind of education. Students were encouraged to broaden their horizons with foreign languages, sports, and the arts, rather than rote memorization for exams. The Cultural Revolution left its mark on Tsinghua University High School. From 1966 to 1978, student unrest and political upheaval disrupted the school’s normal operations. However, this period ultimately led to a significant restructuring. In 1978, to accommodate returning students from the “Down to the Countryside Movement,” Tsinghua Fuzhong Erbu was founded. It later became Tsinghua University No. 2 High School. In 1984, the middle school section of Tsinghua University High School was relocated, making it solely a high school. The story continues with a reunification. In 1999, the second high school moved onto the campus of Tsinghua University High School and merged back in 2003. Today, Tsinghua University High School stands as a beacon of academic excellence, a product of a rich and complex history. The school’s motto, “Self-discipline and Social Commitment,” embodies the spirit of its journey.