SHUYUAN
Shuyuan Mission Statement
The Academy Shuyuan is based on the classical Chinese learning sanctuary and the Platonic Academy; the goal of which is independent study and enquiry under the guidance of a master. Set in the 21st century, the courses that the Shuyuan programs offer aim to promote deep and thoughtful scholarship in a multidisciplinary environment, allowing selected students to pursue challenging branches of knowledge. These courses require long-term dedication, as the skills being developed are cumulative and form the foundation for rigorous, lifelong learning.
Shuyuan is founded on the principles of rigorous scholarship, solid academic study, challenging research opportunities, intellectual curiosity, and practical wisdom.
For more details, please click here to visit the Shuyuan website and click here to visit the Educational Research website.
Shuyuan Signature Courses
Grade 6-8 Hao Xue
- Ancient Greek Mythology
- Architectural History
- Chinese Classics
- Chinese Culture
- Digital Art + Graphic Design
- Exploration of Environmental Science
- Global Politics
- Greek Mythology
- Introduction of Biotechnology
- Makerspace
- Middle School Computer Science
- Athens vs Sparta / The Rise of Rome
- Sense of Space
- Underwater Robotics
- Video Production
Timetabled Courses
- Biotechnology
- Chinese Classical Literature
- Comparative Classics
- Comparative Politics
- Computer Science
- Environmental Studies
- Filmmaking
- Latin
- Math for Engineering
- Architecture + Space
- Geoscience
Shuyuan After-School CCA Programs
- Academic Writing (Grade 9-10)
- AGU (Grade 10-11)
- Computer Science – Machine Learning (Grade 9-12)
- Computer Science Office Hours (Grade 9-12)
- Girls4Girls Coding and Volunteering (Grade 8-12)
- Introduction to Computer Science (Grade 6-7)
- ISF Energy App (Grade 10-12)
- Makerspace – Adobe Illustrator (Grade 9-12)
- Makerspace – Open Makerspace, Engineering Projects (Grade 9-12)
- Makerspace – Laser Cutting (Grade 4)
- Makerspace – Simple Circuits (Grade 4)
- Makerspace – Textiles (Grade 5)
- Makerspace – 3D Printing (Grade 5)
- Open Makerspace (G6-8)
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (Grade 8-12)
- Smart Cities (Grade 9-11)
- Molecular Biology (Grade 9-12)
- STEM – Nanotechnology (Grade 9-12)
- Studio – Neighborhood, Community and Environment (Grade 9-11)
- Studio – Sandbox Metaverse Education (Grade 6-8)
- Studio – Designing a “Tiny Home” (Grade 9-11)
- Studio – Television Production (Grade 6-8)
- Studio – Television Production (Grade 9-11)
- Ancient Greek I – IV (Grade 9-12)
- Chinese Classics (Grade 5-8)
- Latin I & II (Grade 7-8)
- Text Over Time: Unseen Readings in the Humanities (Grade 10–11)
- Western Classics Club (Grade 5)
- Western Classics (Grade 6)
Signature Summer Programs
Smart Cities – Columbia University
The Smart Cities program at Columbia University Teachers College was started in 2020 and allows students to study the many aspects of the urban environment, the need for innovation in cities of the 21st century, and the comparison between NYC and HK. Students learn hands on the importance of systems thinking, complexity of modern cities, and the importance of a built environment that meets the needs of all citizens.
The History of Science & Civilization in China – Cambridge University
Since 2013, students have studied at the Needham Research Institute (NRI), located at Cambridge University. This facility, named after the famous Sinologist Joseph Needham, is dedicated to the research and documentation of the history of science and civilization in China. Students are given an opportunity to identify and do research on a topic of their choosing in the areas of science and civilization in China.
Comparative Philosophies – Oxford University
The Comparative Philosophies program at Oxford University is affiliated with New College. Students study western and Chinese philosophies under the guidance of a PhD scholar in philosophical thought the historical lens of time, space, and religion. This program is offered to students that have participated in other Shuyuan Classics program during the summer between their Grade 10 and Grade 11 academic years. This program was started in 2019 and continues to challenge our students to understand the historical philosophical underpinnings for society.
International Conferences
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
“AGU is an international, nonprofit scientific association whose mission is to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity.”
Since 2013, students have conducted independent research to present their findings in a dedicated poster hall at AGU, an annual conference in the various locations within the United States.
Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS)
“Asia Oceania Geosciences Society was established in 2003 to promote geosciences and its application for the benefit of humanity, specifically in Asia and Oceania and with an overarching approach to global issues.”
ISF students have presented posters at AOGS Annual Meetings throughout Asia. Since 2021, they have contributed to a variety of sessions including those covering Ocean Sciences, Hydrological Sciences and Biogeosciences.
American Society of Microbiology (ASM)
“As one of the largest professional life science organizations in the world and a leader in scientific publishing, ASM is the home for microbial scientists to connect, learn, discover and prepare for the future. We connect more than 36,000 members and millions of experts around the globe, harnessing their science to serve humanity and solve the most pressing global and public health challenges.”
ISF students have presented posters since 2017 in various locations in the United States.
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
“IEEE and its members inspire a global community through highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, envisioning a sustainable future.”
Since 2019, ISF students have conducted and presented data from independent investigations in STEM. This conference is held every year in various cities around the world.
Publications
Shuyuan publishes several journals and books each year of student and faculty work. Each of these publications are properly referenced with an ISBN or ISSN number.
- Bauhinia is a bilingual journal of the best student research published annually. There are two issues of the Bauhinia, one dedicated to the sciences and the other to the humanities.
- Wu Tong is a Chinese book of student short stories inspired by Chinese Classical literature.
- Sci-Fi Short Story Anthology is an annual collaborative project between the science and English departments for Grade 9 students.
- Aquilaria is a bilingual journal published annually for faculty to present educational research.
Research Week
Shuyuan Research Week is an annual event presented to the ISF community and all external partners. Research Week is a showcase of all Shuyuan student work across the campus and includes student science posters, maker projects, Chinese Humanities Research, publications, and Educational Research findings.