Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy is a well-established bilingual and international education school located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Founded in 2017, the school has developed into one of the city’s notable internationalised schools, offering a learning environment that combines Chinese educational foundations with globally recognised academic pathways.
For international teachers exploring teaching jobs in China, Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy offers a strong academic setting, a broad curriculum structure, and a campus designed to support inquiry, creativity, and student development. With its location in Hangzhou, one of China’s most liveable and internationally connected cities, the school may appeal to educators looking for a balance of professional opportunity and quality of life.
At a glance
School type: Bilingual / internationalised K–12 school
Curriculum: National curriculum with IB PYP and MYP, plus international high school pathways including A-Level, AP, and DSE from September 2025
Grades: Primary, middle school, and high school
Location: Linping District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Language of instruction: Bilingual / internationalised learning environment
Key features: IB World School, MSA accredited, Cambridge International, Edexcel, AQA and College Board authorised, Round Square member, large campus with specialist facilities
About Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy
Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy was founded in 2017 with the aim of cultivating global citizens who are deeply rooted in Chinese culture while developing international perspectives, creativity, and innovation. The school’s educational philosophy, “Nurture Distinction, Embrace Diversity,” reflects its focus on both academic achievement and personalised student development.
The school currently enrols nearly 1,400 students, with a high school cohort of approximately 540 students. Its high school section is expected to continue expanding in the coming years, reflecting the school’s growing reputation and demand for internationalised education in Hangzhou.
As a school that operates under national curriculum standards while integrating international learning approaches, Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy provides a distinctive environment for teachers. It combines Chinese educational depth with globally recognised programmes, creating opportunities for educators who are comfortable working in a bilingual, cross-cultural, and academically ambitious school setting.
Curriculum and learning
Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy is an IB World School with authorisation for both the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. The school implements localised IB programmes across its primary and middle school grades, offering students a structured inquiry-based learning experience while remaining rooted in China’s national curriculum standards.
At high school level, the school offers a range of international academic pathways. It holds official authorisations from Cambridge International Examinations, Edexcel, AQA, and the College Board, supporting pathways such as A-Level and AP. From September 2025, the school is also set to introduce the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education programme, further expanding its academic options for students.
This broad curriculum structure may appeal to teachers with experience in international education, inquiry-based learning, bilingual education, or university preparation. The school’s academic model requires teachers who can support students not only in subject learning, but also in critical thinking, communication, creativity, and long-term academic planning.
Teaching environment
Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy offers a teaching environment that is academic, structured, and internationally minded. With class sizes of 25 students or fewer, the school is able to support a more personalised approach to teaching and learning. This may be particularly attractive for teachers who value student-centred instruction and close classroom engagement.
The school’s profile suggests a strong focus on academic rigour, student development, and transdisciplinary inquiry. Teachers joining the school may be expected to contribute to a learning culture that values both subject knowledge and broader student growth. For educators with IB, A-Level, AP, bilingual school, or inquiry-based teaching experience, this can offer a meaningful professional environment.
The school’s membership in Round Square also reflects an interest in global citizenship, international exchange, and holistic education. For international teachers in China, this kind of school environment can provide opportunities to support students beyond exam outcomes, including leadership, service, intercultural understanding, and personal development.
Campus and facilities
The school campus spans nearly 100 acres and includes a wide range of specialist learning spaces. Confirmed facilities include robotics labs, a synthetic biology and microbiology lab, an analytical chemistry and environmental testing lab, a plant and animal development lab, a neuroscience lab, an electronic engineering lab, a 3D printing maker space, a Future City Lab, a black box theatre, pottery studio, woodworking workshop, squash courts, an equestrian centre, an indoor golf facility, and a kayaking base.
These facilities create a strong platform for teaching across STEM, arts, design, technology, sports, and experiential learning. For teachers, this kind of campus can support more project-based lessons, interdisciplinary activities, and practical learning experiences.
The school’s facilities also reflect its wider educational approach. Rather than focusing only on classroom-based academics, Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy appears to place importance on giving students access to diverse opportunities where they can explore interests, develop skills, and build confidence across different areas of school life.
Living in Hangzhou
Hangzhou is one of China’s most attractive cities for international teachers. Known for West Lake, green spaces, technology companies, cultural heritage, and a high quality of life, the city offers a strong balance between modern urban convenience and natural scenery. Teachers living in Hangzhou can enjoy restaurants, cafés, shopping areas, international communities, and easy access to other major cities in the Yangtze River Delta.
The school is located in Linping District, with transport links including nearby metro access and connections to railway stations and major roads. For teachers considering school jobs in Hangzhou, the city can be a good choice for those who want a more liveable environment than some of China’s largest megacities while still benefiting from strong infrastructure, cultural activities, and professional opportunities.
Hangzhou is also well connected to Shanghai and other cities in eastern China by high-speed rail. This makes it convenient for those who want to travel during weekends or school holidays while being based in a city with a strong education sector and growing international profile.
Teaching at Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy
Teaching at Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy may suit educators who are academically strong, internationally minded, and comfortable working in a bilingual school environment. The school’s curriculum structure may be especially relevant for teachers with experience in IB PYP, IB MYP, A-Level, AP, STEM, arts, English, humanities, university preparation, or inquiry-based learning.
The school may also appeal to teachers who want to work in a growing education environment with strong student outcomes. Its graduates have received offers from highly selective universities, including the University of Cambridge, Columbia University, Imperial College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Vanderbilt University, New York University, Carnegie Mellon University, UCLA, the University of Toronto, the University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
For teachers exploring international school jobs in China, Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy represents the kind of school where academic ambition, international curriculum, Chinese cultural grounding, and student development come together. It may be particularly suitable for educators who want to contribute to a school community with a clear growth trajectory and a broad learning vision.
Jobs at Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy
Elevate works with schools across China to connect qualified teachers with suitable education opportunities. Candidates interested in Hangzhou Olive Tree International Academy jobs can explore current and future openings through Elevate, including teaching roles across international schools, bilingual schools, kindergartens, and other education settings.
Teachers with relevant qualifications, subject expertise, international curriculum experience, and a strong interest in teaching in Hangzhou are encouraged to stay updated on available vacancies. As schools continue planning for the upcoming academic year, strong candidates should apply early and prepare their CV, teaching credentials, references, and supporting documents.
