St. John’s Northwestern Academies: Building International School Partnerships in China
DELAFIELD, Wis. – As a part of St. John’s Northwestern Academies continued commitment to international partnerships, from August 29 to September 15, 2024, SJNA representatives Eric Sanchez and Justin Poupart visited Qingdao and Dongguan to further SJNA’s partner school relationships and introduce SJNA’s educational programs to students, parents, faculty, and school leaders.
Strengthening Partnerships in Qingdao
During their visit to Qingdao, Sanchez and Poupart met with teachers, students, and staff, delivering presentations on the benefits of SJNA’s educational programs. Discussions also focused on marketing strategies for the partnership, aiming to raise awareness and recruitment efforts for future enrollments. While the partnership was signed too late to recruit for the 2024-2025 academic year, SJNA expects to see interest from their 125 current 7th graders as they advance, with the possibility of expanding enrollment by an additional 200 students next year.
Expanding Presence in Southern China with Dongguan
In Dongguan, SJNA presented to parents about the newly formed partnership and outlined a marketing plan to increase the school’s visibility in Southern China. With 43 students already enrolled as of the start of the academic year, further recruitment efforts are ongoing.
Exploring Future School Partnerships
The principal of the Qingdao school, well-connected within the Chinese independent school community, is facilitating introductions to additional partner schools, while opportunities also exist with WSA Shanghai, that include marketing efforts for SJNA’s 9th-grade program starting this semester, and Fayao High School, a potential partner with over 300 students. Discussions with Fayao High School leadership were promising, and SJNA expects to finalize the partnership in June 2025. The SJNA team is making great strides in reaching its goal of having four partner schools in China by the 2025-26 school year.
Recruitment Success and Winter Experience Camps
SJNA has already secured two students from OYA (Overseas Youth Association) in Beijing, with a third application underway. The school is also receiving strong interest in its Winter Experience Camp, which coincides with the four-week Chinese winter holiday, offering an ideal opportunity for Chinese students to experience SJNA’s programs firsthand.
Looking Ahead: Global Expansion
As part of its broader international strategy, SJNA is exploring new markets, including Honduras, Italy, Mexico, Argentina, Vietnam, and Japan for program expansion. Additionally, SJNA’s International Program and Global Virtual Academy will soon be integrated under one umbrella, streamlining messaging and marketing efforts for global outreach.
St. John’s Northwestern Academies remains committed to fostering global educational partnerships and looks forward to welcoming more students to its vibrant academic community through these initiatives.
In 2024, SJNA celebrates 141 years of history, and looks forward to an even brighter future. Join the future and apply today at: sjnacademies.org/apply
St. John’s Northwestern Academies is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs that are built with future aspirations in mind. Learn more at www.sjnacademies.org