Founder: Ms. Baishan Zhang

At over 70 years old, Ms. Baishan Zhang has led a rich, fulfilling, and remarkable life. She has been a professional pipa performer, a soldier, a piano and pipa instructor, and a band conductor. In 1993, she founded Qingdao Baishan School, serving as its first principal and legal representative. Today, as Chairwoman, she continues to dedicate herself to the educational work she has loved throughout her life.

When Ms. Zhang first envisioned establishing a private school in 1993, there were no private educational institutions in Shandong Province. Her foresight, innovative spirit, and courage earned her the reputation of being “the first to try something bold.” She purchased land on a hill in Shazikou overlooking the sparkling Yellow Sea, clearing all the pear trees to build Baishan School—an act people now describe as “visionary and courageous.” In 1995, at a time when school restrooms were typically located outdoors, she was the first to install them inside the teaching building, despite many well-meaning warnings that the school might “have a smell.” In its very first year, she also hired a foreign teacher to teach English, and the blonde teacher became a notable sight in the city.

Over thirty years later, Baishan School continues to thrive and has grown into Baishan Education Group, comprising four institutions: Qingdao Baishan School (1993), Qingdao Amerasia International School (2011), Qingdao Baishan Montessori Teacher Training Institute (2016), and Baishan Overseas Education Center in Tacoma, Washington, USA (2015).

Chairwoman Baishan Zhang has never been a follower, nor has she ever copied “conventional approaches.” With an open mind, unwavering principles, a caring heart, and a fearless spirit, she has devoted her life to creating opportunities for both children and educators. Her vision, courage, resilience, compassion, and tireless dedication continue to inspire teachers, students, and parents across the Baishan Education Group family.

This is the beloved founder of Baishan School—she named the school after herself as a promise to uphold its reputation and quality. Baishan’s past is inspiring, and Baishan’s future is even brighter.