Old-style private schools emerge in Shanxi Province

Taiyuan (CNS) -- A dozen kids, lined up on futons in traditional Chinese dress uniforms, were reading aloud a chapter of the Chinese classic Standards for Children. This was not a scene from an old movie, but took place at a present day, old-style private school in Shanxi Province on May 26.

Records on local education institutes indicate there are about ten of these old-style private institutions in the provincial capital city of Taiyuan, all with about 1,000 students enrolled, ranging from three to 15 years of age.

"Chinese classic literature, poetry and painting, Chinese martial arts and archery, are all compulsory courses at our school," said Li Guopeng who opened his private school in the city's Forest Part three years ago.

The modern courses such as Math, English and Science are all offered as well, but the students don't need to carry home a load of books for homework or take endless exams.

Clothing store owner Bai Wei sends his four-year-old son to one of these local traditional schools, and remarked in their favor, "Exam scores are not the only measures of success, and children should enjoy the whole journey of learning."