Our Story

Daystar Academy was founded in 2002 by Cai Jin-Yong and Dawn Vermilya. The couple sought a bilingual and bicultural school for their three children, but were unable to find a school that aligned with their vision of education. So, with the support of a small group of like- minded parents the couple started Daystar Academy as a bilingual elementary school with a commitment to character education and building cultural understanding bridging the gap between East and West. In 2008, Daystar opened the Beigao campus while also adding an early years program. 

"We started Daystar to intentionally develop bilingual and bicultural students who could thrive in China or the world, and are grounded in a strong character. The aim was to inspire students to use their knowledge, skills and virtues to be of service to the community and build unity between China and the West." said Dawn Vermilya.

Daystar Academy joined Ivy Education Group in 2014, which marked the next phase in the school's development. The school has grown in size and stature, serving a student body over 1000 strong at three campuses in Beijing. Daystar is an IB PYP, MYP and DP authorized school. 

With the growth of Daystar from a small, niche elementary school to a K-12 school, the school mission has expanded to developing students with a social entrepreneurial mindset who will have the courage to be changemakers who positively impact their communities while at Daystar, and beyond.