The popular school, which specializes in English language training for kids in China ages 2 to 12 using Disney characters and stories, cited a change in consumer preferences towards online learning experiences, exacerbated by pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic, as the main reason for shutting down.

All Disney English centers across China, including those in Beijing, have been closed since the start of the pandemic in January. Since Mar 19, they have offered free online English courses to students. However, this latest development means that all courses taught by Disney English instructors will be discontinued, indicating that they do not expect enrollment in traditional in-person teaching to return to pre-pandemic levels for a long time, if ever. 

Disney English was founded in 2008 as a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide’s Disney Learning Division. Their 'Disney Immersive Storytelling Approach' is designed to make learning fun for children with a focus on experiential learning incorporating singing, interactive games, skits, and other activities to engage children with the English language.

The news of the school’s closure is also a major blow for the many English speaking foreign trainers in the city, who are employed by the school. Nevertheless, the company says it will provide all affected employees with severance pay.

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