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2025-11-09-chris-treadaway-china-high-school-partnership-brief

China High School Diploma Partnership Opportunity - Brief for Chris Treadaway​

Hey Chris,

Wanted to run an interesting opportunity by you. I've been loosely involved with an education project in China that just hit a major milestone, and they're looking for the right US high school partner. Thought you might know folks in the Austin area or broader Texas network who'd be interested in hearing about this.

The Situation​

A friend/colleague Sherman Taylor (goes by Allen Zhou in China) has secured something incredibly rare: a national-level education license from Beijing to operate international schools across China. He's got Chinese investors lined up, government backing, and is building an advanced AI-based education platform with avatar teachers delivering common core curriculum.

The catch: they want a prestigious American high school partner for credentialing and brand recognition.

What They're Looking For​

A US high school willing to partner on a model where:

  • Chinese students earn dual diplomas (Chinese gaokao + American high school diploma)
  • US school issues the diplomas for students completing the program in China
  • Zero financial investment required from US side
  • US school gets access to Chinese market and potential exchange programs
  • All operational costs covered by Chinese investors

Basically they're looking for a school willing to lend their name, diploma-issuing authority, and educational credibility to this venture.

Why This Might Be Interesting​

  • No financial risk - fully funded by Chinese investors
  • Market access - door into Chinese education market for exchange programs, partnerships
  • Innovation exposure - access to advanced AI education platform they're developing will be more advanced than current Alpha School tech
  • Dual diploma model - appeals to Chinese families wanting options for US or international universities

The Team​

Sherman Taylor / Allen Zhou - White Texan who's lived in China for years, holds one of only 13 five-star green cards in China, has PhD in Political Science, previously established charter schools in Texas, introduced Ultimate Frisbee to China and co-captained their national team

James King - Sherman's business partner handling financials

They're also in conversations with Cranbrook (Detroit private school) and Cornell professors as potential partners.

Current Status​

  • National license: ✅ Secured
  • Investment: ✅ Chinese investors committed
  • Government backing: ✅ Full support
  • Technology platform: Beta by end of November
  • US partner: 🔍 Actively seeking

The Bigger Picture​

There are obvious tensions between the US and China right now. But the reality is these two countries really need each other. For the right school leader with the right vision, I think this could be seen as a significant opportunity. Not just for their school, but for building constructive bridges at a time when those connections matter more than ever.

Education partnerships like this can be some of the most meaningful forms of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. And this one comes with zero financial risk while potentially opening doors that most schools would never have access to.

The Ask​

Do you know any high school leaders in Austin or Texas who might be open to a conversation like this? Even if St. Theresa is K-8, I figured your network in Catholic and private school communities might include some high school principals or heads of school (perhaps Valor) who'd at least be willing to explore it.

Sherman's backup plan is to open a charter school in Texas himself (he's done it before), but he'd prefer to partner with an established school that already has the credibility and infrastructure.

Let me know what you think!

Best,

Gary