FAQ
What is immersion?
Why immersion?
1. Second language acquisition
-
Immersion education is the most effective type of foreign language acquisition currently available in US schools.
-
Immersion students are functionally proficient in the immersion language according to age and grade level.
-
Immersion students perform as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests of English and math administered in English.
-
Immersion students outperform monolinguals on tasks that use cognitive flexibility. This is a term for skills like task switching, inhibiting impulses, and solving problems.
-
Dual language learners’ brains get an extra workout. Switching between two languages requires the brain to use inhibition and task- switching skills. It offers natural practice with cognitive flexibility skills.
-
Immersion students are more aware of and show more positive attitudes towards others.
Is Mandarin Academy an "immersion" school?
Yes. The core classes are taught in Mandarin, including language arts and mathematics. Mandarin Academy follows an 80-20 immersion model for grades K-3 meaning 80% of all instruction is in Mandarin and 20% is in English (including a dedicated English language arts class). For grades 4 and 5, this changes to a 50-50 model.
Why Mandarin Academy?
How much is the tuition?
Tuition starts at $11,000 annually.
How is your math program different from public schools?
Do you teach Traditional or Simplified characters? What about phonetic writing systems?
Is there an After School or Saturday Program?
The After School Program is open to the public from 2:45pm-6:00pm Monday-Friday except school holidays. We do not offer a Saturday program.
Is lunch provided?
No, students bring a picnic lunch, a morning snack, and a water bottle.
What is the parent volunteer requirement?
Parents are required to volunteer AT LEAST 15 HOURS per year.
What if parents don't know any Mandarin Chinese?
How much homework is sent home each week?
We do not send home any homework for Chinese in the younger grades. Everyone takes home a Math Squared workbook each week. Kindergarteners can expect to take home an occasional assignment for English class. First graders will have a weekly spelling packet. Older students will have occasional projects, but overall the homework load is very light.