Chinese Immersion School

Grades: K–8 in 2024-2025, adding one grade each year

K–12 Language Immersion Program: Will grow to a K–12 program at Kennedy Middle School and Churchill High School

Mission Statement:
The Chinese Language Immersion School provides a rigorous, supportive Mandarin immersion program which enables our students to become biliterate in Mandarin and English. The program also provides them opportunities to develop strong cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Chinese culture with the goal of becoming productive global citizens.

Program Description:
Research indicates bilingual students gain deeper insights into ways of thinking and expressing themselves. Learning two languages increases the strength of literacy in both. Skills acquired include:

• High level of proficiency in literacy and math skills in both English and Mandarin
• Appreciation of multiple cultures and sensitivity to people who speak other languages
• Foundations of knowledge in other curriculum areas, such as science and social studies
• Flexibility of thinking and creative problem solving

School Highlights:

• 50/50 model: half of the school day is taught in Mandarin, and the other half in English
• Science, math, Chinese language arts (reading, writing, speaking) in Mandarin and English language arts (reading, writing, speaking) in English
• Commitment to literacy in English and Mandarin languages
• Simplified Chinese characters (jianti hanzi) taught
• Pinyin alphabet taught at 3rd grade
• Commitment to excellent mathematics instruction and best practices
• Commitment to cultural awareness and proficiency
• Commitment to the Chinese and American visual and performing arts
• Active parent involvement and outstanding parent organization
• Develop an appreciation of Chinese culture through community partnerships with the University of Oregon, the Chinese American Benevolent Association and more
• Participation in annual multi-cultural events such as Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Chinese New Year, Asian Celebration and Dragon Boat Festival