Q:Why Should My Children Learn Mandarin?
–China has become the 2nd biggest economy in the world and an increasingly influential player on the global stage. Studying the most widely spoken language around the world prepares our children with an advantage in future cross-cultural communication, business and job opportunities.
–Studies show that bilingualism strengthens a child’s cognitive development, makes them more flexible thinkers, and benefits their long-term academic achievement. It also strengthens their social, emotional, and interpersonal development.
–To help children of Chinese heritage who grow up in the U.S. to build better emotional connections with their parents and grandparents. Children adopted from China will also be able to better understand the culture and the country of their birth.
Q:What is Your Chinese Curriculum Like?
–We use a fun, engaging and thematic curriculum that relates to the children’s life.
–The curriculum uses simplified Chinese characters. Simplified characters are much more prevalent throughout the world, as they are used by the population of mainland China and an increasing number of people in other global Chinese communities. In addition, the vast majority of written Chinese materials in print or on the Internet use simplified characters. Thus, learning and mastering simplified characters first enables our students to be able to effectively communicate with more people.
–If your child has been learning traditional form, it is possible to learn both. Of the approximately 6,500 commonly used Chinese characters, only about 2,200 are different in terms of simplified or traditional forms.
Q: What is the Learning Standards?
Our curriculum is aligned with YCT, HSK, ACTFL and Common Core Standards.
Q:What is the Qualification of Bay Area Mandarin’s Teachers?
–The program is developed by highly-qualified teacher with 10+ years Mandarin teaching experience with California teaching credential in Mandarin and Reading.
–We only hire qualified teachers and assistants who care about children and share our teaching and educational philosophy.
–All teachers and assistants went through rigorous professional training and apprenticeship.
–Teachers and assistants take part in regular professional development training.
Q:How do you Handle the Different Level of Mandarin Proficiency for Incoming Students?
We are a Mandarin immersion program. The students at different levels are all mixed in one class, though most of our students are at the beginning level. Students are encouraged to help each other because the best way to learn is to teach others. Our teachers also provide small group/1 on 1 instruction and level-appropriate materials to address proficiency discrepancy in one class.
Q:How Can I Support my Children’s Learning at Home?
A school can only be successful with the support of dedicated parents. We value parents’ interest and desire to be a part of the children’s learning. Better learning outcomes occur when parents:
–Support their child even when they run into difficulties and challenges. Make sure they understand that learning a new language is not always easy. But with hard work, they can be successful.
–Work with the school to ensure you know what your children are learning, how they are performing, and how you can support their learning at home.
–Supervise your children study on the online learning platform.
–Provide as many opportunities as possible for the child to be exposed to Chinese language and culture and encourage the child to apply what is learned to daily life.
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Q:What is Your Refund Policy?
–Students and parents’ satisfaction is our top priority. If you feel unsatisfied at anytime, please feel free to contact the director or your teacher.
–Withdrawal and tuition refund request must be emailed to the Principal by the first day of class. Bay Area Mandarin will refund the amount of the tuition paid less $40 administrative fee.
–For written withdrawal and tuition refund request received by Bay Area Mandarin on or before the 2nd class, the refund will be 100% less the prorated tuition for classes taken and $40 administrative fee.
–There is no refund for withdrawal and tuition request received by Bay Area Mandarin 2 weeks after the first day of class.
–Withdrawal request will not be processed unless all of the followings are included: parents and student’s English name, class, phone number and/or e-mail address, reason for the withdrawal.
–There is a $40 penalty charge per tuition check returned by the bank.
Q:What is Your Monthly Subscription Bills Policy?
–Subscribers will automatically be billed monthly. Your selected payment method will be charged automatically on a recurring monthly basis. Your subscription will be renewed automatically, and you will be charged in advance of each billing cycle unless you cancel.
Q:What is Your Monthly Subscription Cancellation Policy?
—You may notify us of your intent to cancel at any time; your cancellation will become effective at the end of your current monthly billing period. You will not receive a refund; however your lessons will continue for the remainder of the current monthly billing period.