Education Programs
Our elementary school program combines bilingual English and Chinese instruction, a comprehensive academic curriculum, enrichment, and character education. The dual language approach; mathematics, science and social studies classes; group enrichment activities; and character education program create a holistic learning experience that sets students on the right course for their future education and life.
Gardening and Ecology for the Earth
This seven-week program will engage all of the student’s senses as they learn about ecological science through hands-on and observational experiences at our Life Science Garden.
Dual Language Program: English and Chinese
For 60% of the day, students are immersed in English Language Arts instruction which emphasizes phonemic awareness and students learn to recognize the speech sounds that make up words to prepare them for reading and writing, while letter sounds are associated with images in stories. Students are exposed to a variety of high quality literature to develop complex reading comprehension skills, while reading simpler texts on their own. Learning to decode words for reading and writing is closely integrated, and spelling is taught along with patterns and rules rather than as simple memorization. The process of writing is introduced as well, including planning, writing a draft, revising, and editing. During the remaining 40% of the day, students receive Chinese Language Arts instruction, which includes the development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in traditional Mandarin. These lessons are taught as a separate class, lasting 2 hours for each grade level, and each classroom consists of students who are fluent in either Mandarin or English to support collaborative learning and peer-to-peer tutoring.
Academic Curriculum
Our curriculum includes Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, which are taught in English. Our math instruction program is balanced with equal emphasis on conceptual understanding, computational and procedural skills, and applied problem solving. Instruction is hands-on and concrete, and students develop an understanding of mathematical concepts through manipulating physical objects. These skills are reinforced by playing game that make math fun. Our science instruction program is very hands-on and experiential as well. Science concepts are introduced while students are encouraged to develop their intuition as they engage in activities and experimentation that allow them to experience what they’re learning first hand. The focus of our social studies program is on developing students’ multicultural awareness and understanding.
Character Education
We provide meaningful character education through a program that emphasizes a deep understanding of what it means to exhibit good behavior. Instruction is integrated into all aspects of the curriculum, including daily lessons and opportunities to discuss and reinforce the values learned, supporting students as they develop positive character traits. Month by month, we explore the meaning of core virtues, including respect, responsibility, gratitude, giving, compassion, courage, contentment, and perseverance. For inspirational reinforcement, Monday Words of Wisdom Quotes related to the Character Trait of the Month are shared and discussed with students. Our faculty leads by example, modeling, encouraging, and supporting upstanding morale in all settings throughout the school day.