FAQ's
Chapman Elementary Mandarin Immersion Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the structure of the Mandarin Immersion program?
Our program is a self-contained model in which 50% of the instruction is taught in Mandarin and the other 50% is taught in English by the same teacher.
What is the goal of the Mandarin Immersion program?
The goal is teach Common Core grade level standards in both Mandarin and English to achieve bilingualism, bi-literacy, and foster an environment for academic achievement.
What are the prerequisites to entering my child into the program?
You must apply at echoices even if you are zoned for Chapman or in LAUSD.
What are the qualifications of the Mandarin teacher?
Mandarin teachers are required to have the California Multiple Subject Credential with a Mandarin BCLAD (Bilingual Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development) credential.
Do we need to speak Mandarin at home to join the program or have prior exposure to the language?
No. Our program is structured to introduce the language in Kinder. You may enter without prior knowledge up to first grade. From second grade and beyond, an assessment will be required for the child to enter the program.
Do you accept students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or other disabilities?
Yes, we have students with disabilities. IEP will be needed to ensure appropriate placement.
Is traditional or simplified Chinese taught in the classroom?
Students learn reading and writing in Traditional Chinese through second grade. Simplified is introduced in the third grade.
Do you teach Zhuyin or Pinyin?
Not initially. Pinyin is introduced in second grade.
How many students will be accepted into Mandarin Immersion academic year?
No more than 24 students
What grade levels will be offered?
Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade in the Mandarin Immersion program. 5th grade will be available starting academic year 2023-2024.
Are there spaces in all grades?
Yes. We are fortunate to have small class sizes but are able to accept students throughout the year. Second graders and above will be given an assessment prior to entry into the program.
Is there a cost for the Mandarin Immersion program?
No, this is a free public education provided by LAUSD. If you are out of district, you will need to apply to be accepted into the program.
How much Mandarin can I expect my child to learn in Kinder?
This is difficult to predict as each child is different. Listening and speaking are fostered initially in the immersion program but reading and writing quickly follow. Students should easily recognize 50-100 characters.
Will my child be fluent in Mandarin?
Your child should be able to say and read simple sentences after the first year. Our second grade students are able to read and write paragraphs of text.
Will my child’s learning of English be impacted by learning another language?
Yes. Studies have shown many benefits to children that are exposed to
other languages including higher cognitive reasoning and higher test scores. (click here)
How can I support my children to learn the language when I do not speak Mandarin?
Teachers will send home resources and supporting materials when needed. Better Chinese is the curriculum used in Kinder and first grade. MeiZhou Chinese is used in upper levels along with My First Chinese. These items are standard across LAUSD DLP. Our Mandarin Immersion Committee sends supporting resources to families along with workshops so to help parents in these digital times.
May I volunteer during Mandarin time in the classroom if I do not speak Mandarin?
Volunteers may not speak to the Chinese teacher or students in English but may do quiet work for the teacher. Volunteers are invited at teacher’s discretion and by appointment only. Parents interested in volunteering must complete all cleared volunteer steps.
GENERAL
What are the hours of the school day?
8:05am – 2:30pm. On Tuesdays, students are dismissed at 1:30pm
Are breakfast and lunch provided?
Yes, both breakfast and lunch are provided to students.
When do children get a snack?
Children can consume a healthy snack from home during recess.
How do Kindergarten students enter the campus on a regular school day?
Kindergarten students enter through the Gramercy Place gate. For 1st – 5th grade students, they may do valet drop off where a parent volunteers allows them to enter through the 149th St gate.
What is the school size?
Roughly 380 students across ETK, TK, Kinder, 1st-5th grades in a community school, Mandarin Immersion (Kinder – 4th grade), and Special Education.
How are the community school and Special Education integrated with the Mandarin program?
Each program has its own teachers. Students may be joined for recess, lunch, and school wide activities by grade level. Teachers also collaborate across the program, as well as within and outside respective grade level.
Is it an open campus?
No. Adults are not permitted onto the school grounds without checking in at the front office. Drop off occurs at respective grade level gates with aides monitoring each point of entry. Once the bell rings, all visitors must enter and sign in at the front office with identification. No person will be able to enter campus for more than 20 minutes unless he or she is a cleared volunteer.
What does it take to be a cleared volunteer?
You must apply, be checked through Meghan’s Law, have a current TB test, and get fingerprinted with LAUSD.
How much volunteering is expected of me as a parent?
There is no requirement but as much as possible is needed and greatly appreciated. Studies consistently show engaged parents are key factors to a child’s overall mental health and academic achievement.
Are there after school programs?
There are currently two programs. Both have limited space but are free. We have fee based programs available as well with pick up from campus.
Are there enrichment classes at Chapman?
Yes. We offer dance and music classes. Each class and grade level rotate throughout the year.
What family engagement activities do you provide?
Chapman Elementary has loads of events to engage our parents from monthly classes highlighting ways to help the work/life balance to high frequency word workshops in both English and Mandarin. Our Parent Rep offers frequent workshops for parents and are held in our Parent Center. Our Principal Dowdell hosts Doughnuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, May Day Play Day, Literacy Night, Science Night, etc. Our PTA hosts a number of events including Fall Festival, Lunar New Year celebration, and attendance incentive events.
What is May Day Play Day?
An event that occurs every year in May in which students group together on a team across grade levels with our 5th graders as team captains.
APPLICATION & ENROLLMENT
When and where can I apply?
Early application window opens Oct. 3, 2022 and closes Nov. 18, 2022 for academic year 2023-2024. You must apply at echoices for Dual Language Mandarin Immersion.
Where can I get more information on the program?
Please visit here
If I am in LAUSD, do I need to apply?
Yes. You need to apply for the dual language program.
If I am out of district, do I need to apply for a permit?
Yes. You will need to apply for a permit into LAUSD and you will need a release from your current district. These items will not be required until you have been informed you have been accepted into the program,
Thank you for your interest in Chapman Elementary Mandarin Immersion Program!