Program: Frequently asked Questions
Q: What should I do to prepare my child for the K-1 program launching in 2012?
A: There is no Mandarin Chinese language requirement for entry into Kindergarten. However, we believe that there are benefits to introducing a second language to children before age 5. Enrolling preschoolers into a Mandarin Chinese immersion program for a few days a week is a great way to stimulate their brains and introduce them to Chinese. All children at varying levels of both English and Chinese will be accommodated at Kindergarten. Children who are able to do more will be challenged accordingly.
Children entering at first grade will be immersed in Mandarin Chinese for Math, Science, Social Studies, and Chinese language arts and culture. To learn more about the immersion environment in first grade, please contact us.
Q: Will HCCS offer both a half day and full day Kindergarten option for the upcoming public Charter school?
A: No. HCCS will only offer a full day Kindergarten option. The short amount of time offered in half-day programs does not allow enough time to teach all Beaverton School District required subjects in addition to Chinese language. The full day Kindergarten will require a fee like all other full day Kindergarten options at public elementary schools in the Beaverton School District. Low income families may apply for tuition scholarships.
Q: If I enroll my children into OHCS Mandarin Kids, will they automatically be enrolled in HCCS for Kindergarten?
A: No. OHCS Mandarin Kids is a private fee-based program which is separate from Hope Chinese Charter School, which is a public school program sponsored by the Beaverton School District. Mandarin Kids students will be required to apply for admissions to the public charter school according to Beaverton School District rules. HCCS recommends that parents meet all admissions requirements prior to the first deadline.
Q: I'm from outside the Beaverton School District. Can my child still attend HCCS?
A: Yes! Out of district residents are encouraged to apply. HCCS and the Beaverton School District welcomes children from other communities. If there are more applications than openings available during the open enrollment period, HCCS is required to offer priority to BSD residents ahead of non-residents. For remaining open spots, an admissions lottery is required by law. For the 2012 school year, open enrollment concluded on January 20th, 2012. HCCS is now accepting both in and out of district applications on a first come, first served basis.
Q: How can I get involved and influence the development of my child's future school?
A: HCCS is a diverse, open and inclusive organization that encourages community involvement. If you would like to impact your child's education from the ground up, please contact us for volunteer opportunities. Any assistance you can offer is greatly appreciated!
Q: Will learning to speak, read and write in Chinese hurt my child's progress towards reading and writing in English?
A: No. Research shows that students in early immersion programs perform as well as or better on English achievement tests than peers who were taught in English only. Immersion students also score as well as or better than their English-speaking peers in other subject areas, even when tests are administered in English for subjects they were taught in the second language. Research also suggests that exposing children to a second language at an early age stimulates their development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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