Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. How old does the child have to be to enter the Center’s Chinese program?

The child has to be at least 5 years old in order to enter the Chinese school.  The school accepts students through the ages of 18 years old.

 

1. 2. Does my child need any knowledge of the Chinese language in order to be accepted into the program?

No, there is no pre-requisite knowledge of the Chinese language to enter the program.  However, the child’s existing knowledge of the Chinese language will be considered along with his/her age level in determining the appropriate grade level for placing the new student.

 

1. 3. What documentation do I need to bring to enroll the child into the program?

You need to bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate to verify the child’s birthdate and age.  The parent/guardian must also present a picture ID to verify his/her own identity.  In addition, you should bring three 1-inch x 1-inch photographs of the child to be used for student ID and school identification.

 

1. 4. How do I pay for the tuition and materials fee?

You need to bring a check for the semester tuition fee of $235 to the administration office before the student enters the class.  You can write a check for the tuition fee.  Cash is not generally accepted by the office.

 

1. 5. What is the difference between the weekday and weekend programs?

The weekday program provides Chinese instruction to the students on Mondays through Fridays of each week.  The weekday classes go from 3:20 – 5:10 p.m. for Kindergarten through 4th Grade, and 5:15 – 7:10 p.m. for 4th Grade through 9th Grade.  The weekend program provides instruction only on Saturdays.  The grade levels (K-6) in the weekend program have classes that go from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays.  The curriculum in the two programs is similar in nature.  However, since the weekend program only meets on Saturdays and has less classroom hours, a student will have to complete 4 semesters in a given grade level to get the equivalent credit of attending 2 semesters in the weekday program.

 

1. 6. Do you teach Mandarin or Cantonese in the school?

We teach both Mandarin and Cantonese throughout the various grade levels at the school.  At the lower grades levels (Kindergarten and 1st Grade), we have classes that are geared exclusively towards one of these two languages.  You have an option to choose the preferred language at the time your student enrolls in the Chinese program.

 

1. 7. Do students receive certification upon completion of the Chinese program?

If the student completes the 1st through 6th grade requirements and achieves a passing grade, he/she will receive a Chinese language school certification for completing the primary grade levels.  Similarly, if the student completes the 7th through 9th grade requirements with a passing grade, he/she will receive a Chinese language school certification for completing the secondary grade levels.  Graduation ceremonies are held on an annual basis in June after the spring semester ends.

 

1. 8. Can I enroll my child into the Chinese school programs even though the semester has already begun?

Yes, the Center enrolls new students into the Chinese school programs throughout most of the school semester.  However, if the child enters the program late into the semester, he/she may need to repeat that level in order to get full credit towards the graduation requirements.

 

1. 9. Will books and pens be supplied to the student?

Most of the textbooks and exercise books will be supplied to the student at no extra charge.  At times, the instructor may make additional copies of educational material to supplement the standard textbooks and exercise books.  There may be a nominal charge of $1 per semester to pay for that additional material in those instances.  The student is responsible for buying his/her own pencils, pens, ink brushes, and ink boxes for use in the class. 

 

1. 10. Do you offer a full day program?

No, we do not offer a full day program at this point in time.  We only offer after-school and weekend programs that supplement the child’s overall education and develop his/her Chinese language skills.  It is not meant to replace the full day accredited programs provided by the public and private American schools.

 

1. 11. Does my child have to be Chinese in order to participate in the Chinese school program?

No, we welcome children of all ethnicities, race, and backgrounds to participate in the Chinese school program.  The program is aimed at promoting the Chinese language and culture to youths throughout the Bay Area. 

 

1. 12. How do I get answers if I have additional questions on the Chinese school program?

The best way is to either give us a call at (510) 452-1204 during the school administration hours of 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. on weekdays or 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays.  You are also welcome to visit the school and speak with the administration staff during these school hours.  Additional information is posted on our school website: www.shoongccc.org