Mandarin Chinese

The Chinese Language and Culture program offers a seven-year sequence in modern Chinese (Mandarin) from the middle through senior high. In a rapidly shrinking world, understanding more than one world language assumes a greater significance; this outstanding Highland Park program offers a unique opportunity for students to prepare for changing world conditions and increased language requirements in colleges. Chinese culture is an integral part of the program.

The curriculum and teaching materials are specially designed to meet the needs of secondary school students. Student interest is encouraged by a variety of activities including field trips, visiting speakers, and cultural presentations. Juniors and seniors in the Chinese program may take advantage of the “College in the Schools” program and earn up to ten college credits. Chinese is also part of the IB program. Chinese level 4 and higher students have the option of taking the IB exam.

Chinese Immersion 9, Chinese Immersion 10, Chinese Immersion 11, and Chinese Immersion 12 are offered this year.  The first cohort of Chinese Immersion 12 graduated in the 2019-2020 school year. Chinese Immersion language classes continue for grades 11 and 12 where students prepare for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) assessments in Mandarin Chinese. These courses will build on the unique language abilities of immersion students at this level, challenging and increasing their language proficiency and exposing them to more and more of the 5,000 years of rich Chinese literature, art, traditions, and culture of our neighbors of the world.