CAIS

Q: Will my child be at a disadvantage if our family does not speak Chinese?

A: No. The majority of our students are from non-Mandarin speaking households.

Q: What are the advantages of a bilingual education over a monolingual education?

A: Studies show that early learning experiences influence brain development. Therefore, students who learn a second language are ahead analytically and conceptually. At CAIS, students gain a broader perspective in each subject area and achieve a higher level of comprehension with advanced thinking, communication, and problem solving skills. Their ability to read, write, speak, and understand two languages, as well as their insight into the interconnectedness of cultures, will offer them enhanced school, career and life opportunities.

Q: How can I assist with schoolwork if I do not know the Chinese language?

A: Parents can best support their child by showing an interest in the Chinese homework and by asking the child to recite or show what he or she learned in the classroom each day. Chinese teachers assign homework that can be completed without parental assistance. If students prefer assistance, our Chinese faculty is available for tutoring in the extended day program.

Q: Will my child be deficient in English if she or he only studies it for half a day?

A: No. Our curriculum is specifically designed for students' mastery of Chinese and English. Numerous studies indicate bilingual children surpass their monolingual peers in test scores and comprehension, and acquire advanced problem-solving skills.

Q: Why Mandarin?

A: Mandarin is the official Chinese dialect of China and Taiwan. It is also the most commonly taught Chinese dialect in Asian countries and in colleges and universities around the world.

Q: What is the ethnic and racial background of CAIS students?

A: For 2008-'09 school year, 46% are Asian American; 32% Multiracial; 20% Caucasian; 1% Hispanic, and 1% African American.

Q: Why is Mandarin Chinese an important language to learn?

A: Mandarin Chinese is the dominant language for commerce and culture in East Asia. Economic ties between China and the U.S. are rapidly increasing. Those who have knowledge of Mandarin—as well as Chinese culture, values and history—will be able to contribute to the economic, political, and cultural well-being of the United States and China.

Q: How is CAIS different from other schools?

A: CAIS is the nation's leader in pre-collegiate Mandarin Chinese and English language immersion education. As an independent elementary and middle school, it offers immersion education in Mandarin Chinese and English to students from pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. Most after-school and weekend Chinese schools teach Chinese language arts only. CAIS teaches the core subjects—math, social studies, and language arts—in both English and Mandarin. By learning through instruction in each language for half of each day, our students learn to speak, read, write, and understand both English and Mandarin Chinese fluently.

Q: How involved do parents need to be at CAIS?

A: Parents are encouraged to support school fundraisers and to participate in volunteer activities throughout the year. The CAIS Parent Association oversees volunteer committees. Newly enrolled families automatically become members of the PA. We believe that parental involvement enhances a student's academic performance and learning experience. We enroll families, not only students.

Q: Is CAIS accredited?

A: Yes, CAIS is fully accredited by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and by the California Association of Independent Schools.

Q: What high schools do CAIS graduates attend?

A: CAIS graduates are accepted by schools of their choice in a competitive admission market.

Our graduates are accepted by the following schools (a partial list):

• The Branson School
• The Cate School
• Convent of the Sacred Heart
• Drew College Preparatory School
• Hong Kong International School
• International High School
• Lawrenceville School
• Lick-Wilmerding High School
• Lowell High School
• Marin Academy
• Miss Porter's School
• Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory School
• St. George's School
• St. Ignatius College Preparatory
• St. Paul 's School
• San Domenico School
• Santa Catalina School
• School of the Arts
• Stuart Hall High School
• Tabor Academy
• University High School
• The Urban School of San Francisco