A day at school
From the morning meeting to pickup
The day has the same shape in every grade, so children know what comes next. Only the lessons change.
- 8:00
Step 1: Arrival and morning meeting
A teacher greets each child at the door in Mandarin and in English. Then the class sings, counts the day and hears the plan, all in Mandarin.
- 8:30
Step 2: Math and science
The first lessons of the day, taught in Mandarin with objects, pictures and plenty of questions.
- 12:00
Step 3: Lunch and recess
Families send lunch. Children eat together, then play outdoors under the trees, or in the gym when it is too hot.
- 12:45
Step 4: Reading and writing in English
The afternoon turns to reading, spelling, history and literature in English.
- 2:45
Step 5: Art, music and a last circle
A closing lesson in art or music, then a short circle to say what the day held.
- 3:30
Step 6: Pickup and after care
Pickup is at the front door. Children who stay go to after care until 5:30.
Lunch
A table big enough for the whole class
Lunch is half an hour at long tables, and teachers sit with the children. Mandarin is the language at the table in the lower grades, and children may switch when a word will not come. Afterward, everyone goes outside.
Families send lunch and a water bottle
Tell us about allergies at the visit; we ask privately once you enroll
Recess outdoors, with shade and water close by
In both languages
What the afternoon holds
Teachers plan around the group, and these four come back every week.
Reading aloud
A story read aloud each day, then children read to a partner.
Writing
A page a day, in English, and a few lines in Mandarin twice a week.
Music
Singing, recorders and rhythm games in the music room, in both languages.
Art
Drawing, paper and paint, with a Mandarin word for each material.
Come and see a morning
Book a visit day, or come to an open house in the fall.