As part of College Park Elementary’s Mandarin Immersion Program, students develop bilingual proficiency while building cultural competency and global awareness, skills that support higher-level thinking and real-world application.

This foundation begins in kindergarten, where students learn to read, write, and speak in Mandarin while strengthening cognitive skills such as memory, problem-solving, and pattern recognition. Their learning quickly expands beyond the classroom, as they prepare for cultural experiences, such as the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival and Lunar New Year, by reading stories, rehearsing songs, and creating art tied to the traditions.

“Cultural celebrations bring learning to life for our students,” said Principal Alice Formaneck. “It’s powerful when students have the opportunity  to share what they’re learning, connect with their families, and experience these traditions together in a meaningful way.”   

These experiences reinforce academic concepts and provide opportunities to apply language skills, follow multi-step processes, and deepen comprehension through hands-on practice.

According to kindergarten teacher and lead Mandarin teacher Vivian Lam, when lessons are tied to real traditions, students become more curious and motivated. “Language feels alive,” she said. “Students can see when and why certain words are used, and that makes it easier to understand and remember.”

That engagement translates into stronger academic outcomes. Students begin to make connections beyond the classroom, recognizing characters in their daily lives and applying their knowledge in authentic settings.

“One of my students was very excited when he saw Lunar New Year decorations at Fashion Island, and he asked his mom to take a photo of him with them and share it with me,” Ms. Chang said.

Such moments show students that what they are learning is relevant to the world around them, which builds their confidence and pride. They are acquiring a second language while developing the ability to think critically across languages and cultures.

During the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, families joined their students in exploring activity stations, tasting traditional mooncakes, and listening to stories. The evening ended with a special performance by UC Irvine’s Chinese Orchestra, as college musicians introduced younger students to traditional instruments and songs.

At the Lunar New Year celebration, the steady beat of drums filled the air at flag deck as two brightly colored lions weaved through rows of excited students. Parents gathered to capture photos of their students cheering and enjoying the moment in a clear example of learning brought to life through shared cultural experience.

Parents also volunteer during classroom activities and help run cultural stations; teachers share videos and resources so families can join their children in learning about traditions. 

Through it all, students are not just learning Mandarin; they are becoming cultural bridges who carry their knowledge far beyond the classroom. They continue to build on the cultural foundation started at College Park as they move on to Costa Mesa Middle and High School, where the Mandarin Immersion pathway continues to advance biliteracy, analytical thinking, and global competence.

College Park’s Mandarin Immersion Program is a rigorous, integrated approach that prepares students to thoughtfully engage in an increasingly interconnected world.