Mandarin Home / Academics / Mandarin Program Why Mandarin? At Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School in Cary, we are proud to offer a Mandarin program for our private school students. This program immerses our learners in the rich culture and language of Mandarin in a creative and hands-on way. Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world. Learning can help your child in school, future jobs, and cultural opportunities. At Chesterbrook Academy, your child will learn Mandarin in a supportive space. Research shows that children who speak two languages are great at solving problems, multitasking, and thinking in new ways. Our program boosts academic performance while expanding our students’ awareness and knowledge about another culture. Frequently Asked Questions What sets the program apart? Our students are fully immersed in the language. They learn at their own pace while growing confident in speaking, reading, and writing Mandarin. What are some highlights? Our students learn the language through engaging games, songs, and stories that help them use the language in real life. They also enjoy dancing and listening to traditional Chinese music, discovering the beauty of Mandarin-speaking cultures. Hands-on crafts introduce our students to Chinese art while helping them develop new vocabulary. Our students start learning Mandarin characters while learning reading, writing, and speaking skills. What grades can participate in the program? Our program is available for our students in Pre-K through 8th grade. How often are classes? Class times vary by grade level, with an increase in frequency as students matriculate. How much does the Mandarin program cost? Our Mandarin program is included in our tuition. Meet the Mandarin-English Teacher Mrs. Yi Zhao Mrs. Yi Zhao comes from a family deeply rooted in education, a foundation that has shaped her passion for teaching and lifelong learning. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Fudan University and brings over ten years of experience in North Carolina public and private schools across both the Charlotte and Raleigh areas. She also holds a K–12 North Carolina Teacher License. Mrs. Zhao’s teaching philosophy centers on two guiding beliefs: Teaching improves every day when teachers learn alongside their students. Students do their best when they feel happy and supported. Outside the classroom, Yi enjoys spending time with her family, caring for pets, traveling, reading, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She brings this same sense of balance, positivity, and curiosity into her teaching, creating an environment where students feel inspired to learn and grow. Read More
