Forest Hills Public Schools

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Mandarin Chinese Immersion Road Map

Mandarin Chinese Immersion Road Map showing steps students take K-12 studying Mandarin.

Overview

The Forest Hills Public Schools Mandarin Chinese immersion program is open to all students residing within the Forest Hills Public School District. Depending on enrollment numbers and available openings, the program may be open to Schools of Choice applicants. Transportation is available to Mandarin Chinese immersion students who reside within the FHPS district and may be provided utilizing regional bus stops. Students in the Mandarin Chinese immersion program experience a 50/50 one-way immersion model in grades kindergarten through four. In fifth grade, the program shifts to an intensive Mandarin language and literacy block, designed to build upon the K-4 base and further deepen speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Mandarin. The immersion application process for in-district families usually occurs in the winter of the year prior to a student entering kindergarten. The application process is outlined on the Dual Language Immersion Enrollment page, and is also available by calling Meadow Brook Elementary School, 616-493-8740.

Entrance

How does a child enter the Mandarin immersion program?

  1. Through siblings currently enrolled.
  2. Through a lottery system.

Please see our Immersion Enrollment page for more information.

Elementary

Meadow Brook Elementary School: Grades K-4

photo of the Meadow Brook Elementary building

  • No entrance proficiency testing for K-1.
  • Grade K: alternating days in Mandarin and English and one split day.
  • Grades 1-4: math, science, and language arts taught in Mandarin; social studies and English language arts in English.
  • Some special classes (e.g., music, physical education) taught in English.

 

5/6 School

Northern Trails 5/6 School

  • photo of the Northern Trails 5th and 6th grade building110+ minutes/day in Mandarin. Select language arts, social studies, and science standards may be taught in Mandarin.
  • Mandarin and English language arts taught in their respective languages.
  • Remainder core classes taught in English.
  • Same electives as other 5/6 buildings, taught in English.
  • Mandarin immersion students do not participate in world language Spanish elective.

5/6 Option

Goodwillie Environmental 5/6 School

  • photo of the Goodwillie Environmental School100% English instruction (Families are strongly encouraged to provide continued Mandarin language study.)
  • Must pass re-entry exam to re-enroll in Chinese immersion and continuing study in middle school.

 

Middle School

Northern Hills Middle School

  • photo of the northern hills middle school building77-97 minutes/day in Mandarin.
  • Mandarin language and literature, and English language arts, are taught in their respective languages.
  • Remainder of core classes taught in English.
  • Optional Mandarin Communications/Drama semester elective.
  • Same electives as other 7/8 buildings, taught in English.

High School

Northern High School

  • Image of Northern high main entranceMandarin Chinese immersion students can earn up to 28 college credits in Chinese within four years through a partnership between FHPS and Western Michigan University Extended University Programs.
  • Students must meet certain college admission requirements to become a WMU student; there are no costs to families for college credits earned through this program.
  • The program is housed at Northern High School; students do not have to travel to WMU’s campus.