Upper Middle Grade Expansion Updates
Building the Next Chapter of Mandarin Immersion at College Park
This is an exciting next chapter for College Park! The expansion of our Mandarin Immersion program into the upper middle grades has been years in the making and is rooted in the San Mateo-Foster City School District’s Mandarin Immersion Master Plan. This expansion represents an important step toward creating a strong and continuous Mandarin immersion pathway for our students as they grow from elementary school into the middle grades.
We know that building a great middle grades experience is about much more than simply adding another grade level. We are approaching this work thoughtfully, intentionally, and collaboratively, bringing together students, families, staff, and district leaders to help shape what the future of Mandarin Immersion at College Park will look like. We are considering academics, Mandarin language development, staffing, student experience, and the skills and experiences we want our students to have by the time they complete the program.
Our expansion will begin with 6th grade next school year, giving us the opportunity to build a strong foundation before growing into 7th and 8th grades in the years that follow.
There is a lot of exciting work ahead, and we want our community to be part of the journey. This page will be the central place for updates on the Upper Middle Grades Expansion, including planning updates, community engagement opportunities, key decisions, and important milestones as we build the next chapter of Mandarin Immersion at College Park together.