Frequently Asked Questions


What is immersion education?

Immersion education is an approach to teaching language where the majority of subject content is taught in the second language. Studies show that immersion education students outperform students in traditional language classes, do as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests, and have a greater appreciation of cultural diversity.


Why immersion?

Research has shown that immersion students consistently meet or exceed academic expectations.

Second-Language Skills Immersion students are functionally proficient in the immersion language according to their age and grade level.

Performance on Standardized Tests Immersion students perform as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests of English and math administered in English.

Cognitive Skills Immersion students develop greater cognitive flexibility demonstrating increased attention control, better memory, and superior problem solving skills.

Cultural Sensitivity Immersion students are more aware of and show more positive attitudes towards others.


Why Chinese?

Chinese is the most widely spoken first language in the world, extending beyond the People's Republic of China and Taiwan to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines and Mongolia.

As America's business, social and political ties to China grow and flourish, it becomes increasingly important that Americans prepare to work effectively with the one-fifth of the world's population who speak Mandarin. Yinghua Academy provides the skills necessary for our children to do so.


Why Yinghua Academy?

"Yinghua Academy is remarkable in its accomplishments! I have been an immersion educator and consultant for more than 30 years and have worked with immersion programs throughout the United States and in several other countries. I would put this program in the top five percent of those that I have seen!" (Dr. Helena Curtain, 5/20/2009)

"Yinghua Academy has a happy, children-are-cared-for-here energy." "The level of Mandarin spoken and used in the school is outstanding!" (Dr. Tara Fortune, 2/8/2008)

"The program is among the best StarTalk Grant Award sites we have seen." "There is ample evidence of students learning resulting from excellent instruction." (Dr. Myriam Met, 7/13/2009)

Is Yinghua Academy a public school? Does Yinghua academy charge tuition?

Yinghua Academy is a public charter school and, therefore, is tuition-free for all students. Most of Yinghua Academy's operating expenses are paid for with the federal and state funding that the school receives based on the number of students who attend Yinghua Academy. Some expenses are paid for through grants that the school has been awarded and through fundraising.


What is a charter school?

Charter schools are independent public schools. They are part of the state's public school system, but operate independently of the traditional school district in which they are physically located.

Each charter school has its own governing board. Typically the founding board is a group of parents, teachers, and community members who came together to create a school with a particular focus (e.g., language acquisition, arts, math and science) or with a particular educational philosophy or approach to teaching (e.g., Montessori, classical education, project-based learning). After the school is operational, the school community (parents and school staff members) elects board members who become the governing board of the school. By Minnesota law, by the end of its third year of operation, a charter school must have a fully-elected board.

For more information on charter schools visit the Center for School Change website at www.centerforschoolchange.org, and the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools website at www.mncharterschools.org.


Does Yinghua Academy have a sponsor?

All charter schools in Minnesota are sponsored by an existing public or nonprofit organization such as a school district, a higher education institution, a nonprofit organization, or a foundation. Charter schools are accountable to their sponsors, their parents and families, the state, and the public for achieving measurable results in student academic achievement and for practicing sound financial management. Yinghua Academy's sponsor is Friends of Education, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Minnesota corporation that was founded in 1999. It does not have any religious affiliation. Friends of Ascension sponsors many charter schools in the metro area, including St. Croix Preparatory Academy, Nova Classical Academy, Paideia Academy, Seven Hills Classical Academy, and Beacon Academy. Friends of Education can be reached at EX0-01-A, 200 East Lake Street, Wayzata, MN 55391.


What are Yinghua Academy school hours?

The school day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The school office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students can arrive between 7:50 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., during which time they can attend Chinese homework help sessions or listen to stories read in Chinese or English.


Does Yinghua Academy have an Extended Care program?

The fee-based before-school program (6:30 - 8:30 a.m.) provides a gentle time to color, finish homework or do other quiet work. The fee-based after-school program (3:30 - 6:00 PM) includes outdoor play, homework time, tutoring, and cultural and enrichment programming, e.g., musical instrument lessons, theatre, pottery, and Kung Fu.


What is the Age Cut-Off for Kindergarten?

Kindergarten students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1 of the year they enter kindergarten.