Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese Dual Language Program


Mandarin Chinese is one of the core language programs at Intercultural, offered from Early Childhood through Middle School at both our Chicago and Oak Park campuses. This program is dedicated to teaching the Chinese language alongside the traditions, stories, and values that shape its culture. Our curriculum supports students in developing biliteracy in Mandarin, with a focus on practical communication and cultural fluency.

As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Mandarin opens the door to global opportunities and meaningful cross-cultural connections. From tones and characters to calligraphy, songs, and celebrations. The guidance of our fluent instructors, students engage with the beauty and complexity of the language.

Intercultural also maintains strong relationships with sister schools in China, providing students with authentic cultural exchange experiences and a deeper connection to the language. These partnerships bring global perspectives into the classroom and support a broader understanding of Chinese culture and daily life.

The journey to mastering Mandarin Chinese is both intellectually rewarding and culturally enriching, inviting students to explore a language with deep historical roots and growing international relevance.

Our Language Approach

At Intercultural Montessori, our dual language model evolves with each stage of development, blending immersive language instruction with academic growth and cultural exploration.

Early Childhood

Our youngest learners are immersed in the target language during the morning work cycle, when focus and engagement are at their highest.

  • Target Language Immersion All Day

  • Fluent Target Language Teachers guide songs, stories, and routines in the target language

  • All Language Students Together in one classroom community, fostering inclusion and shared experiences

  • Language is absorbed naturally through hands-on exploration, conversation, and play

Lower Elementary

As children transition into more structured academics, the dual language model becomes more balanced and intentional.

  • 50% English, 50% Target Language instruction throughout the day

  • Two Lead Teachers: one English-speaking and one target language-speaking

  • All Language Students Together during the day, with Split Language Groups for targeted instruction with the appropriate language teacher

  • Students develop reading, writing, and cultural fluency in both languages

Upper Elementary & Middle School

Older students continue building biliteracy while engaging with more advanced academic content.

  • Balanced English and Target Language Instruction

  • All Language Students Together for integrated learning experiences

  • Language-Specific Instruction in reading, writing, literature, and cultural studies

  • Students deepen their critical thinking, research, and communication skills in both languages, preparing them for high school and beyond

Children and adults in a classroom celebrating a cultural event with a dragon dance, including a colorful dragon costume and decorations.

Our Chinese Teachers

  • Woman wearing a red sleeveless dress, smiling, with long black hair against a plain background.
  • Person smiling, wearing a black shirt, standing against a plain background.
  • Smiling woman in pink blouse with long dark hair, standing against a plain background.
  • Person with glasses, wearing a lavender sweater, against a plain background.
  • Woman with glasses and long dark hair wearing a white cardigan and a light-colored top
  • A woman with glasses and long dark hair wearing a black and white striped sweater, smiling, standing against a white background.
  • A woman with long dark hair, wearing glasses, a light blue collared shirt, and a black sleeveless sweater, smiling at the camera, standing against a plain white background.
Meet the Teachers

FAQs

  • Not at all! Our curriculum is designed to welcome beginners while also supporting heritage speakers.

  • Students engage with Chinese culture through calligraphy, music, literature, and celebrations such as Lunar New Year. These experiences are built into daily learning.

  • Yes! We maintain a relationships with a sister school in China, providing authentic cultural connections and enriching our students’ global perspectives.

  • Early exposure supports strong language development, cognitive flexibility, and future opportunities in a globally connected world.

Other Languages