Hopkins School District #270

Welcome To XinXing Academy and the magic of immersion education. XinXing Academy offers a wonderful opportunity for families who want to offer a language program to their child. Here at XinXing Academy, only Mandarin Chinese is spoken in the classroom until 3rd grade when English is introduced.

I reference the word "magic" when talking about immersion education because how children learn language when they are young is truly magical. Learning a language not only increases a child's language abilities, but also it provides a kind of mental gymnastics as the young child's brain develops. With over 40 years of research, immersion education has proven to be an excellent way to teach children to be bilingual while accomplishing the same curriculum standards as their English-classroom counterparts.

We are very excited to offer this program as Chinese becomes one of the most spoken languages and as China's place in the world economy continues to grow. The ability to understand Chinese culture and the language will be very beneficial.

XinXing Academy began in 2007, and we are adding a grade each year until 6th grade. After 6th grade, the Chinese program will continue into junior high and high school. If you look into one of our classrooms, you find the children truly engaged as they have fun learning through songs, stories, and hands-on activities. As in adult, it is hard to understand how learning Chinese almost seems effortless to them.

We have a remarkable parent group, and together with the teachers they provide cultural opportunities so that our children not only understand the language, but gather an understanding of a culture very different from our own.

Watching the children learn in a Chinese classroom has truly been amazing. If you have chosen XinXing Academy, I welcome you. If you are interested in our school, I invite you to visit. You are welcome to attend one of our informational meetings offered throughout the year.

Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome and appreciated. If at anytime you have questions, please call me at 952-988-4301 or email .

Sincerely,

Terri Sigüenza, Principal