Mandarin Program

Concordia offers a rigorous and varied Mandarin curriculum from Preschool to Grade 12 that values the unique features of the Chinese language and culture.

We offer multiple course levels to meet students’ needs and language development levels. New students are assessed upon arrival and placed in an appropriate Mandarin class based on their current level of ability.

Our creative team of native-speaking Mandarin teachers create developmentally appropriate lessons and activities to match the language abilities of each student, no matter their degree of exposure to the language.

Two Pathways of Mandarin Study

Chinese Language & Culture (CLC)

The CLC pathway is designed for students with varying degrees of exposure to Mandarin, from beginner to advanced.

The CLC pathway helps students acquire communication skills and cultural awareness by interweaving the study of Chinese language and culture. Students learn effective ways to express themselves in both social and academic interactions using written and spoken Mandarin.

Chinese Language & Literature (CLL)

The CLL pathway is designed for students with substantial exposure to Mandarin and/or for those who use Mandarin as a primary language at home.

The focus of the CLL pathway is to enhance learners’ literacy development, and appreciate the functionality and aesthetics of the language. This pathway equips students to use Mandarin as a vehicle for expressing thought, creativity, and analysis, and for engaging in both social and academic interaction.

Overview of our Mandarin Program

Opportunities to Expand Mandarin Learning

In addition to Mandarin courses, extracurricular offerings such as Chinese Club and Chinese Honor Society allow students to develop their knowledge of Chinese culture while enhancing their language and leadership skills. Our heritage Mandarin courses and co-curricular offerings are equally suited for high school students who are coming to Concordia from other top schools.

Extracurricular Program

Practicing Chinese Culture and Spreading Gratitude in the EC

EC Mandarin teachers have introduced our students and teachers to some fun and educational activities that have had them learning more about Chinese language and culture and practicing gratitude.

Our Stories

Concordia Student Wins Prestigious Chinese Writing Prize

“If a person wants to be challenged, they have to write in ways they’ve never done before…Writing is a process of trying,” says Emily, who recently won 2nd prize in the 24th National New Concept Writing Competition.

Movable Type Printing to Usher in the New Year

Our ES Mandarin teachers designed for Grade 3 students in their Advanced Native Chinese classes a special unit called Chinese New Year culture, which includes CNY food, poems as well as a glimpse of how ancient Chinese royal families celebrated the festival.