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Natomas Charter Mandarin program spotlights cultural trips, student exchange and growing enrollment
Summary
Board heard a presentation on the Mandarin program’s growth, student performances, cultural trips to China and planned summer exchanges; staff and students described free or subsidized international experiences and community performances.
The board received a presentation on the Natomas Charter Mandarin program on March 10 that described its growth, cultural programming and international exchange opportunities for students.
Mandarin teacher Yvonne Chen told the board the program provides four years of Mandarin instruction, student performing‑arts clubs (dragon dance, lion dance, kung fu) and cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year and Moon Festival. Chen said Mandarin enrollment at the charter has grown roughly 60% in three years and that participants have doubled the number earning CELFI literacy recognition.
Chen and students described partnerships with Chinese schools and nonprofit youth‑ambassador programs that have enabled multiple student trips to China. Students who attended recent trips recounted visits to the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, museums, high‑speed trains and cultural performances; they described the experiences as "culturally enriching" and said the travel included full or substantial scholarships in several cases.
Staff said the program coordinates field trips to San Francisco’s Chinatown, Angel Island and other cultural sites and that some performing groups perform at local events including Sacramento State and community festivals. The program also offers student opportunities for community service hours and college‑application advantages tied to sustained language learning.
Board members thanked the teacher and students for the presentation and for the work of prior program leaders noted by staff. The board recorded appreciation for the program’s role in supporting global perspective and cultural competency among students.
