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West Point High School showcases Mandarin program, announces AP Mandarin and dual-enrollment expansion
Summary
West Point High School presented its Mandarin program and Lunar New Year activities to the board and said Mandarin courses are dual-enrollment and will add AP Mandarin for 2025-26.
Teachers and students from West Point High School presented the district governing board with an overview of the school's Mandarin program and Lunar New Year festivities, and announced plans to add Advanced Placement (AP) Mandarin for 2025-26.
Why it matters: West Point's Mandarin program is offered as dual enrollment (students can earn both high school and college credit) and the school said preparing students with Mandarin language skills may support future local industry demands, including semiconductor companies signaling investment in the region.
Program details: Mandarin teachers Ting Ting Tsai (Tsai Laoshi) and Wei (last name Chi) described course sequencing (Mandarin 1-6), current dual-enrollment credits, and the new AP Mandarin course slated for the 2025-26 school year. They said dual-enrollment counts unique students rather than course-seats; the school reported 364 unique dual-enrollment students at another campus during an earlier presentation (Copper Canyon) as context for how dual enrollment is measured.
Cultural activities: West Point staff described a weeklong Lunar New Year celebration that included spirit week activities, lantern-making, a "wish bridge" where participants tied wishes handwritten on paper, distribution of red envelopes on campus and a planned cultural fashion show and lion/dragon dance at 1 p.m. Friday.
Student perspective: Two student representatives described their experiences in Mandarin courses. One student said Mandarin changed their perspective and inspired travel, and another said the class and club activities (field trips and cultural events) are enjoyable and build community.
Board reaction: Board members praised the program, encouraged expansion to other campuses, and noted the career value of bilingualism. Several members suggested the district consider offering Mandarin at additional sites and asked the presenters to share how the program could scale.
Ending: The board did not vote on a districtwide expansion or funding at the meeting but expressed support and asked staff to return with implementation options if expansion is proposed.
