Programs & Classes

New Sprouts Chinese School was created three years ago by a group of parents seeking quality Chinese education for their children in Oakland. Over the years, the school has grown to accommodate children from all over the Bay Area ranging in age from preschool to grade school. Our goal is to excite and engage children in the language and cultures of China by immersing them in a fun and interactive environment full of new learning and discoveries.

Program Overview

We offer classes in Mandarin Chinese, with an emphasis on language and culture. Class instruction is conducted immersion-style in Mandarin by experienced teachers from China. The focus of the beginner class is to develop the student's listening and speaking skills. Each lesson incorporates greetings, music, new vocabulary, writing exercises, and games/folklore. The Grade Level classes (G1/Level 1+) are to develop student's speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Our lessons are appropriate for all levels and our curriculum is progressive. Our unique curriculum incorporates a well-established online learning tool for at home reinforcement, included in our tuition fee. Our teacher-to-student ratio is exceptionally low, 1:10 (toddlers) and 1:12 (school aged). New students will be assessed prior to class starting for proper class placement.

Friday A.M. classes are for toddlers & preK kids, 2.9 years old through 5 years old only. Choose 9am or 10am. This is a 50-minute drop off class with lots of rug time, music, movement, crafts and a snack break.

Saturday and Sunday classes are for school-aged children, entering grades PreK/K-6. Choose Sat. 9am or 10:30am or Sun., 3pm or 4:30pm. Class instruction is 75 minutes long, conducted immersion-style. Children are introduced to the verbal and written language of Chinese through interactive and fun activities, music, and cultural games.

Fall 2008 Weekend Class Schedule

• Fridays, September 5 - December 19
  • For Toddlers/PreK kids 2.9 – 5 years
  • 50 minute sessions, 15 sessions total
  • 9am OR 10am
• Saturdays, September 6 - December 20
  • For entering PreK & Grades K-6
  • 75 minutes sessions, 15 sessions total
  • 9am OR 10:30am
• Sundays, September 7 - December 21
  • For entering PreK & Grades K-6
  • 75 minutes sessions, 15 sessions total
  • 3pm OR 4:30pm
• Holiday Schedule (School Closed)
  • 11/24 - 11/30 Thanksgiving Break
  • 12/22 - 1/29 Winter Break
  • 4/3 - 4/12 Spring Break
  • 5/22 - 5/25 Memorial Weekend
• Special Dinner Celebration for Mooncake Festival, Sun. 9/14, 6-8pm (RSVP required)

Download Application Form for Fall 2008 Classes.

Afterschool Programs

Starting this Fall, CCEA will begin offering afterschool Mandarin program at Chabot Elementary, Joaquin Miller Elementary and Redwood Day School in Oakland. Enrollment is through each respective school and reserved from matriculating students of each respective school. Enrollment to the public is subject to availability. Please contact CCEA Coordinator for additional questions.

2008 Summer Camp

The 2008 Summer Camp program is currently in session. For more information on the camp, click here.

Class Location and Procedures

• All classes are held at The Lake Merritt United Methodist Church (1255 First Avenue entrance, between 12th & 15th Street in Oakland).
• Limited parking is available in the church lot. For directions to the school, please visit http://www.lakemerrittumc.org/directions.htm
  
• Parking may be limited due to other church events. Please allow extra time for parking so that your child can arrive to class on time.
• Students are required to bring their textbook and homework assignments for every class.
• Homework assignments are provided after each class for additional reinforcement and review and provides parents a way to know what their child is learning. This Fall we will be providing optional online homework assignments for all grade levels for more at-home reinforcement.
• This is a drop-off class only. Parents may stay in the first two classes to help your child acclimate to the new environment. If other arrangements need to be made, please contact your child’s teacher directly.
• Please make sure your child comes fed and well-rested. There will be a stretch break during class.
• Parental supervision is required at all times on church property (including outdoor play structure and in the sanctuary) before and after class.
• A class roster and email contact list will be sent to all registered families two weeks after class begins. Please notify us when your child is not able to attend class so we do not worry!
• CCEA New Sprouts has a yahoo group list where we post updated news, announcements, and registration schedules. All new families will be sent an invitation to join.
• We are open for enrollment twice a year, fall and spring semesters, and have an Open House for all interested parents from 12/5 to 12/7.
• New students are required to attend a mandatory assessment upon enrollment (date tbd).

Refund Policy

• Siblings receive a 10% discount off tuition.
• No refunds will be given after 9/12/08.
• Enrollment for the Friday Toddler classes will be accepted throughout each semester and tuition will be pro-rated. Enrollment in all other classes requires the full semester's tuition regardless of start date.
• Switching between Saturday and Sunday classes permitted only if space is available.
• Classes are subject to cancellation if class minimum is not filled. New Sprouts will refund checks or accommodate a second date/time preference.
• If you wish to discuss a specific issue, please call the New Sprouts Coordinator at 510-206-1777.