Frequently Asked Questions:
What kind of curriculum does WVCA offer?
The development of our curriculum is based on the foreign language education guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Education, which emphasize the development of skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. We offer 11 levels of classes that range from learning Pinyin – to the highest-level classes, which include Book 9 and Chinese Advanced Placement (AP) Preparation.
Our students come from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, some from Chinese speaking families, and others from non-Chinese speaking families. Our experienced teachers will apply various teaching methodologies based on the different backgrounds of students in each level.
What can my child expect to learn, and what resources are available if my child needs help?
With the guidance of their experienced and knowledgeable teachers, students will be taught how to speak Mandarin, write Chinese characters, write essays, read stories, and read the news, in the classroom environment.
The students will however, be required to complete homework every week.
We can also recommend experienced tutors to help your kids at home if they need extra assistance.
Do you offer preschool classes for toddlers?
Yes, we offer a Parent & Me class for toddlers between the ages of 3 and 5. This is a great opportunity for mommy, daddy, or even a grandparent to join in the language learning experience with their young ones. These young students are exposed to the Chinese language and culture through various fun activities, such as folk songs, and arts & crafts, etc. This class has become very popular since it was introduced in Fall 2014.
What is the cost of tuition?
Annual tuition for the 2022-2023 School Year is as follows:
Parent & Me Class – 1 hour/week – $450
Pinyin to Book 2 – 3 hours/week – $725
Book 3 to Book 9 – 3 hours/week – $725
Additional students from the same family will receive a $50 discount in their annual tuition.
All new students are required to pay a $100 one-time registration fee.
When does the school year at WVCA start? What is the schedule?
Our school year is comprised of 32 weeks, broken up into two semesters by winter and summer breaks.
Our school year usually starts on the first Sunday after school starts for the Los Angeles Unified School District. The first class session begins at 9:30 a.m., and the second session begins at 10:30 a.m. There is a 10-minute break in between the two sessions. The third session begins at 11:30 a.m., and ends at 12:20 p.m.
Click on “Calendar” to see our calendar for the school year.
How can I enroll?
You’ll find a link to our online application under “Apply Now” on our website. A signature page will be send to you through email after completing the online application. You will need to print out the signature page, sign it, and either submit it in person at the school, or mail it to: WVCA, P.O.Box 8276, Calabasas, CA 91372.
Before your registration is complete, you will need to click here to pay your tuition fees online, or pay by check in person, or by mailing it to our mailing address. All tuition and fees must be paid in full by the first day of school.
Please contact us at (818) 381-9822, or email wvca@wvchineseacademy.org, if you have questions, or need more information.
Does the school offer any extracurricular activities?
In addition to instruction that students receive in the classroom every Sunday, we also host several Chinese culture events and field trips every year. Students also participate in a school-wide Chinese New Year Celebration, and complete a cultural project, to complement what they have learned in the classroom.
Is Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese used at WVCA?
We start out by teaching students in lower-level classes Simplified Chinese characters and Pinyin – the foundation of standard Mandarin pronunciation. Students in upper-level classes will also learn to read Traditional Chinese characters.
Will my child learn if we do not speak Mandarin at home?
We understand that learning a foreign language is never an easy task for a student, especially if he/she is unable to practice at home. Three hours per week is far from enough to manage a language that will not be used frequently. However, online materials are available to help support your child’s learning experience, even if you don’t speak Mandarin at home.
Do the teachers assign homework?
A homework book will accompany the textbook for the class. Students are required to complete the homework assigned by their teachers each week so that they can practice the content they learned that week in class, and prepare for any quizzes or tests.
What is the average class size?
The average class size is about 10 students for lower-level classes, and we have smaller class sizes for our upper-level classes.
Can I volunteer?
WVCA is a nonprofit organization that is supported by the help of our parents/guardians. All parents/guardians are encouraged to support our school by taking part in various volunteer tasks. These include, but are not limited to the following tasks:
- Recess safety supervisor on the school campus
- Helping organize events/fundraisers
- Classroom parents
- Coordinating academic, cultural, or other school activities
- Serving as a member of the WVCA School Board
- Joining the administrative staff