Orinda Mandarin
Chinese Language Program

Mandarin language instruction

for elementary and intermediate school students in the Lamorinda area.

The mission of the Orinda Mandarin Chinese Language Program is to promote the acquisition of Mandarin language through a rigorous but enjoyable curriculum, providing our students with the ability to speak, read and write in Chinese. Our non-profit program is modeled after the highly acclaimed Piedmont Language Program. Over 70 students are now enrolled in classes from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Studies show that a child has a limited window of opportunity for easily and proficiently acquiring additional languages; this language window shuts in middle school, limiting the ease and likelihood of acquiring proficiency or fluency in a foreign language. Children are capable of developing the intonation and pronunciation of native Chinese speakers if they start early enough. If you're interested in exposing your child to a foreign language, now is the time to act!

The Orinda Mandarin Chinese program admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in adminstration of its educational policies, scholarship, and other school programs.

Classes are held at the following locations:



Enrollment

We're now accepting enrollment for the Fall 2024 semester. The semester runs from Monday, September 16 to Thursday, December 12. You can complete the enrollment form online. Deadline for enrollment is Thursday, October 31.

Fall classes

We are disappointed to share that classes will only be offered at Sleepy Hollow Elementary and OIS. Our Wood Hall location will no long be an option but we hope to be back in Holy Shepherd in 2025.