The Benefits of Early Chinese Learning for High School

Chinese is one of the most popular language classes offered by high schools in the Bay Area. Most high schools offer 4 levels of Chinese language classes, and many students only study a language for two or three years in high school.

High School Chinese 1 is the entry level Chinese class. Some students find that it is difficult to understand if they haven’t been exposed to Chinese before. Compared to English, Chinese is a tonal language, it uses a completely different writing system, the grammar and syntax are different, and it conveys different cultural values.

Starting to learn Mandarin in the 7th or 8th grade can give students a head start, so they will feel more confident when they start their Chinese 1 classes.

If a student has made good progress with Chinese language learning after starting in elementary school or early middle school, they may be able to start at a higher level in their high school Chinese class, and potentially become fluent in Chinese by the end of high school.

The high school Chinese Placement Exam is the exam that determines which Chinese level a student will start with in high school. This exam assesses the student's proficiency in Chinese, including their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The exam is administered by the child’s future high school around March and determines whether the student will be placed in Chinese 1, Chinese 2, Chinese 3, or Chinese 4.

Chinese is a valuable language to learn in today's globalized world. If you're looking for a high-quality Chinese tutoring service to prepare your child, consider KellynKai. Our tutors are knowledgeable and friendly. Our personalized Flashcard Mobile App helps students memorize vocabulary between lessons, and our curriculum is effective and easy to follow.