Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enroll my child in Mandarin immersion programs?
As with all programs, students must be at least five years old by September 1 of the year they begin. Students wishing to enter the program after kindergarten (late entry) must demonstrate minimum grade level language skills in reading, writing, and speaking. Space must also be available. Please contact the schools directly for more information.
You must submit a School Choice application by the deadline: you can download an online application at www.schoolchoice.pps.k12.or.us or submit a paper application to the Enrollment and Transfer Center, at 501 North Dixon, first floor, room 140. Applications should be available in January, after the Celebrate PPS event.
For more information on the Portland Public Schools Enrollment and Transfer process, including the application and lottery, please visit the School Choice Website, or call the Enrollment and Transfer Office at (503) 916-3205.
How does the lottery system work at Woodstock?
Families self-select for the program. Anyone can apply, with the only restriction being that the he or she is fluent in Mandarin or in English. Woodstock accepts students based on a district-wide lottery system, with students who have siblings already in the program receiving priority. We subsequently admit in-neighborhood students, followed by in-district students, followed by students from outside the district. All families must attend one of the mandatory informational meetings at Woodstock. A schedule for those meetings can be found at the School Choice website, or by contacting the office.
Can I apply if I live outside the PPS enrollment area?
Yes. Families who are not PPS residents during the School Choice transfer cycle can apply to the immersion program but district families will be considered first in the lottery. Students living outside the PPS district need to first get a release from their school district, so that relevant school dollars will be transferred to PPS.
How do I provide support for my child if none of us speak Mandarin Chinese at home?
Most importantly, you can support his or her learning of English by reading to him or her, helping with homework, etc. Strong first language development is critical for strong second language development.
You can create opportunities for your child to be exposed to a Mandarin speaking environment at community events such as Chinese New Year celebrations. You can take them to see Chinese movies, and subscribe to Chinese newspapers and television programs. There is tutoring before and after schools, as well as summer camps to support students?language learning.
Do we have priority to get into the program if we speak Mandarin Chinese?
No. Students need to be fluent in Mandarin or in English to be eligible for the program. The school of your choice will perform a language assessment prior to acceptance.
What content areas are taught in Mandarin Chinese?
At Woodstock Elementary (K-5) math, science, portions of social studies, and Mandarin language arts are taught in Mandarin Chinese. At Hosford Middle School (6-8), social studies and Mandarin language arts are the focus. The high school program will also involve content instruction in Mandarin Chinese, but the specific content areas have not been determined.
How can my child become a Flagship scholar?
To become a Flagship scholar, the student must demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Mandarin Chinese, as well as perform at a high academic level. In order to reach this high level of Mandarin proficiency, students must be diligent in their Mandarin classes from early on, and take their Mandarin content coursework in high school very seriously. Summer immersion camps and summer language institutes with some in-country time can prevent loss of language skills, and help them progress over the summer months. By sophomore or junior year, the student must clearly indicate his or her interest in becoming a Flagship scholar.
Is there a guarantee that my child will enter the UO Flagship program if he or she completes the PPS Flagship program?
No. Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the Chinese Flagship program at the University of Oregon:
- High school senior with advanced (level 2) proficiency in Mandarin Chinese
- U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency is required
- Academic excellence with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
Immersion education: What is it and how does it work?
Please explore these resources to better understand the philosophy and implementation of immersion education:
