Mandarin Chinese Classes for Kids & Teens in NYC

China Institute, New York:
Established in 1926, China Institute is a Mandarin Chinese language school in Manhatten, New York and offers intensive Mandarin Chinese immersion programs for preschool, kindergarten, elementary and high school children. For students with a substantial prior background in Mandarin, China Institute offers a seven-week intensive Chinese language program in Beijing, China. For students with little or no prior background in Mandarin, the Institute offers a six-week long Mandarin Chinese Summer Immersion Academy in New York City. The program is directed especially at disadvantaged youth whose families may not be able to provide them with access to the opportunity to learn Mandarin.

China Institute Summer Language Academy for High School students in New York City:
China Institute, through a generous grant from STARTALK, a project of the National Strategic Language Initiative, will offer scholarships to 25 New York metro-area high school students to attend a six-week Summer Language Academy in New York City.

Equivalent to one semester of high school Mandarin Chinese, the China Institute-STARTALK Summer Language Academy will emphasize oral communication in Mandarin Chinese, while also introducing students to reading and writing, and to the richness of Chinese culture through hands-on studio classes and local field trips in New York City.

To be selected, applicants must have no more than one year of Mandarin Chinese learning experience.

Summer Study in China:
China Institute’s Summer Study in Beijing offers high school students the opportunity to receive intensive language training while being immersed in Chinese society and culture. Through rigorous small-group daily language lessons, it is expected that they will acquire the equivalent of a full academic year of Chinese. Special features of the program include accommodation in host families with resident teenagers, cultural activities as well as social activities with fellow students and Beijing residents, weekend overnight excursions and community service.

Children's Program:
China Institute's Chinese for Children Program offers classes after school during the academic year. Children gain familiarity with Chinese language and culture in active classroom environments. Instruction centers on a "whole language" approach in which teachers introduce all four elements of language acquisition: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Classes are taught by native speakers or near native speakers with extensive experience. All classes are 30 sessions and last a whole academic year. In addition, private tutoring is available. We also offer exciting family workshops, ranging from dance and storytelling sessions to lantern- and dumpling-making workshops.

Offsite Children’s Classes:
China Institute offers after-school classes for various age groups in many schools throughout the city, including Dalton, and The Berkeley Carroll School, some of which are open to the public.

Private tutoring through the China Institute offers a flexible alternative to regular language classes. After preliminary discussions, families and tutors decide on the most convenient class schedule and location. For every student, our experienced, native-speaking teachers design a customized syllabus addressing the child's specific learning style and strengths. Instructors use games, songs, and other fun activities.

Summer Programs:
China Institute offers a variety of summer programs for people of all ages. Children ages 3-7 may participate in the China Institute fun-filled Summer Camp, learning songs, dance, art and, of course, Mandarin. High school students can apply for the Summer Immersion Academy in New York City or the Beijing Summer Program. Adults can choose from a variety of language courses, including a 6-week intensive Mandarin language program.

At China Institute, summer provides new ways to teach and learn the Chinese language and culture.