Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Mandarin Immersion?
Language immersion is a unique educational model where children learn to think, read, write and communicate naturally in two languages: English and the target language (Mandarin). Students are “immersed” in the Mandarin language. They study different subjects through the target Mandarin language.
Why begin learning a foreign language in Kindergarten Immersion program?
Years of research indicates that immersion is the most effective way of learning a foreign language. Young children are more likely to develop authentic and native-like pronunciation. Starting at a young age, students are able to reach advanced levels of proficiency.
What are the goals of Mandarin Immersion Program?
Our goals are bilingual, biliteracy and multiculturalism. Language Immersion students will develop the awareness of global citizenship and increase their job opportunities in the future.
Will there be some orientation dates in the near future where we can learn more about the MIP program?
Yes. In November and December, we host orientations and school tours. These dates and times are posted on our school website. If you miss these orientation dates, please reach out to our school office at (949) 643-1540 to schedule a personalized tour.
What’s the policy on language immersion program admission?
Board policy 5111.5 (b) states that families who live in our immersion school attendance area are considered first, then siblings, CUSD families, and CUSD employees. If space is available, we will consider families outside CUSD.
How early can I apply for Transitional Kindergarten in the Mandarin Immersion Program?
Your child must be 4 years old by September 1st. Applications for the Mandarin Immersion program are accepted during an established timeline. Students can enter MIP without a Mandarin language proficiency assessment in Transitional Kindergarten through First Grade.
Can my student enter the program after Kindergarten?
Students who wish to join the Mandarin Immersion Program after 1st Grade must meet specific eligibility criteria. For more information, please contact the District Office at (949) 234-9259.
Students entering the program in second grade or higher are required to complete a Mandarin language proficiency assessment through the Office of Language Acquisition. This assessment evaluates the student’s ability to read, write, listen, and speak in Mandarin.
How large is the Kindergarten class? What's the teacher-student ratio?
Currently our Kindergarten class teacher and student ratio is 1 to 24. Each kindergarten class has a bilingual classroom assistant.
How long is the school day? Is there full-day Kindergarten?
Our school day in grades 1-5 is from 7:45am-2:05pm (M, T, W, F). We have early-out on Thursdays and school is from 7:45-12:50.
The Kindergarten program is a full day program; 7:45 - 1:55pm (M, T, W, F) with early out on Thursday 7:45 - 12:40pm.
Our full day TK program for the 2025-2026 school year is 8:00-1:45pm (M, T, W, F) and 8:00-12:25pm on Thursdays.
What instructional model will be used?
Our Mandarin Immersion Program is a one-way language immersion program, designed for students whose primary language is English. The amount of Mandarin instruction gradually decreases each year as students become more proficient in both languages.
TK–Grade 1: 80% Mandarin, 20% English
Grade 2: 70% Mandarin, 30% English
Grades 3–5: 50% Mandarin, 50% English
This gradual transition supports strong Mandarin language development while maintaining high levels of English proficiency across all grade levels.
Do you teach simplified or traditional characters?
Our program will begin with traditional Chinese characters in elementary school and then introduce simplified characters in middle school. Research and experience show that it is easier to transition from traditional to simplified characters, but not the other way around. By learning both systems, our students will gain a deeper understanding of the language and culture, and will be better equipped to connect with communities across different regions. We believe this dual-system approach will give our students a distinct advantage and open more opportunities in our global society.
Do you teach Taiwanese phonetics (ZhuYin) or Pinyin?
We teach Zhuyin starting in Kindergarten. Pinyin is introduced in the 3rd grade.
What are the qualifications of a Mandarin Immersion Program (MIP) teacher?
Our Mandarin Immersion Teachers are required to hold a California Multiple Subject Credential with a Bilingual Authorization in Mandarin (BAMA) or a BCLAD (Bilingual, Cross-Cultural, Language, and Academic Development) Certificate in Mandarin.
Do I need to speak Mandarin Chinese in order to help my child?
Not at all! Our program was designed for students of families who do not speak Mandarin. Teachers will send home supporting materials when appropriate. An online component is available for home access. Parents can help their students review the content online at home.
Does this program continue in middle and high school?
Mandarin Immersion Program is a K-12 program that continues through 12th grade. Students in MIP attend Newhart Middle School (grades 6, 7, and 8th) and Capistrano Valley High School (grades 9-12th).
We do not live within Capistrano Unified School District boundaries. Can my child still attend Bergeson?
Yes. Bergeson welcomes applications from both families who live within the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) boundaries and those who live outside the district.
What documents do I need to verify my child's age?
The following documents are acceptable documents for verification of the pupil’s age:
- An official or certified copy of the birth record;
- A statement by the local registrar or county recorder certifying the date of birth;
- A baptismal certificate or official hospital record of birth;
- A passport; or
- When none of the above is obtainable, an Affidavit for Proof of Age of Minor signed by the student’s parent/legal guardian may be accepted. Please note, this is not a District created form, this is an affidavit that would be provided to the District.
The District will not require documentation that may indicate a student’s or parent’s national origin or immigration status, such as a passport, to the exclusion of other permissible documentation.
Copies of the above-listed documentation will be accepted and reviewed for verification purposes only; copies shall not be maintained by the school site after the student’s age has been verified.