SchoolNotes

"Relatively few public students are currently learning the Chinese language, but experts predict the number of K-12 schools offering such instruction will soon soar. With China poised to become the next global economic superpower, policymakers say it’s essential that American schools expand their Chinese studies.

"Worldwide, 1.4 billion people speak Chinese. An estimated 30,000 to 50,000 K-12 students are now studying Chinese in U.S. schools, but that includes students who are taking private lessons after school or on weekends.

"Some 3,000 K-12 students are enrolled in the Chicago Public Schools’ Chinese World Language Program, a program notable for being entirely in public schools during the regular school day and primarily serving non-Chinese students."

Look for the the WYYPCS folks during this coming weekend's Chinese Lunar New Year's parade and celebration down on 7th & H Streets NW.

• 10:30am, Saturday, February 9; Info Session, Church of Our Savior, 1616 Irving St NE, Brookland
• 11am, Saturday, February 23: Lantern Festival for Prospective Students, Turkey Thicket Rec Center, Brookland
• 12:30pm, Friday, March 7: Info Session: Chinatown Community Cultural Center, 616 H Street NW, Chinatown
• 10am, Saturday, March 8: Info Session: Big Bear Café, 1700 First Street NW

Download flier

"Washington Yu Ying PCS, that is opening in Sept. 2008. We are a Chinese language immersion school and will start off with PK-1st grade and grow 1 grade per year (up to 8th), traditionally like other charter schools in the DC area. We're going to be leasing space in Brookland for the first 2 years and then hope to find permanent space in Ward 2. We have several upcoming events/info. sessions for prospective parents, neighbors, etc."