Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many students will be enrolled in a class?
A: No more than 12. We value small class sizes at WCLS.
2. We have been enrolled at a different Chinese school for many years and have studied using the Zhong Wen textbook. What textbook do you use? Why should we switch our family to WCLS?
A: We use two books for the heritage Chinese learners. For 1st to 3rd grade, we use Maliping textbooks and for 4th grade to 8th grade, we use Standard Chinese textbooks. For more information about your child’s transfer into WCLS, please email us at wcls2010@yahoo.com. We will evaluate your child’s ability level and make a recommendation for you child. WCLS is unique in the fact that we offer exclusive MaLiPing methods to our lower grades to build a strong foundation for their Chinese learning. We add conversational and practical Chinese learning in the higher grades so that the students can relate their study to their daily life. In addition, our small class size makes us stand out as well.
3. My child is in preschool. Can I register him/her for classes?
A: All classes have a minimum age requirement of 5 years old. Toilet training is required. Some classes for the youngest children are designed to have the parent with the child.
4. How much does a class cost? What does my tuition cover?
A: Please refer to our Registration page for tuition rates that cover a whole school year. Each Chinese class includes two 40-minute sessions with a 10 minute break in between. Culture classes vary; most are an hour long. Additionally, there are separate registration and book fees. The Registration fee of $50 is deposited and is bundled into the tuition. There will be a late fee of $25 reflected in the tuition rate after the Sunday within one week before school starts.
5. Do you offer a sibling discount?
A: Yes we offer a 5% sibling discount.
6. My child is 5 years old and she never learned Chinese before although we speak Mandarin at home. What classes do you recommend for her?
A: You may want to start with the Kindergarten Chinese class.
7. We do not speak Chinese in our family. What classes do you recommend for my children?
A: For your family, we recommend our suite of “BCL” classes (Basic Chinese). You may want to start with Basic Chinese I class if your children meet the minimum age requirement of 5 years old. For older children, we offer a Level II class with more advanced Chinese language skills. Our expectation is that a student in bilingual Chinese class will eventually transfer to the standard Chinese class when the student masters the basic Chinese language skills.
8. Is your school open Monday to Friday?
A: Yes. The school has two programs: Sunday program hours are 1:00 – 5:00 pm on Sunday, and the afterschool program hours are 3:00 – 6:00 pm on Monday through Friday, except 12:00 – 6:00 pm on Wednesday.
9. How do I receive school notices via the email list? How do I post email messages to the WCLS’s email list?
A: WCLS’s email list service is for teachers, parents, students, and school staff only. For new families, your email will be added to email list by our supporting team within two weeks of your registration to WCLS. If it has not been added within that period of time, please send an email to wcls2010@yahoo.com with your full name, email, student’s name and class for verification.
10. How do I change my email address on the school email list?
A: Please send an email to wcls2010@yahoo.com with your full name, old, and new email addresses.
11. What is the tuition refund policy?
A: For Sunday classes, we allow a student to try out a class for 2 weeks. If the student drops the class before that, we offer 100% refund, minus the registration fee of $50. For annual registration, if a class is dropped before the spring semester starts (please refer to our calendar), 50% tuition is refunded (minus the registration fee of $50), and no refund will be offered after the spring semester starts with the exception of medical reasons per Principal’s approval.
For afterschool program, tuition for each period is charged on the 1st day of each month. Withdrawal from the program requires 30 days advance written notice, regardless of your child’s attendance. Tuition will be charged at the rate of the current contract for no less than thirty days after submitting written notice of withdrawal, plus the registration fee of $50.
For any withdrawal and refund request, please fill out the google form online –
12. How do I send my payment?
A: You make the payment when you register. If your payment did not go through with the registration, please wait for our school to send you payment request. If you register in the middle of a semester, follow the same registration process using the online form and submitting the payment. Then, please email us at wcls2010@yahoo.com and we will partially refund you with the pro-rated rate.
13. Why am I on a waiting list?
A: When the class registration is full, you will be put on the waiting list. We will make every effort to open a new section of the class to accommodate you, pending sufficient enrollment.
14. Do you offer adult education?
A. Yes. We offer Adult Art and Vocal solo Techiques for Adults.
15. I’d like to teach for you; I have an idea for a class. Whom should I contact?
A. Please contact us at wcls2010@yahoo.com. Thanks!