New Jersey Based Sets International Standards in Immersion Education

Branchburg, NJThe New Jersey based school, Global Pioneer Academy has, for several years, set the pace for immersion language programs for children and is now leading the global dialogue on best practices in immersion programs for children. The center, located in Branchburg, New Jersey opened just two short years ago, as an extension of a larger education company based in Beijing. The goal: provide an exceptional childcare experience that has a foundation of both American educational standards and simultaneously offers true mandarin immersion for all students. Theyre doing just that.

The school provides a balanced staff of both native English and Mandarin speaking teachers and staff, and each classroom has structured lessons in both languages. Children as young as 8 weeks are introduced to Mandarin through daily conversations, play, games and song so that they build a foundation of the language from the very beginning and build upon their language skills as they grow and transition to older classrooms. By two years, children have begun to master the basics of colors, shapes, daily greetings and core language skills, in both English and Mandarin.

The program is incredibly unique, as parents, we were shocked to see how quickly our son (now 3 years old) has picked up the language and how he uses it in daily life, outside of the school setting. We often find him counting toys, singing songs, and describing things in Mandarin, and we have to use an online translator to check what hes saying said Jennifer Thompson who is a parent at the school. As professionals, were very much so aware that Mandarin is an essential language in the global economy and so were thrilled to find center that really gave our child an introduction to these skills.

Over the past several years, as the center has grown, the owners have seen in increased priority on immersion education on a larger scale. We know how important immersion programs are, and with over 15 years experience teaching Americans in China, were confident of our immersion program methods, said Sally Zhang, President of Global Pioneer Academy. Weve taught Mandarin to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, diplomates and their families and children, weve seen how mastering the language sets them apart from the crowd. The United States Government and International Educational Community agree. There has recently been a number of revisions to school curriculums to include mandarin immersion for children in primary and secondary schools.

Because of our international work, people know us, they know our reputation and methods. We began immersion programs over a decade ago and naturally, they began reaching out to us as they embarked on developing their own programs, said Zhang. Weve provided teachers, curriculum, and training to hundreds of schools and have invited leaders throughout the United States to China as part of developing programs in their schools. Were committed to ensuring that immersion programs are implemented with best practices in mind. We recognize that we cant possible meet all the needs of every community, but were committed to the mission of language immersion. Partnering and offering support to our schools in New Jersey and throughout the world is our way to ensure that the vision is realized.

With the growing need for mandarin immersion schools here in New Jersey, Global Pioneer Academy is set to open its doors to their second center in late 2016 and is leading the dialogue to set accreditation standards for immersion schools. For more information on their programs and partnership opportunities for schools, visit their website at www.globalpioneeracademy.org.