Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School

Accepting Applications for 6th Graders for Fall 2010.

Interested parents or guardians are required to attend an information session prior to submitting an application. Applications are available at the information sessions.

Although we have waiting lists for K and 1st grades, we are continuing to accept applications for these grades. We have openings for 6th grade for Fall 2010.

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Upcoming Information Sessions

Date/Time:	August 7, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Location:	317 Russell Street (Rt. 9), Hadley, MA

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Equal Opportunity Provider

In accordance with Federal law and United States Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice). USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Our Mission

The Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School (PVCICS) prepares K- 8th grade students for academic and personal success through rigorous study and instruction aligned with the state and federal government standards, augmented with Chinese language and culture. PVCICS's goals are to graduate students with excellent scholarship, high proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and English, plus sensitivity to multiple cultures. PVCICS serves the Pioneer Valley region.

Our students learn Chinese and English in a a natural interactive setting.
(Photo: Don Treeger, 1/21/08, Springfield Republican)

School Calendar and Hours

PVCICS complies with state requirements for the minimum number of days and hours open. PVCICS operates 180 days a year. PVCICS’s Kindergarten and 1st grade operates on a full-day 7 hour schedule from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. For older students, PVCICS operates on a full-day of 7 hours and 45 minutes from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Students may start arriving at 8:15 AM. The longer day is seen in other charter schools and allows more time for instruction and enrichment activities.

Educational Program

Our students learning in an interactive small group activity.

PVCICS uses a "one-way" immersion model, meaning most students will enter the program with no knowledge of Chinese. Chinese language acquisition will occur naturally by using Chinese as the language of instruction during a portion of the day. This approach is becoming very popular because it produces high academic outcomes and bilingual/biliterate students.

As a Massachusetts public charter school, PVCICS offers a curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. PVCICS students receive instruction in core subjects (mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies) and in art, music, health, and physical education. Students also study Chinese Language Arts and culture. PVCICS will administer the MCAS tests.

Six-year-olds sing a Mandarin song in Portland, OR's Chinese immersion program. (Photo: Rick Bowmer, AP, 1/3/06)

In grades K-1st, 75% of the daily instruction is in Chinese and 25% in English. In grades 2nd-5th, 50% of the daily instruction will be in Chinese and 50% in English. In grades 6th-8th, 25% of the daily instruction is in Chinese and 75% in English. English Language Arts is always taught in English by a teacher with native English proficiency. Subjects taught in Chinese are taught by a bilingual Chinese/English teacher with native or near-native proficiency in Chinese. Art, music, health and physical education is taught in English or Chinese.