The Academic Pathway - Full Curriculum - 18 M to 12 Grade
From first words to AP Chinese.
The only program in NYC with a structured examination pathway from age 18 months through 12th grade.
Foundation
18M – 5 yrs
Pre-YCT
Songs, movement, characters, and cultural play through arts immersion.
Primary
6 – 10 yrs
YCT 1–4
Reading, writing, speaking. Formal examination pathway begins.
Intermediate
11 – 14 yrs
HSK 1–3
Grammar, composition, and conversational fluency alongside performances.
Advanced
14 – 18 yrs
HSK 4–5 · AP · IB
College-level proficiency and AP Chinese examination preparation.
-
籽 · Zǐ · Seeds
18 months – 3 years · Parent & child
The very beginning of the journey. Songs, movement, first characters, and cultural play — all in Mandarin. Children at this age absorb language naturally, effortlessly, and joyfully.
-
芽 · Yá · Sprouts
3 – 5 years · Drop-off
A sprout reaching toward light. Immersive storytelling, songs, and early reading in Mandarin. Children begin to speak with confidence and express themselves in complete phrases.
-
蕾 · Lěi · Buds
5 – 8 years · Drop-off
A bud on the verge of blooming. Reading, writing, and the YCT examination pathway begins. Students prepare for their first semester showcase performance.
-
花 · Huā · Blossoms
8 – 12 years · Drop-off
In full bloom. Advanced reading, writing, and conversational fluency. Students progress through YCT 3–4 and begin HSK preparation alongside semester performances at Lincoln Center.
-
果 · Guǒ · Fruits
12 – 15 years · Drop-off
The fruit of years of learning. HSK 3–4, advanced fluency, composition, and performance. Students develop the deep proficiency that strengthens any independent school application.
-
华 · Huá · Brilliance
15 – 18 years · Drop-off
Brilliance — brilliant, radiant, fully realized. HSK 4–5, AP Chinese, and IB examination preparation. The only UES program taking students all the way to college-level Mandarin proficiency.
Full Curriculum -
18 M to 12 Grade
Every 籽 Seeds and 芽 Sprouts student performs in our Holiday Show and Annual Gala — held at Lincoln Center, Apollo Theater, and OPERA America's National Opera Center for audiences of dozens to hundreds. Nearly half of our Lincoln Center and Bryant Park performers are age 5 and under.
Formal exam preparation begins at 蕾 Buds level; exam targets are age-appropriate goals, not requirements.
Every class, every week
What every Hello, Mandarin class includes.
Every child is seen, heard, and challenged at their exact level.
6
Long enough for deep immersion. Short enough to keep children fully engaged.
45 - 90 mins
100%
Every class is conducted entirely in Mandarin from the very first session.
Unlimited make-ups within the semester, subject to availability.
Unlimited
Ready to begin?
Families from Brearley, Spence, and 28 more of New York's most selective schools have already chosen Hello, Mandarin. We'd love to meet your child.