Our Policies

Welcome to the Hello, Mandarin family.

We have written these policies with care — not as fine print, but as a shared understanding between our community and yours. Our goal is simple: to create a space where every child feels safe, seen, and joyfully immersed in Mandarin from the moment they walk through our door.

Please take a moment to read through the below, and do share it with any family members or caregivers who attend Hello, Mandarin with your child.

Above all, we want you to know this: we see your child. We celebrate them. And we are so honoured that you have chosen Hello, Mandarin as part of their journey.

Thank you for being part of our community — it truly would not be the same without you and your family.

We are always here: info@hellomandarin.org · 122 E 83rd St, 2nd fl, New York, NY 10028

  • To secure your child's place in class, we kindly ask that tuition be paid in full at the time of registration. This allows us to prepare thoughtfully for each child and ensure the best possible experience from day one.

    As a small thank-you to families who enroll more than one child, we are delighted to offer a 5% sibling discount for each additional full sibling registration.

  • We completely understand that plans sometimes change. Should you need to withdraw before the term begins, we will gladly issue a full refund, minus a $50 registration fee to cover administrative costs.

    We simply ask that all withdrawal requests be submitted in writing to info@hellomandarin.org so we can process them promptly and warmly.

    Please note that once the first class of a term has taken place, we are unable to offer refunds or credits. We appreciate your understanding.

  • Your child's health always comes first. If your little one is feeling under the weather, please do keep them home to rest — we will miss them, and we will be ready to welcome them back with open arms once they are feeling well. We ask that children be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to Hello, Mandarin.

    If your child is unable to attend a scheduled class, a quick email to info@hellomandarin.org at least 24 hours in advance is always appreciated. Our classes are kept beautifully small, and each child's presence truly shapes the group's energy and joy.

    Please note that classes canceled with less than 24 hours' notice are not able to be rescheduled — we are grateful for your understanding and advance communication.

    We are delighted to offer unlimited make-up classes within the same semester. Here is how they work:

    • Make-ups are available before the semester ends

    • Availability is subject to space in existing classes

    • Please schedule by email at least 24 hours in advance — we love to be prepared!

    • Drop-ins, while always a lovely thought, are not possible for the safety and flow of our small groups

    • For classes offered once per week, we will do our very best to find a suitable alternative time or group

    • We always take care to ensure that make-up classes are appropriate for your child's age and proficiency level

  • In keeping with New York City Department of Health guidelines, we kindly ask that a parent or caregiver remain on the Hello, Mandarin premises throughout the duration of class. Your presence is not just a requirement — it is a wonderful part of our community.

    Should you need to step out briefly, please do let our front desk know and leave a contact number so we can reach you easily if needed.

    For our youngest learners — children under 2.5 YO, and any child still warming up to separation — we warmly invite the attending parent or caregiver to join in the songs, movement, and activities. Some of our most magical class moments have come from a parent singing alongside their child for the very first time. 🎵

    If a child becomes overwhelmed during class, we kindly ask that their caregiver step out with them for a moment and return once everyone feels settled and ready. There is absolutely no rush — we will be right here.

    A gentle reminder that siblings are welcome in our waiting space, but may not participate in classes unless they are registered students.

  • Our waiting room is a quiet, peaceful haven—a little retreat while your child discovers the magic just beyond the classroom door.

    To help us keep it that way, we kindly ask that:

    • Phone calls are to be taken outside the premises

    • Phones be silenced upon arrival

    • Any cell phone use in the waiting area should be limited to silent activities such as texting, emailing, or quiet streaming

    • Cell phones are put away entirely inside the classroom

    • Children accompanying a caregiver during a sibling's class should be gently supervised and settled with a quiet activity

    • Families arrive no more than 5 minutes before class, and are collected within 5 minutes after — this helps us maintain a calm, unhurried environment for everyone

    Thank you so much for your cooperation — it truly makes a difference to every child in the room.

  • We are a nut-aware community, and we take the safety of all our children very seriously. Several of our students have food allergies, and we are grateful for every family's mindfulness and care.

    If your child needs a small snack during their time at Hello, Mandarin, we simply ask that it be light and tidy — please avoid anything with crumbs, peanuts or tree nuts, or small pieces that could pose a choking risk. Thank you for looking out for all of our little ones.

  • We warmly welcome strollers — and ask that they be parked neatly along the wall by the door or the lobby inside Hello, Mandarin, so that our entrance and sidewalk remain clear and accessible for everyone.

    Please note that Hello, Mandarin is not able to take responsibility for strollers left outside the premises.

  • One of the things Hello, Mandarin families love most is the intimacy of our classes. We keep every group to just 3–6 students — not because we have to, but because we believe deeply that small, intentional cohorts produce the most joyful, effective language learning. Every child is known, seen, and celebrated here.

    Should you wish to transfer your child into a different class during the session, we are always happy to explore what is available.

    In the rare event that a class does not reach the minimum of 3 enrolled students within 14 days of the session start, we will reach out personally to each affected family to find a day and time that works beautifully.

    Please note that refunds cannot be processed after the first day of the session.

  • On those snowy New York City days, Hello, Mandarin follows the lead of New York City Public Schools. If NYC public schools are closed due to weather, Hello, Mandarin will also be closed.

    We love a snow day as much as the children do — and while make-up classes are not available for weather-related closings, we look forward to welcoming everyone back when the city sparkles again.

  • At Hello, Mandarin, we love to celebrate and share the beautiful moments that happen in our classrooms — the performances, the laughter, the pride on a child's face when they speak Mandarin for the first time.

    By enrolling at Hello, Mandarin, families kindly grant us permission to use photographs, video recordings, and interview content featuring their child in our school communications, events, and social media.

    If you would prefer your child not to appear in any photos or videos, we completely respect that — simply let our program director know in writing at the time of registration and we will note it with care.

  • We are so excited to welcome a very special group of children this summer for our 中文游 Summer Atelier. Because this is a boutique, limited-enrollment program, the following terms apply:

    • Full payment is required at registration to secure your child's place — spots are limited to 8 children and fill on a first-come, first-served basis

    • Families who need to cancel on or before May 15, 2026 will receive a full refund, minus the $40 registration fee

    • We are unable to offer refunds after May 15, 2026

    • Our Early Bird discount of $100 off is available through April 3, 2026 only — we'd love for your family to take advantage of it!

    • The Early Bird rate cannot be applied retroactively after the deadline

    We cannot wait to spend these two weeks with your child.

  • Hello, Mandarin reserves the right to thoughtfully update these policies from time to time as our community grows and evolves. We will always communicate any meaningful changes directly to enrolled families. Continued enrollment in our programs is kindly understood as acceptance of the current policy.