Yinghua Academy

A recent change in leadership (new director) has been very positive. The school has undergone some transition in recent years, but seems to be finding its way. Teachers are caring and work very hard to meet the needs of the students.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest has been attending this school for four years now. My middle child is in his second year. They are both fluent in Chinese and excited about learning. My daughter leaves 3rd grade at math time and joins a 4th grade math class as a gifted student. It is not just the language that is being taught at Yinghua, but all the core subjects as well. Fantastic educational experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Many families did not come back this year. Families are even now pulling students. No current leadership. Do your research before enrolling: charter, academics, special needs, administration.

I have two children at Yinghua Academy and feel very fortunate to be part of such a dedicated, positive and caring community. In the Fall of 2010, the school lost it's head Director, who was very well liked and respected. We were lucky to have a well known and very accomplished Immersion School expert come out of retirement and step in as Interim Director. The school benefited greatly from her leadership and is now poised to recruit a Director fitting of the school's excellent reputation and potential for growth. As parents, we knew whatever school we chose for our children had to be a good fit for them, as well as us. Yinghua's teachers are stellar, understanding the needs and differences of each student and how they learn. The Administrative staff is dedicated, child-focused, open and very supportive of the staff, students, and parents. But most important, the school has a wonderful community of parents who work cohesively to be sure the school has what it needs to be one of the very best in the Cities.
--Submitted by a parent

not professional! lovv qualities of teachers, directors and curriculum. Kids are learning casual chinese not academic chinese. kids are hard to keep up vvith other students in high school especially Math and Science.
--Submitted by a parent

Positives - your child will be immersed in Chinese education, not only in language, but also the culture. Negatives - Many teachers do not have state teaching licenses or prior experience teaching in America and/or grade level children. Teachers work very hard to meet the myriad of requests made by administration and go up and beyond the average public school teacher. Students at YA have supportive parents and parents should know that they will need to very involved as the child is learning in Chinese. Administrators do NOT give teachers TEXTBOOKS, they limit basic materials such as making copies and technology. Teachers are generally unhappy working for YA and turn over is high for many reasons. Admin has lost touch (or has no idea) what students and teachers need. While test scores are high, a high amount of academic pressure is put on the children. Your child will have A LOT of homework, which is fine if you are OK with that. It will also mean your child will have little time or opportunity to do other things. Kids report very stressed by the quantity of work.
--Submitted by a parent

Yinghua Academy has a rigorous curriculum and test scores are among the best in the state. I can t believe that my daughter can speak Chinese so well at such a young age. Nothing short of amazing is what this school does. However, there is a lot of homework and parent involvement is a must, so it s not for everyone.
--Submitted by a parent

Some of the teachers here are working hard. But there is not a good curriculum system at the school. And the directors are not professional.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel very fortunate that my children are able to attend Yinghua Academy. They are learning all the essentials (reading, writing, arithmetic), but also learning a strategic language (Mandarin) with native-level fluency. The staff and teachers care about the students, about the school, and about the community. Parents are involved, but not (dare I say?) annoying so. It's a perfect balance. Strongly recommended if you want to give your child a language advantage for his/her future, while also ensuring he/she masters the standard elementary and middle school courses.
--Submitted by a parent

innovative school with passionate teachers and staff. All good.
--Submitted by a parent