P.S. 184 Shuang Wen

I know it's hard to do, but if you try to ignore the political battles that are happening between the administration and the parents, you will see that in the classrooms, great things are happening. My daughter who didn't read when she entered K, shocked my husband and I when she started to read by herself sometime in October. We only speak Mandarin at home, so this was all due to the incredible teaching of her Kindergarten teacher. It is true that there is a strong focus on academics, but how is that not a good thing? One should not forget that the kids have free play time, recess, gym, music, art, etc. as well as school trips (although a lot less than before this investigation tied up the school's finances). The children learn to bond with one another and my daughter asks me to plan paydates outside of school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a former parent of a child who attended Shuang Wen during the reign of the former Principal. I find that the SWAN after-school program had on quantifiable measures to show that a child was achieving certain goals according to grade. I also found that children of parents that the administration liked were given advantages like being admitted into the SHSI even if they didn't qualify economically, while students who qualified were never even told about the program. I am also aware of teachers who would do false reports to ACS against parents the Principal didn't like. The school is now well on its way to becoming a great school under the present interim Principal who is a firm believer in REAL Dual Language and not babysitting which is what SWAN became in the upper grades. To those who think that having a Chinese child speak Chinese is great, I say you are deluded. To those Chinese parents, and others who realize they have been sold a bill of goods, I say support the new Principal and help her make Shuang Wen a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

Under our principal Ms.LingLing, Shuang Wen WAS a great school! no pain no gain. students must study very hard here. Since Ms.LingLing is not here,(2011 Sept) it is a big mess here. I rate this school 5 starts-- is for Ms.LingLing! Ms. LingLing we miss you much!
--Submitted by a parent

Shuang Wen is a great school, but not for my child.The 2009-10 school year was her last. Although the teaching staff was great, there really is no plan for children struggling in Chinese.The already long day of 8:30 - 5:30 was extended to 8- 5:30 for extra Chinese tutoring.My daughter's hours in school exceeded my own work day! As she moved up in grades, her frustration only grew and as much as the idea of my child being fluent in Mandarin appealed to me, a burned out 8 year old did not.It was not an easy decision to move her, but I know it was the right one.Again, Shuang Wen is a great school for the right child. I don't feel like I didn't work hard enough as a parent, or my daughter did not do her part as a student, it just didn't work for her. Good luck!
--Submitted by a parent

First off, this is a great school. The after school chinese program is very good and forces the kids to learn. Parents who tend not to want to make an effort (because it is such a demanding school) don't send their kids here. As a result, most of the kids are well behaved and smart. Most parents are involved which helps the school be even better. The class work is very demanding, so the kids learn a lot. If you send your kids here, they will graduate very smart. My daughter is 6 years old can hold a conversation in mandarin. The graduating class trip was to China and The Chinese New Year show this past year was amazing!! The show was like a off-broadway production. Now, with the goods there are always bads. The school work is very demanding not to mention the day starts about 8:30 and ends about
--Submitted by a parent

This program is really too rigorous and inflexible for 3-to-6 year olds. But my 6-year old is completely fluent in Mandarin, a language I do not speak. It is amazing to watch him understand and respond when spoken to in Chinese. Families have to be completely committed to this program as a lifestyle. If they are willing to accept the many drawbacks and if they prioritize bilingual education they will be happy with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Parent that admits their children into this school knows the long hours, academic challenge, high expectations from students, teachers and parents. We work together as a team. Graduates return to school to thank teachers and Ms Lingling, principal, for their hard work.
--Submitted by a parent

My Child go there, she are very happy and like this school. she told me she like her classmates and teacher ms. william.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a fantastic dual language school. All the staffs and teachers are kindly. Parents are nice, and she can learn both English and Chinese.
--Submitted by a parent

My grandchildren attend Shuang Wen School. I have met their principal and their teachers. They care about each child's progress academically and personally. My grandchildren speak English and Chinese. They are very happy and like their school. They are receiving a well rounded education in a supportive and caring environment.
--Submitted by a parent