Mandarin Curriculum

Students in Washington Square Academy’s Mandarin Program take the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) Test at the appropriate level at the end of Grades 6, 7, and 8. (Note that students can begin their Mandarin studies in Grade 4; however, they will not take their first HSK Test until the end of Grade 6.)

HSK is China’s national, standardized test of proficiency in the Chinese language for non-native speakers (similar to the TOEFL in the United States). Students who successfully complete WSA’s Mandarin Program are well on their way to obtaining full HSK certification, a qualification that may open many doors for them not just personally, in terms of a love and understanding of this beautiful language and culture, but also professionally, in terms of educational and employment opportunities.

Information on the relevant levels of certification can be found HERE:

Grade 6: HSK Level  I
Grade 7: HSK Level II
Grade 8: HSKLevel III

Course materials for each grade level include elements of the HSK Curriculum as well as a variety of teacher-generated sources designed to motivate and inspire each individual student. At Grade 8, these materials are supplemented with Cheng & Tsui’s Integrated Chinese texts and workbooks.