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HI Now Daily Feature: Mandarin Immersion Program Builds Global Competence
Maryknoll School was recently featured on HI Now Daily, as host Kainoa Carlson visited campus to spotlight our Mandarin Immersion Program. This unique opportunity helps students grow in language, culture, and confidence from the earliest grades.
Director Marissa Bratton shared that the program began in 2017 as part of Maryknoll’s commitment to innovation and global competence, inspired by the Maryknoll Sisters.
The program begins in Kindergarten. Students spend half their day learning core subjects—like math and science—entirely in Mandarin. Teachers Emily Pettit and Yanyan Yang described an immersive, joyful classroom that uses songs, movement, art, and body language to make Mandarin natural and engaging.
- Chinese Bridge Speech Contest: Students present live in Mandarin, showcasing both language and confidence.
- HSK Hosting: Maryknoll hosts a globally recognized Chinese proficiency examination opportunity on campus.
- Beijing Sister-School Exchange: A ten-day exchange brings students and teachers together for authentic cultural learning.
By middle school, students are conversant and confident. Eighth-graders Brooklyn and Madison shared how Mandarin shows up in everyday life—from ordering meals for their families to helping friends read Chinese text. Mr. Wang, who has taught the program’s earliest cohorts, described the students’ growth:
The segment also highlighted hands-on cultural activities. Students practiced calligraphy and constructed lanterns for the Moon/Lantern Festival—connecting language study with tradition and the arts.
Learn more about the Mandarin Immersion Program and Maryknoll’s whole-child education at our upcoming Open House.
- Date & Time: Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 1–3 p.m
- Location: Maryknoll Grade School Campus, Maryknoll Community Center Gym: www.maryknollschool.org/openhouse
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lori Carlos '87
Director of Marketing, Communications, and Community Engagement
Email: lori.carlos@maryknollschool.org
Office Line: (808) 952-8460
Director of Marketing, Communications, and Community Engagement
Email: lori.carlos@maryknollschool.org
Office Line: (808) 952-8460
About Maryknoll School
Maryknoll School was founded more than 90 years ago by the Maryknoll Sisters and is Hawaii’s largest coeducational Catholic school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Maryknoll is at the forefront of innovation in education as the first school in Hawai‘i to offer Mandarin immersion during the school day. The school is committed to creating 21st-century learners, leaders, and global citizens of character.
