中At Hiba Academy, we believe language is more than a skill—it’s a gateway to new ways of thinking, learning, and connecting. Research shows that bilingual learners develop sharper focus, greater mental flexibility, and stronger problem-solving skills than their monolingual peers. Regularly switching between languages, known as “code-switching,” strengthens the brain’s executive function, boosts creativity, and encourages innovative thinking.
Learning a second language fosters resilience, adaptability, and empathy. It opens the door to seeing the world from different perspectives and cultures. The practical advantages are significant: English and Chinese are the primary languages of the world’s two largest economies, central to international business, technology, and culture. Mastering both languages creates opportunities from Silicon Valley to Shanghai.
While our philosophy emphasizes interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven learning, we intentionally dedicate time to developing deep skills in both English and Mandarin. This balance ensures students gain strong conceptual understanding across subjects while also building a solid foundation in language.
English: Students build on a strong phonics foundation, advancing in vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. They engage with complex texts and learn to express themselves clearly in writing.
Mandarin: Students progress from oral fluency to character recognition and writing, focusing on stroke order and meaning. Over time, they expand their vocabulary and write increasingly sophisticated texts.
Across both languages, Hiba Academy students achieve the fluency, precision, and nuanced thinking skills needed for future academic and professional success. Our bilingual advantage equips them to navigate—and shape—a rapidly changing, interconnected world.
From their first days at Hiba Academy, children experience bilingualism as second nature. Our balanced 50/50 model immerses children in both Chinese and English daily, with native-speaking teachers teaching all subjects —from math to music—following a shared curriculum. Beyond developing fluency, this approach equips them with the intellectual agility and cultural insight they need to learn, collaborate, and grow—wherever life takes them.
Students at Hiba Academy Bay Area continue with the 50:50 model established in the Early Years. They learn in Mandarin and English equally. Both languages are taught by native speakers, providing authentic language acquisition and cultural understanding. This balanced approach develops fluency in both languages, broadens cultural perspectives, and strengthens cognitive flexibility.
