Kennedy Mandarin Immersion

Continuing their journey into biliteracy and bilingual education, Kennedy students have a unique schedule of classes that offer enrichment and an immersive language experience–all while covering California grade-level content standards for Middle School. 

As of 2021-22, Kennedy offers a Mandarin Immersion program for students who have had previous Mandarin instruction. This is a continuation of Orion Alternative & Mandarin Immersion Elementary School's program.

Students forge cross-culture connections through speaking, listening, writing and reading, propelling students faster toward English and Mandarin proficiency, supporting them in the process of earning Biliteracy Attainment Recognition based on demonstrating specific proficiency criteria in English and one or more languages in addition to English.  

English Language Arts 

Lessons are organized around four main areas in ELA: reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language. Students in Middle School strengthen their knowledge of earlier ELA concepts in many ways, such as crafting longer-format writing, citing evidence, and applying critical thinking to reading increasingly complex texts. 

Grade Level Mathematics/Accelerated Mathematics

With a focus on understanding the “why,” California math standards for Middle School offer real-world applications of mathematical concepts. In grades 6-8, students move from performing arithmetic to algebraic thinking, using their ability to think like a mathematician. 

Science

Middle School science standards are broken down into three main areas: Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Cross-Cutting Concepts. Throughout grades 6-8, students examine Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. 

Social Studies in Mandarin

Students continue to hone Mandarin-language skills during Social Studies, covering key concepts and standards for Middle School such as cultural studies, interpreting various written and visual resources, and the study of historical events and timelines. 

Mandarin Reading and Writing 

Students immerse themselves in the written language of Mandarin through reading literature and writing texts, focusing on language development. Exploration of texts through classroom discussion further develops students' comfortability in their language skills. Students practice conversational Mandarin through real-life situations, such as ordering food, going to a concert, and asking questions while out and about. 

Physical Education  

Physical Education emphasizes the importance of personal health and well-being, teamwork, working cooperatively, and movement/motor skills. 

Elective

Students have a choice of enrichment courses. In addition to art, music, and drama, students may select Computer Science or robotics courses, where coding and programming of robots are taught.