English-Chinese Bilingual Program
Edmonton Alberta 53° 32' 46.34" N, 113° 29' 28.47" W Group
The English-Chinese Bilingual Program provides the opportunity for any students within the Edmonton Public School system to learn both the English and Chinese languages and to share knowledge of the Chinese culture within the context of the Alberta curriculum.
This program is unique in North America, both because it is a complete continuum of studies from kindergarten to high school graduation, and it is accomplished all during regular school hours.
A Brief History
In 1982, an experimental English-Chinese language program was introduced at the kindergarten level in Edmonton Public Schools. The success of this initiative led to the formal establishment of the English-Chinese Bilingual Program in 1983. Each subsequent year led to the establishment of a higher grade (Grades 1 to 6).
The Chinese Language Arts component was approved by the Edmonton Public School Board in January 1989 to the Junior High level (Grades 7 to 9).
In February 1992, Senior High levels (Grades 10 to 12) satisfying International Baccalaureate (I.B.) standards for Mandarin were approved. The lead class graduated from high school in 1995.
From a start of 33 kindergarten students in 1982, the program has grown to around 1800 students (Kindergarten to Grade 12) today!