FAQ - Helpful Directions | Rockville Chinese School

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FAQ	Monday, June 8, 2026

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Can my four year old enroll?

Rockville Chinese School accepts children as young as four. Four and five year olds start in Level 1, our preschool level. Classroom material and activities are specifically developed to match our young students attention span and skill. We strive to create a fun and low stress environment so children enjoy the learning experience. By the end of the year, children graduate with a vocabulary of a 100+ mandarin words. Example of topics covered: numbers, colors, shapes, greetings, animals, family, question words.

What kind of classes are offered at Rockville Chinese School?

We have classes in Mandarin Chinese for a variety of levels of proficiency, from beginner to experienced speaker, preschool to high school. Through our Cultural Arts School we offer numerous programs: free Tai Chi classes, Martial Arts, Karate, Basketball, Chinese Calligraphy, Chinese Folk Dance, Adult Chorus, and Adult Line Dance.

Do I have to enroll in a language class to take a cultural arts class?

No. Students are not required to sign up for a language class in order to enroll in a cultural arts class (eg. basketball, martial arts, dance, chorus, etc). In fact, with so many interesting cultural arts classes, some students attend for more than one cultural arts class.

Along the same lines, those wanting to take mandarin classes, are not required to sign up for a cultural arts class.

Is class taught in english?

Our teachers are fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and English. Class instruction tends to be a mixture of Chinese and English so non-native speakers are comfortable following along.

Do all students come from a mandarin speaking home?

We are proud to say that students at Rockville Chinese School come from a diverse ethnic, racial, linguistic background. We have many adults and children enrolled who are from non-Chinese backgrounds. All you need is a curious mind & a desire to learn!

What is pinyin?

Pinyin is a system using the letters of the English alphabet to represent the pronunciation of Chinese words. Pinyin is a tool to help students learn to speak Chinese. Many of our classes use pinyin to help students learn Chinese pronunciation.

What textbooks do you use?

Most classrooms work off the Chinese Made Easy for Kids series (traditional version). Assigned classroom textbooks, workbooks, audio files, and other materials will be available for purchase at the beginning of each semester.

Are students taught traditional or simplified characters?

At Rockville Chinese School, the students are taught traditional chinese characters. We feel that traditional characters carry more of the Chinese history, culture, and essence of each word.

Where Can I Find Information About ... ?

Location of RCS, directions, & map -- see "RCS Welcomes You!"

Afternoon classes (music, art, martial arts, etc.) -- see "Cultural Arts School"

RCS Principals -- For current principals, see "RCS Staff"

Snow days -- see "For Parents"

Sports program -- see "Cultural Arts School"

Tools for learning Chinese -- see "For Students"

OCAC, Chinese embassy, TECRO, Chinese newspapers, Chinese bookstore -- see "For Parents"

Buying grocery certificates, phone cards, seasonal fruit -- see "RCSPA"

eScrip & inkjet cartridge recycling -- see "RCSPA"

Information for parents, student health & safety, FAQs, organization of RCS, RCS bylaws -- see "For Parents"

Legal notices -- see "About Us"

There's a storm forecasted, will the school be open?

Try any of the following sources:

Phone: Montgomery County Schools 240-777-2706 (after school hours only)
Radio: 103.5FM, 103.9FM or 107.7FM
Website: WTOPNEWS.COM

How can I become more involved?

Great question. You can become more involved in supporting the school and students by being a room parent, signing up for one of our volunteering opportunities, becoming a Parent Association Officer, or joining a committee.

Where's the volunteer sign up sheet?

Parents are encouraged to sign up for at least one activity per semester. In our "For Parents" section, you can find a link to our sign up sheet.