Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is this program about?
Hip Wah is a 4-week summer program that offers children exposure to Chinese and Chinese American culture. The Hip Wah curriculum emphasizes hands-on activities. Children are grouped by grade levels, beginning in 1st grade running through 7th. Grades 1–5 attend classes in culture, Chinese music, Chinese instrumental music for grades 4 and 5, Brush Painting, Mandarin language and outdoor cultural activities. Grades 6 and 7 learn about Chinese American influence on U.S. society.
2. What are the hours?
Daily, Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 2:00pm.
3. Is there Before Care and After Care?
Yes, Before and After Care are optional programs offered for an additional fee. Before Care, from 7:45am – 8:45am and After Care, from 2:00 – 6:00pm.
4. What is the cost of the program? And for child care?
The cost for the 4 weeks is $595. Child care is $5 an hour, but this rate is discounted if prepaid for full time care for the entire month. For more information, see the Fee List.
5. Can we enroll if we’re not Chinese?
Hip Wah is opened to children of all ethnicities.
6. My child doesn’t speak Chinese? Is that okay?
Fluency in Chinese language is not required. Hip Wah offers daily Mandarin lessons. Most of our children do not speak Chinese.
7. Can we enroll for one or two weeks only?
We encourage participation for the entire four weeks. If a student cannot attend for the entire four weeks, FULL tuition must be paid. Tuition will not be pro rated, or refunded.
8. What is the class size?
We limit the number of enrollment for each class. The maximum number for the 1st grade is 17, 20 for the 2nd grade and slightly higher for the other grades.
Each class has one teacher and one or more aides. The aides are all former students of Hip Wah.
9. What is the difference between Hip Wah 2 and Hip Wah 3?
Hip Wah 2 has a daily instrumental music class, while Hip Wah 3 does not. Both classes explore the Chinese-American experience in today’s society. Hip Wah 2 does this by critiquing what is available in the media and Hip Wah 3 does this by conducting field trips (3-4 trips per week). Hip Wah 3 also has volunteered at a Chinatown senior center once a week.
10. Is there a lunch program?
Yes. Hip Wah offers an optional daily hot meal, which is served on campus at a cost of $3.50 per meal.
11. Does my child have to participate in the Music Festival?
We encourage all children in our music classes to perform at the Music Festival. This year our Music Festival will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010.