Irvine International Academy - Irvine, California

Anna A.

My child has being going to IIA since last year. We love the school. Teachers are great, a lot of exposure to Chinese language, Singapore math, help with the homework during after school hours. The principal, Dr. Bean is very attentive to the parents questions/ ideas and does his best to make sure every student succeeds. And the good thing worth mentioning is that the exposure to dual immersion program is completely free. My only hope is that Dr. Bean and his team will be able to create a middle school as well!

R C.

My daughter had a wonderful experience last year. Her Chinese improved greatly. Her class had fun doing different science and hands-on projects and went on two awesome field trips! They also sang and performed on cultural days. Made so many friends and fond memories. The school had some hiccups along the way being in its first year, but overall an excellent school year! We are excited for a new year and new leadership team. Teachers, staff, families and community all coming together to ensure our kids have the best dual lingual education!

Peter S.

We are proud parents of 3 kids at Irvine International Academy. With the 2nd year well underway, we have witnessed tremendous unity and leadership of teachers, staff, and our new Superintendent/Principal Dr. Bean.

This school is truly a hidden gem, with staff and parents who genuinely care and pour TLC into our kids. And the kids are learning a ton more compared with the local Irvine public school that they came from in prior years.

And it's not just academics, it's also the emphasis on discipline and character. Kudos to the staff and parents who are making year #2 of IIA a true turnaround success.

D O.

My kids love being at IIA! We have no background in Mandarin, but we wanted our kids to be fluent in another language. IIA gave us an immersion opportunity, cost-free, and in the Irvine school district, which is highly regarded. Science is my daughter's favorite subject and this school is directed at STEAM success.

There were some bumps last year, however the new leadership is solid and stellar and it's already my son's new favorite place. He told me it's better than jiu jitsu (and he LOVES jiu jitsu). I can't recommend it enough!

W W.

Finally a tuition-free Mandarin/English dual immersion school for all the kids in Orange County! I really appreciate the school founders' vision and perseverance so my kids can attend Irvine International Academy and learn Mandarin in an immersive way. Most European and Asian countries require their elementary students to learn foreign languages. Being multilingual in a global world is a valuable asset itself.

IIA has as much of a focus on Math, Science and Arts as the languages. The school is setting up an amazing STEAM lab where students can explore and learn through experiential-based simulations. My kids' favorite class is science class where they can work on hands-on projects. The school adopts Singapore Mathematics curriculum, which is also used by the best private schools around the country. This is another reason for me to enroll my kids in IIA. Singapore Mathematics curriculum focuses on the basic math skills, problem solving skills and develops logical thinking skills. This will build a solid math foundation for students' future endeavors. And I'm glad there are homework assignments on Math, English and Mandarin every day.

The dedicated teachers and staff at IIA are working very hard to make IIA the best for the students. I hope that IIA will soon add 7th grade and 8th grade!

Anna A.

Our son has been attending IIA since it opened and we are so grateful for the dedication and love the teacher and staff. We do not speak Chinese at home and he's done great in the program with the wonderful teachers and teachers aides. The program not only teaches Chinese and STEAM, but they do it in a way that the children love learning and don't feel pressure which our family feels is so important for our kids future success.

April G.

My kid loves the school, it is priceless experience for those children who want to learn both languages. The school are also doing great job on Science and Math. IIA 的学生在今年的学业测试中获得了相当出色的成绩。76%的 IIA 学生的数学超过了标准成绩，尔湾学区是 74%。84%的 IIA 学生的科学成绩超过了标准成绩！

Joanna H.

Attention prospective parents:

My child was enrolled the first whole year of this school and I volunteered during the school year. This is from a concerned parents perspective.

1.) TEACHERS’ CREDENTIALS/EXPERIENCE: Current teachers (English/Mandarin)- what are their credentials and experience? Do your job and compare to IUSD teachers.

2.) PRINCIPAL FIRED: Distinguished/Successful Principal Chuang has been fired. The only one that had experience in running a successful Mandarin Immersion Program is gone. Do you feel comfortable having NO ONE in admin/IIA board with the background in running a successful mandarin immersion school?

3.) TURNOVER RATE: Majority of mandarin teachers have resigned from IIA. Why is that? How were they treated for this mass exodus to occur?

4.) Approximately a few weeks left until school starts, how will this school find experienced, credentialed and good Mandarin teachers to fill in all the ones that have left and new positions? They need to find 6!

5.) SAFETY: Is this school safe with NO DOORS and no nurse currently? Does your neighborhood schools have the basics of doors to keep your kids safe?

6.) POLITICAL: Look into whom they have recently hired.

7.) OPTIONS: Consider all your options for your kid’s education. Are there other well established mandarin immersion programs in neighboring cities? Can I enroll my child after school in the numerous mandarin schools nearby?

8.) MORE INFO: Information/documents can be found in FB group “Parents of IIA”.

Again PLEASE do your research before sending your children to this school. I wish I did.