Language Transition from Spanish to Mandarin

 

In 2026, due to community interest, staffing considerations, and curriculum goals, TYWLS Astoria is now offering Mandarin as the only second language course pathway beginning in Grade 8 through high school. 

Mandarin is the second most widely spoken language in the world, unlocking pathways in international business, diplomacy, technology, and global leadership.  Additionally, learning Mandarin deepens understanding of one of the world’s oldest and most influential cultures, expanding students’ perspectives and strengthening their awareness.

We are happy to welcome Katherine (Jinxia) Wang as our DOE certified Mandarin teacher to the team, working closely with our 8th Grade Team.

Virtual Spanish 3

We acknowledge that there are students who are going into their last sequenced course in taking Spanish as their secondary language this school year. We have partnered with NYCDOE Virtual Learning Classroom to offer this group of students the Spanish 3 course. This course is programmed on the students scheduled day with a virtual DOE certified Spanish teacher and a teacher in the classroom. 

World Language Checkpoint A Exam, formally known as SLP Exam (Secondary Language Proficiency Exam)

We understand that TYWLS Astoria does have a large population of native Spanish speakers or graduates of elementary Dual Language programs with various levels of Spanish proficiency. As a point of clarification, these students are not able to take the Checkpoint A/SLP exam in Spanish without taking the course. Please review the NYC DOE MS Academic Policy for more information.