Frequently Asked Questions

Students must live within D220 boundaries and be enrolled in D220.

Students of all abilities are welcome to apply to enroll.

• Students with 504s, IEPs, and/or gifted/extended placements are able and are part of D220’s Chinese Immersion program. 

Students entering grades K-12 are able to apply to enroll based on the metrics below.

• No prior background in or exposure to Mandarin is needed for students who enter the program in kindergarten or before winter break of 1st grade.
• After winter break of 1st grade, students are welcome to join as long as space allows, but must prove proficiency in Mandarin.

“The teachers have been great about identifying my child’s needs and incorporating IEP goals and accommodations.”
–Tracy M., Parent of a 1st Grader

As long as space is available, a kindergartener (even with no experience) may apply to enroll at any time of the year. 

As long as space is available, a 1st grader (even with no experience) may apply to enroll up through winter break of 1st grade.

As long as space is available, any student post-winter break of 1st grade or higher may apply to enroll at any time of year, but must prove proficiency in Mandarin. 

Contact the Director of Language Programs at D220 as listed on D220’s CI website for more information.

“We moved to the district when our kids were entering K and 1st grade. Our Kindergartner was able to join the program right away however there was no space initially in the first grade cohort for our 1st grader. A space opened up late in the year when a family moved out of the district and we moved our 1st grader into the program. We enrolled both in the CI summer school class as a supplement and a way to see their friends and were so impressed with how quickly our 1st grader caught up to her peers. By the end of second grade it was as if she had started with the rest of the cohort in Kindergarten. We’re so happy and thankful for the opportunity to join late and have two children who can speak and read mandarin.”
–Matthew B., Parent of 6th and 7th Graders

D220 will employ a lottery system for the incoming kindergarten cohort if more students apply to enroll than seats are available.

• Note: D220 has not yet ever needed to use the lottery.

Visit D220’s CI website for more information.

“I moved to Barrington for the CI program. I wish I didn’t waste so much time stressing out about the lottery. My kid was accepted into CI right away – it was only an email!”
–Tracy M., Parent of a 1st Grader

First, register your child(ren) in D220.

• Visit https://www.barrington220.org/families/register-a-new-student for more information and to do so.

After your registration is submitted, contact the Director of Language Programs at D220 as listed on D220’s CI website.

Incoming kindergarteners, review the “Ready Set Kindergarten” page for detailed steps: https://www.barrington220.org/families/ready-set-kindergarten

Nothing

Students remain at their host elementary school for grades K-5; this may or may not be your home school. As of January 2026,

• Class of 2030 (incoming kindergarteners) will attend North Barrington.
• Class of 2029 (current kindergarteners) attend Countryside.
• Class of 2028 (current 1st graders) attend Countryside.
• Class of 2027 (current 2nd graders) attend Rose.
• Class of 2026 (current 3rd graders) attend Rose.
• Class of 2025 (current 4th graders) attend North Barrington.
• Class of 2024 (current 5th graders) attend North Barrington. 

Students attend Station Middle School for grades 6-8.

Students attend Barrington High School for grades 9-12.

Changes to the host school rotation schedule are very uncommon, but have happened in the past. 

Contact the Director of Language Programs at D220 as listed on D220’s CI website for more information.

“An unexpected bonus of having kids at different schools is that they get to enjoy each other’s school activities — multicultural nights, art shows, concerts, and more!”
–Zaoli Z.., Parent of 1st and 3rd Graders

“Juggling multiple schools for my kids wasn’t as difficult as I expected. The benefits of the program FAR outweighed those few inconveniences.”
–Erin L., Parent of 1st, 4th and 7th Graders

Families learn so much about the program as they gain experience. Here are just a few examples discoveries from parents of older students:

• “Students with no experience in Mandarin can enter the program until winter break of 1st grade. It’s amazing how quickly they catch up with their peers if they don’t start on the first day of kindergarten!”
• “My kids picked up the language so quickly. It’s been fun to take them to Chinese restaurants and watch them order food for our family and interact with the staff.”
• “Being a part of the CI community has helped my child develop a confidence I never expected!”
• “Because the CI program draws students from across the district, my son has made friends with other students we probably wouldn’t have met otherwise due to our different home schools. Now I can’t imagine our lives without these dear friends.”
•  “My daughter loves her CI friends but has found a great balance outside of CI. She’s developed new friendships through after school sports, Girl Scouts, and free play at recess.”
• “I registered my child for KEEP at our homeschool and had her bussed there after school. It’s made pick-up so much easier since we don’t live close to our CI host school. My child has also made new friends in KEEP who live closer to our neighborhood.”
• “The CI community is strong, tight knit, involved, and passionate. The friendships we’ve made as a family (parent and kids), are forever.”

“The best part of the program is that it is self-sufficient. Teachers ensure students have all the resources they need to learn and are always available to answer questions. Non-Mandarin-speaking parents are reassured that their children receive the support they need to succeed.”
–Deepta R., Parent of a BHS Freshman and CI Graduate

D220 provides no-cost bus services to all eligible families. The vast majority of students meet the district requirements as listed below to get free transportation to and from school, whether that is your home school or not.

• Students who reside in Barrington 220 boundary area and who live 1.5 miles or more from their district-assigned school, or who live in an area declared to be hazardous as determined by the Illinois Department of Transportation are eligible. 

Visit https://www.barrington220.org/families/transportation for more information.

• Barrington Transportation Company provides D220’s bus service.
• Bus routes and ride times may change from year to year and throughout the year.

“I have children at Countryside, North Barrington, and Station Middle School. Our mornings are always hectic, but thankfully the free bussing makes it possible for everyone to get to school on time.”
–Erin L., Parent of 1st, 4th and 7th Graders

“I have two children who both attend CI programs, but at two different schools. One attends our designated home school, while the other attends a non-home school. Even though the non-home school is farther away, I was surprised to find that her bus ride is actually shorter because she rides a smaller bus that only picks up CI students, which makes the route faster.”
–Zaoli Z., Parent of 1st and 3rd Graders

As of the 2025-26 school year, only two public school districts offer a K-12 Chinese Immersion program, one of which is Barrington D220. 

Students can live anywhere within D220 boundaries and participate in Chinese Immersion.

“While preparing my older son for kindergarten, I started researching Chinese Immersion programs in Illinois public schools and quickly realized that only two public school districts offer a K–12 Chinese Immersion program. We ultimately chose Barrington D220 because it gave our family much more flexibility and more choices when buying a home and relocating. Since any student living within the district boundaries can enroll in the program, the decision became much easier for our family.”
–Yiming W., Parent of 2nd and 5th Graders

Though availability of these resources may vary from time to time, many current CI families have accessed the following supports. 

D220 Teachers

• CI teachers are native Mandarin speakers who are highly qualified.
  • To teach in the Chinese Immersion program, teachers must have a valid Illinois teaching license with a Foreign Language—Chinese (Mandarin) endorsement. They also need to demonstrate fluency in both English and Chinese and often have specialized training or endorsements in bilingual education or English as a Second Language (ESL). If a teacher was trained outside the U.S., their credentials are reviewed to ensure they meet Illinois standards. All CI teachers participate in ongoing professional development to stay current in their field.
  • Across the district, “Nearly 90% of our educators have a master’s degree or higher. Forty educators have earned National Board Certification. This credential is considered to be one of the most respected nationwide among educators.” (https://www.barrington220.org/our-district/about-barrington-220) 
  • Teachers may use visuals, gestures, songs, games, art, and hands-on activities.
  • Teachers and students have access to Level Learning, an online resource with thousands of Mandarin language books at measured levels for students. Teachers may use these books on this platform for instruction during the school day. Students can leverage this resource to extend their learning outside of the classroom.
  • Parent/teacher conferences are offered twice a year (fall and spring). 
  • Teachers may send emails to parents with summaries of classroom activities, upcoming assessments, and (optional) resources like online flashcards or recommended apps for extra practice.
  • Parents may contact teachers or administrators at any time with questions or concerns.

Other D220 Resources

• Most years, though not guaranteed, D220 offers CI summer school classes to students in grades K-8. CI students can opt to take these classes, but fees apply. Learn more at https://www.barrington220.org/families/summer-school
• Students at Station Middle School can attend Asian Culture Club meetings after school. Students have the opportunity to practice their language skills and enjoy Asian crafts, cuisines, and culture with friends in a relaxed environment. Learn more at https://station.barrington220.org/families/activities-clubs
• Students at Barrington High School can attend Chinese Club meetings after school. Students have the opportunity to practice their language skills and enjoy Asian crafts, cuisines, and culture with friends in a relaxed environment. Learn more at https://bhs.barrington220.org/families/activities-clubs

Barrington Chinese Immersion Council – BCIC

• BCIC maintains a website that outlines resources, events, volunteer opportunities, and donations. www.bcic220.org
• BCIC sends a monthly newsletter with similar information. Subscribe at the bottom left hand corner of www.bcic220.org
• BCIC maintains a Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/646209902098154
• BCIC maintains a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586465926259 
• BCIC maintains an Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/bcic_220/?hl=en
• Parents of some cohorts have created their own social media and/or chat groups.
• BCIC maintains a private list of CI high school students available to tutor younger CI students. Tutoring fees apply. 
• BCIC hosts one or more kindergarten welcome events to begin forming a community. 
• BCIC, along with CI middle school teachers, hosts a panel discussion made up of current 6-8th grade students for 5th grade CI students and families transitioning to middle school. 
• BCIC, along with CI high school teachers, hosts a panel discussion made up of current 9-12th grade students for 8th grade CI students and families transitioning to high school. 
• BCIC hosts a career exploration webinar for 6-12th grade CI students and their families to hear from individuals in our community to learn more about the opportunities Chinese language skills and knowledge of Chinese culture can bring.   
• BCIC hosts a college exploration webinar for 6-12th grade CI students and their families to hear directly from D220 graduates about using Chinese in college. 
• BCIC partners with CI teachers in D220 to host a Mandarin Character (Spelling) Bee for K-5 students.  
• For several years, BCIC has arranged for a master to give (usually 6) lessons during school hours of Weiqi, an ancient strategy board game, to our 3rd grade students. 
• BCIC hosts community events to extend and enrich cultural experiences including a Mid Autumn festival and a Lunar New Year celebration.
• BCIC hosts Mandarin storytimes for grades K-2.
• BCIC hosts Games in Chinese for grades 3-5. 
• BCIC provides various volunteer opportunities for our 6-12th grade students. 
• BCIC builds community by participating in D220 events including: Homecoming parade, Embracing Diversity Multicultural Event, Winterfest, and more. 
• BCIC has developed a relationship with Greencastle and its residents. CI students have written greeting cards in Mandarin to the residents. They have also enjoyed in-person interactions with Mandarin speakers during organized BCIC sponsored events.
• BCIC has developed a relationship with Xilin Northwest. They often co-host our career exploration webinars providing guest speakers. They also host Chinese cultural events in the community. Fees may apply to participate in Xilin Northwest events.

Several CI paths and levels exist to meet individual student goals and needs.

Students who meet the requirements may qualify for the Chinese Honor Society. 

Students who meet the requirements may qualify for the World Language Honor Societies. 

Students who prove proficiency may earn the Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma.

• Learn more at https://www.isbe.net/sealofbiliteracy

Students (typically junior year) may opt to take the AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam.

• Learn more at https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-chinese-language-and-culture/exam

Students (typically senior year) can earn up to 8 hours of college credit from North Central College when they take College Chinese 1 and College Chinese 2.

• Learn more at https://bhs.barrington220.org/departments/bhs-counseling/counseling/course-selections-2023-24

“Our daughter is graduating with her Seal of Biliteracy this spring and planning to major in Chinese and a STEM-related field in college. The D220 Chinese Immersion program and BCIC have provided a great opportunity to develop proficiency in Mandarin, volunteer in the community and develop leadership skills.”
–Michelle C., Parent of a BHS Senior

Yes; however, these group travel experiences are not sponsored by the district or BCIC. The CI community shares a strong desire to support the enrichment of our students through travel.

Yes, for more information, email BCIC at bcic220@gmail.com and look at https://www.bcic220.org/category/volunteering/ for more information.

“With three kids with Chinese Immersion, and I’ve had countless opportunities to get involved and be part of many events. From cultural celebrations to language enrichment activities, I love volunteering and sharing in the fun to support our kids. Whether we’re helping with a festival or participating in classroom activities, there’s always a place for parents to join them!”
–Kate X., Parent of 2nd, 3rd and 5th Graders

Yes. Make a donation at the link below. https://barrington220.revtrak.net/barrington-chinese-immersion-council/bcic-donations/#/list