Recently, I overheard the most interesting conversation at a local coffee shop. Sitting next to me was a man and a high school student who were clearly in the middle of an interview for Princeton University. What struck me about the conversation was how little time was spent discussing the student’s academic performance. Instead, the conversation focused mainly on the student’s desire to learn Mandarin.
The student was not exposed to Mandarin as a child and started studying the language in high school via a traditional one-period-a-day curriculum. Despite years of study, he did not feel he had achieved proficiency. To achieve true fluency, he planned to spend the summer in Beijing to experience complete language immersion.
This conversation crystallized several important points for me as a parent of two young children about to enter the public school system. First, Mandarin is increasingly being recognized as one of the most important languages. Second, Mandarin is one of the hardest languages to learn, even for the most motivated of students.
Complete immersion makes a difference. Dual language immersion programs are already being offered in top suburban public schools around the country. So why not here? Why not now? The opening of the Princeton International Academy Charter School (PIACS) would showcase our community as being the first public school in New Jersey to offer true dual language immersion in English and Mandarin.
While we may not all agree on the merits of a school like PIACS, it is indisputable that there are families, businesses, and political leaders who believe fluency in Chinese culture and language is a high priority. If this demand exists, then it follows that people will follow that demand with their feet. Why do I believe this? Because it is already happening, and the school has not even opened yet.
Families have bought new homes in our communities to give their children the opportunity to attend PIACS. Inquiries about PIACS are coming from as far as California. As one out-of-state parent wrote, “We will move temporarily to northern Jersey until we know exactly where PIACS will be established, then we will look for housing near the school district.” PIACS has not only encouraged families to move in, but it may also deter families from moving out.
I am speaking for myself and other families I know personally who had considered moving out of WW-P, and are now reconsidering making WWP our permanent homes if PIACS opens as planned.
Those of us who are tax-paying home owners in West Windsor, Plainsboro, Princeton or South Brunswick all stand to benefit from the presence of PIACS. This school will only help the anemic housing market.
If you are a corporation, then you will have another reason to grow roots in this area. If you are a local business in South Brunswick and Plainsboro, then it will help your bottom line to have a school at 12 Perrine Road rather than a liquor distribution warehouse.
Let’s not look at this school with myopic eyes. PIACS represents an investment in the futures of our communities. It is a win for the local businesses and homeowners, it is a win for the townships and the residents and most importantly, it is a win for the kids.
Justine Wu
Suffolk Lane, Princeton Junction
