West County Mandarin School

A K-6 Mandarin Immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB) Public School Serving Students in the West Contra Costa Unified School District

Our Mission

Educating the Whole Child to Thrive in a Globally Connected World 培育在全球化的世界中全方位发展的儿童

Our Purpose

Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders for a Globally Connected World 为全球互联时代培养下一代的领导者

We Value

Enriching Our Students' Education with Music, Physical Education, STEAM, Art, Cultural Diversity and Mindfulness Classes

West County Mandarin School (WCMS) is a Mandarin immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB) school located in Pinole, California. WCMS is the first Mandarin immersion public school in California to earn the acclaimed authorization as an IB school. WCMS opened on August 21, 2017 with three kindergarten classes, and it will grow to K-6 by adding a new grade each year. Additionally, a Mandarin/IB program will continue in middle school. WCMS will have grades K – 5 in the 2022/2023 school year.

The WCMS immersion model is one-way; students are not required to know any Mandarin prior to attending. Even so, nearly a quarter of the students are intermediate to advanced speakers, and they enthusiastically help the novice students.

West County Mandarin School is the culmination of a collaboration between parents and community members and the West Contra Costa Unified School District. It is the first Mandarin immersion school in the WCCUSD and the first whole school Mandarin immersion program in an East Bay Public School District. Students from all over the District attend WCMS. Our community is bonded by the desire to provide a quality, multilingual education that will prepare our students to become critical thinkers, leaders and problem solvers in our increasingly globally connected world.

West County Mandarin School Wins 2022 California Pivotal Practice Program Award

Press Release

"At West County Mandarin School, we are committed to equity and have high standards for the growth and success of all students."

Eric Peterson, Ph.D., NBCT, WCMS Principal

What Parents & Kids Say

★★★★★ 5/5

”So far, we love this school, but most important of all, our son loves the school. He has lots of great friends from school that he plays with on weekends, holidays, and over summer break. We are blessed to be a part of this community, and do our very best to be contributing members.”

“School is amazing. My kid loves it. PTA is very active. Great parents, great teachers and great kids.”

“Dr. Peterson is amazing. He shows up at the door to greet every student in the morning. Everyone loves him.” “The principal knows all the children by name. He’s as hands on as it gets.”

”Dr. Peterson is thoughtful, supportive and a forward thinking leader. He is always a few steps ahead in preparing for what the school, the kids, and families need.” “The principal is the most caring and hard working principal I know.”

“We love all the teachers and staff at the school. They go above and beyond their duties and truly cares about all the kids.” “Teachers are very communicatable, dedicated and caring"

”The culture of the school emphasizes social emotional learning, physical well beinging, kindness as well as academic excellence."