IB Mandarin immersion for ages 2 to Grade 5, in Berkeley
Shu Ren is their start. Mandarin is their Superpower.
Rooted in the heart of the Bay Area, Shu Ren nurtures globally minded, confident learners through Mandarin immersion, the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, and a joyful, inquiry-based approach.
- Children learn through Mandarin, with native-speaking teachers
- An authorized IB World School, fully accredited by WASC
- Small classes where every child is seen, supported, and inspired
2008
Founded in Berkeley, one of only a few Mandarin immersion IB schools in the US
IB
An authorized International Baccalaureate World School
WASC
Fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
100%
Mandarin immersion in Early Childhood, led by native-speaking teachers
Grade 5
Every fifth grader travels to Asia as the capstone of their Shu Ren education
2008
Founded in Berkeley
Our name. Their potential.
Shu Ren means nurturing the whole person.
More than a bilingual education, Shu Ren is a premium private school experience that combines personalized learning, a globally recognized curriculum, and a deep commitment to the whole child.
十年树木, 百年树人
It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a lifetime to cultivate a person's potential.
Small classes, close-knit community
Every child is seen, supported, and inspired to become their best self.Passionate teachers
Teachers encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, so children discover their strengths, ask meaningful questions, and connect ideas across cultures.The whole child
Academics and social-emotional growth go hand in hand, so children learn to express themselves, manage emotions, and build resilience, empathy, and collaboration.
Our programs. Their path.
From first words to fifth grade
Each program builds on the one before, with Mandarin, the IB framework, and a strong sense of belonging at the center.
Ages 2 to 5
Early Childhood
A joyful, 100% Mandarin immersion environment led by native Mandarin-speaking teachers. From age 3, children begin the IB Primary Years Programme through play, exploration, and inquiry.
- 100% Mandarin immersion
- IB Primary Years Programme from age 3
- Four units of inquiry over a 36-week year
Kindergarten to Grade 5
Elementary
Mandarin and English come together through the dual language immersion model, as students deepen their fluency in both and build essential academic skills.
- Six transdisciplinary units of inquiry each year
- Standards of the IB, California, Common Core, and NGSS
- A fifth grade capstone trip to Asia
Beyond the school day
Extended day and summer
Afternoon Care, Homework Club, enrichment classes, and Mandarin vacation and summer camps keep learning joyful in both languages.
- Afternoon Care and Homework Club
- Enrichment from chess to Chinese brush drawing
- Mandarin summer camps for ages 2.5 to 8
100%
Mandarin immersion in Early Childhood
Our immersion. Their fluency.
They don't just learn Mandarin. They learn through it.
Every day, children are immersed in a bilingual environment where Mandarin and English come together naturally, building fluency, cultural literacy, and the confidence to engage with a changing world.
Two-way immersion
Students build a strong academic foundation while gaining a deep appreciation of Chinese language and culture, ready to thrive in diverse communities and international settings.Inquiry that goes deep
Through the IB Primary Years Programme, students ask meaningful questions, make connections across subjects, and apply what they learn to the real world. It begins at age 3.A journey to remember
Each year, fifth graders travel to Asia as the capstone of their Shu Ren education, bringing years of Mandarin learning to life in authentic settings.
Beyond the classroom
Our activities. Their adventures.
Four Houses
Our House system is inspired by Confucius' Four Teachings: Learning, Action, Loyalty, and Integrity. Every student and staff member joins a House that spans all grades.
Arts and movement
Visual Arts, Orff-based music from Pre-K to 5th grade, and Physical Education coached by a Judo master build creativity, strength, and discipline.
A bilingual library
A rich collection of Chinese and English books, guided reading, and community events like World Book Week and the Reading Marathon.
Enrichment classes
Classes change each semester and span arts, music, dance, STEM, sports, cooking, Chinese brush drawing, chess, and more.
Afternoon Care and Homework Club
A safe, nurturing space after school, plus Homework Club for Kindergarten to 5th grade with dedicated help on Mandarin assignments.
Student Council
Elementary students represent their classmates, organize events, and lead service projects guided by integrity, empathy, fairness, and service.
Our mascot, the Stallion, stands for strength, courage, and resilience.
Admissions
Their Shu Ren journey starts here
- 1
Connect with us
Fill out our short inquiry form so we can get to know your family and start the conversation. - 2
Come visit
Join us for a personal tour. Step into our classrooms, meet our caring teachers, and feel the warmth of our community. - 3
Start your application
When you feel ready, we will send you a personalized link to begin, and we are always here to answer questions. - 4
Join our community
Enroll and step into a supportive, global community where your child can grow, thrive, and discover their unique superpower.
Financial assistance is available for Kindergarten through 5th grade, and families with multiple children receive a $2,000 tuition credit for the youngest sibling.
Questions families ask
Good questions, clear answers
Curious about immersion, the IB, or how admissions works? Start here, or ask our team directly.
Early Childhood for ages 2 to 5, and Elementary from Kindergarten through Grade 5, in Berkeley, California.
Early Childhood is 100% Mandarin immersion, led by native Mandarin-speaking teachers. In Kindergarten through Grade 5, Mandarin and English come together through a two-way dual language model, so students build fluency in both. Our admissions team can walk you through how the day looks by grade.
The PYP is the International Baccalaureate's inquiry-driven framework for young learners. Children begin it at age 3, and in Kindergarten through Grade 5 they explore six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry each year. Shu Ren is an authorized IB World School.
Tuition covers all classroom materials, access to technology, and enriching field trips. We offer a $2,000 tuition credit for the youngest sibling in families with multiple children enrolled, and financial assistance is available for Kindergarten through 5th grade applicants. Our admissions team can share current tuition for your child's program.
Our school is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Afternoon Care, Homework Club, enrichment classes, and vacation and summer camps extend the day.
It starts with a short inquiry form. Then you visit for a personal tour, receive a personalized link to start your application when you feel ready, and join the Shu Ren community.
Yes. Shu Ren is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Visit us
Come feel the warmth of our community
Join us for a personal tour or an open house. Step into our classrooms, meet our caring teachers, and see Mandarin come to life.
- Admissions office
- (408) 497-5605
- Front office
- (510) 841-8899
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Every child has a Superpower.
At Shu Ren, bilingualism helps bring it to life. Take the first step: submit your inquiry and discover how we nurture confident, curious, and compassionate learners.