Mandarin for Homeschool Families — During the Day, In Person, From a Certified Teacher
Weekly co-op classes, small pods, and daytime 1:1 lessons — a real, sequenced world-language program that fits homeschool life.
Why homeschoolers choose Mandarin with Teacher Penny
Daytime availability — for real
Most quality language teachers work school hours somewhere else. Teacher Penny teaches during the day, when homeschool families actually learn — at your co-op, your home, or the library.
A genuine world-language credit path
For older students, lessons follow a sequenced course of study with assessments and progress reports that families can document for a high-school transcript credit.
A sequenced curriculum, not a hobby class
Levels, milestones, and a curriculum refined across four years of public-district teaching. Your kids will measurably progress semester over semester.
Cultural depth kids remember
Festivals, calligraphy, food, stories — taught by a native speaker who grew up in the culture and loves sharing it. Language plus a genuinely broadened world.
Pick the format that fits your family
Co-op & group classes
- Weekly 45–60 minute classes at your co-op
- 6–12 students per class, grouped by age
- Semester-based, per-student pricing
- Penny brings curriculum & all materials
Homeschool pods
- 2–4 kids from one or two families
- In-home or at a library meeting room
- Lower cost per child than 1:1
- Great social energy for language practice
Daytime 1:1 lessons
- Fully individualized pace and plan
- Any weekday, during school hours
- Ideal for motivated or older students
- Progress reports every semester
Bring Mandarin to your co-op
Everything you need to evaluate the program, share it with your board, and say yes with confidence.
What Teacher Penny provides
- A full curriculum overview by age group and level
- Ohio license & background-check documentation for your board
- Clear per-student, per-semester rates (quoted within 1 business day)
- A free demo class or cultural workshop so your families can try before enrolling
- All materials — families buy nothing
Logistics
- Weekly 45–60 minute classes, scheduled by semester
- 6–12 students per class; multiple sections possible on one visit day
- Travel throughout Columbus and surrounding suburbs
Share it with your board: download the one-page program proposal — dates, formats, credentials, and what your co-op needs to host a class — and forward it to whoever helps you decide.
Bring Mandarin to your co-op
Tell us a little about your group — you’ll hear back within 1 business day.
Sample curriculum: Semester 1
A taste of the beginner sequence — every unit builds speaking, listening, and early character recognition through games, songs, and stories.
你好 Greetings & self
Hello, goodbye, my name, how are you — the first real conversations, plus tones through songs.
家 My family
Family members, who’s who, and the family tree — with the stories behind the characters.
数 Numbers & colors
Counting games, ages, colors everywhere — the unit where kids start blurting Mandarin at dinner.
吃 Food & drink
I like / I don’t like, real Chinese foods, a tasting day — the perennial favorite.
节 Festivals & culture
Lunar New Year, the Moon Festival, calligraphy and crafts — culminating in the annual showcase.
… And it keeps going
Semester 2 and beyond: school, weather, animals, shopping, travel — a multi-year sequence with levels and milestones.
Homeschool FAQ
Does my child need any prior exposure to Chinese?
No — most students start from zero. The method is designed for English-speaking beginners, and kids are using real phrases from the very first class.
Can older students earn high school world-language credit?
Yes. Lessons follow a sequenced course of study with assessments that families can document for transcript credit, and Teacher Penny provides progress reports to support your records.
What ages do co-op classes serve?
K-8 is the sweet spot, grouped by age band (K-2, 3-5, 6-8). High schoolers are usually better served by 1:1 lessons or AP/HSK prep.
Founding co-ops get first pick
Columbus Chinese Lessons launched in 2026, built on four years of district classroom teaching. Fall visit days are being scheduled now — co-ops that book early choose the day and time that fit their schedule, and every founding co-op starts with a free demo class for its families.
Start with a free trial — or a free demo class for your whole co-op
Individual families book a free trial lesson; co-ops can request a demo class or cultural workshop.