Our Timeline
TK to 9th Grade Chinese Curriculum Accredited by WASC
As of July 2022, Challenge School is officially WASC accredited for our Chinese curriculum from TK to 9th grade.
2020 Started Fremont Campus
Our Fremont site opening was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, after months of work, we had our grand opening in July 2020 and welcomed new children from Fremont and nearby cities. We are thankful to be able to share our campus with Echo Church in Fremont.
2018 Belmont Campus Divided Into Two Sites
After years of sharing sites with Belmont Preschool, Belmont Afterschool, led by Teacher Kelly, moved to a new campus at Mountain View Ave in Belmont with 8,000 sq. ft. Teacher Jenny has all of the Belmont Masonic campus to herself for our Belmont Preschool. Both Belmont Preschool and Belmont Afterschool are blooming!
2017 Chinese Culture Institute Established
Over the years, Challenge School built strong partnerships with various enrichment teachers and providers. Parents really liked our enrichment classes, but afterschool hours are just not enough. As a result, our Chinese Culture Institute was born. Led by Teacher Vivian, our weekend program strives to provide families with an all-in-one place for various enrichment classes like public speaking, theater, drawing, and dance.
2015 Achieved NAEYC Accreditation
After 3 years of preparation, Challenge School was so proud to be the first Mandarin Immersion School in California to receive accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We wholeheartedly thank the generous support from all Challenge School children and families, as well as all the hard effort of our staff.
2012 Moved to Fashion Island
We were very thankful to be able to find our beautiful home at Fashion Island Blvd in San Mateo. This new campus gave our kids plenty of indoor rooms, a spacious outdoor playground, ample daylight through the high ceiling glass windows, and a central location which has easy access from the freeway.
2009 Teacher Grace Joined as Partner
Teacher Grace was so thankful to join Challenge School and start her life as a teacher and a manager. Over the years, Teacher Mei and Teacher Grace became true partners. They argued and compromised, they worried and laughed. More importantly, they have one goal in mind: to take Challenge School to the next level, so it will serve our staff and our students better and better.
2008 Belmont Site Open
With over 80 students, it was time to expand Challenge School. We found a video store on Masonic Way, and turned it into our beautiful Belmont campus. With a few teachers and a handful of students, Teacher Kelly grew the Belmont Afterschool into a community. Not only has she taught many students, but also many parents. Parents like to come and hang out at the school to chat and learn from Teacher Kelly.
2003 Challenge School Established
In 2003, Teacher Mei, a seasoned interior designer, realized that most Chinese schools were weekend schools and did not serve the purpose of Mandarin immersion. She quit her architect job and started Challenge School with 6 children at her home. Challenge School grew from 6 children to 80 children in 3 years.