Jie Ming Mandarin Immersion Academy

Jie Ming Mandarin Immersion Academy is a public magnet school within Saint Paul Public Schools, offering full Mandarin immersion for students in grades Pre-K through 8. Located at 1599 Englewood Avenue, it provides a one-way immersion program where nearly all instruction is delivered in Mandarin during early grades, gradually incorporating English in upper grades. The curriculum is rigorous, aligned with Minnesota State Standards, and designed to build bilingual proficiency, bicultural awareness, and strong academics in reading, math, science, and social studies. With about 500 students and a student-teacher ratio of roughly 14:1, Jie Ming emphasizes high expectations, cultural respect, and global citizenship. Enrichment includes arts, physical education, after-school programming, and strong family-school partnerships.

Jie Ming launched its newly expanded Upper Campus (grades 5-8) in 2023, and in 2025 continues to build out advanced middle-school programming in Mandarin.

In 2025, Jie Ming was recognized by Niche with an overall A- rating, with particularly high scores for academics and teachers.

Q1: What grade levels does Jie Ming serve, and how is the immersion structured?

A: Jie Ming serves Pre-K through grade 8. In early grades, nearly all subjects are taught in Mandarin; English instruction is introduced gradually in upper grades, ensuring bilingual proficiency.

Q2: How does Jie Ming perform academically?

A: Jie Ming students consistently perform above district averages. State testing shows strong proficiency in reading and math, with a focus on building biliteracy in both English and Mandarin. Niche gives it an A- rating overall.

Q3: What is the demographic composition of students?

A: Jie Ming has about 500 students. Roughly 52% identify as Asian, 28% White, 8% Hispanic, 6% Black/African American, and the rest multiracial. About 16% are eligible for free or reduced lunch, and 9% receive special education services.

Q4: What extracurricular or enrichment activities are available?

A: Students can participate in Discovery Club, cultural celebrations, arts, music, physical education, academic competitions, and middle-school electives. The school also fosters parent involvement through volunteer and cultural exchange programs.

Q5: Who leads the school and what is its mission?

A: Jie Ming is led by Principal Chang Wang (as of 2025). The mission is to foster biliteracy, biculturalism, and global citizenship through Mandarin immersion, while maintaining high academic expectations and inclusive community partnerships.