FAQ
About Dragon Gate Academy
What is Dragon Gate Academy (DGA)? DGA is a proposed K-8 charter school in San Francisco dedicated to providing a tuition-free Mandarin Immersion education, fostering bilingual fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese, cultural understanding, and academic excellence.
Where does DGA get its name? Dragon Gate Academy is named after the iconic Dragon Gate at the entrance to San Francisco’s Chinatown, a symbol of cultural heritage and community strength. This name reflects our commitment to celebrating Chinese culture and fostering a gateway to global opportunities through bilingual education.
What makes DGA different from SFUSD schools? As a charter school, DGA offers a single K-8 campus for continuity, intensive daily language immersion across subjects, and a curriculum tailored for MI, unlike SFUSD schools where MI programs are disjointed across elementry and middle school and where the middle school option lacks a true MI experience.
What are DGA’s core values? Our values are Joy (creating a joyful environment for growth), Honor (respecting each other and our community), Global (empowering global citizens), and Excellence (striving for excellence in all we do).
Who can attend DGA? Once approved, DGA will be open to all K-8 students in San Francisco, with enrollment through a fair lottery system if applications exceed available spots, ensuring equal access for all families. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...
Mandarin Immersion Program
What languages will students learn at DGA? Students will learn Mandarin and Cantonese alongside English, with Cantonese introduced in 4th grade to honor San Francisco’s Chinese community and foster global citizenry.
How will DGA ensure fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese? Our immersive curriculum integrates Mandarin and Cantonese across subjects like Math, Science, and Social Studies, with daily language exposure and cultural activities to build fluency and confidence over the K-8 journey.
How will DGA ensure fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese? Our immersive curriculum integrates Mandarin and Cantonese across subjects like Math, Science, and Social Studies, with daily language exposure and cultural activities to build fluency and confidence over the K-8 journey.
Will students still excel in core subjects like Math and Science? Yes, our robust curriculum ensures academic excellence in all subjects, blending language immersion with hands-on learning in Math, Science, and more, preparing students for high school and beyond.
How does DGA support students new to Mandarin or Cantonese? Our program is designed for all language levels, starting with foundational skills in early grades and providing scaffolded support through interactive activities, ensuring every student can thrive in our bilingual environment.
Charter Approval and Enrollment
What is the status of DGA’s charter approval? DGA will submitted our charter petition to SFUSD in Fall 2025, with a public hearing in with 90 and a final decision expected by late 2025, aiming to open in August 2026.
What happens if SFUSD denies DGA’s charter application? If denied, we will appeal to the California State Board of Education for approval and explore partnerships for temporary facilities, ensuring we can still open in August 2026.
How can I enroll my child at DGA? Once approved, families will apply through an online interest form, followed by a fair lottery if needed. Submit your interest now to join our waitlist and stay updated on enrollment openings.
Will there be a lottery for enrollment? Yes, if applications exceed available spots, DGA will conduct a random, public lottery to ensure equal opportunity, with preferences for siblings,mirroring SFUSD’s system. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...
Getting Involved
How can I support DGA’s charter petition? You can support us by signing our petition as a parent or teacher—your signature will help demonstrate community demand and secure approval by line, 2025. Also fill out the "Contact Us" form and offer any help or ideas you would like to provide.
Can I attend the public hearing for DGA’s charter petition? Yes, the public hearing will be held , and we will strongly encourage parents, teachers, and community members to attend and voice their support for DGA’s vision.
How can I stay updated on DGA’s progress? Join our newsletter to receive updates on our charter petition, upcoming events like cultural fairs, and enrollment opportunities as we work to open in August 2026
Are there opportunities for teachers to get involved? Yes, teachers can sign the petition, attend the public hearing, and express interest in joining our team once approved—we’re building a supportive environment for bilingual educators to thrive.
School Location and Operations
Where will DGA be located? DGA is collaborating with SFUSD to identify underutilized or empty facilities, aiming for a centrally located campus to best serve the Mandarin Immersion community across San Francisco.
What will the school day look like at DGA? Once opened, the school day will include a mix of language immersion, core subjects, and cultural activities, with a schedule designed to balance academic rigor and student well-being.
Will DGA offer after-school programs or extracurricular activities? Yes, we plan to offer after-school programs and extracurriculars, such as language clubs, music, Mandarin tutors, and art, to enrich students’ experiences and foster community engagement.
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How will DGA ensure a safe and inclusive environment? DGA will prioritize safety with comprehensive policies and foster inclusivity through a culturally responsive curriculum, ensuring every student feels valued and supported in our diverse community.