Welcome to The Mandarin Lab
We help students across West Los Angeles strengthen their Mandarin skills and build real confidence using the language.
Think of The Mandarin Lab as Mandarin “lab hours” — a place where students can strengthen what they’re learning, get support when Mandarin feels challenging, and build a deeper connection to Chinese language and culture.
Our Learning Programs
Immersion Labs for Elementary
and Middle Schoolers
Our after-school classes are designed to help students succeed in Mandarin immersion and language programs. We provide guided homework support, curriculum reinforcement, and student-centered activities that strengthen reading, vocabulary, speaking, and cultural understanding. Students build confidence through storytelling, role-playing, short skits, illustrated vocabulary books, cultural projects, and interactive group work. Parents recieve weekly progress reports on their child's learning.
Levels offered include:
Grades K-3 Immersion Lab
Grades 4-8 Immersion Lab
NEW!
Mandarin Saturday School
Saturday Mandarin learning and activities program for 3-6 year olds, and 7-11 year olds.
More info soon!
Enrichment Labs for Culture and Communication
Our Enrichment Labs help students go beyond everyday Mandarin practice through literature, culture, and expressive communication.
成語課 (Chéngyǔ Kè) — Chinese Idiom Lab
Students explore Chinese stories, idioms, poetry, and cultural themes while building stronger reading comprehension, cultural literacy, and appreciation for Mandarin expression.
公共演講課 (Gōnggò Yǎnjiǎng Kè)— Public Speaking Lab
Students build confidence through presentations, storytelling, discussion, and guided speaking practice, learning to express ideas clearly and thoughtfully in Mandarin.
AP Chinese Language Exam Student Support
We help high school students prepare for the AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam through targeted practice in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students also gain familiarity with the cultural knowledge, testing formats, and strategies covered on the exam.
Friday Fun Days
Friday Fun Days are community-centered gatherings where students from across The Mandarin Lab can reconnect at the end of the week. Students enjoy games, activities, projects, homework support, and shared experiences while building friendships and celebrating achievements together. Friday Fun helps create a welcoming community where Mandarin becomes part of students’ social and cultural lives.
Weekly Schedule
Tuition by Program
Program | Includes Access To | Monthly Tuition | Prepaid School Year (10 Months) |
|---|---|---|---|
Friday Fun | One Friday Fun session per week | $135/month | $1,145 (15% savings) |
Immersion Lab | Up to three Immersion Lab classes per week (K–3 or 4–8) plus Friday Fun | $299/month | $2,495 (15% savings) |
Full Mandarin Lab | Unlimited access to Immersion Labs, Enrichment Labs, and Friday Fun | $399/month | $3,395 (15% savings) |
Enrichment Lab | Access to 成語課 (Chéngyǔ Kè) — Chinese Idiom Lab and 公共演講課 (Gōnggò Yǎnjiǎng Kè)— Public Speaking Lab | $199/month | $1,695 (15% savings) |
AP Test Prep | Once weekly 2-hour AP prep class | $249/month | $2,095 (15% savings) |
Saturday School | Three hour Saturday School session. Drop ins also welcome at $120 per day. | $299/month |
About The Mandarin Lab
Since 2024, we've offered small-group Mandarin classes and cultural enrichment for students across Westside Los Angeles.
Our programs support students in Mandarin immersion, Chinese language, and homeschool programs, especially those who need extra help with homework, reading, writing, speaking, and confidence.
We serve students from local schools including Broadway Elementary, Braddock Elementary, and Mark Twain Middle School, and other Westside programs, as well as homeschool students and students preparing for advanced Mandarin or AP Chinese.
Jing Xu
Mandarin Teacher
Xu Laoshi is an experienced educator with 15 years in the teaching profession and hold an advanced international Chinese language teaching certification. She has been teaching Chinese in schools, where her enthusiasm and patience create a vibrant classroom environment. Her dedication and responsibility have led to significant student progress and recognition from parents.
Fun Fact: Xu Laoshi's hometown of Nanjing used to be the capital of China before Beijing!
Nicole Meyer
School Coordinator
As School Coordinator, Nicole oversees administrative operations, student records, family communication, and community outreach. She also helps coordinate events and programs that support student engagement and strengthen connections between families, schools, and the Mandarin learning community.
Nicholas Spencer
Founder, Director
As Founder and Director of Mandarin Lab, Nick manages the school’s operations, finances, and strategic planning. He is committed to building a strong, supportive learning environment that helps students thrive in their Mandarin studies and supports the growth of the local Mandarin learning community.
Location and Contact
Conveniently located next to Venice High School, The Mandarin Lab serves students from nearby Westside schools and LAUSD Mandarin programs including Broadway Elementary, Braddock Elementary, Mark Twain Middle School, and Venice High School.
Co-located with Enter Martial Arts, our space supports language, culture, and community in one location.
12932 Venice Blvd
info@themandarinlab.com
(424) 289-0310