Welcome to Ya Ya
芽 芽 歡 迎 你

Dear Prospective Families,

It is such a pleasure to welcome you as you explore Ya Ya Mandarin Immersion Preschool for your child. Choosing the right school is an important decision, and I am delighted to walk alongside you, guiding you through the admissions process and sharing what makes Ya Ya such a special place for children and families.

Having taught and led in Mandarin immersion programs for over 15 years, I chose to spend the next phase of my career at Ya Ya because of the exceptional quality of its Mandarin early childhood program and its genuine dedication to delivering the very best education to young children. What sets us apart is not just the strength and originality of our curriculum, but the love, care, and thoughtfulness that infuse every part of our school community. And while Mandarin is at the heart of what we do, our program goes far beyond language—helping children build cognitive, social-emotional, and physical skills for a well-rounded foundation. In the midst of New York’s busy pace and endless distractions, Ya Ya is an oasis of calm and joy where families of all cultural and language backgrounds feel embraced by our community.

One of my greatest privileges is holding parents’ hands throughout this journey—showing you what draws families to Ya Ya, and why so many say they feel right at home from the moment they step through our doors. My proudest moments are hearing from families, both new and returning, who tell me how grateful they are for choosing Ya Ya, and from alumni parents who share heartwarming stories about how their children are thriving in their ongoing public and private schools.

Each day, I witness our children’s genuine love for learning, their growing passion for Mandarin and Chinese culture, and their blossoming independence, kindness, and empathy. Seeing this unfold is what inspires me to give my very best every day.

At Ya Ya, we are not only preparing children for their next school—we are preparing them for life. I warmly invite you to visit, ask questions, and see firsthand what makes Ya Ya such a magical place for young learners and their families.

Sincerely,

Monna Istranyi