Specials & Enrichment

Art, Music, PE, Library, and STEM - building the whole child beyond core academics.

Beyond the Classroom

Enrichment Programs

EVA's specials are not add-ons - they are integral to a complete bilingual education. Many specials incorporate Mandarin vocabulary and Chinese cultural traditions.

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Visual Arts

All Grades K–8

Students explore both Western and Chinese art traditions. Units include Chinese calligraphy, ink brush painting, paper-cutting (剪纸), and contemporary studio art. Aligned with NC Visual Arts Standards.

Calligraphy in Grades 1–5 Annual Art Show Paper-cutting & ink wash Chinese New Year art projects

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Music

All Grades K–8

General music education with a bilingual repertoire. Students learn songs in Mandarin, English, and Spanish. Recorder instruction in Grades 3–5. A 6–8 choir performs at school events and performs Chinese folk songs.

Bilingual song repertoire Recorder Grades 3–5 Choir Grades 6–8 Spring Music Concert

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PE / Health

All Grades K–8

Daily movement and fitness opportunities. NC Healthful Living Standards. Activities include traditional games, cooperative sports, yoga, and team sports. Health units cover nutrition, wellbeing, and social-emotional themes.

Daily movement every grade Traditional Chinese games Health & nutrition units Field Day each spring

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Library / Media Center

All Grades K–8

Our library holds bilingual collections in English and Mandarin Chinese. Students visit weekly for independent reading, research skills, and digital literacy. The Media Specialist also supports Mandarin read-aloud and story time for K–2.

Bilingual book collection Weekly library visit Research skills K–8 Mandarin storytime K–2

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STEM Enrichment Lab

Grades 3–8

Our dedicated STEM Lab opened with robotics kits, coding platforms (Scratch, Python, micro:bit), and engineering materials. Students rotate through project-based challenges that connect to Math and Science content. Bilingual STEM vocabulary is woven throughout.

Coding: Scratch & Python Robotics competitions Engineering design challenges Bilingual STEM vocabulary

Extended Day

After-School Enrichment

EVA offers optional after-school programming for students who want more. Programs vary by semester and are offered at low or no cost.

Mandarin Tutoring Club

Extra Mandarin practice and homework help led by our immersion teachers. Open to all grade levels.

Robotics Team

Competitive robotics team for Grades 4–8. Participates in regional VEX and FIRST LEGO League competitions.

Chinese Cultural Arts

Dragon dance, paper folding, calligraphy, and traditional Chinese instrument introductions for K–5.

Math Olympiad

Problem-solving enrichment for high-achieving math students Grades 4–8. Tournament participation in spring.