Welcome to PlayThrive

A Mandarin school focused on the whole child.

At PlayThrive, children are empowered to discover the wonders of our world with bilingual and global perspectives to become compassionate leaders and lifelong learners. 

Who we are


Mandarin education with a whole-child approach through project-based learning, social emotional learning, and explorative play

High quality programs and small class sizes with experienced teachers for students who choose to be on campus or at home

Several fun, enriching events and activities throughout the year available to our tight-knit parent and student community

Numbers at a Glance


1:12

a low teacher:student ratio enables quality learning opportunities and more conversation time (1:9 for the TK/Kindergarten class)

7

We’ve built a strong and supportive community since 2015

200+

Hundreds have leaped forward in Mandarin language skills with our project-based, student-centered curriculum

37

PlayThrive hosted over 3 dozen cultural and whole-child events

Why PlayThrive?

“Best decision we ever made”

My son started Kindergarten during the pandemic, and enrolling him in PlayThrive during that difficult time was the best decision we’ve ever made. The first week, he came home talking about how he felt about all the changes (in Mandarin!), and had a healthy perspective about it with the help of his incredible teachers, friends, and curriculum.

Christina, Kindergarten parent

“Project based approach”

My son has been in PlayThrive full time program for 2 years and he loves it! We love that the school is applying a project-based approach in Mandarin learning. It creates opportunities for my son to apply and think in Mandarin, not just learn by books! Not to mention it’s such a nurturing and inspiring environment. Thank you, PlayThrive!

Nancy, 2nd grade parent

“Teachers… inspire”

PlayThrive has created a bilingual environment in which our daughter has done just that–THRIVED. The teachers are dedicated, caring, innovative, and always seeking new ways to inspire and connect with each student. Our daughter comes home each day with art projects, and she has formed strong attachments to her teachers and close friendships.

Chimene, 1st grade parent

Latest News from PlayThrive


  • Making Comic Books!
    For the final project before our winter break, students worked on creating their own comic books to share. They worked in teams to write the stories, draw the characters and scenes, and put them together in a book to present … Read more
  • Celebrating Halloween at PlayThrive!
             Every year at Halloween, PlayThrive students get the chance to celebrate and show off the final products that they have been working on over the past several weeks. Teachers create a haunted house so that all … Read more
  • Board member applications are open!
    PlayThrive is seeking new members to join its Board of Directors. PlayThrive is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting whole child education in a Mandarin immersion environment. In addition to administering the PlayThrive School, PlayThrive fosters a community of parents … Read more

Contact Us

PlayThrive School
555 Avenue Del Ora
Redwood City, CA 94062
USA