PASADENA - A delegation of students fromBeijing Xicheng District Huangchenggen Elementary Schoolin China will tour the Pasadena Unified School District's (PUSD) Dual Language Immersion Program in Mandarin Chinese at Field Elementary School on Tuesday, January 31 at 1:00 p.m.

Field Elementary and the Beijing school have partnered in a sister school agreement to enhance students' experience in the dual language program.

Field's program serves K-third grade students and emphasizes core academic subjects in both English and Mandarin Chinese languages during alternating morning and afternoon sessions of the school day.

"I am pleased to welcome students and educators from China as they tour one of PUSD's signature programs that is broadening the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our students," said Superintendent Jon R. Gundry.

Several delegations of educators from around the world have requested tours of the district's Dual Language programs, which have been gaining acclaim from parents and educators since they first opened in 2009.

PUSD currently offers two dual language immersion programs: Spanish/English at San Rafael Elementary School in Pasadena's South Arroyo neighborhood, and Mandarin Chinese/English at Field Elementary in Pasadena's Hastings Ranch neighborhood.

Admission to the dual language programs is by application during PUSD's annual Open Enrollment period, which ends February 1. No special language qualifications are required. Selection is by random lottery. Applications are accepted online only atwww.open-enrollment.info through February 1.