Blog

On April 23, 2026, HudsonWay Immersion School’s NJ campus came alive with language, culture, and global connection as we celebrated Chinese Language Day with a distinguished international delegation from China.

At HudsonWay Immersion School, global travel is a core part of the learning experience—not an add-on. Each year, students participate in a fully planned international trip, alternating between Mandarin- and Spanish-speaking destinations. These experiences are designed more than a year in advance with a clear goal: to bring language learning to life through authentic cultural immersion, service, and real-world application.

At HudsonWay Immersion School, global travel is a core part of the learning experience—not an add-on. Each year, students participate in a fully planned international trip, alternating between Mandarin- and Spanish-speaking destinations. These experiences are designed more than a year in advance with a clear goal: to bring language learning to life through authentic cultural immersion, meaningful connection, and real-world application.

HudsonWay Immersion School (HWIS), a pioneer in language immersion education is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary. Founded in 2005 as Bilingual Buds (rebranded as HudsonWay Immersion school in 2014) in the home of founders Sharon Huang and Bill Hicks with a handful of students including their twin 2-year old sons, the school has since expanded to include two tracks: Mandarin and Spanish immersion, two locations: Stirling, NJ and Midtown West, NYC, and three divisions: preschool, elementary and middle school with a total enrollment of over 300 students. The school is unique in that it is the only Mandarin/Spanish immersion school in the tri-state area offering a full immersion model through eighth grade. Students learn all subjects in two languages and develop critical thinking skills needed in today’s globalized world.

HudsonWay Immersion School (HWIS), a pioneer in language immersion education is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary. Founded in 2005 as Bilingual Buds (rebranded as HudsonWay Immersion school in 2014) in the home of founders Sharon Huang and Bill Hicks with a handful of students including their twin 2-year old sons, the school has since expanded to include two tracks: Mandarin and Spanish immersion, two locations: Stirling, NJ and Midtown West, NYC, and three divisions: preschool, elementary and middle school with a total enrollment of over 300 students. The school is unique in that it is the only Mandarin/Spanish immersion school in the tri-state area offering a full immersion model through eighth grade. Students learn all subjects in two languages and develop critical thinking skills needed in today’s globalized world.

CBS New York interviewed HudsonWay Immersion School founder Sharon Huang and NJ Campus Principal David Heller at #LunarFest2025! They shared how HudsonWay empowers students to become biliterate in Spanish or Mandarin. English-speaking families are choosing HudsonWay for its unique immersion approach and the importance of learning more than one language in today's world!

At HudsonWay Immersion School, we know that the biggest strides in language learning often happen in the classroom, where children are immersed in lessons and guided by expert teachers. However, complementing this with activities at home can make the process even more enriching and fun. Whether or not you speak the target language, there are plenty of creative ways to support your child’s bilingual development and enhance the skills they’re building at school. Here are five tips for younger and older children to help make language learning a natural part of everyday life.

For over two decades, Sharon Huang, the founder of HudsonWay Immersion School, has been a passionate advocate for bilingual education. Her vision has transformed HWIS into a leader in immersion learning, empowering students to excel academically while becoming global citizens. In this exclusive interview, Sharon shares the story behind HWIS, her inspiration for starting the school, and her thoughts on the future of bilingual education.

At HudsonWay Immersion School, our commitment to academic excellence is not just about textbooks—it's about hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and fosters critical thinking. Recently, our Science teacher Ms. Dalma Felenyi led the 6th and 7th grade students in an exciting project exploring chemical interactions and the kinetic energy of particles. The students investigated what happens to gas particles when heated and cooled, diving into scientific concepts while developing essential skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and experimentation.

On Saturday, April 27, over 200 families from across New Jersey joined in a free public celebration of United Nations Chinese Language Day hosted by HudsonWay Immersion School in Stirling. This lively event saw the NJ campus teeming with excitement as attendees, including the Vice Consul of the Education Office of the Chinese Consulate, Qin Qilun came to revel in the richness of Chinese language and culture. The event featured a captivating lineup of performances and workshops provided by various cultural and educational institutions.

On Saturday, April 27, over 200 families from across New Jersey joined in a free public celebration of United Nations Chinese Language Day hosted by HudsonWay Immersion School in Stirling. This lively event saw the NJ campus teeming with excitement as attendees, including the Vice Consul of the Education Office of the Chinese Consulate, Qin Qilun came to revel in the richness of Chinese language and culture. The event featured a captivating lineup of performances and workshops provided by various cultural and educational institutions.

For the first time HWIS awarded students the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a credential recognized in 41 states by high schools, colleges and employers that celebrates language skills and expands future opportunities for its recipients. Students receive a certificate which is numbered and can be tied into students’ Linked In profiles and put on their resumes.

On June 14 our NY community came together to celebrate HWIS’ first 8th grade graduation recognizing the achievements of Charles Doyle, Jack Perkins and Renzo Lau in the Mandarin program. The celebration began with advice from Head of School Nelyda Miguel, followed by each graduate reflecting on his journey at HWIS delivered in both English and Mandarin.

Parents have asked about technology and their children, particularly the use of smartphones, video games, and sites like TikTok. The New York Times is publishing a very good series on adolescent health. While direct proof is scarce, there are strong correlations between the rise of technology, less sleep, less in-person social life, and less outdoors with more depression among kids.