The first Mandarin immersion school in the nation, the Chinese American International School (CAIS) is an independent pre-K to 8th grade school. Growth at its main campus warranted a relocation of its preschool program into two adjacent buildings renovated by TEF to support the program’s focus on traditional Chinese values and the work of Maria Montessori. An historically-significant structure from the 1800s houses administrative offices, a kitchen, and a multipurpose room. Classrooms and support facilities are configured in the building next door to support two age groups, each one split into two groups that are exposed alternately to English and Mandarin, in the morning and afternoon respectively. A covered walkway between both buildings provide a unifying circulation space.