EST. 1888 SAN FRANCISCO CHINATOWN
Learn the Language. Carry the Culture.
North America's oldest Chinese-language school, rooted in San Francisco's Chinatown since 1888. Open to students of all backgrounds - K-12 weekday and weekend classes in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Chinese arts.
1888
FOUNDED
20+
EXPERIENCED TEACHERS
K-12
ALL GRADE LEVELS
3
LANGUAGES OFFERED
Summer School 2026 begins June 16
OUR MISSION
Education, Ethics, and Identity
Central Chinese High School has served the Chinese American community for over 138 years - offering more than language instruction. Our curriculum weaves Mandarin and Cantonese with Chinese ethics, classical texts, and cultural arts, helping students grow as both scholars and citizens.
WHAT WE OFFER
Programs & Classes
Mandarin Instruction (K-12)
We offer a comprehensive Mandarin curriculum for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. These classes are designed to develop strong language skills, cultural understanding, and academic proficiency, including writing, reading and speaking. Our curriculum builds on progressive skill levels, ensuring that students gain a deep understanding of Mandarin language and Chinese culture from an early age through to high school graduation.
AP Chinese Classes (Taught in English)
Our AP Chinese program is tailored for students seeking advanced placement and college-level coursework. Taught in English, this course not only meets AP Chinese standards but also uses an innovative approach to engage students in critical thinking and cultural exploration. This curriculum is ideal for students who aim to excel in AP examinations while developing a nuanced understanding of Chinese language and literature within an international context.
Summer School
Central Chinese High School also offers a robust Summer School program, providing a variety of courses aimed at reinforcing academic skills, introducing new subject areas, or diving deeper into Chinese language and culture. The Summer School curriculum allows students to maintain continuous learning, benefit from individualized instruction, and explore different academic interests during the break.
Cantonese Classes
Recognizing the importance of lifelong learning and cultural heritage, we offer adult Cantonese classes designed for community members of all ages. These classes cater to beginners and intermediate learners alike, focusing on conversational skills, cultural nuances, and practical usage of the language, facilitating greater connection to personal and cultural identity.
Online Classes
To ensure flexible and accessible learning opportunities, CCHS provides a range of online classes. These courses cater to both students and adults, allowing anyone interested in Chinese language, culture, or specific academic subjects to participate remotely. Our online platform supports interactive learning, virtual discussions, and access to resources that mirror the quality of our on-campus programs.
Chinese Culture & Arts
In addition to language instruction, CCHS offers courses in Chinese culture and arts, enriching our curriculum with a broad spectrum of cultural studies. This program includes traditional arts, music, calligraphy, and cultural history, providing students with a well-rounded perspective that fosters a deeper appreciation for Chinese heritage and creative expression.
Open to All Backgrounds
Central Chinese High School offers a diverse array of curriculums designed to meet the educational and cultural needs of our community: These curriculum offerings reflect Central Chinese High School’s commitment to excellence in education and cultural preservation, ensuring that students and community members have access to high-quality, diverse learning opportunities that bridge traditional and modern practices.
OUR STORY
138 Years of History in Chinatown
Central Chinese High School began in 1888 at 777 Sacramento Street — established under the direction of the Chinese Consul General with support of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA), which continues to support the school today.
READ THE FULL HISTORY1888
Founded at 777 Sacramento Street, San Francisco Chinatown — the first Chinese-language school in North America, with just 16 students in two classes. Instruction was in Taishanese.
1920
After 31 years as an all-male school, female students were admitted for the first time, opening the school to the full community.
1927
The school acquires its permanent campus at 827–829 Stockton Street, made possible by a generous donation from businessman Song Zhou. The library is named in his honor.
1988
Principal Mimi M. Lai — the first woman to lead the school — launches kindergarten classes and transitions instruction from Cantonese to Mandarin, growing enrollment from 200 to over 500.
2010
Enrollment reaches its historic peak of 2,071 students — the largest student body in the school's 122-year history.
2025
New leadership under Board Chair Robert Chiang and Vice Chair Ding Lee. New Cantonese classes launch, and outreach expands to welcome students from all ethnic backgrounds.
BY THE NUMBERS
Still One of the Largest in North America
In a region where Chinese-language learning has never been more popular, Central Chinese School stands apart - not just for its age and accreditation, but for the flexibility and depth if offers families.
COMMUNITY
Rooted in Chinatown, Open to Everyone
For over a century, Central Chinese School has been more than a school — it is the cultural anchor of San Francisco Chinatown. Backed by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association since 1888, we carry on a tradition of community-first education.
Family-Centered
Weekday and weekend schedules designed to fit modern family life. Flexible morning, afternoon, and full-day options.
Multicultural Welcome
Students from all ethnicities are warmly welcomed. Learning Chinese is for everyone — not just Chinese American families.
CCBA Backed
Supported by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association — the oldest community organization in San Francisco Chinatown, since 1849.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Summer 2026 & Fall Semester
Summer School: June 16, 2026 - August 1, 2026
