we offer both in-person & online Chinese courses that cater to the needs of our students and families

Beginner and Conversation Series

These introductory classes are designed for children with little or no prior background in Mandarin Chinese. Children learn Chinese - and about Chinese culture - through song, storytime, and play. The focus of these classes is to cultivate interest in Chinese language learning, and show how it may apply to the students’ daily lives. Class time will emphasize speaking and reading with a basic introduction to Simplified Chinese characters. Variations of Traditional Chinese characters may be used for comparative purposes. Chinese language learning resources and homework are assigned in these sessions:

• Happy Chinese 快乐汉语: Saturdays, 9:00-10:30 am

• Afterschool Enrichment Program: Currently open to Isla Vista Elementary School Students 1st-6th Grade Starting in Fall 2024

  We partner with various schools in town to offer introductory playtime classes after school. Contact us if you’re a school representative who would like to add Chinese to its afterschool curriculum.

Heritage Speaker Level Series

This series is designed for children with existing knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, and the majority of the class is conducted in Mandarin. The focus of these classes is to fine-tune reading, writing, and speaking skills while zooming in on various aspects of Chinese culture through text and activities. New students will need to schedule a language assessment to be assigned to the appropriate level.

• Ma Li Ping 马立平 level 1: Sunday 2:30-4:00 pm

• Ma Li Ping 马立平 level 3: Sunday 2:30-4:00 pm

Looking for something more informal during the week?

These introductory classes are designed for children with little or no prior background in Mandarin Chinese. Children learn Chinese - and about Chinese culture - through song, storytime, and play. The focus of these classes is to cultivate interest in Chinese language learning, and show how it may apply to the students’ daily lives. Class time will emphasize speaking and reading over writing, as characters are also being gradually introduced. Chinese language learning resources, rather than homework, are provided in this sessions:

• Chinese Club 中文俱乐部： Wednesdays, 3:00-4:30 pm

  Enrollment is currently OPEN for our free-form Chinese Club that offers students, ages 3 and up (must be potty trained), to gather and speak Chinese while engaged in various activities such as origami folding, paper cutting, reviewing flash cards, learning lyrics to a Chinese song, reading books, learning about Chinese holidays, Chinese tutoring help, etc. These conversation tables are designed to provide a safe space for children to speak Chinese, and meet others who are doing the same. Club membership dues are in the form of $100+/month donations - or $30/session at the door - to cover material, labor, Asian snacks/drinks (pending location), and include the following:

  • Weekly Mandarin or Cantonese Conversation Tables 中文桌子 in Goleta (Think Chinese Playtimes and Office Hours in Mandarin)

  • Monthly Off-site special Conversation Table Excursions in various attractions around Santa Barbara (in English & Mandarin, usually on Thursdays, for the entire family!)

• Sing with Miss Chloe (FREE) 日常溜娃: Thursdays, 9:30-10:00 am, followed by free play afterwards

  • This informal gathering was created organically to get parents with toddlers together to share resources and experiences. We are here to support our Chinese-speaking families and give their toddlers an outlet to learn and play before school begins. Our very own Miss Chloe 林老师 hosts these weekly play dates at various parks in Santa Barbara and Goleta. Singing session is only 30 minutes long and starts at 9:30am sharp, so don’t be late! Parents are welcome to hang out and socialize or picnic together afterwards. Reach out to Miss Chloe to join the WeChat group today.

• Private Mandarin or Cantonese Playtimes: Customized time and location

  Form your group of 4-8 students and we can work out a time, space, and curriculum that is suitable to your children’s needs. Subject to instructor availability. Get in touch here.

Cultural Enrichment Classes 文化演艺课

SBCS also offers Chinese Cultural Classes as part of the in-person program. Course offerings vary in topic and change from season to season. We have offered Chinese Calligraphy, Chinese Chess, Children’s Choir, Chinese folk dance, and Chinese brush painting in the past. Please subscribe to our newsletter for updates and offerings each term, as well as instructions for enrollment.

• Children’s Choir 儿童合唱团：Sunday afternoons.

  • Join our Music Director to learn and perform popular Chinese songs! Every year, Childrens’ choir will perform at various venues, including Lunar New Year Festival. Please contact 林老师 Miss Chloe for details.

• Chinese Folk Dance 中国民族舞蹈课：Various times.

  • Learn folk and contemporary Chinese dance, taught completely in Mandarin Chinese! Students have the option to perform on stage at the Annual Lunar New Year Festival and/or the World Dance Competition in Los Angeles. Please contact 楠楠老师 Miss Sun Nan for details.

Online Courses

As a supplement to our in-person courses, we’ve also partnered with teachers in China to provide online courses at a special rate to our students and families. Classes are generally 50 minutes long, joined by a group of 3-5 students per session. Price ranges from $10-$14 per session for 25-100 sessions. Private one-on-one tutoring is also available by request. New students will need to schedule a language assessment to be assigned to the appropriate level. Enrollment for the following are on a rolling basis:

SCHOOL POLICy and calendar

• We offer discounts off tuition to parents who volunteer for at least 1 activity or project per term. Volunteer opportunities include: hosting conversation/activity tables, assisting teachers in large classes, chaperoning on field trips, event coordination, etc.

• New students who have a Chinese-speaking background need to schedule a language assessment so they can be placed into the appropriately class.

• Consistent attendance is mandatory and necessary for students to maintain progress. Attendance is a strong consideration when placing students for the next school year. Students/families must notify in advance of any class that will be missed. Absences are at the discretion of the students and their respective family members. Missed in-person classes are non-refundable.

• In the event that a suitable class isn’t available, parents are welcome to rally at least 4 students to form a class and request for private sessions.

• Students must be potty trained and have basic communication skills in order to attend our in-person formal classes. Our youngest students tend to be at least be 4 years of age.

• Unless there is an emergency, leaving class early and chronic tardiness is not acceptable. Students are expected to attend the entire period of class. Please plan your other activities to begin after classes have ended. 

Please reference our 2023-2024 school calendar below to plan accordingly. Thank you!

Coming soon….

…News on Chinese language tables, events, and Summer Camp 2025! Subscribe to our newsletter for updates.