Santa Barbara Chinese School is committed to providing excellence in Chinese language instruction. Our mission is to create and offer educational programs that enable learners to discover and develop an appreciation for the evolving richness of the Chinese language and culture.

Our Programs

Our formal classes are offered in two 13-session terms during the school year on the weekends, Saturdays near Downtown SB and Sundays on UCSB campus. On average our student : teacher ratio is 5 : 1. Pinyin (Romanization phonetic system) with simplified Chinese characters is offered to help students master Mandarin Chinese.

During the week, we collaborate with various elementary schools’ PTA within the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Goleta Union School District (GUSD) to introduce Chinese during their after-school enrichment programs. For those unable to access either the after-school or weekend programs, we offer more informal gatherings in the form of Chinese Club on Wednesdays or Thursdays so that students have a safe space to practice Chinese and seek out language buddies along the way.

Need more flexiblity, not in Santa Barbara, or want more individual attention? Consider our online classes or message us to be connected to potential Chinese language tutors.

Spring and Summer Camps are currently being planned to launch in 2025! We hope to someday introduce Cantonese as well. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

Our “Classrooms”

Culture

established in 1985, registered as an npo in 2001, We serve to connect our students with the greater Chinese-learning community by not only offering our language & cultural enrichment programs, but also by partnering with organizations worldwide to bring the chinese-speaking community together.

Get Involved

lEARN cHINESE

We offer classes from zero beginners to Advanced level classes, in-person and online

JOIN THE CLUB

Sign up for membership to get more informal practice and explore Santa Barbara while you learn

donate time or funds

Help us grow by volunteering your time, donating supplies or funds

Coming soon….

…News on academic year enrollment, Chinese Club (in Mandarin and Cantonese), holiday events, and Summer Camp 2025! Scan the QR code or click here to SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER for updates.