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, for children and adults, are offered in two 13-session terms during the academic year on the weekends at UCSB. For the most effective language-learning experience, we try to maintain student : teacher ratio of no more than 5 : 1, class size capped at 8 students, to help students master Mandarin Chinese using the Pinyin (Romanization phonetic system).
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 after-school enrichment or alternative recess. For those unable to access either the after-school or weekend programs, we offer our own Chinese Club on Thursdays so that students have a safe space to practice Chinese and seek out language buddies along the way.
Spring and Summer Camps are also being launched in 2025 to give our students an immersive language-learning experience. We take a no-frills approach to our 8:30am-4:30pm camp offering, and partner with various attractions around town to provide a truly memorable, immediately applicable, and all-inclusive learning process.
Need more flexibility, not in Santa Barbara, or want more individual attention? Consider our online classes or message us to be connected to potential Chinese language tutors.
We hope to someday introduce Cantonese as well. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed!
Our “Classrooms”
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
"The children enjoy the ways that the Mandarin language is implemented with a learning-through-play pedagogy. As the teachers get to know the children, they adapt and refine the class to meet the needs and desires of the students. This class is well-attended and the children look forward to Mandarin class each week! We love Santa Barbara Chinese School!" - Laura Donner, Education Director, SB Charter School
"The children enjoy the ways that the Mandarin language is implemented with a learning-through-play pedagogy. As the teachers get to know the children, they adapt and refine the class to meet the needs and desires of the students. This class is well-attended and the children look forward to Mandarin class each week! We love Santa Barbara Chinese School!" - Laura Donner, Education Director, SB Charter School
"I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. The program offers a perfect balance of language learning, cultural exploration, and fun activities." - Megan Morf, Isla Vista Elementary PTA President
"I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. The program offers a perfect balance of language learning, cultural exploration, and fun activities." - Megan Morf, Isla Vista Elementary PTA President
“My child has not only learned new words and phrases but has also gained a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions and history. Additionally, the program maintains a small student-to-teacher ratio, which allows for individualized attention and a more tailored learning experience.” - Parent from weekend Beginner Level Session
“My child has not only learned new words and phrases but has also gained a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions and history. Additionally, the program maintains a small student-to-teacher ratio, which allows for individualized attention and a more tailored learning experience.” - Parent from weekend Beginner Level Session
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
keep in touch!
For news on academic year enrollment, Chinese Club (in Mandarin and Cantonese), holiday events, Spring and Summer Camp 2025, scan the QR code or click here to SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER for updates. And while you’re at it, tell us what works for you in the coming academic year via our Planning Survey. 近期将为您带来更多资讯，包括中华传统节庆活动、2025年暑期精品夏令营、海外游学项目等！想第一时间获取最新消息？赶快订阅我们的电子邮件吧！另外，我们诚挚邀请您填写规划问卷，告诉我们您的需求和期望，让我们为您量身定制最佳方案。
