What if a school taught you to embrace two cultures? That’s precisely what the Chinese American International School does. I am standing in front of the Chinese American International School in San Francisco. It is a unique place that blends Chinese and American education.
The Chinese American International School journey began in 1981. Carol Ruth Silver sought a Mandarin-English school for her son. She could not find one. So she created her own school. It started in the basement of the French American International School. There were only four kindergarten students.
Today the Chinese American International School is much bigger. It spans three campuses. The Early Childhood Division is at the Alice A. Carnes Center. The Lower School is at the main Oak Street campus. The Middle School is on Turk Street. Since 2024 the Chinese American International School has a new campus at 3250 19th Ave. It replaced the former Mercy High School.
The Chinese American International School was the first Chinese-English dual language immersion school in the United States. From pre-kindergarten to fifth grade students spend half the day learning core subjects in Chinese. The other half is in English. In middle school math and science are taught only in English. This prepares students for high school.
The Chinese American International School has received national recognition. In 1987 the U.S. Department of Education called it the national prototype for Chinese language education. In 2004 it won the Goldman Sachs Prize for Excellence in International Education.
The Chinese American International School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools. It is also accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school is a member of various independent school associations.
The Chinese American International School campus is impressive. It has a gym and a theater. There are dedicated rooms for music and art. A soccer field is at the back. A preschool playground is in the front.
The school aims to inspire and empower learners. It wants them to embrace Chinese culture. The Chinese American International School encourages students to become their best selves. It wants them to contribute to a better world.
The Chinese American International School is more than just a school. It is a community. It is a place where students learn to navigate two languages and cultures. It prepares them to thrive in an increasingly global world. The Chinese American International School offers a unique educational experience in the heart of San Francisco.