Chinese School of San Diego

San Diego's Oldest Chinese School

Chinese School of San Diego is the city's oldest Chinese school and the only one in San Diego teaching both Cantonese and Mandarin — most Chinese schools focus on Mandarin only. Based in Kearny Mesa, it runs a traditional Saturday morning format.

Programs Offered

• Saturday classes, 8:00am–12:00pm
• Cantonese track
• Mandarin track
• Multiple proficiency levels from beginner through advanced
• Cultural programming alongside language instruction

What's Included

• Both Cantonese and Mandarin taught side by side — rare in the US
• Established community and faculty
• Small-group classroom format
• Traditional heritage-school curriculum
• Saturday schedule that doesn't conflict with weekday activities

Experience

Especially strong fit for Cantonese-heritage families who struggle to find formal Cantonese instruction — most heritage schools moved to Mandarin-only decades ago. The school's history means it understands multi-generational San Diego Chinese families well.