Bilingual learning for a brighter future
Welcome to the Institute of Chinese Culture (ICC) School, where we believe that teaching is an art and that children love learning in a fun, engaging environment. Our school is dedicated to inspiring and stimulating young students to be lifelong learners through immersion in the Chinese language and culture.
ICC School has been serving the Houston community since 1970, and we take pride in being the first Chinese language school in the area. Our school board recognized the increasing needs of Mandarin Chinese learning in the greater Houston Area and the importance of early childhood learning. As a result, we embarked on a journey to establish a Mandarin immersion early childhood learning center for families that desire quality education in a bilingual setting.
At ICC School, we provide an immersion language learning environment where your child will learn Mandarin Chinese in an authentic setting. Our faculty members are experienced educators who build rapport with children through courtesy, respect, acceptance, and patience. We believe that each child is an unique individual and that all children can learn and reach their potentials in a safe and nurturing environment.
Programs
At ICC School, we offer a range of programs that cater to children of different ages and stages of development. Our programs include:
- Toddler Program (2~3 years old): Our toddler program provides a bilingual setting where your toddler will develop language and literacy skills. Early math and science concepts will be introduced through fun activities. Additionally, arts & crafts, physical play, and social-emotional skill development are incorporated to engage children's minds, bodies, and senses.
- Preschool Program (4 years old): In our preschool program, teachers support students to develop physically, socially, emotionally, in bilingual literacy, and in thinking skills. Preschoolers' language skills develop when they have lots of opportunities to listen to and speak with others. Our teachers talk with children throughout the day in Mandarin Chinese and encourage them to share information, ideas, and feelings with each other.
- Kindergarten Program (5 years old): Our kindergarten curriculum provides structures and support that enable all students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and habits needed to meet or exceed the standards in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both Mandarin Chinese and English. In science and mathematics, kindergarten teachers incorporate inquiry and hands-on activities to enhance learning.
- Afterschool Program (K-5th grade): Our afterschool program offers a variety of activities and enrichment classes such as Mandarin, Chinese calligraphy, math, art, and music. Our program is designed to provide a safe and productive environment for children after school where they can engage in meaningful activities while also having fun.
- Saturday Program (K-12th grade): Our Saturday program offers Mandarin language and culture classes for students of all ages, from kindergarten to 12th grade. Our classes are designed to meet the needs of students at different levels, from beginner to advanced.
- Summer Camp: Our summer camp offers a variety of activities and enrichment classes such as Mandarin, Chinese calligraphy, math, art, and music. Our program is designed to provide a safe and productive environment for children during the summer where they can engage in meaningful activities while also having fun.
Conclusion
At ICC School, we are committed to providing quality education in a bilingual setting. We believe that learning a second language boosts problem-solving, critical-thinking, and listening skills, in addition to improving memory, concentration, and the ability to multitask. We are dedicated to fostering the total development of the child and promoting language learning and culture awareness. If you are seeking a supportive and enriching learning environment for your child, look no further than ICC School.
Unique Features and Activities
The ICC Mandarin Immersion Preschool offers a range of unique features and activities that make it stand out from other preschools. One of the most notable features is the language immersion program, which allows children to learn Mandarin in a fun and interactive way. The preschool also offers extended daycare from 8am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, as well as a Saturday morning program that runs at half-pace compared to the weekday program. Additionally, the school has a "boutique" pre-school environment that enables children to receive a custom learning experience tailored to their individual needs and learning styles.
Supportive and Caring Teachers
The teachers at ICC are highly praised for their supportive and caring nature. Many parents have reported that their children have developed close relationships with their teachers, who go above and beyond to ensure that each child feels valued and supported. The teachers are also highly invested in each child's individual learning and development, and work closely with parents to provide daily reports, photos, and calls with health/emergent concerns.
Cultural Immersion and Community Events
ICC is committed to cultural immersion and community building, and offers a range of activities and events that allow children to experience and engage with Chinese culture. The school hosts annual carnival events, sets up kids' activities with vendors and other parent-led supports as a fundraiser, and offers semester-end performances/parties. Parents are also encouraged to bring their own healthy lunches and snacks, and to participate in optional activities such as soccer shots, kidokinetics, and jolly trolley.
Result-Oriented Learning
The ICC Mandarin Immersion Preschool is highly focused on result-oriented learning, and has helped many children develop fluency in Mandarin and a love of learning. Many parents have reported that their children are able to communicate fluently in Mandarin with family members and friends, and that the school's curriculum has helped them develop age-appropriate skills and knowledge.
