Editor’s Note :
As the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association and Irvine Chinese School near their 50th anniversary, a special editorial team is collecting reflections from former presidents and principals to preserve this half-century journey.
Cultural Express launches the “Brilliant Fifty” series, featuring selected essays that illuminate the people and stories that shaped our community.
In 2022, I transitioned from fifteen years of passionate teaching into administrative work and assumed the role of Principal at Irvine Chinese School in 2023.
Over the past two years, this shift has allowed me to support children from a different perspective and gain a deeper appreciation for the breadth and depth of education.
Like many other overseas Chinese schools, we survived the pandemic but continued to face subsequent challenges, including declining student enrollment, teacher attrition, and financial difficulties.
The rise of online learning has also impacted heritage Chinese schools. Since its founding in 1976, ICS has become one of the most iconic Chinese schools in the United States.
Unlike many other schools that were forced to close due to the pandemic, we achieved a 75% student return rate in the first year of resuming in-person classes.
Yet, in the wake of these irreversible changes, we must still reflect deeply on how to move forward in teaching Chinese.
Principal Jennifer Su presenting awards at the 2024 Graduation Ceremony.
Campus Roots Cultural Bonds
Irvine Chinese School embodies the spirit of “planting trees for future generations to rest beneath.” With our own campus facilities, we enjoy a high degree of stability and independence.
Our well-equipped classrooms, dance studio, multi-purpose auditorium, gymnasium, and children’s library create a rich and modern learning environment.
We have always focused on the holistic development of our students, emphasizing language skills, cultural literacy, and self-confidence. We strive to integrate Chinese learning into their daily lives and growth.
Through the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, we maintain close ties with the community, actively organizing cultural festivals, family events, and public service activities.
We are committed not only to language teaching but also to cultural heritage and social responsibility.
In 2015, we earned full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a recognition of our structured and consistent educational quality centered on students’ learning needs and outcomes.
Principal Jennifer Su giving a speech at the Lunar New Year celebration.
Fresh Courses Responsive Teaching
The landscape of Chinese language education has changed rapidly over the past decade. Guided by our “student-centered” philosophy, we continue to diversify our curriculum and invest in teacher training and cultural programs.
As our community demographics shift, we are transitioning from textbook-based instruction to theme-based lessons and conversational Mandarin, integrating cultural content into language classes.
We have redesigned our 7th–8th grade curriculum to bridge into high school Chinese, introduced high school credit courses, and created AP Chinese preparation programs to support motivated students in earning high scores.
We also responded to changing family schedules. Weekend Chinese used to be the only option, but now many students have sports or family events.
To ease weekend pressure, we converted our after-school program into weekday Chinese classes for preschool to 8th grade. This gives families more flexible schedules and shows our attentiveness to the evolving rhythms of community life.
Digital Tools Campus Renewal
Technology has transformed our school in the past decade. Our administrative systems are now fully computerized, making registration and data management more efficient and accurate.
Every classroom has been upgraded to interactive touchscreen displays, replacing old projectors and allowing teachers to use digital games and resources more effectively.
We have also expanded our outdoor amphitheater, which complements our gymnasium and provides flexible space for school events, improving the flow and efficiency of activities.
In 2025, Principal Jennifer Su welcoming the Bridging Program delegation during their visit.
Students Shine Families Unite
Our students continue to shine in many areas. Each year, we host fall and spring academic events, encouraging every student to participate in Chinese poster-making and poetry recitation competitions.
Their works are displayed throughout campus, letting parents see their children’s growth firsthand.
During our annual Lunar New Year celebration, students experience cultural richness through hands-on traditions and joyful festivities.
We believe that culture is the most powerful guide for learning Chinese abroad.
Pioneers Sow Learners Grow
Our success relies on the tireless support of parents and the dedication of high school volunteers, who serve as role models for younger students and bring an uplifting, cooperative spirit to campus.
Every brick of our campus carries the hopes of the first generation of Chinese immigrants who founded this school to preserve their heritage.
From our humble beginnings to becoming a vibrant community hub, ICS has grown through the collective effort of teachers, students, parents, and community leaders.
In 2023, Principal Jennifer Su welcoming Director General Amino Chi during his visit to the school.
Legacy Lives Futures Rise
Our mission has evolved from “preserving Chinese traditions” to “passing on Chinese culture,” and from “promoting understanding” to “inspiring appreciation of its value.”
Many of our earliest students are now parents who send their own children here, continuing not only the language but also a sense of cultural identity and belonging.
At ICS, our students are like seedlings rooted in rich linguistic soil, growing into future cultural ambassadors.
As we honor our past, celebrate our present, and look to the future, I wholeheartedly wish ICS a brilliant next fifty years.（Brilliant Fifty XXXI）
Read More：
Seeds Planted On Sunday Mornings Eddie Lee ( ICS Alumnus)
My Journey with the Lunar New Year Gala Judie Lai （ ICS Parent Volunteer ）
Half a Century of Commitment and Achievement Karen Kuo-Limb (SCCCA Former Board Chair 2017-18)
Reflections Inspired by a Video Vivien Kao (SCCCA Former Board Chair 2011-2012)
The Transformation & Growth of SCCCA Andrew Yen ( SCCCA Former Board Chair 2007-2009, 2010-2011)
Thirty Years at ICS Memories Still Vivid Shi-yun Chung (Former ICS Principal, 1998–2000)
Reflections on the 50th Anniversary Joan Chien (SCCCA Former Board Chair 1996-98 ）
Building on the Past Opening a New Chapter Peter Liu ( ICS Former Principal 1995-96)
Some Remarks on the 50th Anniversary of ICS. Bin Yang ( ICS Former Principal 1992-94 )
Looking Back on My Year as ICS Principal. Ping Deng Yow ( ICS Former Principal 1988-89 )
An Affinity for the Irvine Chinese School. Ann Hwu ( ICS Former Principal 1987-88)
Building Bridges Across Generations and Cultures. Susie Chu ( SCCCA Board Chair 1988-89)
From Parent to Principal : My ICS Story. Hedy Ho（ Former ICS Principal 1986-87 )
United We Strive · United We Rise. Don Niu ( Former SCCCA board chair 1986-87 )
ICS Memories That Still Shine. Phen Cheng (1984-85 ICS Principal)
Reflections of a School Janitor. JJ Lee (SCCCA Board Chair 1979-1980 )
A Journey from One Dream to a Community Legacy Mitzi Fu (1976-82, 1983-84 ICS Founding Principal)