About The Chinese Academy

Welcome to The Chinese Academy (TCA), a dynamic and innovative institution where language, culture, and personal growth seamlessly come together. Located in Calgary, TCA offers a rich and immersive experience in learning Mandarin and Cantonese and exploring Chinese culture. But it’s more than just a school – it’s a vibrant community dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of the Chinese language, history, and traditions, all while embracing modern teaching techniques to ensure success in today’s globalized world.

Whether you’re a young learner starting your journey with Mandarin or an adult seeking to refine your language skills, TCA has something for everyone. From beginner-level courses to International Baccalaureate (IB) Chinese to adult classes to option classes like Badminton, the school’s diverse programs are tailored to meet the needs of students of all ages and backgrounds. At TCA, we pride ourselves on offering personalized, interactive instruction led by passionate and experienced educators who create an environment where students not only learn but thrive.

What sets TCA apart is its commitment to excellence and its focus on fostering cultural fluency alongside language proficiency. Our curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking, creative expression, and global citizenship, ensuring that students are prepared for success both academically and professionally. The Chinese Academy isn’t just about mastering a language—it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of the world, expanding horizons, and embracing new opportunities in an ever-changing, interconnected world.

At TCA, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. Our motto, “Help Yourself, Help Others,” reflects our core values of personal growth, kindness, and social responsibility. We strive to create an environment where students not only develop their own skills but are also inspired to support and uplift others in their learning journey. By embracing this philosophy, we empower our students to become compassionate leaders, ready to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Join us today and experience the TCA difference—a place where personal success and helping others go hand in hand.

Goals and Objectives:

• Promote the Chinese language and culture for everyone

School Profile:

• The Chinese Academy is the largest heritage language school in Alberta
• We have been in operation since 1997 and currently have over 1900 students
• We are a registered charitable organization and a non-profit school accredited by Alberta Education
• We work in cooperation with the Calgary Board of Education, the second largest school board in Canada with over 100,000 students
• Classes are offered on Saturdays at John G. Diefenbaker High School and Sir John A. Macdonald School, both with ample free parking
• Our goal is to promote the Chinese language and culture for everyone
• We offer Mandarin and Cantonese classes (Traditional or Simplified characters) for students from kindergarten to Grade 12.
• We offer Parent and Tot classes for children as young as 3 years old.
• The Chinese Academy works in partnership with the following CBE schools:
  ·         John G. Diefenbaker High School
  ·         Sir Winston Churchill High School
  ·         Western Canada High School
  ·         Henry Wise Wood High School
  ·         Lester B. Pearson High School
  to offer Chinese language instruction in Mandarin and Cantonese that allow IB students registered at these schools to pursue Chinese language studies.
• We offer “Chinese as a Second Language” classes for beginners in Mandarin and Cantonese
• We offer option classes in Badminton, English and Math Tutorials
• Under the supervision of experienced certified teachers, classes incorporate an activity-oriented approach with less emphasis on memorization
• Alberta Education has accredited classes in Grades 10, 11 and 12 so that, upon completion, students receive 5 credits for each class
• Teaching materials are specially designed for students living in Canada
• Teachers who have experience in teaching overseas and in Canada