Welcome to the Chinese Language School of Columbia (CLSC), where we have been fostering Chinese language proficiency and cultural appreciation since 1975. Our programs are designed to cater to learners of all ages, from young children to adults, providing a comprehensive education in Mandarin and Cantonese, along with rich cultural experiences.

Mandarin Programs

Mandarin is our core curriculum, with classes available from Pre-K through high school and beyond.

🏫 In-Person Mandarin Classes

Ideal for families seeking a full classroom experience in a supportive community environment.

  • Ages: 4 to 18
  • When: Sundays, 2hrs from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
  • Where: Dunloggin Middle School, Ellicott City, MD
  • Format: Group classes organized by age and proficiency level
  • Focus: Speaking, listening, reading, writing (traditional characters), Zhuyin, Pinyin, and cultural integration
  • Includes: Cultural workshops such as calligraphy, Chinese yo-yo, and festival crafts

💻 Virtual Mandarin Classes (Adults & Teens)

Best for students who need schedule flexibility or prefer learning from home.

  • Ages: Adults & Teens
  • When: Sundays, 2hrs early afternoon
  • Platform: Zoom
  • Format: Group classes organized by proficiency level

Cantonese Programs

Cantonese is our core curriculum, with classes available from Pre-K through high school and beyond.

🏫 In-Person Cantonese Classes

Ideal for families seeking a full classroom experience in a supportive community environment.

  • Ages: 4 to 18
  • When: Sundays, 2hrs from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
  • Where: Dunloggin Middle School, Ellicott City, MD
  • Format: Group classes organized by age and proficiency level
  • Focus: Speaking, listening, reading, writing (traditional characters), Jyutping, and cultural integration
  • Includes: Cultural workshops such as calligraphy, Chinese yo-yo, and festival crafts

💻 Virtual Cantonese Classes

Best for students who need schedule flexibility or prefer learning from home.

  • Ages: 4 to 18
  • When: Saturdays, 2hrs between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM
  • Platform: Zoom
  • Format: Group classes organized by proficiency level
  • Focus: Speaking, listening, reading, writing (traditional characters), and Jyutping

In-Person Activities

Our after-school activities, held from 3:30 to 4:30 PM, provide students with a fun and enriching way to wind down their day while exploring new interests. From hands-on experiences like cooking and paper folding to active options like badminton and martial arts, students have the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, and foster friendships in a relaxed, supportive environment. Creative past activities have included shadow puppets, diablo yo-yo, and board games; encouraging imagination, coordination, and teamwork. These sessions help students grow socially and emotionally while staying engaged in a safe, structured space.

Get Involved

Whether you're enrolling your child, interested in volunteering, or simply want to learn more, we welcome you to become part of the CLSC family.

📍 Location: Classes are held at Dunloggin Middle School in Ellicott City, Maryland
➡️ Contact Us