NWCS class photo

北威中文學校
Northern Westchester Chinese School

Happy Lunar New Year!

NWCS would like wish you and yours a happy and prosperous Year of the Dragon!!

We can't wait to have everyone back for Spring Semester, starting Saturday March 2nd, 2024!!

New! Parent & Me Toddler Class

Saturdays from 11:10am to 11:55am during the school year

Join us for our new music and play-based class, designed to introduce parents and toddlers to Chinese in a fun and playful environment. We will sing and dance to Chinese children's music while playing simple instruments and games. There will also be BUBBLES! Register here or email info@nwcsny.org to schedule a free trial class.

It's not too late to register!

Classes are in full swing but it's never too late to enroll. Email us at info@nwcsny.org for more information or to schedule a personal tour.

Ask us about about beginner classes for older kids!

Our Classes

Since our founding in 1969, our primary focus has always been to create a Mandarin learning environment where students can develop their speaking, reading, listening and writing skills. Language classes meet for a structured 2-hour session for students Pre-K through 12th grade on Saturdays from 9-11am. We also offer an adult class for those interested in Mandarin conversation on Saturdays from 9:00-11:00am, and we offer youth cultural classes such as Chinese Dance, Asian crafts, and Chess during a third hour from 11:00am to 12:00pm.

Our curriculum is designed to enhance language skills, utilizing literacy instruction, as well as differentiated instruction. To reinforce classroom instruction, we organize various activities to encourage students to speak Chinese outside the classroom, such as our Speech Contest, our fun Conversation Card game, and our Lunar New Year Celebration.

We offer:

  • Mandarin Language Classes for Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) Students, Pre-K to 12th grade
  • Mandarin Language Classes for Heritage Language Students, Pre-K to 12th grade
  • Chinese Arts and Cultural Classes, Pre-K to 12th grade
  • Parent and Me Toddler Classes
  • Chinese Watercolor Painting and Modern Art with Sinrong Chen, 7th grade - Adult
  • Mandarin Conversation for Adults
  • SAT Preparation

Students writing calligraphy.

Our Teachers

Our devoted and dedicated teachers are the foundation of our school. They are passionate about teaching Chinese language and culture. Our teachers incorporate differentiated instruction to teach the curriculum for both non-Mandarin speaking families as well as native speakers, tailoring lessons to the student’s learning needs at all levels. Supporting our teachers is our staff and board, who ensure the vitality of our school for teaching Mandarin for years to come.

NWCS teacher guiding her students.

Our Community

NWCS is a warm and welcoming community of families with backgrounds from all over the world who share an interest in learning Chinese language, arts and culture. Parents are welcome to stay at the school while students are in class and connect with each other over coffee, tea, and breakfast treats. Come join us for items such as steamed buns, pan fried dumplings, scallion pancakes, bakery buns, and even handmade rice rolls!

In recent years, community members have helped arrange an exchange of children's Chinese language books, help students practice speaking Chinese using Conversation Cards with the community, and even conduct arts and craft activities for Chinese holidays!

We also host the NWCS Chorus, who gather to sing a variety of music, including Chinese folk and art songs as well as Western popular and classical pieces each week. For more information about joining the NWCS Chorus, please email info@nwcs-chorus.org.

NWCS families creating paper crafts.

Our Reputation

NWCS has been providing high-quality instruction in Mandarin since 1969. In a survey of our member families, the school's reputation is their #1 reason for choosing NWCS.

"Learning the Chinese language and culture at Northern Westchester Chinese school has allowed me to learn more about my culture and gain new knowledge in an environment that is welcoming and helps me learn to the best of my abilities. At NWCS, I've strengthened my skills in reading, writing, and speaking in Chinese. I have been able to use these skills to communicate with my teachers, classmates, and family. Each Saturday, I look forward to going to Chinese school to learn new things, see my friends, and communicate with my teachers. Each aspect of NWCS is beneficial to me and my education. I wouldn't want to learn Chinese at any other school than Northern Westchester Chinese School."

Students learning dance.

Our Location

NWCS is conveniently located at the Briarcliff Middle School, and is easily accessible to families throughout Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey. Parking is free and on the school grounds.

Northern Westchester Chinese School
444 Pleasantville Rd
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510