This directory is to help families find in-person language and world culture programs for East Bay youth.
Interested in exposing your child to world languages and cultures other than American English? Lucky you! There are so many places in Oakland, Berkeley, and nearby that will immerse your child in Spanish, Mandarin, French, German, Hebrew, Arabic, and more! There are fully immersive bilingual schools (not listed here), free storytimes for little ones, after-school and weekend classes (below), and summer camps to reinforce language goals.
World language & culture classes for East Bay kids
Bay Language Academy
Bay Language Academy in Alameda offers an array of classes in many languages including Spanish, French, Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, and Korean.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Bay Linguistic Advancement Center
Bay Linguistic Advancement Center welcomes K-5th scholars to learn Spanish or Portuguese in a supportive, inspiring, and sunny school setting that incorporates a Montessori approach. After-school and Saturday classes are available.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
East Bay German International School (EBGIS)
Extracurricular classes open to all students who would like to strengthen their German language skills in grades 5 to 11. Focus on literature and drama in German.
Grades: 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Feisty Fingers Music
Piano and voice lessons for adults and children aged 5 and up. Also French coaching.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Gurus Of Dance (Bollywood Style)
Gurus of Dance is Bay Area's Biggest and Best Bollywood Dance School. Classes are offered at 7 locations across the Bay Area starting as young as age 3.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Hanwen School 瀚文å¸å ‚
Hanwen offers after-school Mandarin Chinese program, weekend enrichment, and immersion summer camps. They offer arts, kung fu, and music lessons occasionally.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Inspire Behavioral Learning Tutoring and Classes
Student-centered tutoring for Pre-K, TK, K-12, and older students in English Language Arts. Additional subjects, too
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Kids Go Mandarin
Classes increase kids’ enthusiasm for learning Mandarin and music at the same time through multi-sensory creative teaching including music, movement, and play for ages 0-6.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten
Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center
The Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center (SFCCC) offers Mandarin and Cantonese language, arts and culture for grades K–9 through both after-school and Saturdays. Located in Oakland Chinatown since 1953—your child will grow in both language and community.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Twirl After School Enrichment Program
Twirl offers an after-school program for TK-4th grade incorporating STEAM Explorations, Design Challenges, Lego Building, Process Art, Music, Mandarin, and cooking. Instructors also offer homework help.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade
See our summer camp guide to find more language and culture camps around the East Bay >
[Photos by Escuela Bilingue Internacional (EBI) and Hayward Kai-Feng Chinese School]
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California Tamil Academy founded to teach Tamil language and Tamil culture to diaspora Tamil children in California is now spread all over the world as International Tamil Academy starting at age 5. Classes include music, dance, drama, and any art form based on Tamil language and Tamil culture. http://www.catamilacademy.org/