The Institute of Chinese Culture
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF CHINESE CULTURE
The Institute of Chinese Culture (ICC), established in 1970, is Houston's first Chinese language school. The primary courses offered at ICC are Chinese classes in either traditional (with Zhuyin) or simplified (with Pinyin) format. The curriculum covers ages from preschool (three and a half years old) through 12th grade. Classroom activities include listening, speaking, reading, and writing comprehension. The 6th through 12th grade curriculum is further enhanced with a cultural class program.
Additional classes, such as mathematics, art, English writing, piano, and Junior Achievement, are also available. The goal is to assist students with regular school work, introduce them to Chinese culture and fine arts, and provide leadership skills training. Classes are offered in the fall and spring semesters during the school year. For adults, we also offer courses such as Chinese, French, Tai-Chi, and art.
Our History
The Institute of Chinese Culture (ICC), established in 1970, is Houston’s first Chinese language school. ICC began its first classes at Rice University and used the university facilities until September 1988 when ICC was relocated to the Clarewood campus in southwest Houston. The Clarewood campus was situated in a 36 unit apartment complex on an acre of land.
The Clarewood campus was destroyed in a fire in 1995. However the school was able to continue to operate from facilities generously provided by Southwest College of the Houston Community College System.
The school purchased its current Westoffice campus in March of 1997. The first classes at the new campus started on August 1, 1997.
Mission
The Institute of Chinese Culture (ICC) is incorporated in Texas in 1970 and organized as a non-profit institute for educational purposes. Our mission is to enhance an appreciation of Chinese language and culture through the operation of a Chinese-language school and such other means as may be determined by the board from time to time.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
The Institute of Chinese Culture shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, national origin, or religion in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policy, scholarship and loan program, and athletic and other programs.