The Chinese Cultural Association of Long Island (CCALI) Chinese school first opened its doors in 1979 with only a few students. Nevertheless, classes were held each Saturday at the West Hempstead Long Island Chinese Cultural Center.
Eventually our enrollment increased and in 1985 the Chinese School moved to its present location at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury. As the Chinese School brought together a greater number of students and members in the Chinese community, the function of CCALI broadened to include the dissemination of the Chinese culture and the elevation of ethnic Chinese welfare in Long Island. In 1986, CCALI officially became a New York State non-profit community organization.
In recent years, CCALI membership expanded rapidly as a result of the influx of ethnic Chinese on Long Island as well as the growing interest of other groups in learning Chinese. Our school attracts students not only from Long Island, but also from Manhattan and Queens. Presently, the Chinese school has an annual enrollment of over 200 students and more than thirty teachers. CCALI also offers many cultural enriching classes for the parents of students attending the Chinese School. As a community organization, CCALI continues to improve owing to the talents and dedications of the volunteers within our community.
www.ccali.org - 43162 - The Long Island Chinese school
