Lee (Edwin and Anita) Newcomer

The Chinese Education Center (CEC), located at 657 Merchant Street in San Francisco’s Chinatown, is a unique public elementary school that serves as a specialized transitional institution. Founded with a focus on supporting the city’s immigrant population, the school primarily assists students who are recent arrivals to the United States and are classified as English Learners. The core mission of the CEC is to provide a sheltered, supportive academic environment where children can bridge the language gap, gain cultural acclimation, and build the foundational skills necessary to succeed in the broader San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Because of its specific focus, the CEC offers a smaller, more intimate learning environment compared to traditional neighborhood schools. The curriculum emphasizes English language acquisition through integrated instruction, while also honoring and maintaining the students' native linguistic and cultural heritages. By providing a personalized approach to education, the school helps alleviate the potential shock of transitioning to a new country, ensuring that students develop both the confidence and the academic proficiency required to thrive as they eventually integrate into mainstream school settings.