Thousand Oaks Chinese School Relocates Weekend Classes to Cal Lutheran Campus

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November 4, 2025

cal Lutheran University Expands Community Outreach with New Educational Partnership

Thousand Oaks, CA – California Lutheran University (cal Lutheran) has initiated a collaborative venture with the Thousand Oaks Chinese School (TOCS), beginning in September. This partnership brings weekend educational programs to the university’s campus, strengthening ties with the local community and bolstering academic resources.

A growing Need for Space Spurs Collaboration

The Thousand Oaks Chinese School, previously located at Thousand Oaks High School, sought a larger facility to accommodate its growing student population.According to Vanessa Webster-smith, Director of Campus Services at Cal Lutheran, TOCS proactively approached the university after exceeding capacity at its former location. “They were looking for another place, and after a campus tour, they recognized Cal Lutheran as the ideal surroundings for their students,” Webster-Smith explained.

From Initial Discussions to a Formal Agreement

Initial discussions regarding a potential partnership were first explored in 2017, when TOCS had a higher enrollment of over 500-600 students. At that time, Jason Mei, a former principal of TOCS, noted that the school’s size made a collaboration impractical. However, following a post-pandemic enrollment decrease, a renewed dialog began in 2024, resulting in a preliminary agreement by March 2025.

A Mutually Beneficial Arrangement

Ryan Van Ommeren, Vice President of Planning and Services at Cal Lutheran, highlighted the strategic advantages of the partnership. “Cal Lutheran welcomed TOCS as we value connections with our surrounding community and the possibility for additional revenue,” he stated. The current classes, held every Saturday from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,are presently conducted in the Soiland Humanities Center and the Swenson Center for Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Looking Ahead: Cultural Exchange and Expanded Programs

TOCS anticipates expanding its offerings beyond its current pre-K to ninth-grade curriculum. Principal Jennifer Kang and Jason Mei envision the introduction of cultural programs, including classes in calligraphy, weaving, and language instruction, perhaps open to Cal Lutheran students. “We see significant potential in collaborating with the university, potentially creating programs tailored for CLU students if there is sufficient interest,” Mei shared.

Did You Know? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, partnerships between universities and community organizations have increased by 15% in the last five years, highlighting a growing trend in collaborative educational initiatives.
Pro Tip: Community partnerships can enhance a university’s reputation, provide valuable learning opportunities for students, and contribute to local economic advancement.

Partner	Role	key Contribution
California Lutheran University	Host Institution	Provides classroom space and facilities
Thousand Oaks Chinese School	Program Provider	offers weekend educational programs

The Rise of University-Community Partnerships

The collaboration between Cal Lutheran and TOCS reflects a broader trend of universities actively seeking partnerships with community organizations. These alliances offer several benefits,including increased community engagement,enhanced learning experiences for students,and the revitalization of local areas. Accomplished partnerships require open interaction, clearly defined roles, and a shared commitment to mutual goals. The long-term success of these types of collaborations frequently enough hinges on the ability to adapt to evolving needs and maintain strong relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cal Lutheran & TOCS Partnership

• What is the primary goal of the partnership? The primary goal is to provide TOCS with a suitable space to continue its educational programs and to foster a stronger connection between Cal Lutheran and the local Chinese community.
• What classes are currently offered through this partnership? Currently, TOCS offers classes for students from pre-K through ninth grade, held on Saturdays.
• Will Cal Lutheran students be able to participate in TOCS programs? TOCS is exploring the possibility of offering cultural programs, such as calligraphy and weaving classes, specifically for Cal Lutheran students.
• what led to this partnership being established? TOCS required more space than was available at Thousand Oaks High School and approached Cal Lutheran as a potential choice.
• How will this partnership benefit Cal Lutheran? Cal Lutheran expects to benefit from increased community engagement and additional revenue.

What are your thoughts on university-community partnerships? Do you think these collaborations are vital for fostering a stronger sense of community and providing enriching educational opportunities?

What impact will the move to cal lutheran have on the school’s ability to expand course offerings and student enrollment?

A New Chapter for Language Learning in Ventura County

The Thousand Oaks Chinese School (TOCS),a leading provider of Chinese language and cultural education in Ventura County,has announced a critically important move for its weekend classes. starting this fall, all weekend sessions will now be held on the beautiful campus of California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran) in Thousand Oaks. This relocation marks a new era for the school, offering enhanced facilities and a more vibrant learning environment for students of all ages.

Why Cal Lutheran? Benefits of the New Location

The decision to move to Cal Lutheran wasn’t taken lightly. Several key factors contributed to this strategic shift, all aimed at improving the overall experience for TOCS students and families.

* Modern facilities: Cal Lutheran boasts state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with the latest technology, creating an optimal learning atmosphere. This includes improved audio-visual capabilities and comfortable learning spaces.

* Central Location: The campus is centrally located within Thousand Oaks, making it easily accessible for students from across Ventura County – including communities like Westlake village, Agoura Hills, and Newbury Park.

* Expanded Space: The move provides TOCS with significantly more space, allowing for potential expansion of course offerings and student enrollment. This addresses growing demand for Chinese language education in the region.

* Campus environment: The collegiate atmosphere of Cal Lutheran fosters a more focused and enriching learning experience, inspiring students to excel in their studies.

* Parking & Accessibility: Ample parking and convenient campus accessibility are key benefits for parents and students alike.

Course Offerings & Schedule Updates

TOCS continues to offer a comprehensive range of chinese language courses, catering to all proficiency levels – from beginner to advanced. Classes are structured to meet the needs of diverse learners,including:

* Mandarin Chinese for Children: Engaging and interactive classes designed for young learners,focusing on speaking,listening,and basic character recognition.

* Mandarin Chinese for Adults: Courses tailored to adult learners, covering conversational Mandarin, business Chinese, and advanced grammar.

* Chinese Culture Classes: Explore the rich traditions, history, and art of Chinese culture through specialized workshops and courses.

* HSK Test Preparation: Dedicated preparation courses for the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK), the standardized test of Chinese proficiency.

The weekend class schedule remains consistent, with classes typically held on Saturdays and Sundays. Specific class times and locations within the Cal Lutheran campus will be communicated to enrolled students. Check the TOCS website (https://tocs.org/) for the most up-to-date schedule information.

navigating the Cal Lutheran Campus: Practical Information

to help students and families familiarize themselves with the new campus, hear’s some helpful information:

1. Campus Map: A detailed campus map highlighting the location of TOCS classrooms is available on the school’s website.
2. Parking: Designated parking areas for TOCS students and families will be clearly marked. Parking passes might potentially be required; details will be provided upon enrollment.
3. Building Access: Access to classrooms will be facilitated by TOCS staff and volunteers.
4. Campus Resources: Students and families are welcome to utilize certain campus resources, such as restrooms and water fountains.

The Growing Demand for Chinese Language Education

The relocation of TOCS to Cal Lutheran comes at a time of increasing demand for Chinese language education. Several factors are driving this trend:

* Global Economy: China’s growing economic influence makes Mandarin Chinese a valuable asset in the global marketplace.

* Cultural Exchange: Increased cultural exchange between the United States and China fosters a greater appreciation for the Chinese language and culture.

* Educational Benefits: Studies have shown that learning a second language, such as Mandarin, enhances cognitive abilities and improves academic performance.

* Career Opportunities: Proficiency in Mandarin opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as business, diplomacy, and translation.

Thousand Oaks Chinese School: A Legacy of Excellence

For years, the Thousand Oaks Chinese School has been dedicated to providing high-quality Chinese language and cultural education to the community. The move to Cal Lutheran represents a significant investment in the school’s future, ensuring that it can continue to meet the evolving needs of its students and the broader community. The school’s commitment to experienced instructors, a rigorous curriculum, and a supportive learning environment remains unwavering.

Understanding Chinese Numerals (Relevant to Cultural Context)

As a nod to the cultural aspect of learning Chinese, understanding the scale of numbers is important.here’s a speedy reference:

* 万 (wàn) – ten thousand

* 十万 (shí wàn) – one hundred thousand

* 百万 (bǎi wàn) – million

* 千万 (qiān wàn) – ten million

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