Principal

Dear Dragon Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another exciting year, I am delighted to welcome you to the Irvine Chinese Immersion Academy family.

This year marks an exciting milestone as we begin our fourth year as a school. In just a few short years, our community has grown from a vision into one of California's highest-performing public charter schools. Together, we have built a school known for academic excellence, bilingualism, strong character, and a culture where every child is encouraged to thrive.

As we embark on this new school year, our theme, “Dragon Voyagers: Navigating Language, Culture, and Leadership”, reflects the journey our students take each day. Learning a second language is more than acquiring vocabulary—it is discovering new perspectives, building meaningful connections, and developing the confidence to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.

Our guiding motto, "One Community, Many Cultures, Endless Possibilities," celebrates the diversity that makes ICIA so special. Families from many backgrounds come together with a shared commitment to educational excellence, creating a vibrant community where students learn to appreciate different cultures while developing a strong sense of belonging and respect for others.

This year also represents another exciting step forward for our school. We are proud to welcome our inaugural sixth-grade class as we begin our expansion into middle school. At the same time, we continue our journey toward becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School through the Middle Years Programme, ensuring that our students graduate as thoughtful, internationally minded learners who are prepared to succeed wherever their futures may lead.

While our accomplishments are something to celebrate, what makes ICIA truly exceptional is our people. Our dedicated teachers and staff are passionate about inspiring curiosity, fostering resilience, and helping every student discover their unique strengths. Working alongside our supportive families, we have created a school community where students are challenged academically, nurtured personally, and empowered to become compassionate leaders.

To our returning families, thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Your support has been instrumental in shaping the culture that defines ICIA.

To our new families, welcome aboard! We are honored that you have chosen ICIA for your child's educational journey. We look forward to partnering with you as your family becomes part of our Dragon community.

As we set sail into another exciting year, I encourage each of our students to embrace new challenges, celebrate every opportunity to learn, and navigate each day with courage, kindness, and curiosity. Together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

On behalf of our faculty and staff, welcome to the 2026–2027 school year. We are excited to begin this voyage with you.

Warm regards,

Dr. Benson Kwok

Executive Director / Principal

Irvine Chinese Immersion Academy