Toronto Chinese Academy - Learn Mandarin Chinese Downtown

When I first started at TCA 5years ago I could not recognize many characters, and my verbal skills were so poor most native speakers could not understand me. Now I can read Chinese newspapers, I watch Chinese movies and can hold a decent conversation on a wide range of topics. Whether you are trying to improve your mother language or just starting out, this is a great place to learn a language spoken by a quarter of the world's population and a country with the world's second largest economy

Signing up for Mandarin lessons at the Toronto Chinese Academy (Yonge and Finch branch) is one of the best investment I have made. They arrange the class schedule and content to meet your personal and learning needs. I have been taking lessons for over a year, and in many sessions, it is one-on-one, or with another student. The class size is indeed very small compared to other schools, therefore it gives you bang for your buck"

This is hands down the best place to learn Chinese! I took Chinese lessons with other schools before, but I didn’t advance as fast at any of them as I did at TCA. The classes are small, 3-4 students max, and Amy (the owner) always matches you with someone who has a similar skill level. The scheduling is very flexible; if you can’t make it one week they try to find another class for you that you can join to stay on track. The lessons are very practical and focus on developing the skill to converse confidently in Chinese. Because the classes are small, the teachers can focus on every student to make sure that everyone understands what’s going on and they genuinely care about their students’ success. I also like that they mostly use their own course material and they organize Chinese conversation circles once week, which are an even better way to practice speaking!

I am a native English speaker and decided to learn a little spoken Chinese about a year before a planned business trip to China. I had absolutely no knowledge of Chinese (or any other similar language) before beginning group classes at TCA. My trip was postponed, but I have kept going to classes. I have now had classes given by three of the teachers at TCA.They teachers have a deep knowledge of English grammar and popular usage. They are all remarkably friendly, patient, engaging, and encouraging. They can go as quickly (or as slowly) as you wish. They actually make classes fun. And the classes are excellent value especially considering the quality of teaching and the qualifications of the teachers.I believe most students have family or partners who speak Chinese, but the TCA teachers have brought me along despite the fact that I do not. I can now conduct conversations about family and business, and can communicate on simple business matters in writing, in Chinese. In Toronto, I overhear and understand conversations in Mandarin, in shops, on the subway, and on the street. It is a challenging language for an English speaker to learn and you will need encouragement through the inevitable plateaus. I highly recommend Toronto Chinese Academy, and in particular teachers Hong, Huang, and Wang, who have given me that encouragement.

I've studied Mandarin sporadically in elementary school, a little in high school, and in university -- but nothing ever stuck for too long, until I found TCA!The exercises they encourage you to do makes your Mandarin learning and retention more instinctual". For instance

I find Toronto Chinese Academy amazing! The teachers I have are incredibly knowledgeable and good motivators. They have a unique method that allows you to speak fast. I have been studying with them for many months now and I am amazed at what I have learned so far. They also offer additional practice classes so you can speak as much as possible. I am always motivated and happy to go to my Mandarin classes. If you are willing to work hard, I highly recommend this place!

TCA is a great place to start learning mandarin. I have been studying here for a few months and I have had a great experience overall. The teachers an fun and energetic, and I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone who is just starting off

Great Chinese school in the heart of downtown. The teachers’ teaching styles complement each other very well. You are provided with a textbook and workbook made by the school which are great references. I highly recommend

Really recommend their academy if speaking is your priority in learning Mandarin. They have multiple instructors and are very respectful to help you find a convenient time. Be prepared to have ample time in your schedule to review your materials as they really want their students to make the most out of their time.

I love Hong Laoshi, she has been my teacher for 8 months.She is an excellent teacher with extensive knowledge and experience. She is very encouraging and gave me confidence to speak Chinese. She is very patient and also creates and environment that is fun and makes me look forward to learning more and more.She is also very flexible in the event of rescheduling classes, and has also made two personal deliveries to me to drop off textbooks.There was once instance where an alternate teacher subbed in for Hong Laoshi, I believe it was Huang Laoshi and he was also exceptional.I plan to stay with this school for a long time as it feels like a hobby vs learning because of how fun it is.