Founded in 1963, Palo Alto Chinese School (PACS) is the oldest Chinese school in the San Francisco Bay Area. The school was formed with a merger between a Cantonese School and a Mandarin School. The history of the Cantonese school could be traced back to 1960, when the Santa Clara Overseas Chinese School was founded.

School hours are 7:00PM - 9:00PM on Friday night at JLS Middle School, 480 E. Meadow Dr, Palo Alto, from late August to early June. The year tuition is $320 (new student and late register are $340).

Mandarin Classes are from K to 12 grade and age from 5-18 years old. In higher grade, class will provide conversation, writing and culture. Cantonese classes are C1-C9 grade and age from 5-18 years old.

Cantonese classes are in 4 levels, roughly C1-2, C3-5, C6-8 and C9+ grades. Presently, in C3-4, Cantonese is taught in both Cantonese and English; in C8-9, both Cantonese and Pinyin Chinese are being taught. Cantonese classes are smaller; the curriculum and textbooks are designed to customize to the existing students. New students will be evaluated to the appropriate class levels.

Palo Alto Chinese School is a member of the Association of Northern California Chinese Schools (ANCCS).