Welcome to Wah Mei. Strengthening communities since 1974.

Born out of the need for equitable and dual language learning, Wah Mei was founded in 1974 by a group of passionate community activists, educators, and parents who held the vision of bilingual education as an essential resource for a healthy and thriving community.

50 years later, that vision is alive and thriving, Wah Mei has served thousands of children and families and has become a community anchor institution. We believe in the power of bilingual education and cultural preservation as a platform to uplift community well-being and unity, strengthening our empathy and collective determination.

History

1974

Lau v. Nichols, a Supreme Court case decision that the lack of supplemental language classes in public schools for limited English speaking students violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964, calling for the need of accessible bilingual education for English learners.

Wah Mei School opens its doors as the first bilingual preschool in San Francisco.

1981

Weekend Chinese School Begins.

2018

Wah Mei declared a Legacy Business in San Francisco. Wah Mei Summer Camp and Afterschool programs begin.

2019

Wah Mei secures permanent home at its 1400 Judah St. location of which it has operated out of for over four decades. WM expands to two new sites: Kids by the Bay Civic Center, and Financial District serving children ages 0-5 years with services beginning 2020.

2020

Wah Mei opens emergency childcare 7 days after initial 'shelter-in-place' order during COVID-19 pandemic and hosts testing site for community.

2021

Wah Mei leads newly established Sunset Chinese Cultural District, launch May 2022.

2022

Wah Mei opens new site at 17th and Irving for expanded Extended Learning Youth Programs.

2024

Wah Mei celebrates 50 years, January 18, 2024 declared by SF Mayor London Breed as Wah Mei Day

In The News

Featured
Wah Mei In Sunset Celebrates Golden Anniversary
Wah Mei In Sunset Celebrates Golden Anniversary

Wah Mei, San Francisco's first bilingual daycare center, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The school has a long history of serving teenagers and children, with locations in the downtown, financial and sunset districts. It has approximately 80 full-time and part-time faculty and staff, serving more than 500 students.

APA Heritage Award
APA Heritage Award

"Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is not only an opportunity for the Asian and Pacific Islander community to share stories and history, but also an opportunity to build bridges, make connections, and learn from each other. This is an unprecedented opportunity, when Asian and Pacific Islander cultural activities will be at the forefront At the forefront. As we celebrate, it is also a time to reflect on the anti-Asian hatred and efforts to protect our Asian elders and bring our communities closer together.

SF Mayor London Breed Announces Jan 17 as Wah Mei day
SF Mayor London Breed Announces Jan 17 as Wah Mei day

Mayor London Breed was also on hand to proclaim Jan. 17, 2024, as “Wah Mei Day” and offer her remarks.

“Today’s celebration of its 50th anniversary and the open house truly demonstrate the foresight of those who came before us and planted the seeds for the future of our children,” Breed said. “I applaud Wah Mei School’s current leaders who continue to plant even more seeds for the growth and development of our children, families, the neighborhoods they serve and our City. San Francisco is committed to supporting their work and all early educators through our measures, resources and initiatives. We take this valuable opportunity to honor this institution’s endless dedication to serving and providing a supportive community for all San Franciscans.”