About the International Language School for Children & Adults (ILSCA)
A Community-Based Language & Cultural Education Institute serving our community since 1991.
Since 1991, ILSCA has served our community through designed language and cultural education programs for children, teens, and adults.
At ILSCA, learning feels human, supportive, and meaningful. We believe language is more than vocabulary and grammar — it is connection, confidence, and cultural understanding. Our programs are structured to help students feel comfortable speaking, encouraged to participate, and proud of their progress.
Children engage through songs, games, movement, and interactive experiences that bring language to life. Teens and adults build real-world communication skills through conversation-centered learning in a welcoming, respectful environment.
As a community-based institute, we are committed to creating spaces where learners feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. Confidence develops step by step. Communication strengthens through practice. Connection deepens through culture.
We believe language opens doors — to opportunity, understanding, and belonging.
We invite you to experience language learning that feels engaging, encouraging, and lasting
Language Programs for Every Age
Instructors Who Truly Care
Read From Hear from Happy Students and Parents
A Brief History of Our Growth
Founded in 1991 by educator Ursula Bonacker Mickey, ILSCA began as a small German language program built on community, connection, and care. As families and adult learners experienced the confidence and joy that language learning could bring, the program steadily grew.
Over time, ILSCA expanded to include Spanish, ESL, French, Italian, Portuguese, American Sign Language, Chinese, and Japanese — serving an increasingly diverse and welcoming community.
Following Ursula’s passing, leadership was entrusted to longtime Spanish instructor Nuria Fortier, who continues to guide ILSCA with a deep commitment to cultural understanding, community engagement, and confidence-centered language education.
For more than three decades, ILSCA has remained dedicated to thoughtfully designed programs delivered in a warm, supportive environment where students feel seen, encouraged, and proud of their progress. Our work has also been recognized locally, including features in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
Our Instructors and Learning Environment
ILSCA programs are held on the beautiful Pitzer College campus in Claremont and are guided by experienced, dedicated language instructors.
Many of the educators who lead our programs have partnered with ILSCA for years, bringing deep expertise, cultural insight, and a genuine passion for language learning. Several grew up immersed in the languages they teach and hold advanced degrees or specialized training in their fields.
We offer small-group programs for learners of all ages — from children as young as 18 months to adults — as well as private instruction and live, interactive online classes designed to fit real-life schedules.
Our learning environments are intentionally welcoming, structured, and supportive, so every student feels comfortable participating, growing, and building confidence step by step.
Why Learning a New Language Matters
In today’s connected world, speaking more than one language is a powerful skill — but its impact reaches far beyond opportunity. Language builds confidence, strengthens communication, and deepens cultural understanding.
At ILSCA, our programs are thoughtfully designed to support learners at every stage. Children and adults choose to learn for many reasons — academic growth, professional advancement, travel, family connection, or personal enrichment. Whatever the reason, the journey nurtures courage, curiosity, and a broader perspective.
Bilingualism doesn’t just open doors — it helps people move through the world with confidence, empathy, and meaningful connection.
Our Programs & Learning Experience
People choose to learn a new language for many meaningful reasons — academic growth, career advancement, travel, family connection, or personal enrichment.
At ILSCA, our programs are thoughtfully designed to help learners build real-world communication skills step by step. Each program is structured with intention and delivered in a supportive environment where students feel comfortable practicing, participating, and growing at their own pace.
Whether preparing for school, advancing professionally, or exploring the world with confidence, learners develop practical language abilities while deepening cultural understanding.
Language learning isn’t just about vocabulary — it’s about expanding opportunity, strengthening connection, and moving through life with confidence and curiosity.
A Word From Our Director
Welcome to the International Language School for Children & Adults (ILSCA).
I’m Nuria Fortier, Director of ILSCA. As someone who learned English as a second language, I understand how powerful it is to truly connect through language. That experience shaped my commitment to creating programs that help students build confidence — not just vocabulary.
Since 1991, ILSCA has served our community through thoughtfully designed language and cultural education programs for learners of all ages. We are dedicated to creating welcoming environments where students feel comfortable speaking, encouraged to grow, and proud of their progress.
The educators who guide our programs bring care, expertise, and cultural insight to each class, helping language feel natural, meaningful, and relevant in everyday life.
We believe language builds bridges — between people, cultures, and communities. It is an honor to continue ILSCA’s legacy and to welcome you into a learning experience that feels supportive, engaging, and lasting.
Warmly,
Nuria Fortier
Director, ILSCA
Not sure where to start?
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Schedule a complimentary language assessment, and we’ll thoughtfully recommend the program that best fits your goals and experience.
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