In Memory of ACCA Principal Wu Xian

The history of Atlanta Chinese community is truly reflected in the history of the Atlanta Contemporary Chinese Academy (ACCA), formally known as Emory Chinese Academy, now marking its 30th anniversary. The Academy has more than a thousand students during its peak time with three campuses across Metro Atlanta teaching Chinese language and cultures at weekends. 

Most Chinese families with school-age kids in Atlanta are connected to ACCA including my family. My son, Willy, and daughter, Karen, who are now entering their 30 spent more than 10 years in ACCA.

During those 10 plus years when my kids were in ACCA, my family spent the Saturday mornings in Perimeter Church where ACCA north campus has been located in ever since 1999. My wife 陈苑生 also served in the school administration for several years. ACCA is indeed the “church” that my family went and met friends weekly. 

1999 was the most challenging year in ACCA history if you live in Atlanta longer enough to know it. The Chinese community needed someone with experience and capability to reunite the community and move the Academy forward. Ms. Wu Xian emerged as the only candidate to serve as its principal. I was also elected at the same time into the school board oversighting the Academy's administration. 

As the board member, I witnessed Principal Wu Xian’s experience, professional knowledge, leadership and characters. She was a certified K12 educator in Georgia, the only Chinese I knew of at the time who had the highest level of teacher certification. She taught Chinese and Japanese languages in public schools. 

Principal Wu was tall, strong, with smiles from her beautiful eyes. When she was standing and speaking firmly behind the reception desk at the hallway, we as parents felt secure and safe. We knew our kids were in good hands. 

Today both of my kids are able to speak fluently Chinese. They can also read and write, and use the language occasionally in their professional life. They mastered the language especially the reading and writing parts in ACCA. 

Principal Wu Xian had made an impact to our community.  We feel grateful to her and all volunteers at ACCA. We will always remember her. 

肖宇，陈苑生

Atlanta, GA

9/7/2022