Our History

In December 1973, Mr. F.M. Lucaccini was able to get a small group of area residents, of Italian ancestry, to form a committee to start an Italian language school in Stockton, After much planning and deliberation, a Board was formed, consisting of nine persons, plus legal counsel and a school principal. Ina Lucchetti was elected President of the school board. Seven language teachers, a cultural teacher and a dancing teacher started classes on November 9, 1974 at Hoover Elementary School with 185 students. By the end of 1974, the school was incorporated and qualified as a non-profit organization. At the time almost 100 patrons had donated money to help the school get started and keep it operating successfully.

The first fund-raising event was the dinner-dance "Primavera in Italia", which was a huge success, socially and financially. The school was established to be two-facet, the learning of the Italian language and the preserving of the many cultural customs of Italy, to enrich our cosmopolitan American way of life.

Throughout the years the school has continued to teach adults, and children when possible, continually even adapting to zoom classes during the pandemic. Classes have been held at various locations through the years.

Fundraisers have included Primavera Dinner-Dances from 1975-1993, selling T-shirts, Bumper stickers, cooking classes, bus trips, Bagna Calda dinners, our annual Polenta dinner and Shrimp& Rib dinner.

In 2008 the school spearheaded an effort to establish an Italian American Cultural Center in Stockton. It utilized a store front location on Pacific Avenue for events as well as classes to spark community interest in this endeavor. However in 2010 due to economic conditions it was decided to cease efforts.

In 2012 the Italian school was instrumental in the creation of the documentary film "Finding the Mother Lode" depicting the Italian American influence in the growth of California. The film was shown on PBS nationally and was nominated for a PBS Emmy in California, directed by Gian Franco Norelli and Summa Kurin.

The school became a founding member of the "Festa Italiana" to foster and promote our culture in 2013 and continues its role today.

For over 25 years the school has presented scholarships, to high school students with an interest in the Italian language and culture averaging $2500.00 per year.