Admission Guidelines
- For the kindergarten class, the children must be at least 3 years old (as of April 2nd).
- The children must be familiar with the Japanese language through daily use at home and able to understand instructions in Japanese.
- For admission to the JSL class, this class is intended for students who are motivated to learn Japanese and have established a foundation in their first language (English) as well as basic learning skills (guideline: above 5th grade). As of April 2024, there is a waiting list. Please feel free to contact us, and we will add your name to the list.
Admission Procedures
- Submission of Inquiry Form
- Please use the inquiry form to contact us in advance. We will then inform you of the schedule for classroom tours and interviews.
- Interview
- For Kindergarten Class: The kindergarten teacher will conduct an interview during the classroom tour.
- Elementary class and above: After the classroom tour, the homeroom teacher or principal will conduct an interview on the same day or later.
- Submission of Required Forms
- Once admission is confirmed, you will be asked to submit the required forms.
Note: Please refer to the annual event schedule in advance regarding the timing of admission, as there are summer and winter vacations, etc. (Link to annual event schedule).
Classroom Tour
Would you like to observe the classes at Amherst Japanese Language School?
We currently accept trials and classroom tours for families considering admission to our school. If you are interested, please contact us using contact form.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for the 2024 academic year (April 2024 to March 2025):
- Kindergarten: In-person annual tuition $1,080 + $15 material fee
- Elementary and middle school:
- In-person annual tuition $1,080
- Online middle school social studies (every other week, 1 hour) $200
- JSL: In-person annual tuition $720
Tuition Payment
Tuition is charged per semester.
Leave of absence is permitted on a semester basis. Please notify the principal two weeks before taking a leave of absence or withdrawing from the school.
FAQs
A: You can wait in the lounge.
A: Yes! Our school library has over 5,000 books, including Japanese picture books, manga, reference books, and novels for adults, which are also open to the local community.
A: We do have multiple events throughout a year where children can enjoy Japanese culture, such as Entrance ceremonies, Children’s Day, Summer Festivals, Sports Day, Study Presentations, New Year’s, Mochi Pounding, Karuta Tournaments, Calligraphy, Bean-throwing on Setsubun, Hina Matsuri, Children’s Day, and Graduation Ceremonies. Students who are taking online classes are also welcomed to participate in these events.
A: The operating body is the management committee, composed of parents of children attending the school.
A: Our school’s operation is primarily led by parents. Parents collaborate by participating in activities such as serving on the management committee, teaching, and volunteering for events to create a better education environment. There are also various roles, such as IT support, accounting, and supervising during break times.
A: Currently, there are no plans to offer Japanese language classes for parents or adults.
A: Textbooks are provided to current students free of charge except for JSL. For mid-year enrollments, please consult with the Boston Consulate General’s Office. If you come from Japan, you will receive them from the Overseas Child Education Foundation.
A: Many families commute from Western Massachusetts, around Worcester, New York, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, taking about an hour. There are also classes available for online learning.
A: The Hiyoko Room is open on Saturday mornings (10:00 to 11:30 a.m.) for families with children not yet enrolled in the kindergarten class. You and your child can use our lounge to read books, play with toys, exchange information, and communicate with other families.