Process
Welcome to the Japanese Academy of San Diego (JASD). Choosing a bilingual and multicultural education for your child is an exciting step, and JASD is committed to supporting families throughout this journey. All families who share our mission and philosophy are welcome, regardless of their child’s current level of Japanese or English.
Step 1: Inquire
Families begin by contacting our school to express interest in enrollment. After your inquiry, we will send an information packet that includes all essential details about our curriculum, school expectations, tuition rates, and policies. This packet is designed to help you understand how JASD supports bilingual, biliterate, and multicultural learning.
Step 2: Tour the School
We ask all prospective families to participate in a school tour as part of the admissions process. Tours are typically scheduled during the morning hours so families can observe core classes and daily activities in session. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet members of our faculty, and gain a better understanding of our program and school environment. We will also take time to learn more about your child, your family, and your educational goals to help determine whether our program is the right fit for your child’s needs and growth.
Step 3: Submit an Online Application
After touring and reviewing our information packet, interested families may submit an online application.
Step 4: Family Interview and Enrollment Confirmation
Once applications are submitted, they will be reviewed by our admissions team. Families may be contacted if additional information or follow-up is needed during the review process. If space is available and the application is approved, enrollment will be confirmed. At that time, families will receive the required enrollment forms and detailed instructions to finalize the enrollment process.
Next Steps
After enrollment is finalized, we will share information about important dates, orientation, and how to prepare your child for the first day of school. We look forward to welcoming your family into the JASD community and partnering with you in your child’s bilingual and multicultural education journey.
FAQ
Eligibility & Language
- Q: Does my child need to be fluent in Japanese to keep up with classes?
- A: No, fluency is not required for admission. Our program is designed to support students at various language levels, fostering bilingual ability through immersive learning.
- Q: Do parents need to speak Japanese to support their child’s education?
- A: Not necessarily. We have bilingual staff and resources to support families. We value the partnership with parents regardless of their home language.
- Q: Can we transfer from a local American public school or from Japan during the school year?
- A: Yes, we accept transfer students throughout the year, provided there is space in the class. We understand the unique needs of families moving between countries or school systems.
The Process
- Q: Can my child shadow a class during the tour?
- A: (If applicable) We may arrange a short class visit or “shadowing” opportunity so your child can experience the learning environment firsthand. Please ask us when scheduling your tour.
- Q: What documents are required for the application?
- A: You will typically need to submit past report cards (from your previous school), a teacher recommendation, and health records. The online application will guide you through the specific requirements.
Interview & Assessment
- Q: Is there an academic entrance exam?
- A: While we do not have a strict “pass/fail” entrance exam, we may assess your child’s current academic level in math and language during the interview process. This helps us place them in the right learning group and provide appropriate support.
- Q: What are you looking for in the family interview?
- We want to ensure that our educational philosophy aligns with your family’s goals. During the tour we emphasize on families to deepen their understanding of our school as we learn about each families’ needs as well. We look for families who are committed to a bilingual and multicultural education journey.
