At the Japanese Academy of San Diego (JASD), the curriculum for the K-5 program is designed to build strong academic foundations in both Japanese and English while nurturing bilingual, biliterate, and culturally aware students. Each subject is taught with clear goals, age-appropriate expectations, and careful scaffolding so students can grow confidently year after year.
Japanese Language Arts
Japanese Language Arts follows the national curriculum and educational standards of Japan. Lessons are set as the foundation of our program with classes supported by supplemental materials that explain and deepen students’ understanding of the Japanese language and the cultural context described in the texts.
For students who are learning Japanese as a second language, individualized materials and scaffolds are provided. These supports are structured so that Japanese Language Learners (JLL) students can gradually join and participate fully with their age-appropriate peers in the main class.
English Language Arts
English Language Arts follows the California Common Core standards. Instruction focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, while integrating a wide variety of books and narratives that are appropriate for each child’s level and interests.
Teachers carefully select texts that reflect students’ lives and broaden their perspectives, helping them build strong literacy skills while maintaining a healthy balance with their Japanese studies.
Mathematics
JASD’s K-5 mathematics program begins with building a solid academic foundation in Japanese, following the educational standards set by Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT). We believe that mastering “the basics”—including computational fluency and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts—is the essential key to a smooth transition to math in English in the upper elementary grades and empowers students to tackle more advanced challenges.
Our students develop a strong mathematical foundation and are able to look beyond language barriers in their English math classes to expand mathematical reasoning. As a result, they do not remain confined to their current grade level; instead, they confidently engage in advanced learning that reaches into higher-grade content, progressing ahead of standard expectations.
Our English mathematics classes are led by a dedicated specialist with extensive teaching experience. Leveraging this expertise, our instructor provides high-quality, individualized guidance, ensuring that students can not only understand mathematical concepts in English but also articulate their reasoning clearly.
Social Studies
In Social Studies, students learn using the California social studies standards. Topics include communities, geography, history, government, and global awareness at developmentally appropriate levels.
Social Studies is often taught in unison with English Language Arts, using shared themes, projects, and readings so students can connect content across subjects and deepen their understanding.
Science
Science at JASD’s K-5 is conducted entirely in English and led by a dedicated specialist. Our curriculum focuses on three core areas—Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science—where students explore scientific concepts by connecting them to daily life and the world around them. This approach helps students see science not as a classroom subject, but as a lens through which they can understand their own environment.
To spark curiosity and ignite a passion for discovery, our lessons are highly interactive. Students engage in hands-on learning through observation, experiments, and research-based investigations. By actively exploring “how” and “why” things work, students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Art
Art classes are held throughout the year, giving students regular opportunities to explore their creativity. Different materials and techniques are introduced, with a focus on specific skills such as color mixing, blending colors on canvas, drawing, and using various mixed media to create more elaborate pieces.
Teachers often collaborate across subjects to design integrated art projects that connect to themes in social studies, science, or language arts. Students enjoy working on these projects and take pride in showcasing their final work to classmates, teachers, and parents.
Physical Education (P.E.)
P.E. classes are held on a weekly basis and emphasize movement, health, teamwork, and enjoyment of physical activity. Throughout the year, students are introduced to a variety of sports and games.
Teachers introduce different sports every several weeks so that students can try many activities and develop new skills. Once a year, students participate in a Field Day 運動会 (undokai), where they race, compete in team events, and practice good sportsmanship. Preparation for this event is woven into P.E. classes in the weeks leading up to the day.
Music
Music is an important part of the curriculum and supports both language learning and artistic expression. Students learn songs in Japanese and English, practice rhythm, explore instruments, and prepare performances for school and community events.
Through music, students develop listening skills, confidence on stage, and a deeper connection to both Japanese and international cultures.
Integrated Learning and Projects
Across all subjects, teachers collaborate to create cross-curricular projects that allow students to study themes in depth. A single unit may connect reading, writing, social studies, science, art, and music so students can approach a topic from multiple angles.
Students enjoy working on these projects over time and presenting their final products to classmates, other teachers, and families. These experiences help them practice communication, creativity, and critical thinking while building pride in their learning.
