activities · 19
what they do
direct service · 19
- Cultural Event OrganizationOrganizes school events such as autumn sports festivals, excursions, and mochi-making to provide opportunities for students to experience and understand Japanese culture.
- Cultural and School EventsOrganizes various school events to provide students with opportunities to experience and understand Japanese culture, including autumn sports festivals, excursions, mochi-making events, Sports Day, and field trips. The school also holds regular academic ceremonies such as opening and closing ceremonies for each trimester, parent-teacher conferences, and a graduation ceremony.
- Early Childhood Japanese Language and Culture Education English Language Learning ProgramsOffers classes for young children, including a parent-child class (Ahiru-gumi) focused on picture book readings and engagement with Japanese language and culture, a class for 4-year-olds (Panda-gumi) incorporating various Japanese cultural activities, and a class for 5-year-olds (Usagi-gumi) focused on learning hiragana, katakana, and numbers for smooth transition to first grade.
- Japanese Language Education for Non-Native Speakers English Language Learning ProgramsProvides Japanese language and cultural education specifically for individuals who do not speak Japanese as their native language, including a one-year course for first-time learners.
- Japanese Language and Cultural Education for Children English Language Learning ProgramsOffers various classes for young children, including a parent-child class (Ahiru-gumi) for picture book readings and cultural engagement, a class for 4-year-olds (Panda-gumi) with activities centered around Japanese events, and a class for 5-year-olds (Usagi-gumi) focused on learning hiragana, katakana, and numbers to prepare for first grade.
- Japanese Language and Cultural Education for Non-Native Speakers English Language Learning ProgramsOffers Japanese language and cultural education for individuals who do not speak Japanese as their native language, including a one-year Japanese language course for first-time learners and a class for young children (Ahiru-gumi) where parents and children engage with Japanese language and culture through activities like picture book readings.
- Japanese Language and Cultural Education for Non-Native Speakers English Language Learning ProgramsOffers a one-year Japanese language course for first-time learners and provides Japanese language and cultural education for individuals who do not speak Japanese as their native language.
- Japanese Language and Mathematics Instruction Supplementary Heritage Language & Curriculum SchoolsProvides Japanese language and mathematics classes for elementary and junior high school students, including weekly Kanji tests, workbook assignments, and end-of-term exams. Textbooks for elementary and junior high divisions are distributed free of charge by MEXT.
- Japanese Supplementary School Education Supplementary Heritage Language & Curriculum SchoolsOperates the Arizona Gakuen, a Japanese supplementary school providing Japanese language, arithmetic, and other educational instruction based on the Japanese Ministry of Education's curriculum guidelines. The school serves over 200 students across kindergarten, elementary, and junior high divisions, with classes for various age groups and proficiency levels, including specific classes for 4-year-olds (Panda-gumi) and 5-year-olds (Usagi-gumi) focused on foundational Japanese language skills.
- Japanese Supplementary School Operation Supplementary Heritage Language & Curriculum SchoolsOperates the only Japanese supplementary school in Arizona, Arizona Gakuen, providing Japanese language, arithmetic, and other educational instruction based on the Japanese Ministry of Education curriculum. The school serves over 200 students across kindergarten, elementary, and junior high divisions, as well as offering specialized Japanese language, parent-child, calligraphy, chorus, and homework classes.
- Operating a Japanese Supplementary School (Arizona Gakuen) Supplementary Heritage Language & Curriculum SchoolsOperates the only Japanese supplementary school in Arizona, serving over 200 students across kindergarten, elementary, and junior high school divisions, as well as offering specialized Japanese language, parent-child, calligraphy, chorus, and homework classes. The school provides Japanese language, arithmetic, and other educational instruction based on the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's curriculum guidelines.
- Organizing Cultural and School EventsOrganizes various school events such as autumn sports festivals, excursions, Mochi Making Events, and field trips to provide opportunities for students to experience and understand Japanese culture.
- School Administration and Student Support School Day Schedule CoordinationManages school operations including opening and closing ceremonies for trimesters, parent-teacher conferences, fire and emergency drills, and allows students to take temporary leaves of absence with re-enrollment options.
- Science and Social Studies Instruction Supplementary Heritage Language & Curriculum SchoolsOffers optional afternoon science and social studies classes for 3rd through 9th graders, utilizing Japanese textbooks, incorporating experiments, observations, research, and group activities, and covering civics, history, and geography.
- Science and Social Studies Instruction Supplementary Heritage Language & Curriculum SchoolsOffers optional afternoon science and social studies classes for 3rd through 9th graders, teaching based on the Japanese curriculum, incorporating experiments, observations, research, group activities, and practical training, with civics for 9th graders and history and geography for 7th and 8th graders.
- Specialized Subject Instruction Supplementary Heritage Language & Curriculum SchoolsProvides specialized instruction in subjects such as high school level math (started in 2003), calligraphy and chorus (started in 2005), and optional afternoon science and social studies classes for 3rd through 9th graders, incorporating experiments, observations, and group activities based on the Japanese curriculum.
- Student Assessment and Homework Supplementary Heritage Language & Curriculum SchoolsAdministers weekly Kanji tests (approximately 20-30 questions) and assigns workbook and essay homework, along with conducting end-of-term exams in Japanese language and mathematics for junior high school students.
- Student Assessment and Homework Supplementary Heritage Language & Curriculum SchoolsAdministers weekly Kanji tests and assigns workbook and essay homework for junior high school students, and conducts end-of-term exams in Japanese language and mathematics.
- Tuition Payment Processing Water Utility Bill Payment ProcessingAccepts tuition payments via mailed checks payable to Arizona Gakuen School with student name in the memo field, and through online banking bill pay systems.
strategies · 16
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Bicultural and bilingual development for global citizenship bicultural and bilingual educationFosters students' identities as bicultural and bilingual individuals rooted in both Japanese and American societies, promoting cultural awareness, comparative understanding, and the ability to contribute as global citizens bridging Japan and the international community.
- Child-Centered and Engaging Pedagogical Approach child_centered_learningThe organization employs a child-centered approach that values each child's strengths and fosters motivation through inquiry-based learning, hands-on experiments, and active participation. This aims to make learning enjoyable and contribute to students' future well-being.
- Child-Centered and Engaging Pedagogy child_centered_learningEmphasizes valuing each child's strengths and interacting with children with warm smiles. It incorporates inquiry-based learning, starting with student curiosity to deepen understanding, and uses hands-on experiments and visual aids to make learning engaging and enjoyable, particularly in science.
- Child-centered, interactive, and individualized learning interactive and individualized learningEmploys small class sizes and a range of participatory activities—such as pair work, group discussions, presentations, and peer teaching—while providing tailored support to meet individual student needs, strengthen weaknesses, and build on strengths, especially in multilingual and bicultural contexts.
- Culturally-rooted Japanese Language Education culturally_rooted_educationProvides Japanese language education that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, tailored to the diverse needs of students and parents from various family backgrounds, including expatriate, long-term resident, and international marriage families. This approach aims to foster global citizens with Japanese language proficiency and cultural understanding who can contribute to international society and act as bridges between Japanese and American cultures.
- Culturally-rooted Japanese Language Education culturally_rooted_educationThe organization provides Japanese language education deeply rooted in Japanese culture, adapting to the diverse backgrounds of students and parents, including expatriate families, long-term Japanese residents, and international marriage families. This approach aims to foster global citizens proficient in Japanese language and culture, capable of bridging Japan and other countries.
- Curriculum Adherence to Japanese Ministry of Education Standards curriculum_adherenceConducts classes and provides Japanese language instruction in accordance with the curriculum guidelines set by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This includes using MEXT-approved textbooks and aligning the curriculum to maintain academic levels comparable to children in Japan, facilitating a smooth transition for students returning to Japanese schools.
- Curriculum Adherence to Japanese Ministry of Education Standards curriculum_adherenceThe organization conducts classes and selects learning content in accordance with the curriculum guidelines set by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. This ensures academic levels are comparable to those in Japan and facilitates a smooth transition for students returning to Japanese schools.
- Curriculum-based education aligned with Japanese standards curriculum_alignmentDelivers Japanese language and mathematics instruction using textbooks and curricula approved by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), ensuring academic continuity for students returning to Japan and maintaining educational standards comparable to those in Japanese schools.
- Experiential and inquiry-based learning inquiry-based learningEncourages deep understanding through hands-on experiments, visual aids, and student-driven inquiry, starting from students’ own curiosity and observations to promote motivation and critical thinking, particularly in science and language learning.
- Foundational Skill and Collaborative Learning Environment foundational_skill_developmentFocuses on establishing learning discipline and rules for younger students, including active participation, communication skills, critical thinking, discussion rules, and note-taking, to foster a collaborative learning environment.
- Foundational skill development and study habit formation foundational_skill_developmentFocuses on building core academic habits early, including note-taking, communication, critical thinking, and classroom participation, while promoting regular homework—especially kanji practice and reading aloud—to reinforce learning discipline and long-term retention.
- Holistic Language Skill Development holistic_language_educationEmphasizes the development of both oral and written communication skills, encompassing listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural awareness. This includes creating an environment for daily Japanese speaking practice, focusing on essay writing, and promoting homework for kanji learning and reading aloud.
- Holistic and Interactive Learning for Language Proficiency holistic_interactive_learningThe organization emphasizes a holistic approach to language education, developing skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural awareness through interactive and individualized learning methods. This includes participatory activities, small class sizes, and creating an environment for daily Japanese language practice to overcome limited opportunities in overseas settings.
- Interactive and Individualized Learning interactive_learningUtilizes participatory activities such as group presentations, games, pair work, and peer teaching, while also considering individual student needs and providing personalized support to overcome weaknesses and develop strengths. This approach aims to make learning enjoyable and foster active, motivated participation.
- Structured academic programming with logistical support online_payment_processingOrganizes instruction through a fixed weekly structure of Japanese language and mathematics classes and supports administrative continuity through enrollment and payment systems, including online tuition payment and re-enrollment policies after extended absences.
named programs · 6
what they call their work
Afternoon Science and Social Studies Classes
Supplementary classes for grades 4-9 covering Japanese science and social studies curricula with hands-on experiments and comparative cultural studies
Elementary & Middle School Classes
Weekend instruction using Japanese national curriculum textbooks in Japanese language and mathematics, aligned with Japan's Ministry of Education guidelines
Heritage Japanese Language Program
Language instruction for Japanese heritage learners at multiple levels, emphasizing reading, writing, and conversational skills
Homework Support Class
Academic assistance program for students to complete assignments and reinforce learning from supplementary classes
Japanese as a Second Language Course
Instruction for non-native speakers focusing on hiragana literacy, basic communication skills, and cultural awareness
Preschool Program (Ahiru, Panda, Usagi Classes)
Japanese language and cultural exposure for young children, including parent-child activities, seasonal events, and preparation for elementary school
relationships · 12
who they work with
- Arizona Japanese Business Association (JBAA) Partner — Offers discounts to corporate members for tuition fees
- Mesa Community College Partner — Borrows the local school building for classes.
- Mesa Community College Partner — Requires students to submit an application form to use the college's facilities.
- Mesa Community College Partner — Serves as the learning venue for the school every Saturday.
- UnionBank Partner — Provides an example of bill payment process for tuition payments.
- アリゾナ日本企業懇話会 (JBAA) Partner — Operates the school with the cooperation of JBAA.
- ロサンゼルス総領事館 (Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles) Partner — Advises students transferring after some time in the US to contact the consulate to obtain textbooks.
- 文部科学省 Government — Follows the curriculum guidelines of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
- 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Funder — Provides free textbooks for the elementary and junior high school divisions.
- 日本国政府 Funder — Receives aid from the Japanese government and is recognized as a supplementary school. Also receives financial assistance for school building rental.
- 海外子女教育振興財団 Partner — Uses curriculum developed by the Overseas Children's Educational Foundation for supplementary schools.
- 海外子女教育振興財団 (Overseas Children's Educational Foundation) Partner — Advises students transferring from Japan to obtain textbooks from the foundation before traveling to the US.