Programs

Weekend Japanese School

Every Saturday, students gather to learn Japanese language and culture in a supportive, structured environment. Classes run Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Schedule

Saturdays

9:00am – 1:00pm

Grade Levels

Kindergarten – 12th

Age-grouped classes

Curriculum

文部科学省準拠

Ministry of Education standards

Location

Long Island & greater NY

Contact us for details

Language Instruction

Japanese Language Classes

Classes are organized by grade level to ensure appropriate pacing and peer learning. All instruction follows the Japanese Ministry of Education national curriculum framework.

K – 2Grade
Early Elementary低学年

Introduction to hiragana, katakana, and basic Japanese vocabulary. Emphasis on listening, speaking, and simple reading through songs, stories, and play-based activities.

  • Hiragana & Katakana
  • Basic vocabulary & phrases
  • Songs and rhymes
  • Simple conversation
3 – 5Grade
Upper Elementary中学年

Building fluency in reading and writing. Introduction to kanji, structured composition, and more complex conversation. Students begin engaging with age-appropriate Japanese literature.

  • Kanji introduction (80–160 characters)
  • Reading comprehension
  • Written composition
  • Conversational Japanese
6 – 8Grade
Middle School中学生

Intermediate to advanced language skills covering grammar, essay writing, and nuanced communication. Cultural content increases with study of Japanese history and society.

  • Advanced kanji (300–500 characters)
  • Essay writing
  • Japanese grammar in depth
  • History & social studies
9 – 12Grade
High School高校生

Advanced language coursework designed to prepare students for JLPT certification, Japanese university entrance exams, or continued study at the college level. Strong emphasis on written and spoken proficiency.

  • JLPT preparation (N2/N3)
  • Academic writing
  • Current events in Japanese
  • Presentation skills

Every Saturday

Saturday schedule

Our Saturday program is structured to maximize learning time while giving students space to recharge. Each session ends with a cultural class that rotates throughout the year.

9:00 – 9:10

Morning Assembly

朝の会

9:10 – 10:10

Japanese Language — Block 1

国語 第一限

10:10 – 10:20

Short Break

休憩

10:20 – 11:20

Japanese Language — Block 2

国語 第二限

11:20 – 11:40

Recess

昼休み

11:40 – 12:40

Culture / Special Subjects

文化・特別授業

12:40 – 1:00

Closing Assembly & Dismissal

帰りの会

Students in Japanese language class

Cultural Arts

Japanese Culture Classes

Beyond language, NYLIPA offers rotating cultural arts workshops that give students a hands-on connection to Japanese traditions.

Origami

折り紙

The meditative art of paper folding. Students learn traditional models ranging from simple cranes to complex modular designs. Develops patience, spatial reasoning, and fine motor skills.

Monthly workshop

Calligraphy

書道

Traditional Japanese brush calligraphy using ink and washi paper. Students practice kanji and kana characters in the style of Japanese shodo, learning proper brush technique and the aesthetics of Japanese writing.

Bi-weekly sessions

Tea Ceremony Basics

お茶の心

An introduction to the philosophy and practice of chado, the way of tea. Students learn the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility through simplified tea preparation and etiquette.

Quarterly workshop

Japanese Cooking

和食

Hands-on cooking sessions exploring the techniques and traditions of Japanese cuisine. From onigiri and miso soup to seasonal sweets, students connect language learning to food culture.

Seasonal events

Enrollment

Enroll your child

Enrollment is open to children with Japanese heritage at any language level — from complete beginners to near-native speakers. We conduct a brief placement assessment to ensure each student is placed in the right class.

To learn about enrollment, tuition, and available spaces, please contact us at the address below. We accept new students at the beginning of each semester.

Contact Us to Enroll

What to expect

  • Placement assessment for new students
  • Welcome orientation for families
  • Year-round Saturday sessions
  • Regular progress reports
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Access to all community events

Not sure which level is right? Our teachers are happy to speak with you before enrollment to discuss your child's background and find the best fit.

Ask a question