(925) 924-0307    6650 Owens Dr. Pleasanton, CA 94588

Japanese Classes for Japanese Speakers

Preschool &Kinder Class

Pre Tsubomi, Tsubomi, Sakuranbo, Pre Wakaba, Momo,Tampopo

Experience various things through group life in a Japanese language environment. Exposed to many words through play using the five senses, picture books, following our unique curriculum. Kamishibai storytelling with pictures, singing with hand motions, and singing songs. Acquire practical Japanese through interaction with teachers and other students. Have many opportunities to experience seasonal events, Japanese culture and customs.

Elementary School Lower Grades

Wakaba Elementary 1-3

Maximize each student’s abilities, increase their motivation to learn the Japanese language, and social skills. Use Japanese textbooks provided by Japanese government and Sakura Gakuen’s own teaching materials, and develop their basic Japanese language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening). Prepare for the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test (10th, 9th, 8th level). Enhance expressive abilities through reciting famous poems and sentences. Deepen interest in Japanese while leaning about Japanese customs, plays, and culture.

Elementary School Upper Grades

Wakaba Elementary 4-6 Basic, Advanced

In the Basic classes, use Japanese textbook provided by Japanese government to improve their basic Japanese skills.
Continue to thoroughly read the Japanese textbook aloud and recite masterpieces. Learn “Hyakunin Isshu”, the traditional Japanese collection of one hundred poems by one hundred poets, poetry, and classical Japanese. In the Advanced classes, read variety of books, exchange opinions, write essays, and take the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test.

Middle School

Wakaba Middle 1-3
Basic, Advanced

In the Basic classes, use Japanese textbook provided by Japanese government to improve their basic Japanese skills. Study grammar and review Kanji and try to take the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test. Recite “Hyakunin Isshu” the traditional Japanese collection of one hundred poems by one hundred poets, poetry, “Makura No Soushi” the Pillow Book, etc.
is also encouraged. In Advanced classes, also write an explanatory summary essay, take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 and N1 level, and prepare for the AP Japanese Exam.

Elementary

 Himawari Ⅰ・Ⅱ・Ⅲ

Middle & High School

Himawari Comprehensive
Ⅰ・Ⅱ・Ⅲ

These once-a-week classes continue continue learning Japanese at a relaxed pace with content adjusted to the students’ Japanese levels. Learn Kanji, write explanatory summary essays, composition, and recite “Hyakunin Isshu” poetry, the traditional Japanese collection of one hundred poems by one hundred poets.

Japanese Classes for Non-Japanese Speakers

Pre-school to Kinder

Cherry 1-3

Sing Japanese songs and play games to familiarize themselves with Japanese language and culture. Practice basic greetings, conversations. Answer simple questions. Read and trace Hiragana.

Grade 1-3

Pansy

For students who have Japanese learning experience. Learn to speak, listen, read, and write Hiragana, Katakana, and simple Kanji characters.

Grade 1-6

Daisy Beginner

For students in 1-6 grades who learn Japanese for the first time.
Learn speaking, listening, reading, and writing Hiragana, Katakana, and simple Kanji characters. Practice basic greetings, conversations, and answering simple questions. Japanese culture and customs are introduced through various activities and games.

Grade 1-5

Daisy 1-4

Learn speaking, listening, reading, and writing Hiragana, Katakana, and simple Kanji characters. Japanese culture and customs are introduced through various activities and games. Learn vocabulary such as family, color, body parts, animals, food, shapes, antonyms, and numbers. Daisy 4 also learns grammar and expressions and practice conversation.

Middle & High School

Poppy 1-4

Beginner-intermediate level class for middle and high school students. Understand simple everyday conversation dialogues and read long passages. Practice speeches and writing compositions.

Grade 7-12

Kaede1 Beginner

For 7th to 12th graders who learn Japanese for the first time. Focuse on speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Understand simple everyday conversations. Write short compositions. Learn some Kanji characters and practice speeches.

High School

Kaede 2-4

Learn simple everyday conversations and practice to be able to listen and understand dialogues. Write compositions, study Kanji characters, practice speeches, and try to understand long passages. Kaede 3 & 4 classes study and prepare for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

Session Classes・Other Classes

JLPT N1, N2, N3 Prep

Session-based online classes for the “JLPT”, Japanese Language Proficiency Test. This class is to improve students’ listening skill, knowledge of Kanji, vocabulary, expression, and reading comprehension to pass the exam, focusing on previous exam questions including mock exams. If a student would like to take N3, the student is required to have passed N4 or be at an equivalent level. (Same for N2 and N1.) An assessment is required before registration. No age limit for this class.

AP Japanese Prep

Exam preparation class for AP Japanese Language and Culture Exam in May. Session begins in June. For high school students.

Mommy & Me

Mommy & Me is for parents and children between 0 and 3 years old. This class incorporates songs, picture books, crafts, etc. to familiarize Japanese language in enjoyable ways. This class is instructed both in English and Japanese.

Abacus Class

Minimum age 5 and above. Students use textbooks that suit an individual’s level and prepare for the monthly Abacus Exam and Mental Calculation Exam. The question format is based on the examination of 全国珠算教育連盟 (Zenkoku Shuzan Kyoiku Renmei =Arithmetic Education Federation of Japan). Sakura Gakuen issues its own certificate for those who have passed the exams. Students can learn Basic level (Kyu) 10 to Master’s Level (Dan) 2. The class is instructed in Japanese and English. Please click here for more information.

Calligraphy Class

Calligraphy has many benefits including improving concentration, learning the correct stroke order, and calming your mind by writing with a brush. Why don’t you take this opportunity to start calligraphy?

Nakayoshi Hiroba Play Time

Let’s play and learn Japanese with our experienced instructor. Free time for parents!

Private Lessons

At Sakura Gakuen, at your home, or online

In-person or online lessons are available. Please let us know your preferred lesson day and time. In addition to Japanese, we offer a wide range of lessons including the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) prep, Kanji Aptitude Exam prep, Abacus, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, etc. Please feel free to contact us.