About PCJLS

1. Name

Princeton Community Japanese Language School

2. Objectives   

 PCJLS is a non-profit educational institution certified by the State of NJ in 1980.  PCJLS provides educational opportunities for children and adults in the greater Princeton area to learn Japanese language and culture. 

3. Courses

①Hoshuko Division

Elementary School

Under the guidance of the Monkasho (Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), this course offers Japanese lessons (including social studies for grade 5 and 6) to children grades 1 through 6 whose native language is Japanese.

Middle School

Under the guidance of the Monkasho (see above), this course offers Japanese lessons (including social study) to children grades 7 through 9.

Math Class (Elective)

Under the guidance of the Monkasho (see above), the 45 minutes elective Math classes are offered to students grades 1 through 9.

High School (for native speakers)

The high school program has 2 sections.  One section is for Japanese college bound students and the other for US College bound students.  Japanese literature, History, Contemporary issues and Essay writing etc. are included.

②Japanese as a Foreign & Heritage Language Division

Princeton Course (Japanese as a Heritage Language course)

This course gives Japanese language instruction in Japanese using bilingual educational methods to children who have lived in the U.S. for a long time, who use a limited amount of Japanese at home. For children between 1st grade and 12th grade.

JASL (Japanese as a Foreign Language course)

This course is designed to give Japanese as a foreign language instruction to children grades 1 through 8 whose native language is not Japanese. The JASL course provides instruction for basic Japanese language skills and an introduction to Japanese culture and traditions.

Community Course (Japanese as a Foreign Language course)

This course gives Japanese language instruction to high school students and adults who wish to learn the Japanese language as a foreign language.

③Kindergarten Division

Pre-school classes for 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children.  Early childhood education emphasizes Japanese language and culture.  

Parents’ Association

The Parents’ Association shall support school activities and shall convey parents’ opinions to the officers.  The Parents’ Association shall have the authority to bring matters requiring the attention of the board of trustees to the board. 

The Parents’ Association officers are approved at the first general parents’ meeting of the year.  Anybody can run for office or be recommended by others.  The officers may assume more than two positions and stay more than two years.   

The Parents’ Association officers consist of 

PA President: 1 PA Vice Presidents: 2    Secretary/Treasurer: 1  Classroom parent 

Background of PCJLS

Revenue:

 The PCJLS operates mainly through registration fees and tuition collected from the students.  In addition, the school receives a Grant from the Japanese government (for rental of classrooms, salary for teachers, textbooks etc.) 

Kaigai Shijo Kyouiku Shinko Zaidan (the Japanese Overseas Education Foundation.) also supports and provides educational materials such as library books, educational videos and equipment.   

The other operative fees (Office operation, New Curriculum Development, Storage fee, Cultural Exchange, etc.) are covered by donations from individuals or corporations.  

Expense: 

Expenses are mostly for teachers and personnel compensation. 

The financial statement is reported annually in March. 

Relationship between the PCJLS and Monkasho (Japanese Ministry of Education, culture, Sports, Science and Technology.)

PCJLS is approved by the Monkasho (see above) as a Hoshuko (Japanese Supplemental School supported by Monkasho.)  The Hoshuko consists of Elementary and Middle schools. The principal of Hoshuko is sent depending on the number of the enrollment. 

Although PCJLS is partially supported by Monkasho, direct responsibilities of controlling and managing the school are performed by the PCJLS.   

* We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, disability, national origin, or religion.

School Information for 2023-2024

1. School Events, School Days and Hours Classes meet 36 Sundays

Please see JASL calendar

2. Tuition and Fees

A. Admission Fees

At the time of enrollment to PCJLS, a one-time admission fee of $250.00 per child is collected.

B. Tuition

Tuition for the fall semester is collected in September and for the spring semester in January. Tuition would not be refunded after a certain date. Please refer to the registration form for this academic year’s refund policy. The Parent Association annual fee of $5/child is also collected in September. Leave of absence status will be granted only for 4 months or less. Tuition must be paid during the leave to guarantee a spot upon returning. After 4 months of leave of absence, a student will be asked to withdraw from school. If a student wishes to return to school after withdrawal, the admission fee would be waived.

D. Fees for Educational Materials

Fees for educational materials are charged normally once a year at the beginning of the school year (or at the time of first enrollment during the school year) if necessary. If purchase of additional educational materials becomes necessary as requested by the teacher, additional fees would be collected to cover the cost of such purchase.  Some materials such as notebooks may be purchased individually at the school office.

E. Filling Request Forms on Enrollment, Leave of absence, Withdrawal, Course Change 

and Change of Address

Please obtain the appropriate form at the office and submit the form to the secretary. The forms can also be downloaded from the PCJLS homepage.  If requested by a parent, PCJLS will issue a letter stating proof of child’s enrollment at the school.  Such a letter may be helpful in placing a child in a school in Japan (e.g., for a short visit during the summer recess in Japan).

.

3. In Case of Emergency

If you know that your child would be absent or late for school, or leave early, please contact the teacher in advance.

Princeton Community Japanese Language School Regulations

4. Use of Facilities

Please bear in mind that PCJLS is leasing the facilities of Rider University only on Sundays.