School Overview
Orange County Japanese School, established in 1946 under the auspices of the Orange County Buddhist Church, is a school with a long history and great reputation. It is one of the largest Japanese language schools in Orange County.
Classes are aimed toward children living in the United States and learning Japanese as a second language. Kindergarten (1 year), Elementary (6 years), Junior High (3 years) and Senior High (3 years) are offered. Two levels of Adult classes are now offered for the adult learner.
Enrollment is open to all, regardless of race, religion or country of origin.
School Year
The school follows the trimester system where the academic calendar begins in August and ends in June every year. A typical school year consists of approximately 40 class days. Report cards are handed out in all grades and levels except for Kindergarten at the end of each trimester.
Teaching Staff
An experienced and dedicated staff teaches at OCJS. They use a variety of teaching methods and materials.
Foreign Language Credit
Students enrolled in 9th grade and above in public schools are eligible to take the Credit Test which OCJS offers every year in March. Students who successfully pass the test can receive units in foreign language from their school. Credit application and rules depend on the school and district the student attends.
School Events
Every year, the school hosts several special events in which students, parents and teachers can spend quality time together. Three times a year students in all grades have the opportunity to observe and learn about various aspects of the Japanese culture through demonstrations in martial arts, flower arrangement, traditional music and/or tea ceremony.
In April, classes display projects at “Hanamatsuri” or the flower festival held by the Buddhist Church, and the entire school participates in “Undoukai” or a field day in October. Graduating students in 6th, 9th, 12th Grades and Advanced Class take group tours to different locations towards the end of the school year.
