Originally established in 1912 as the Moneta Gakuen, the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute Japanese Language School has been providing classes to students who are learning Japanese as a foreign language. Both adult and children's classes are taught. Students have the opportunity to experience various Japanese cultural activities throughout the year including the New Year's Celebration, Mo
chitsuki (traditional rice cake pounding), Undokai (sports day and picnic event), Girl's and Boy's Days, the GVJCI Carnival, a Graduating Class Trip to Japan and much more. Children's Classes:
Nyumon: The first year class introduces the students to everyday greetings and vocabulary, and writing in Hiragana. Primary: Learning progresses to include more vocabulary, reading, writing, and grammar skills, as well as, Katakana and Kanji. Intermediate: Students will be able to talk about obligations, hobbies, and experiences, as well as, exchange opinions, predictions, and explain a situation. Advanced: Students continue to improve their conversational skills useful i ntravel and in other practical areas. Graduation Prep: Further strengthening their communication skills, students prepare for their graduation trip to Japan and activities. Enrollment:
Classes:
- September through June
- Every Saturday, except holidays
- From 9:00 am to 12:35 pm (4 periods)
Age:
- 5 years and above
Fees and Tuition:
Tuition: $55 per month*
Registration Fee: $60 (one time fee)
Textbook: $20-$60**
Cultural Activity: $70
*Multiple student rates: $75 for two children, $80 for 3 or more
** Textbook fee differs from class to class
Adult Classes:
Saturday Adult Class introduces the students to everyday greetings and vocabulary, and writing of Hiragana, Katakana, and Simple Kanji. Student will also learn simple conversation, basic verb usage, vocabulary, and will be able to write a journal. Monday Conversation Class has two levels: Beginner and Intermediate. In every class, students will have discussions in Japanese on a topic given by the teacher. Enrollment:
Classes:
- September through June
- Every Saturday, except holidays
- Beginner 9:15am - 10:45am
- Intermediate 11:00am - 12:30pm
Fees and Tuition:
- Tuition: $55 per month*
Registration fee: $60 (one time fee)
Monday Conversation Classes:
- Every Monday, except holidays
- Beginner 5:20pm - 6:20pm
- Advanced 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Fees and Tuition:
Tuition: $5 per class (drop in basis)
Registration Fee: $60 (one time fee)*
* Fee included if enrolled in Saturday Adult Class
