- San Diego town information
-
Education, lessons,
and other services - Minato School / Minato Academy
Last updated: 2025/07/02
Minato School / Minato Academy
Experience a school education in San Diego that feels just like being in Japan
Once a week, a classroom in Japan. A time for learning that will lead to the future
🌸Minato Gakuen, San Diego's only school supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minato Gakuen is a supplementary school in San Diego, USA, for children who wish to continue learning Japanese language and culture.
As the only accredited school in San Diego supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we provide reliable and proven education from kindergarten to high school.📚 "Once a week" Japanese classroom
The Japanese language classes held on Saturdays are not just supplementary lessons
In addition to maintaining and improving Japanese language skills, we cultivate learning experiences that connect to the "present" and the "future," while valuing Japanese culture, morality, and social skills.
In particular, our senior high school program offers AP Japanese, which can lead to credit recognition at local schools, providing a support system that looks ahead to the future.🎓 A solid educational environment and proven track record
As of 2025, the school has approximately 350 students and 40 teachers
We are accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), an American educational accreditation body, and we offer a curriculum that conforms to local educational standards
💬 From parent to child, and to the future
Many parents describe Minato Gakuen as a place where students can learn not only Japanese, but also "what it means to be Japanese." The school values fostering not only bilingualism but also bicultural strengths. Seasonal events, school presentations, and career guidance are just some of the activities that allow students to experience Japanese school culture once a week, making it a valuable learning environment.
Information
| address | 9150 CHESAPEAKE DR, San Diego, CA 92123 |
|---|---|
| telephone number | 858-576-0434 |
| office@sdminato.org | |
| Business Hours | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Office) |
| Website | https://sdminato.org/ |
Parents' Voices
- My son is happy to go to Minato Gakuen every week, saying, "I get to meet friends I can only see at Minato Gakuen . I look forward to going to see them." (Parent K, Elementary School Student)
- It's reassuring to be able to get information in Japanese not only about academics but also about further education. I was able to learn information that I, as a parent, wanted to know. (Ms. M, parent of a junior high school student)
- For my son, who grew up amidst two cultures, American and Japanese,Minato Gakuenwere like "comrades in arms." I am grateful for the lifelong friendships that continue even after graduation. (Ms. T, parent of a high school graduate)
Example timetable: Even once a week, you can have an intensive learning experience in Japan
Minato Gakuen holds classes every Saturday. Even with just one class a week, the curriculum is well-balanced to ensure that children are thoroughly exposed to Japanese education,covering subjects such as Japanese language, mathematics, and Japanese society and culture. In addition,the senior high school division offers AP Japanese, and has a track record of students earning credits at local schools.
📌 Example: Basic timetable structure for elementary school students (grades 1-6)
-
1st period: Japanese Language
-
2nd period: Science
-
3rd period: Japanese Language
-
4th period: Arithmetic/Mathematics
-
5th period: Arithmetic/Mathematics
- 6th period: Society
🎓 In the senior high school division: We cultivate Japanese language skills and general knowledge through a variety of subjects including Japanese language, Japanese history, modern society, composition, and college entrance exam preparation
🎌 Experience "Japan" through seasonal events!
A distinctive feature of Minato Gakuen is that students can learn not only about academic subjects but also aboutJapanese culture and seasonal events through hands-on experiences.
🧭 Entrance Ceremony/School Exploration (April, Kindergarten)
At the start of the new school term, the kindergarten childrenexplored the school grounds with their handmade binoculars!
From the hallways and staff room to the classrooms of the older students, it was an exciting adventure for the children. It was a great opportunity for them to have fun and learn about "their own school," Minato Gakuen.
📚 Book Sale (May)
With the cooperation of parents in the library club, we hold a book sale featuring a wide selection of books, from children's books and picture books to comics and books for adults . Thanks to those who donate books they have finished reading at home, we collect many books every year, which helps to foster reading habits among children.
🦷 Cavity prevention habits (late May to early June)
To coincide with "Tooth Decay Prevention Day" on June 4th, the kindergarten held a toothbrushing experience using a large tooth model . Everyone took turns polishing the model until it was sparkling clean, learning proper toothbrushing habits while having fun.
🌟 Sports day (June)
The all-school sports day , held every early summer , is a major event in which students from kindergarten to senior high school work together. Each grade level practices their dances and competitions in advance, and in the cheering competition by the 3rd year junior high students, they wear happi coats with "Red Team" and "White Team" written by the principal himself and perform the Soran Bushi and other dances ! The venue was filled with excitement.
🎋 Tanabata event (July)
In the kindergarten and lower elementary school divisions, a Tanabata event was held where children wrote their wishes on strips of paper and hung them on bamboo branches . The classrooms were filled with the children's wishes, such as "I want to be a cake maker" and "I want to stay good friends with my friends forever."
🖌 Calligraphy experience (January-February)
In the elementary school division, students are participating in a calligraphy experience themed around the New Year's calligraphy tradition. Students
write characters according to the theme for each grade level, andthe principal even demonstrates and provides instruction on writing kanji characters such as "spring" and "dream" on the spot. They then paste one piece of their chosen calligraphy onto black drawing paper and submit it as their artwork.
🎓 Graduation Ceremony(March)
It is a very important milestone, celebrating the growth of each and every child. On graduation day, in a solemn atmosphere, each graduate is called by name and receives their certificate. Tears naturally well up in the eyes of the parents, and the teachers watch over them warmly
This business is currently hiring
- others
- education
- Part-time
- Carney Mesa Claremont
Publication start date: 2025-12-18 / Last updated: 2026-05-29
Teachers wanted! Learn in Japanese, just like in Japanese schools
Minato Gakuen San Diego Supplementary School: Established in April 1979 by the San Diego Japanese Language Education Promotion Association, the school is affectionately known as "Minato Gakuen." At its founding, it had only 39 students and 5 teachers. Currently, with the addition of a kindergarten (established in 2015), it has grown into a large school with approximately 400 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels. The teaching staff consists of 41 people:
one teacher dispatched by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (the principal), 35 locally hired teachers, 3 administrative staff, and 2 nurses. All
students, teachers, and staff are energetic, friendly, and diligently continuing their studies.
In San Diego, students learn in Japanese, just like in Japanese schools.
Subjects include Japanese language, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Textbooks are the same as those used in Japanese schools.
The school has kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Once a week, there is a special learning time dedicated to the Japanese language and culture.
At Minato Gakuen, our teachers and staff work together to create a learning environment that supports the growth of each and every child. We
are looking for teachers and substitute teachers to join us in supporting this important time.
| Recruiting companies | San Diego Supplementary School Minato Gakuen |
|---|---|
| Salary and benefits | Further details will be provided during the interview |
| Work place | Madison High School |
