​Welcome Message from the Principal

Welcome, and thank you for visiting the website of the St. Louis Japanese Language School.
My name is Yukiko Raak, and I am honored to serve as the principal as of April 2025.
 

As the school celebrates its 48th year, I am proud to carry on the strong legacy of former Principal Noriko McLeer. With our passionate educators and supportive families, I am committed to providing a rich learning environment where every student can grow academically, culturally, and personally.

Founded in 1977, St. Louis Japanese Language School offers Saturday classes for children of Japanese heritage living in the United States. Our curriculum follows Japan’s national standards, with a focus on Japanese language, mathematics, and social studies. We aim to support students’ academic development while also nurturing their cultural identity and connection to their roots.

In addition to our core program, we proudly offer International Classes (Kokusai I and II) for both children and adults who wish to learn Japanese as a second language. These classes focus on basic conversation, reading and writing, and hands-on cultural experiences. Students participate in seasonal events such as the New Year’s celebration, Field Day, and the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical
Garden—fun and meaningful ways to experience Japanese traditions.

St. Louis Japanese Language School is a non-profit organization operated by parents and supported by the Government of Japan, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis, and the Japan America Society of St. Louis.
 

We are proud to be a welcoming, diverse learning community where students from all backgrounds can explore the Japanese language and culture. I look forward to an exciting year ahead filled with learning, connection, and discovery.

Yukiko Raak
Principal, St. Louis Japanese Language School

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Kokusai I    (Youth class)      10 years old ~ 18 years old as of April 1st

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Kokusai II   (Adult class)       Over 18 years old as of April 1st

    

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Class Course:      　 Kokusai I & Kokusai II（There are 4 classes in each course）

 ①Introductory　 ②Beginning　③ Intermediate　④ Advanced

• Please ask class hours to a teacher.

• Level/placement is determined by an interview with a teacher. 

• Classes may change due to enrollment number.

• Class times may change.

 

Classes meet:       　　　 

• Classes meet every Saturday.

• Each class is 60 minutes lesson.

• The academic year has 40~43 lessons per year.

• The school year follows the Japanese school year.

   

Tuition:            　　　Tuition due every term.

 ① April – August　② September – December　③ January – March

 

Kokusai　I      Deposit $50,   Initial fee $50,   tuition per month $65

 

Kokusai  II      Deposit $50,   Initial fee $50,   tuition per month $75

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• Deposit will be returned when student withdraws from school, if tuition is paid in full.

• If student is absent, tuition will still be charged.

• Text books are not included in tuition.​

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Location:                    At the　East Academy Buiding, Webster University

 

Contact:       　　　   stljapaneselanguageschool@gmail.com

                                        April 1,　2025