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Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Typical class size 6
Strengths Only full-time Japanese day school on US West Coast, 70/30 Japanese-English instruction, Ministry of Education recognised, Bilingual leader development, Saturday school programme
Clubs Summer Camp
Stages Elementary, Middle School
Introduction
Nishiyamato Academy of California is a bilingual Japanese-English full-time day school in Lomita, CA, founded in 1993. The only full-time Japanese school on the US West Coast, it serves Kindergarten through Grade 8 with a 70% Japanese to 30% English instruction ratio, developing balanced bilingual leaders recognised by Japan's Ministry of Education.
Lomita, CA 90717.
Gallery
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Vibes and Culture
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The Essentials
Nishiyamato Academy of California has 139 pupils, typical class sizes of 6, instruction in Japanese, English.
Location
Nishiyamato is in Lomita, CA 90717.
Stages
Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Type
Private co-educational bilingual Japanese-English day school.
Additional learning support
ELD (English Language Development) classes.
Country affiliation
Japan Ministry of Education recognised overseas institution.
Diving Deeper
The school has not added this information
Academics
Nishiyamato Academy of California teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum for students aged 5 to 14.
Curriculum
Japanese Ministry of Education textbooks with 70% Japanese and 30% English instruction. ELD and immersion classes. English exam preparation.
Wellbeing
The school has not added this information
Parent Experience
The school has not added this information
Facilities
The school has not added this information
Extra-Curricular Activities
The school has not added this information
Languages
The school has not added this information
Reputation
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Admissions
Admissions
Entrance examinations required. 2026 April enrolment recruiting.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
Where is Nishiyamato Academy of California located?
Nishiyamato Academy of California is in Lomita, CA 90717 on the US West Coast. It operates as a full-time day school serving local and relocating families.
What ages and grades does the school serve?
The school serves Kindergarten through Grade 8 for students aged 5 to 14. It is a co-educational day school.
What type of curriculum does the school follow?
The school uses Japanese Ministry of Education textbooks and follows that curriculum framework. Instruction is delivered in a bilingual model with 70% Japanese and 30% English.
How do parents apply and are entrance exams required?
Entrance examinations are required as part of the admissions process. The school actively recruits for April 2026 enrolment, so families should plan for the exam timeline associated with that intake.
When should families planning to relocate consider applying?
The school is recruiting for April 2026 enrolment, so families relocating should begin the application and entrance-exam process well before that intake. Early planning is recommended to allow time for examination and enrollment steps.
How is instruction split between Japanese and English?
Instruction follows a 70% Japanese to 30% English ratio. The program combines full Japanese-language instruction with English support through immersion and ELD classes.
Does the school provide support for English learners and exam preparation?
Yes, the school offers ELD (English Language Development) classes and specific English exam preparation. These programs support students working to strengthen English proficiency and prepare for relevant exams.
Does the curriculum prepare students for study in Japan and overseas?
The school uses Japanese Ministry of Education textbooks and is recognised by Japan's Ministry of Education, which supports alignment with Japanese standards. At the same time, the English instruction, ELD classes, and English exam preparation help students transition to English-language settings when needed.
Where are the campus locations and do you have weekend or satellite sites?
In addition to the main operations in Lomita, the school maintains multiple campus locations including Saturday school sites in Palos Verdes and Irvine. These satellite sites support families in different parts of the region.
Does Nishiyamato run summer programs or other extracurricular facilities?
Yes, the school offers summer camps as part of its extracurricular provision. These programs complement the academic year and provide additional learning and cultural activities.
What kinds of cultural and academic activities are offered beyond regular classes?
Students take part in Japanese cultural education covering history, literature, and geography as part of the program. The school also provides English exam preparation and offers summer camps for broader extracurricular engagement.
Are there arts or sports programs available?
Specific details about arts and sports programs are not listed in the provided information. The school does offer cultural education and summer camps as part of its out-of-class activities.
What support is available for non-native English speakers?
The school provides ELD (English Language Development) classes to support non-native English speakers. Immersion classes and English exam preparation further assist students in building English skills for academic success.
Does the school offer immersion support for students who are not native Japanese speakers?
Yes, the program includes full Japanese immersion with English support and ELD classes to help non-native Japanese or English speakers access the curriculum. This bilingual approach aims to develop balanced proficiency in both languages.
Is Nishiyamato a day school or a boarding school?
Nishiyamato Academy of California is a full-time day school. Boarding is not part of the school model.
What is the cultural environment like at the school?
The school emphasizes Japanese language and culture alongside English instruction, integrating Japanese history, literature, and geography into the program. There is an active parent community and a school song by Eikichi Yazawa that reflect strong cultural ties.
Is the school recognised or accredited by any authorities?
Yes, Nishiyamato Academy of California is recognised by Japan's Ministry of Education as an overseas institution. This recognition aligns the school with Japanese educational standards.
What is the school's history and standing in the region?
Founded in 1993, Nishiyamato Academy of California is the only full-time Japanese day school on the US West Coast. The school has a long-standing presence serving bilingual families and those seeking Japanese curriculum continuity abroad.
What languages are taught at the school?
Instruction is provided in Japanese and English, with a 70% Japanese to 30% English instruction ratio. ELD (English Language Development) classes and immersion classes are part of the language provision.
How is bilingual education delivered on a day-to-day basis?
Bilingual education is delivered through a mix of Japanese Ministry of Education curriculum lessons and English-language instruction, maintaining a 70/30 split. Immersion classes and ELD support are used to reinforce English while preserving strong Japanese-language instruction.