Sakura Gakuen Japanese Language School

Sakura Gakuen offers many Japanese classes for different needs and age groups. Our family is a non-​Japanese speaking household. So our 5 year old attends Cherry 3, a non-​Japanese speaking class for little kids. The kids are currently working on memorizing the Japanese alphabet (Hiragana) and expanding their Japanese vocabulary.
The best part about sending my child to Sakura Gakuen is that Mayumi Sensei keeps the learning environment fun and exciting. You can expect to send your kid here for the long run because he/​she will not get burnt out or bored of it.

I’ve been taking my daughter to classes at Sakura Gakuen for 3 years now. I’m so impressed with the curriculum and the teachers — each has been wonderful in her own way… Patient, caring and enthusiastic. I didn’t think I’d be able to raise a bilingual child, but it is possible! She can now speak and sing songs in Japanese. She reads and writes all her hiragana.
Japanese language classes are offered in two tracks– one for kids who have at least one parent who speaks Japanese at home, and those who don’t. The school front lobby is brightly decorated w seasonal themes and work done by children. They also have events like the annual Mochitsuki (end of Jan), speech contests, and summer «camp» sessions, too. Lots going on. Worth checking out if you want to learn Japanese language and culture!

I went to Sakura Gakuen for 3 years, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had! I stopped in 11^th grade only because my school schedule became too busy. Emiko sensei and Setsuko sensei were such amazing teachers — kind, smart, and funny! I looked forward to going every week. All of the classes I’ve been in were between 5 – 8 people, which made it more fun with my classmates and also easier for the teacher to assist me. My reading, writing, and speaking skills have improved dramatically. As long as you make an effort with the work given, your Japanese skills will improve a lot!

We were pleasantly surprised to find this Japanese language school with programs for English-​speaking children as well as Japanese speakers. This is a well-​organized place with warm and creative teachers and staff. My daughter had a lot of fun in the pre-​K (Cherry) classes, which are low-​stress & focus more on getting familiar with listening to Japanese than speaking. She was also introduced to a variety of Japanese customs. The K/​1^st grade class is more academic, but still fun. The summer program is amazing– like a carnival almost every week!

For any child at any age, this school is amazing and highly recommend. My daughter is in the middle of her second year and LOVES the school and teachers. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the classroom highly interactive. Most classes are for very young children, both Japanese and non-​Japanese, but there are also classes for older kids (middle and high school) ranging from beginner up through taking the AP test. The school also sponsors fun day activities throughout the year, including events to make mochi, sushi, storytelling, cooking classes, manga comic art, etc.
During open house, parents can sit in on the class to see how classroom sessions are taught. For the middle/​high school level, the teacher challenges them to think and create sentences and converse while allowing them to interact and help each other if they get stuck. They use textbooks and workbooks at the college level so they can be prepared to take the AP test after 3 – 4 years, but taking the test is not required. Time is split between verbal and written techniques. On occasion, the sensei may sprinkle in a little cultural aspect with calligraphy or Japanese treats. The students recently enjoyed having a student visiting from Japan, who was hosted by two families in the class.
The sensei always makes the classroom environment welcoming, relaxing, and ready to get to work. My daughter looks forward to going to school every week and the kids come from all over the East and South Bay areas to attend. She is in a classroom with kids ranging 7^th grade through high school, all ethnicities, mix of boys and girls, and some drive up to 45 – 50 minutes to get there. Class size is about 10 – 12 kids and they have such a great time learning together. The school is located about 1 – 2 minutes off the freeway, with easy access in/​out in a light industrial park. Nestled in the back corner, there is very little traffic and ample parking. They have recently expanded the school to include classrooms in an adjacent building. I wait in my car or run errands during the 2 hours in the evening when my daughter is in class and can say the area is very clean and safe.

I am fan of Sakura Gakuen. They rent nice selection of Japanese books, VCR and DVDs for students for free. And they teach a lot about its culture. Only thing I don’t like about the school is its price. The group lesson is about $ 25-​$ 15 hour depending on the level of the class. And you have to pay enrollment fee of $ 100. Our kid is in the twice a week for 2 hours class and that is $ 235/​month. If you ever skip a term, you have to pay the whole enrollment fee again, which seems very pricy. Also if you want to keep the place during the year when you’re on leave, you have to pay half of the tuition, instead of full, to keep the spot, which again, pricy.
There are other inexpensive options around here for kids such as Walnut Creek Japanese Christian Church (something like $ 60 for 4 months and buy snack once a year for whole group), Tsukushimbo (Less than $ 50 for a quarter for rent and material fee), Iroha (again minimal cost), and Baybees. But mine need bit more forced Japanese enviroment, so I cannot argue about the cost.

My daughter went here for several months and she really enjoyed and her Japanese improved a lot. Teachers are dedicated and very good at teaching. I had to go back to work and no longer able to send her here, but if I have an opportunity in the future, I definitely send her here again and want her to learn more Japanese.

We love Sakura Gakuen! Step through the door and you’re transported to Japan. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and truly Japanese. The staff are wonderful.
My four-​year-​old took the beginners’ summer class last year and he can’t wait to go back. It’s a bit of a drive from our home in Oakland, but it’s worth it. The price for summer school is very affordable. I also like the fact that this Japanese school is not tied to a church, unlike some others in the Bay Area.
I highly recommend Sakura Gakuen!

This is a good Japanese school!
I am new here, however I enjoy learning about the Language and Culture in private tutoring with my friend.
The instructors are very nice and understand, however to do well you must try very hard and understand what they say, as Japanese is very confusing at times.
As long as you work better than your best and do all of the work, you will be fine and greatly improve your knowledge of Japanese overall.
In a very nice, new, big building… very clean, no shoes in the classrooms, and nothing fishy. Good prices for such a professional locale especially considering other places.
If you are interesting in learning Japanese, and you live in the area, then I would highly Recommend Sakura Gakuen for your language needs, whether you are 5 years old, or 50!

For Japanese children growing up in the U.S., it’s a challenge to master the Japanese language and culture. This school provides a Japanese environment where your child will be immersed in the language and culture of Japan, through accademic instruction, songs, traditional games, and crafts. Non-​Japanese children will also find it to be a fun way to learn about different culture, begin to develop their own foreign language skills, and make new friends along the way. The curriculum is very good!