The Program
We provide a rich bilingual and bicultural pre-school program that plays upon the natural ability of young children to acquire a second language through meaningful and age-appropriate instruction. Using well-researched and carefully implemented early childhood learning practices, our students in Richmond's Japanese immersion pre-school will:
- Acquire Japanese and English skills through engaging and age-appropriate activities with music, arts and crafts, story time, games, and learning centers.
- Experience Japanese language and culture in a positive and supportive environment with a cadre of experienced teachers.
- Join a prestigious, award-winning language immersion pathway that extends from pre-school at Richmond Elementary School to grade 12 at Grant High School.
Benefits of Starting Early
Learning two languages from an early age, especially in a long, well-sequenced program such as Richmond's Japanese immersion program, allows children to develop a high level of Japanese fluency. Research shows that learning a second language benefits young children academically and cognitively while helping them develop positive attitudes and understanding of different cultures.
Pre-school Students Automatically Transition to Richmond's Japanese Immersion Kindergarten
Children completing our full-day Japanese immersion pre-school receive automatic placement in Portland Public Schools' award-winning K-12 Japanese Magnet Program (JMP). Children with older siblings currently enrolled in the K-12 Japanese Magnet Program receive priority placement in our pre-school.
Enrollment Options
Tuition
Cadre of Excellent Teachers
Simple Enrollment Process
Families must complete the School Choice Form for Pre-Kindergarten and submit it to the Enrollment and Transfer Center by deadline. This application form can be downloaded from the following Web sites:
www.schoolchoice.pps.k12.or.us
www.richmondjmp.org
Your completed application should be mailed to the Enrollment and Transfer Center (P.O. Box 3107, Portland, OR 97208-3107).
Parents must arrange a meeting with the building principal in order to meet admission requirements for the Portland Public Schools' transfer process. You can make an appointment for a meeting by contacting principal Kathryn Anderson at 503-916-6220.
Richmond's Pre-School is Special Because...
- Our teachers are certified by the State of Oregon and have years of experience and training in early childhood education.
- Our curriculum provides for Japanese immersion experiences that are age-appropriate for young children, ages 3.5 - 4.
- Our tuition prices are cheaper than private programs for full-day.
- Our adult to child ratio is one to eight.