Princeton Community Japanese Language School
The Princeton Community Japanese Language School (PCJLS) is a specialized weekend educational institution serving the Princeton, New Jersey area. As part of the broader network of Japanese weekend schools in the New York metropolitan area, PCJLS provides a vital link for students to maintain their linguistic roots and cultural identity while living in the United States.
The school operates with a dual mission: providing standardized education for children of Japanese citizens abroad and offering language acquisition paths for those learning Japanese as a second language.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1980 by five Japanese researchers from Princeton University.
- Location: Classes are held at Rider University in Lawrence Township; offices are located in Princeton.
- Curriculum: Offers MEXT-compliant courses and heritage/foreign language tracks.
- Staffing: As of 2012, approximately 70% of the teaching staff are parents.
- Reach: Historically serves students from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
History and Evolution
PCJLS was established in 1980 through the efforts of five Japanese researchers at Princeton University. While the school began its journey at Princeton University, it transitioned its operations to Rider University in 1996.
The school has grown steadily over the decades. By 1987, its weekend programming for children had expanded to cover students from Kindergarten through the 7th grade. During that same period, the school also catered to adult professionals through dedicated business Japanese language courses.
Academic Structure and Curriculum
The school is organized into two distinct divisions to meet the diverse needs of its student body. Placement into these divisions is determined through consultations involving the student, parents, and PCJLS teachers.
Division 1: MEXT-Compliant Education
Division 1 focuses on classes that adhere to the standards of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the government body responsible for education in Japan. To ensure high standards, the principal of Division 1 is funded directly by MEXT.
Division 2: Heritage and Second Language Learning
Division 2 is designed for students from English-dominant households, including those attending universities in the United States. This division offers:
- Japanese heritage language courses.
- Japanese as a foreign language courses.
- Adult education programs.
To better serve these specific learners, the school's teachers have developed their own custom kanji textbooks.
Student Body and Community
The PCJLS student population is diverse, consisting largely of U.S. permanent residents with Japanese ancestral origins. This includes bilingual students from English-dominant homes and multilingual students whose parents may speak languages other than English or Japanese.
The school's geographic reach is significant. In 1987, enrollment included students traveling from Delaware, Pennsylvania, and various parts of New Jersey, including South Jersey and Fort Lee. At that time, the student body consisted of approximately 100 children and 20 to 25 adults.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Location | Bierenbaum Fisher Hall, Rider University |
| Administrative Office | 14 Moore Street, Princeton, NJ |
| Curriculum Standards | MEXT (Division 1) and Custom Heritage/Foreign Language (Division 2) |
| Teaching Model | Strong parent-teacher involvement (70% parents as of 2012) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are PCJLS classes held?
Classes are held at Bierenbaum Fisher Hall (formerly known as Memorial Hall) at Rider University, located in Lawrence Township, Mercer County.
What is the difference between Division 1 and Division 2?
Division 1 follows the official standards of the Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) for children of Japanese citizens. Division 2 is tailored for heritage learners, foreign language students, and adults, particularly those from English-dominant households.
Who teaches the classes at PCJLS?
The school relies heavily on community involvement; as of 2012, 70% of the teaching staff were parents of the students.
How are students placed into a division?
Placement is decided through a consultation process involving the student, their parents, and the PCJLS teaching staff.
Does the school provide its own materials?
Yes, the teachers at PCJLS have developed their own specialized kanji textbooks for use in their courses.