Information for Prospective Students (2025-26)

Class Session: September 6, 2025 - May 30, 2026 (in-person classes)

New Student Application Period: January 15 - April 15, 2025, or until classes reach capacity

New Student Application fee: $80 (non-refundable)

Eligibility:

Beginning level: Incoming Kindergartners & 1st graders (at regular weekday school)
(2nd-5th graders will be admitted if space is available)
Other levels: Incoming Kindergartners through 11th graders (at regular weekday school)
(Placement Test required; must be able to read and write all hiragana)

Class observations: We do not have class observation sessions.

Here is an introduction video if you would like to see what we do.
If you would like to view a video of our beginning level class (kinder-1st graders), please indicate your request in the Comments section of the “Student’s Background” form, and we will send you a private link.

Placement Test Dates (not applicable for beginning level students):

New Student Application Instructions:

STEP 1 for Current SMNG Families:

Log in to your family account.
Select the "Family Information" form.
On the "Student Information" page, click "I have another student" and enter student's information.

STEP 1 for Families new to SMNG:

Click here to provide us with your contact and student information.
Select "Create Account" (New User) and fill in Parent's name, email address, and select your password.
Click "Verify my email" and then check your email for a link to complete the process. The link expires in 2 hours. If you do not receive the email, check your spam or junk folders.
Once you have verified your email address, log back in.
Complete the "Family Information" form.

STEP 2: Submit the "Background in Japanese Studies" form.

STEP 3: Schedule your Meeting with the Principal.

This is a 15-minute session for the Principal to meet with both the New Student and Parent(s).
Select a day which is within 1 month of submitting the Background form. (Note: last meeting date is 4/12/25)
Sign-up form is on the page.

STEP 4: Submit the "New Student Application" by 4/15/25

STEP 5: Register and pay tuition (online) between 4/15 and 5/31/25

Check our homepage on 4/15 for registration instructions.
From 6/1/25, registration will be accepted if space is available. $75 Late Registration Fee will apply.

Other Information:

Tuition for 2025-26

Class Assignments

Class Assignments will be announced on 8/4/25.
Please keep your Saturday mornings open as your child could be placed in either A-class (8:20-10:10am) or B-class (10:25am-12:15pm).
(Note: The Picnic/Undoukai is held on a Sunday in October. Modified hours on the last day of school for a joint A-class and B-class Completion/Graduation Ceremony)

Withdrawals/Refunds

Withdrawals by 7/31/25 will be entitled to a refund of tuition paid less a $200 administrative fee.
Withdrawals between 8/1 and 8/6/25 will be entitled to a refund of 50% of Full Annual Tuition paid. No refund if only the 1st Tuition Installment is paid.
The full Annual Tuition is non-refundable from 8/7/25. This applies for both Full Payment and Installment Payment registrations.
Any exceptions to the refund policy will require approval by the Board of Directors for such extraordinary circumstances.
No tuition fee adjustments for holidays, short-term and long-term absences, suspensions, and emergency school closures.

Please see our FAQ page and explore our website for more details.