Japanese 

Japanese Dual Language Program

Japanese is one of the immersive language tracks at Intercultural Montessori, offered exclusively at our Chicago campus from Early Childhood through Middle School. This program blends language learning with cultural traditions, giving students a well-rounded foundation in both fluency and cultural understanding.

Students develop biliteracy in Japanese through practical communication, Hiragana, calligraphy, songs, and hands-on experiences. Annual celebrations like our Setsubun event, bring language and culture to life in joyful, meaningful ways.

Rooted in Montessori principles and guided by fluent instructors, the program fosters respect, mindfulness, and global awareness. Learning Japanese offers students a unique opportunity to engage with a language rich in history, art, and innovation.

Our Language Approach

At Intercultural Montessori, our dual language model evolves with each stage of development, blending immersive language instruction with academic growth and cultural exploration.

Early Childhood

Our youngest learners are immersed in the target language during the morning work cycle, when focus and engagement are at their highest.

  • Target Language Immersion All Day

  • Fluent Target Language Teachers guide songs, stories, and routines in the target language

  • All Language Students Together in one classroom community, fostering inclusion and shared experiences

  • Language is absorbed naturally through hands-on exploration, conversation, and play

Lower Elementary

As children transition into more structured academics, the dual language model becomes more balanced and intentional.

  • 50% English, 50% Target Language instruction throughout the day

  • Two Lead Teachers: one English-speaking and one target language-speaking

  • All Language Students Together during the day, with Split Language Groups for targeted instruction with the appropriate language teacher

  • Students develop reading, writing, and cultural fluency in both languages

Upper Elementary & Middle School

Older students continue building biliteracy while engaging with more advanced academic content.

  • Balanced English and Target Language Instruction

  • All Language Students Together for integrated learning experiences

  • Language-Specific Instruction in reading, writing, literature, and cultural studies

  • Students deepen their critical thinking, research, and communication skills in both languages, preparing them for high school and beyond

A large analog clock with a black frame and white face shows the time as 7:42. Below it, three smaller clock cards display different times, with Japanese text indicating minutes before the hour: one shows 11:55, another 9:40, and the third 1:30.

Our Japanese Teachers

Smiling woman with dark hair wearing a maroon top against a plain background.
A person wearing a brown leather jacket over a blue and white plaid shirt, standing against a plain background.
Meet the Teachers

FAQs

  • Our Japanese program is offered exclusively at the Chicago campus, from Early Childhood through Middle School.

  • No prior language experience is required. Students are immersed in the language through everyday activities and guided support from fluent educators.

  • Our curriculum integrates Japanese customs through traditional songs, crafts, literature, and annual events like our school-wide Setsubun celebration.

  • Through consistent exposure, literacy development, and cultural exploration, students build strong communication skills and a deep appreciation for Japanese language and culture.

Other Languages