Global Kids Academy (GKA) is a dual language school in Tokyo, Japan. GKA offers an after school program which includes English Immersion, Japanese Immersion and tutorials for children who come from various linguistic backgrounds. We offer extensive summer programs from June to August. GKA was founded by alumni of Nishimachi International School and the American School in Japan who understand the benefits of growing up bilingual in Japanese and English.

We believe that each child is a unique individual. In the context of language development, there is no one-size-fits-all-curriculum. Programs should be made to fit the children, not the other way around.

• While celebrating the uniqueness of each child, we encourage teamwork and mingling of children of all linguistic backgrounds.

• We stay attuned to the needs of the families. We provide a forum for families to exchange ideas. We listen and incorporate ideas into the program.

• We believe that literacy is a key element in language development. Since reading is an important part of our language curriculum, we like to make it fun and interesting. We will make it possible for children of all reading levels to access interesting books.

• We believe that communication is the most important goal as well as the means for learning. Our hope is that all children at Global Kids Academy become global communicators.

• Japanese children with little or no prior exposure to English
• Returnees (kikokushijo); Japanese children who lived overseas
• Bilingual (multi-lingual) children, whether balanced or favoring one language or the other
• Native English speakers with varying levels of exposure to the Japanese language
• Native speakers of a third language wishing to have more exposure to either English or Japanese.

They may be attending

• local Japanese schools, private or public
• international schools with single language focus or dual language programs.

Global Kids Academy wants to meet the needs of

• children with busy parents
• children who need extra help
• children with an appetite to learn more
• children who would benefit from socializing with peers.

Age depends on the program but most programs, at this time, are appropriate for elementary school children and kindergarteners.

At Global Kids Academy, we strive to create an environment that is fun and stimulating but also relaxing, like home. Originally a residence, the space has been fitted out by IP20 to meet the needs of Global Kids Academy. On some days, the students can meet Connie, our mascot Labrador Retreiver. Other features of GKA's facilities and resources include:

• Technology. Global Kids Academy is equipped with networked computers and broadband access. See Global Kids Network below. GKA has a growing collection of educational CD-Roms and educational tools. We also have access to interesting educational websites, some of which provide down-loadable programs for children. GKA has audio-visual facilities so that children can learn from and research topics using National Geographic and Discovery Channels and watch the latest movies for kids in English and Japanese.
• Books. Global Kids Academy believes that developing literacy is very important. GKA has a rich collection of books to suit all types of readers. GKA has compiled a database of excellent educational books. Members may order books through Global Kids Academy.
• Global Kids Network. Children's Weblog - children can make journal entries and post samples of their work on the weblog. Family Forum - children, family members, teachers and staff can exchange information using this forum.