Chicago Futabakai Japanese School

The Chicago Futabakai Japanese School is a nonprofit educational institution that operates as a Japanese elementary and junior high day school, along with a Saturday education program. It is located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, near Chicago.

History

The school was first established by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago in May 1966 as a Saturday school in a Baptist church on Chicago's North Side. Initially, it had three teachers and 50 students, marking it as the first Japanese school in the Midwestern United States. In 1976, Japanese national parents requested the establishment of a day school to better prepare their children for the Japanese educational system. This led to the opening of the day school in Skokie, Illinois, in 1978. Over the years, the school has relocated several times before finalizing its current location in Arlington Heights in 1998.

Operations

Chicago Futabakai Japanese School is sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The school operates as a private institution registered with the State of Illinois. Instruction is predominantly in Japanese, focusing on maintaining cultural ties and academic standards aligned with Japanese education. Funding for the school comes from tuition, support from the Japanese government, and donations from Japanese businesses in the Chicago area.

Programs

The school offers both day and Saturday programs for grades 1 through 9, providing a comprehensive Japanese education to students of Japanese descent living in the Chicago area. The curriculum emphasizes academic subjects taught in Japanese, ensuring students remain proficient in the language and prepared for reintegration into the Japanese school system if they return to Japan.

Cultural Activities

Apart from academic programs, the school engages students in various cultural activities such as traditional Japanese festivals, martial arts, and calligraphy events. These activities not only enhance students' connection to their Japanese heritage but also promote cross-cultural understanding through community events.

Governance and Funding

The parent organization of the school is the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which plays a significant role in managing and supporting the institution. The Japanese government provides substantial financial assistance for operational expenses, faculty, textbooks, and teaching materials, helping maintain high educational standards. A portion of the funding also comes from tuition and community donations.

The Chicago Futabakai Japanese School is recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 36-2595572, marking it as a nonprofit entity.

Accreditation

The school is accredited by the Japanese government as an overseas educational institution, emphasizing the promotion of Japanese language and culture. This accreditation highlights its commitment to maintaining rigorous educational standards set by Japan.