Japanese Saturday School of Amsterdam

About Japanese Saturday School of Amsterdam

The Japanese Saturday School of Amsterdam (JSSA) has over 30 years of history and serves children receiving education outside the Japanese school system. Its core educational philosophy is to respect each student’s intercultural experiences and individuality while equipping them with essential Japanese language skills and foundational academic knowledge. The aim is to deepen students’ understanding of Japanese culture and Japan’s role in the international community.

The curriculum is based on the textbooks and guidelines prescribed by Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT), focusing on three core subjects: Japanese language, arithmetic/mathematics, and life/social studies. In the elementary division, the emphasis is on building core academic skills such as reading comprehension, expression, and thinking ability. In the junior high division, students are encouraged to develop their ability to express themselves logically and critically.

Beyond academics, the school incorporates Japanese cultural experiences through regular activities such as morning assemblies, radio calisthenics, singing, and annual events like Sports Day and New Year’s celebrations. These activities help students gain a lived understanding of Japanese traditions and customs.

Due to changes in society and the increasing diversity of family backgrounds, student needs have become more varied. The school responds to this by maintaining small class sizes and emphasising communication with families. Instruction is personalised based on each student’s academic level, aptitude and goals.

Parental cooperation is considered essential, especially in the lower elementary grades. Parents are expected not only to support learning at home but also to reinforce basic discipline and group behaviour necessary for classroom and cultural participation. Through this collaborative approach, the school aims to ensure students are well-prepared to reintegrate into the Japanese education system when they return to Japan.

Address

• Headquarters

  Karel Klinkenbergstraat 1371061AL AmsterdamNoord-Holland, Netherlands

Team by function

Based on 3 public job profiles as of 5 September 2026.

• Education / Training3