In June 1998, five mothers of Amerasian children has established 'AmerAsian School in Okinawa (AASO)' as 'free school*' in Oyama Ginowan City. The school was created with the principal mission to nurture children not as American nor Japanese but both as 'Double' with bilingual and bicultural education upon the philosophy that 'children need an environment in which they can freely explore, think, and develop their own identity without stereotype based upon their appearance from the society and be proud of themselves'.
In April 2003, we have moved to the current location, Shimashi Ginowan City with a support of the central and local governments. With growing understanding of the people including the public schools and their teachers and generous support from it, we could have marked 20 years anniversary in 2018, in spite of all the struggles we have faced over educational rights for Amerasian children at AASO and beyond. Since 1998, we have provided bilingual and bicultural education for children in need and, as of 2020, 81 students have graduated and almost all of them have chosen to proceed to Japanese public high school having passed entrance exams. Currently, 60 students from a range of pre-K to 9th grades are studying and freely developing their own 'themselves' regardless of their background.
We are to educate our student linguistically, culturally, socially, and academically balanced as Japanese and American. To realise such ideal, we have developed original hybrid curriculum integrating Japanese curriculum (MEXT) and American curriculum (DoDEA). With this flagship curriculum we believe that our students will be able to proudly and confidently strive and prosper in both societies.
Mission and Vision
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My child has thrived at AmerAsian School in Okinawa. The quality of education is outstanding, and the staff is incredibly helpful. My child has made great progress and is excelling in their studies.
By Misaki Kato (Nov, 2022) |