The Sydney Japanese School opened its doors in 1969 to provide a unique blend of education. Today SJS has become one of Sydney's top academic environments, offering an exemplary model of bilingual education to students from all cultural and language backgrounds.

Our school has two streams of education: a Japanese Section using the Japanese government curriculum, and an International Section studying the NSW Board of Studies curriculum. The school is open to all students regardless of their race, religion or nationality.

Bilingual learning is an essential part of the curriculum at SJS. We recognise that children who become proficient in a second language have greater mental agility, a sharper memory and are likely to be more alert later in life. Such children also develop a broader appreciation and adaptability in a variety of social and cultural contexts. Bilingualism opens social and economic doors that are not as easily accessible to mono-linguists.

SJS is making some significant advances in second language teaching and learning through its affiliation with the Centre for English Language Teaching Research at Macquarie University. Curriculum development is monitored by some of Australia’s top researchers in second language acquisition to ensure that our approach is the finest on offer.

Children from Kindergarten to Year 6 studying in the International Division follow the NSW Department of Education Board of Studies curriculum enriched by daily Japanese language lessons. Three subjects - Music, Physical Education and Visual Arts – are taught as Japanese-International mixed classes. All students at SJS are expected to learn about other cultures and have a thorough grounding in Australian and Japanese traditions.

The Japanese Division follows the Japanese National Curriculum, complemented with English language lessons, and joins the International Division for subjects such as Art, Music, Physical Education and other special events.

Some special events, such as a music concert, language festivals, traditional festivals, and sports days, occur throughout the year and are enjoyable and meaningful opportunities for children to share their cultural backgrounds. Integration programs, where students from other schools join with SJS students in sporting and cultural events, are run throughout the year.

SJS is unique in its approach to cultural understanding and language. Few schools in the world have the balanced blend of two distinct cultures and languages that form the daily context in which students learn and grow.