*I am editing this review as of 6-27-12 as I have now seen md a. original review.* When I read this review from my iPhone, it does not show the original review that md a. wrote. I also do hear that the director there may be there past her prime, this review is based on my perspective as a father. Although I speak 100% English to my daughter, my wife speaks 100% Japanese to my daughter. I think this is a great school that provides a lot of opportunities for those that want their kids to learn Japanese or at least enforce what they can retain. There are class moms that assist with the parents in helping with various activities that this preschool has. They do have a Halloween event, Christmas event, some other event that involves hitting a watermelon blindfolded (Suikawari), and an athletic event which the whole family can get involved called Undokai in the spring. There are bake sales and Teriyaki chicken sales, throughout the year. For those that miss very few classes, there are attendance awards in June for those that miss the least days of preschool. Also in the middle of June prior to the completion of the spring session, there is a day where kids can play on 2 jumpers should they wish to expel their energy. As for the staff, of course all of them speak fluent Japanese. English most likely is not their first language but they do have an understanding of it. For those students and parents that do not understand Japanese, there are those that can help you understand what is going on. The teachers are mostly older than probably other Japanese preschools in the area but they do a great job facilitating a pleasant learning environment. Of course with any school, parents can meet each other prior to dropping off or picking up their kid(s) so it can serve as a place for parents to find out which friends your kids enjoy playing with. There is a day that is set where parents collectively can visit your child's class to see what goes on during their daily activity. For those that attend the summer sessions, there are 2 days each week designated for pool day so the kids can cool off in the plastic wading pools that are set up. Play toys are available in each classroom and are based on the age of the child. As far as outdoor play equipment, there are also 2 large sandboxes, tricycles to ride, a secure place for kids to run on concrete, a play gym, and 2 Little Tyke style houses for the kids to play in. This school has allowed our daughter to grow up in an environment she is comfortable in. It helped that we attended the Gardena Buddhist Church so our daughter was accustomed to the environment and not shocked into a preschool. After 2 years of this school, she will now go to an English school so she can start the transition to Kindergarten. It is always good to register early in any preschool so you have a good chance of enrolling there. We would send our other daughter to go there but since we moved, we will enroll our 2nd one to another local Japanese preschool. read more

Nakayoshi Pre-School is an absolutely phenomenal school. My daughter had been attending for the last two years, and I am constantly in awe of the beautiful environment she is learning within. Her teachers are prepared for the learning that will take place for the day, show positivity and love in their interactions with students, and provide opportunities for each family to be actively engaged in their child's learning and development. As a member of a multinational & multiethnic family, I appreciate the time teachers and staff take to ensure the intent and meaning behind school activities is explained for both English speakers & Native Japanese speakers as well. The entire staff and faculty are available and open to any questions you may have, and embody an extraordinary level of care and professionalism. Thank you for providing such a beautifully positive and caring environment for my daughter to grow within. read more

My daughter has been going since 2 years old, and she loves all of the teachers. As a full-time working mom, I was worried about how she would adjust. However, I have so much appreciation for her teachers. I honestly don't think my daughter would have potty trained as quickly as she did without their support and encouragement. One time I tried Tutor Time during her summer break, and she really missed Nakayoshi. This school is consistent and has a strong basic foundation. They don't do all the "extra" stuff like other schools I have heard, but I think their schedule for the year is plenty enough. Unless your child has a ton of behavioral problems, I don't see a reason for anyone to complain about this place. read more

I recommend doing the Saturday only program as it is not the most developmentally appropriate program. So I would not send a child there for weekday daily classes.If you send your child to a quality preschool during the week, then the Saturday program is a good supplement for the child to learn Japanese. They do not qualify for NAEYC accreditation. read more

Nakayoshi has a preschool and k -8 programs for japanese immersion. My daughter has been going there since the age of 3 and is now 5. I really like the staff. They are very attentative and professional. There is a fair amount of homework which is good to reinforce the language skills learned in class. They japanese events held throughout the year. This is a good school that enforces cultural, language and academic skills in a japanese school environment. read more

I sent my son to this school for a summer and at first planned to have him graduate from this school. I immediately changed his school because I disagreed with the director's policy and how she often tells parents "we need to consider kicking him/her out if he continues to have problems." Hello? Kids their jobs are to cry, be active, have tantrums and go through the satage of development. Isn't that teacher/school job to deal with kids, and help them??? We are so happy that our child now going to different school without fear. read more

I read all the feed back from yelp and I don't see any improve at all. I can't give 3 start for this school. School start in Sept 2013 this year. Some how they have a new principle and she changed few important things in class. 1. She removed all children activity don't need to brush teeth in the afternoon. 2. They don't do potty training anymore. (cause your kid stay longer the better for them) 3. Outside play ground are very hot for kid to play and they let all student play outside around 2-3 pm afternoon specially that time sun are very high ozone and the most high heat. 4. Playground need more shading for Kid. (don't worry about Vitamin D.)Parent please, try not to let your kid stay under the sun more than 3 hrs their hair will turn brown,face and arm getting tans. Teacher are wearing Cap and they know how to take care them self under the sun. (children doesn't know and couldn't tell) 5. Facility no tree at all. I removed my kid to other school. My husband thing is good for them to learn and speak Japanese in japan. At least my kid speak better and fluently in Japanese. read more

My 4 year old daughter has been attending for almost two months and everything has been great so far. The staff work very hard to create a stimulating and clean environment for the children. My daughter has been making new friends and many arts and crafts projects :) read more

THIS SCHOOL HAS A NEW DIRECTOR My son is now 7 he went to the preschool from age 3-5 and now attends the after school Japanese class every day and he loves it. My daughter started going this summer, she will be 3 soon, and loves the school, they are completely happy there and I love the current teachers there, the old director was very old and the office ladies were not quite on top of things, but the new director is getting things a little more organized. One mom had to take her child out on leave to return to Japan and she got back and they were full so she went to another school by the Crenshaw off-ramp and she said although she heard positive things about this new school, she wants to come back to Nakayoshi, it was more family oriented and not crowded so kids got more one on one attention, it's much more inexpensive (the new place nickel and dimes her to death and is more work for the parents). The teachers are all very sweet, and my daughter is speaking Japanese now in just 5 months of being there. We speak mostly English so this is not easy for the kids, and they are doing great there. There is another 5 year old that has non-Japanese parents, the parents speak zero English and the boy has never been to Japan, but he speaks fluent Japanese just from being at this school. That's awesome. read more

I chose Nakayoshi yochien for my daughter because they remind me of the preschool I attended back in Japan. They do all sorts of Japanese events as well as Americans (Easter egg hunt, Setsubun mamemaki, mochitsuki, Halloween, Christmas and etc). I love to see Japanese ojichan and obachan volunteering at the Buddhist church. My daughter comes home singing Japanese songs I never taught her. I'm so happy to see her leaning Japanese language and culture in the US. read more

I love this school and teachers. they are very professional and caring. If you want your kids to learn the Japanese manner, this is the best place to go. I would love it more if they will not close for a week or 2 weeks between semesters (summer, end of the year and spring.). It is difficult if both parents are working and if there is no support from our own parents or good friends during the long holidays. read more

I sent both of my daughters to Nakayoshi Yochien. The teachers and administration truly care about the children - I couldn't have asked for a better experience. They put so much effort and attention into everything they do - from art projects to the annual undokai. I'm shocked by how great the program is especially for the price - we would have gladly have paid double... read more

Glad to hear changes are being made based on complaints, no idea how Alan would know what was said - never heard of him.

I grew up going to this school for a number years. The teachers were very patient and tried to make learning fun through games and educational projects. For example, on birthdays the teachers have have traditional japanese style celebrations to make the students feel good. Also, the class would arrange skits and plays with the students to perform japanese songs and folk tales. I also had to give some speeches in japanese to work on public speaking. I remember the principle was especially caring. The preschool and grade school are both great environments to learn japanese. I would highly recommend the school for young kids. read more

My family is very happy with this school. The teachers are very good. They are kind and patient with the kids. The new director is excellent. Almost every morning, she is out front greeting every kid by name with a big smile. She also spends time out working and playing with the kids on the playground. This is a great Japanese language preschool. Many families travel a great distance for this school. My family plans to continue with the program for the next few years! read more

The Nakayoshi Preschool and GBC Japanese Language School are the best in the area. Two of my children attended the school , which is a center of Japanese culture in the area. In fact, the Gardena Buddhist Church, the Nakayoshi Preschool and GBC Japanese Language School are collectively a major hub of Japanese culture in the United States. The teachers, staff, Director and Principal are capable, caring and kind. There is a nurturing environment for children combined with a commitment to a strong curriculum of Japanese language instruction and embrace of Japanese culture. Our children made good friends at the school and learned much more than Japanese. There are a string of cultural events throughout the year. For example, students make fresh mochi in the traditional method, pounding it with an old fashion wooden hammer until ready. There are several annual events of Japanese curry making and sales. Students create skits in Japanese and then perform in front of parents and community members. The annual speech contest allows students to show a very high level of skill in Japanese language and oratory to the community. Awards include small scholarships. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people come from all over California to the annual Obon Festival and dancing. The Fuji Matsuri Festival combines traditional Japanese games, culture and food in a spirit of goodwill and friendship. I realize that the prior preschool director, who left about three years ago to go work for another Japanese preschool in the area, drew a few bad reviews on Yelp. The new director is energetic, caring and capable. This is an excellent environment for your children. read more