MIA Academy

School introduction

Founded in 2010, MIA Academy grew from a home-based preschool, added lower elementary in 2016, and later expanded through Grade 6. Located in Santa Ana, it combines Montessori learning with an English–Japanese environment, emphasizing independence, courtesy, responsibility and teamwork.

Two teaching buildings are complemented by an enclosed garden and play area, with spaces for music, reading, performance and Japanese cultural activities. Individual and small-group guidance allows children to work at different paces, choose purposeful tasks and gradually take greater responsibility for learning.

Curriculum

Toddler and preschool learning uses practical tasks to build self-care, order, concentration and problem-solving. Kindergarten extends into reading, writing and mathematics with Montessori materials. Teachers support English and Japanese through everyday tasks and conversation.

Elementary study includes mathematics, science, geometry, geography, art and music, moving from concrete materials toward more complex concepts and language analysis. Children can use English or Japanese according to their understanding of the subject, while collaboration, planning and reflection build independent learning habits.

Music, dance, theatre and visual art include Japanese cultural forms such as calligraphy and flower arranging; kindergarten and elementary pupils stage an annual musical. PE includes skipping, running, gymnastics and soccer. After-school choices include Japanese, karate, tea ceremony and kendo; contact an advisor about short-term access.

School features

• English–Japanese Montessori classrooms
• Individual and small-group guidance
• Japanese culture within the arts
• Garden, play and performance spaces

Grades available for short-term study & entry requirements

Grades available for short-term study

Ages 2 through Grade 6

School application requirements

• Initial review requires the student’s name, date of birth, current grade, requested dates, English or Japanese proficiency, and parent or guardian contact details.
• Separate ESL classes are not offered; some English or Japanese understanding is preferred for older students.
• Accommodation and Form I-20 are not provided.
• School-year and summer programs are reviewed separately.

Dates, duration & fees

Duration

School-year stays are generally around three months or longer; a separate five-week summer program can be discussed.

Dates

Enquiries are welcome year-round. Contact an advisor about attendance dates.

Fees

Contact an advisor

Accommodation & documents

Accommodation

Day School

The school provides neither host families nor campus accommodation.

Documents typically needed

• Usually prepare a valid passport or applicable identity document.
• If applicable, prepare a valid U.S. visa or other entry and stay documents, according to the student’s status and proposed school arrangement.
• Immunization records and any health documents required by the school.
• Recent school reports or a learning summary; contact an advisor about grade-specific documents.

More campus & classroom photos

Regional location

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