Eugene School District 4J

A unified K-12 future rooted in excellence, care and community voice.  

This webpage will serve as the central hub for information, updates, and resources related to the transition of the Japanese Language Immersion Program (JLIP). It is intended for families, students, staff, and the broader community.

The district has announced the details and timeline for fully moving the Japanese immersion language program to the South Eugene region from the North Eugene region starting next school year.

Highlights of the transition plan that Japanese immersion program families should be aware of: 

• Students currently enrolled in the program at Kelly Middle School will finish out at North Eugene High School.
• New students who enroll in the program at the secondary levels next year will attend Spencer Butte Middle School and South Eugene High School
• Bus transportation for Yujin Gakuen students who enrolled during the 2023-24 school year will continue through 2028-29
• The program will fully transition to the South Eugene region following the 2031-32 school year

Review the presentation slideshow (forthcoming) for more details 

Last year, 4J announced it was moving the Japanese language immersion program to the South Eugene region from the North Eugene region following an extensive review of enrollment patterns, building capacity, equity considerations and community input. The district earlier had relocated Yujin Gakuen Japanese Immmersion Elementary School to the Willard site in south Eugene for the foreseeable future. YG had been co-located at Kelly Middle School.

Over the summer, the district developed and evaluated various options for carrying out the program’s transition, which was informed by a family survey and extensive community outreach. Families supported a transition that allows current Kelly students to finish middle school there and move together to North Eugene High School.

The Japanese Language Immersion Program Secondary Transition Committee will help guide, monitor and provide recommendations during the phased relocation of the JLIP secondary program (grades 6-12) from the North Eugene region to the South Eugene region beginning in 2026-27. Applications are now being reviewed by Superintendent Dr. Miriam Mickelson, and members will be notified of their selection in late October.

Committee Facts

• Membership: The 12-member committee will include:
  • parents or guardians of currently enrolled students at Yujin Gakuen.
  • parents or guardians of currently enrolled students at Kelly 
  • a current 9th, 10th or 11th grade parent or guardian from North Eugene.
  • representatives of Spanish-speaking families.
  • parents or guardians of multi-language learners.
  • parents or guardians of special education students with IEPs.
• Purpose: Ensure broad representation, promote transparent communication, identify needs and opportunities, and provide informed recommendations to the superintendent
• Time Commitment: At least quarterly meetings (more frequently during key decision periods); review materials between meetings. The first meeting is scheduled on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 6-7 p.m., at the 4J Ed Center, 200 N. Monroe St.
• Term: Through the 2026–27 school year (with check-ins to extend, as needed)
• Transparency and Language Access: Meeting agendas, notes and summaries will be posted on this webpage; interpretation provided (Spanish routinely; others upon request).

The superintendent's decision on the permanent, future locations of the Japanese Language Immersion Program was the result of extensive engagement with the school program community, including meetings and surveys with students, families, staff, alumni and community members.

• Japanese Language Immersion Program Transition Timeline: Phased Plan for a Unified K-12 Program
  The timeline outlines Eugene School District 4J’s phased plan to transition the secondary Japanese Language Immersion Program to Spencer Butte Middle School and South Eugene High School by Fall 2026. The report details key milestones, accountability measures, and strategies to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and student-centered implementation process—grounded in community voice and operational readiness.
• Community Reflections on the Japanese Language Immersion Program (April 2025)
  This report summarizes input from more than 500 students, families, staff, alumni, and community members who shared their hopes, concerns, and priorities for the future of the Japanese Language Immersion Program (JLIP). The findings shaped the Superintendent’s announcement on April 30, 2025, and offer a blueprint for a stable, equitable, and student-centered path forward.
• Japanese Language Immersion Program Transition Report (April-May 2025)
  This report summarizes powerful insights from families, students, educators, and community members following the Superintendent’s decision to relocate the Japanese Language Immersion Program (grades 6–12) to the South Region beginning in 2026–27. The feedback, gathered through a multilingual survey open from April 30 to May 7, 2025, outlines what is most needed to ensure a smooth, student-centered, and equitable transition for all.

• Email: japaneseimmersion@4j.lane.edu
• Interpretation and translation services are available upon request
• Individual family consultations availalble