Since 1995 · Bellevue
Since 1995, Eastside families have trusted APLS to raise curious, confident bilingual children — in Mandarin Chinese and Japanese — inside a warm, accredited, non-profit school where every child is truly known.
In 1995, a small group of educators believed something that still guides us today: that any child — from any family, speaking any language at home — can become truly fluent in a second language, if they're given warmth, time, and teachers who stay. That belief grew, over three decades, into an accredited immersion school where Eastside families raise bilingual children in Mandarin Chinese and Japanese.
We were never trying to be the biggest or the most exclusive school. Our mission has always been quieter than that: to create a warm, continuous learning environment — from the earliest preschool years through the older grades — where children can explore language and culture with joy, at their own pace, guided by teachers who truly know them.
Thirty years on, that belief still guides everything we do. Many of the children who started with us as toddlers have grown into confident bilingual speakers — and some of our earliest families now send their younger children, and their friends, to APLS.
The early years are a once-in-a-lifetime window. Young children absorb language naturally — and the benefits last far beyond the classroom.
Young children have a natural ability to learn language. They can pick up multiple languages with near native-like proficiency — while adults often struggle to understand and pronounce new sounds.
Studies link learning a second language to stronger communication skills, higher standardized test scores, better problem solving, and better memory.
A second language helps children understand other cultures, learn additional languages more easily, and gain an advantage in the global marketplace.
There are many language classes on the Eastside. What families rarely find — all in one warm, affordable place — is this combination.
Not a once-a-week class — a real, accredited school with a continuous path from preschool into the elementary grades.
One of the very few schools offering serious immersion in both Mandarin Chinese and Japanese — taught by native speakers through play, story, and daily conversation. Your family chooses the path that fits.
In a field known for turnover, many of our teachers have been with APLS for over 10 years — so your child is known, year after year.
Small groups mean every child is known, supported, and given the attention that helps a second language truly take root.
Children thrive when they feel safe, loved, and happy. Our classrooms stay warm and joyful — full of play, music, art, and cultural celebration, where every child grows at their own pace.
APLS is a non-profit. Every dollar supports our teachers and children — which is how we keep an accredited, dual-language education genuinely affordable.
Full- and half-day options, plus wrap-around care that fits real family and work routines.
Rolling admissions all year — your child can start when the timing is right for your family.
Academic growth paired with the foundations of life-long language learning — not memorization, but real, confident fluency.
Children grow up curious, culturally aware, and at home in more than one language and worldview.
“My son has really thrived and formed good relationships with his teachers, who are nurturing and caring, with a genuine passion for teaching young children. APLS is full of a variety of cultures, and welcomes anyone interested in learning more about Asian culture.”
— Andrea, preschool parent
“Thank you and your Chinese teachers for all of your years of support helping my daughter attain her goal of learning Chinese. Tell parents not to wait — elementary school-age kids have more fun learning languages and learn them better!”
— Peggy, parent of a former student
“APLS is a great place for language tutoring. Their teachers are native speakers, hard-working and reliable. Working with them, I've gone from speaking no Chinese to being fluent. They are also very nice people!”
— Eric, Business Chinese student
Language lives inside culture — so it's woven through everything we do. Across the year, our children celebrate Lunar New Year, Japanese seasonal festivals, storytelling, music, arts, and food, alongside families and friends. These moments aren't extras; they're how young children come to love a language and feel proud of where it comes from.
Many of our events are open to the wider community. We see this as part of our purpose: sharing the joy of language and culture, and welcoming every family who's curious — whatever their background.
Warmth and rigor aren't opposites. APLS meets Washington State's standards for private education and childcare — so you can trust the care and the learning.
Recognized by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as an accredited private school.
A licensed early-learning center — meeting state health, safety, and staffing standards for young children.
An independent non-profit organization — mission-driven, not profit-driven, with tuition kept as affordable as possible.
The best way to feel the warmth is to visit. Tours are by appointment — we'd love to meet you.
