Results of LA Korean Education Center's support: 8 new schools opened for the 2026–2027 academic year, the highest number in the past 5 years

After-school Korean classes also double from 4 to 8 schools... Expected to strengthen the identity of the Korean-American next generation and spread Korean language education

The foundation of Korean language education is rapidly expanding in the Southern California and Nevada regions. With the total number of local schools operating Korean language classes as part of their regular curriculum or after-school programs increasing to 92, learning opportunities for the Korean-American next generation are expected to broaden significantly.

The LA Korean Education Center (Director Lee Byung-seung), under the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, announced that the number of schools operating Korean language classes in the Southern California and Nevada regions for the 2026–2027 academic year increased by 8, from 84 schools last year to 92.

A total of 8 schools newly opened Korean language classes this academic year, which surpasses the combined total of 6 schools established over the past 5 years from 2021 to 2025. This demonstrates growing interest in the Korean language in local educational settings and reflects the successful outcomes of efforts by educational institutions and the Korean-American community to expand Korean education.

84 Regular Korean Classes… After-School and Culture Classes Also Double

A notable aspect of this expansion is the growth in both regular curricula and after-school programs.

Schools operating regular Korean language classes increased from 80 to 84, while those running after-school Korean language and culture classes doubled from 4 to 8.

By school level, 1 elementary school, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 1 K-12 combined school newly introduced Korean language programs. Notably, given that 7 out of the 8 newly opened schools are middle and high schools, this evaluation highlights an expansion of learning opportunities for teenagers.

Considering the connection with the AP Korean course, which has seen growing interest within the Korean-American community recently, expanding the foundation of Korean education at the middle and high school levels is also meaningful for broadening the academic choices of the next generation.

A New Regional Foundation for Korean Language Education: First Opening in San Bernardino County

One of the key achievements this time is that an after-school Korean class was established for the first time in San Bernardino County, where there had previously been no Korean language curriculum.

The LA Korean Education Center directly visited the Alta Loma School District and consulted with officials, resulting in the launch of Korean language education in the form of an after-school program at an elementary school within the district.

The Education Center plans to continue cooperating with the district so that this after-school Korean class can develop into a regular curriculum-based Korean class and establish itself stably in the future.

This is drawing attention as it has laid the foundation for Korean language education to spread beyond traditional Korean-dense areas into new regions.

Bilingual Education Learning Science in Korean Also Begins

Korean language education is evolving beyond simple language lessons into a stage combined with other subject learning.

Walker Junior High School, which has traditionally operated a regular Korean class, newly launched a Korean dual-language immersion program this year, teaching science subjects in Korean. By utilizing Korean in actual subject learning, students can simultaneously develop both their language proficiency and academic competencies.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on September 17 to celebrate the establishment of the program, attendees including the superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District, students, parents, and teachers gathered to celebrate the new beginning of Korean dual-language education.

Such a case demonstrates that Korean language education is expanding into an educational model utilized within the regular school curriculum, moving beyond separate foreign language classes.

Achievements Gained Through Active Cooperation with Schools and School Districts

The LA Korean Education Center attributed the main background of this Korean language education expansion to the promotional and cooperative activities it has steadily pursued targeting schools and school districts.

The Education Center has identified field demand and promoted the opening of Korean classes through school district and school visit consultations, collaboration with Korean-American community education organizations, communication with school board members, and the establishment of networks with Korean language teachers and school district officials.

These efforts are significant in connecting interest in Korean language education with the actual opening of school programs. For Korean language education to operate stably, the cooperation of schools and school districts, as well as the continuous interest and participation of parents, the local community, and educational stakeholders, is vital.

Director Lee Byung-seung of the LA Korean Education Center stated that he plans to expand networks with school districts and educational stakeholders focusing on regions where Korean courses have not yet been opened, and establish region-specific customized strategies to extend Korean education to New Mexico and Arizona.

He also emphasized that the advancement of Korean-Americans onto school boards and educators entering educational administration fields will greatly help in spreading Korean language education.

Interest from Korean-American Parents and the Local Community is Crucial

The LA Korean Education Center guided that parents hoping to have a Korean class opened at their children's school can inquire with the Education Center about relevant procedures and support details. Parents can also cooperate with school officials or parent organizations to request the opening of a Korean class from the respective school district.

The Education Center plans to support the stable settlement and continuous growth of Korean language education by providing Korean textbooks and teaching materials, training for newly appointed Korean class teachers and school administrators, and expanding exchanges between schools operating Korean education programs.

Korean language education goes beyond language acquisition; it plays an important role in helping the Korean-American next generation understand Korea's history, culture, and roots, and grow into talents connecting both South Korean and American societies. At the same time, it can serve as an opportunity for local students interested in Korean culture to broaden their understanding of Korea.

The expansion of Korean classes in Southern California and Nevada is a meaningful achievement that spreads these educational and cultural values into school settings. Expectations are rising on whether Korean-American parents, the local community, and educational institutions can join forces to create an environment where more schools can learn and utilize the Korean language.

■ Korean Class Opening Inquiries

Organization: LA Korean Education Center
Phone: 213-386-3112
Email: kecla3112@gmail.com
Website: www.kecla.org
Address: 680 Wilshire Place, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90005

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[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]