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Korean Classes for Kids (K–12)

Home / KOREAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM / Korean Classes for Kids (K–12)
K–12 · Online & In-Person

Korean classes kids actually love. Real skills parents can see.

Structured, grade-appropriate lessons that build fluency, confidence, and cultural connection. Live with certified teachers, online nationwide or in person in Irvine.

Live, interactive Small classes Grades K–12
Kids in a Korean class
8,000+
Learners served

Program at a Glance

K
Grades Served
Grades K–12
⌂
Where
Online nationwide · In person in Irvine
⏱
Class Length
45 min twice a week, or 90 min once a week
📅
Term Length
10-week terms, year-round
▲
Levels
Beginner through continuing
8
Class Size
Typically 8–10; maximum 12
♥
Who’s Welcome
Heritage & non-heritage learners
Accredited & recognized by
ACTFL
WASC Accredited
Overseas Koreans Agency
Cognia
Korean Education Center, Los Angeles
ACTFL
WASC Accredited
Overseas Koreans Agency
Cognia
Korean Education Center, Los Angeles
Why Families Choose Us

What a class feels like for your child

가

Live, Interactive Instruction

Real teachers in real time, guiding dynamic classes, never pre-recorded modules.

8

Small Classes

Typically 8–10 students, so every child gets personalized attention.

한

Grade-Appropriate Teaching

Lessons pitched to your child’s grade and readiness, never one-size-fits-all.

💬

Active Speaking Practice

Games, partner tasks, and role-play get kids talking in Korean every class.

♥

Cultural Connection

Folktales, songs, crafts, and K-culture projects bring the language to life.

⟳

Visible Progress

Parent-friendly snapshots each term, plus clear next steps.

Flexible Formats

Two ways to learn, same great program

In-Person Classes

Small-group classes at our Irvine center offer a highly interactive, social setting with hands-on cultural activities each week.

Location
Irvine, CA
Class Size
Typically 8–10; max 12
Curriculum
Same structured curriculum
Activities
In-room partner and cultural activities
Sample Weekly Schedule
Thursday
1st–3rd Grade Korean
4:30–6:00 PM PT
Tuesday
4th–8th Grade Korean
4:30–6:00 PM PT
Sample times shown. See the registration page for current openings and exact schedules.
Reserve an In-Person Spot

Online Classes (Live via Zoom)

Real-time lessons from anywhere in the country, same high-quality instruction and curriculum as in person. Great for busy families.

Location
Nationwide
Class Size
Typically 8–10; max 12
Curriculum
Same structured curriculum
Activities
Breakout rooms and digital activities
Sample Weekly Schedule
Mon & Wed
K–2nd Grade Korean
2:00–2:45 PM PT
5:00–5:45 PM ET
Tues & Thurs
3rd–5th Grade Korean
4:00–4:45 PM PT
7:00–7:45 PM ET
Mon & Wed
6th–12th Grade Korean
5:00–5:45 PM PT
8:00–8:45 PM ET
Sample times shown. See the registration page for current openings and exact schedules.
Join an Online Class
Built on ACTFL Standards

How kids build real Korean skills

Students develop all three communication modes throughout every course, in grade-appropriate ways.

Learn how we apply ACTFL standards →
●

Understand

Listen & Read

Kids make sense of Korean they hear, read, and watch through songs, stories, and grade-appropriate activities.

Kids can say:
“I can follow simple class directions.
“I can understand the main idea of a story.
“I can understand a short kids’ video.
●

Interact

Speak with Others

Learners practice back-and-forth speaking through games, partner activities, and role-play.

Kids can say:
“I can ask and answer questions about my family.
“I can ask and answer how someone feels.
“I can chat about school or hobbies.
●

Present

Create & Share

Kids express their own ideas through short presentations, simple writing, and creative projects.

Kids can say:
“I can write my name and a label in Hangul.
“I can give a 30-second introduction.
“I can write a short note to my grandparents.
Grades & Levels

A class that fits your child

Students are grouped by grade band and placed into Level A, B, or C based on prior experience or a brief assessment, so the class fits their age and current Korean ability.

A
Level A
New to Korean or beginning Hangul
B
Level B
Reads Hangul and understands basic Korean
C
Level C
Continuing learners or placement required
K–2nd Grade
Little Explorers

Playful, movement-based Korean foundations designed for younger learners.

3rd–5th Grade
Growing Learners

Age-appropriate speaking, literacy, games, and collaborative activities.

4th–6th Grade
Building Communicators

More structured speaking, reading, and writing practice with peers.

6th–12th Grade
Teen Learners

Teen-focused Korean at beginning through continuing proficiency levels.

Grade bands may overlap so we can consider each student’s age, maturity, Korean proficiency, and available class options. We’ll help place your child in the best fit.

Who Should Enroll

A strong fit for many young learners

Heritage learners strengthening identity and communication.
First-time learners brand new to Korean.
Kids who thrive in structured, interactive environments.
Families wanting a trusted, culturally grounded program.
Parents aiming for high-school success and the Seal of Biliteracy.
Korean classes for kids
A Clear Path Forward

A program that grows with your child

Start here and keep going, each stage builds on the last, all the way to high-school credit and the Seal of Biliteracy.

Step 1

Elementary Foundations

Hangul, core vocabulary, and a love of Korean built through play and story.

Step 2

Middle School Progression

Real sentences, everyday conversation, and reading that keeps building.

Step 3

Teen Enrichment or High School Credit

Continue as enrichment, or move into transcript-eligible coursework.

Step 4

Advanced Proficiency

Higher fluency and preparation for the Seal of Biliteracy.

!

Need high school academic credit?

Kids & Teens classes are non-credit enrichment courses designed to build lasting Korean proficiency. Students seeking an official transcript and school credit should explore our High School Korean for Credit program.

Inside our classrooms

Korean class for kids
Korean class for kids
Korean class for kids
Korean class for kids
Korean class for kids
Korean class for kids
Korean class for kids
Korean class for kids
Korean class for kids
Korean class for kids
Did you know?

Korean is identified by the U.S. government as a critical language.

Korean is recognized as a critical-need language by the U.S. government. From 2018–2023, KAC was competitively selected for six consecutive STARTALK grants through an NSA-funded federal initiative designed to strengthen instruction in critical-need languages such as Korean.

Demand for Korean speakers keeps growing, and starting young gives kids a real head start. Over time, strong Korean can open doors in school, scholarships, and future careers.

Give your child a head start, and a lasting connection to Korean language and culture.

8,000+
Learners served
Critical
Identified by the U.S. government as a critical-need language
2018–23
Six consecutive STARTALK grants
50 States
Students reached nationwide
Why Parents Trust KAC

Credibility parents can count on

WASC Accreditation

The only WASC-accredited Korean institute in the U.S., held to the same standards as American schools.

Designated King Sejong Institute

Recognized by Koreaā€™s King Sejong Institute Foundation for quality Korean-language education.

Vetted, Qualified Educators

Native-speaking, certified, background-checked employees, never gig tutors.

ACTFL-Aligned Curriculum

Built on internationally respected standards, so skills transfer anywhere.

View Schedule & Registration
Loved by Families

What parents & students say

★★★★★

“The teachers are so patient and energetic. They make lessons fun and age-appropriate, now my daughter uses Korean with relatives at home.”

S
Susan L.
Parent of 5th grader
★★★★★

“The first class that really helped me understand instead of just memorizing. It gave me confidence to speak with my family.”

G
Grace K.
Student, 9th grade
★★★★★

“I wasn’t afraid to make mistakes because everyone was supportive. The lessons made me feel closer to my heritage.”

B
Brian L.
Student, 8th grade
★★★★★

“This program doesn’t just teach Korean, it brings the culture to life. From crafts to cooking, my child stayed engaged and excited.”

J
Jennifer K.
Parent of 4th grader
★★★★★

“The teachers were kind and patient and put so much effort into making class enjoyable. It made me want to keep learning.”

Z
Zoey G.
Student, 10th grade (Online)
★★★★★

“I feel so much closer to my heritage now. I’m learning how to really speak, understand, and connect with my family.”

M
Matt L.
Student, 7th grade (Online)

The first Korean school in the U.S. to earn WASC accreditation

KCAL News (CBS Los Angeles) featured our historic achievement in Irvine, California, the same accreditation trusted by U.S. schools. Visit our Press Page to see more. 

Korean American Center in the News | Press Coverage, TV Features & Articles
Questions? We’ve got answers

Frequently asked questions

What’s the minimum age?
Our Kids & Teens classes are designed for learners ages 5 through high school. High school students may choose between our non-credit Kids & Teens program and our separate High School Korean for Credit program, depending on their goals.
Does my child need prior experience?
Not at all. Our classes are perfect for absolute beginners with no previous exposure to Korean.
My child isn’t Korean, can they still join?
Yes! Our classes are suited for both heritage and non-heritage learners.
What are the class sizes?
Classes are kept small, typically 8 to 10 students with a maximum of 12, for personalized attention and an optimal learning environment.
Are the online classes interactive?
Yes! We use Zoom tools like breakout rooms, whiteboards, and polls to keep classes dynamic and engaging.
Is there homework?
We don’t give homework for its own sake. Instead we provide meaningful, age-appropriate practice: short conversations, games, or sharing new words at home.
Who teaches the classes?
All teachers are native speakers certified through the Korean government or the state of California. We do not hire gig tutors; all teachers are vetted employees with background checks.
Will my child learn about Korean culture too?
Definitely. Culture is a core part of our curriculum: from etiquette and holidays to music, food, and modern life in Korea.
How do I enroll?
Visit our registration page, choose your level, and follow the steps. Our team is here to help at any point.

Give your child a head start today

Space is limited and our small classes fill quickly. Early registration is encouraged.

Korean American Center

Learn Korean. Experience Culture. Connect with Community. From our roots in Orange County, California to learners everywhere, our accredited Korean language and culture programs bring expert teaching and cultural connection online and in person.

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