What Is the JNHS?
The Japanese National Honor Society Pre-College Chapter (JNHS) recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and excellence in Japanese study by working with teachers and administrators to develop and maintain high standards of Japanese language education and promoting cultural activities.
Students who are nominated for membership receive Certificates of Excellence and a cord (optional) to be worn during graduation. Their schools and instructors are recognized on the AATJ website and in the AATJ Newsletter.
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In the 2022-2023 academic year, 1,788 students were honored with induction into the JNHS.
Schools offering both middle/junior high and senior high school level Japanese language classes may establish both JNHS Junior and JNHS Senior chapters within one school. Each JNHS chapter must operate independently. All accredited public and non-public middle/junior high and senior high schools are eligible to establish a chapter.
Academic criteria for student induction in JNHS are as follows:
- the student has completed the first term of his/her second-year Japanese language course in middle/junior high or a senior high school;
- the student has maintained a 3.5 GPA in Japanese courses and an overall 3.0 GPA.
In order to form a JNHS chapter and nominate students for membership and recognition, teachers must be members for the current year of AATJ. Sponsoring teachers then submit an application form together with a list of students and the applicable fee (a $25 chapter fee per academic year; $8 per nominated student; and $8 each for red & white cords). Shipping and handling charges are included in the fee. You can submit the form by postal mail together with a check; or you can scan and email the form and pay online on our website.
The application form comes in two formats:
- Microsoft Word Form you can download, fill out on your computer, and print.
Type the information in the shaded boxes; tab between boxes.
Download the application as a fillable form here. - PDF document you can download, print, and fill out by hand.
Download the application as a blank printed document here.
Once the application and list of names have been received, a packet including certificates and cords for the students who are to be honored will be sent to the instructor.
PLEASE NOTE: The AATJ office needs four weeks to process and mail certificates and other materials to participating teachers. Be sure to send in your application AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE YOU PLAN TO HONOR YOUR STUDENTS.
*** For more information, contact the AATJ office at jnhs@aatj.org
