CAJ makes key construction updates in classroom buildings and gym

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Most CAJ students and staff spent this summer vacation relaxing away from school. But if you stopped by campus at all during the summer, it was clear that many things were still happening.

During the summer, CAJ hired construction companies for three significant projects: adding middle and high school principals’ offices on their respective floors, remodeling all elementary classrooms and adding a new classroom, and installing air conditioning units in the gym.

The relocation of the middle and high school principals’ offices from the academic office to the second and third floors, respectively, allows principals to work more closely with their students taking classes.

In the elementary wing, all classrooms have been remodeled with new carpets, furniture, projectors, and other materials. Construction workers also took out walls to create two new classrooms, adding a second 3rd grade classroom and then allowing the kindergarten class to move upstairs with the rest of the elementary. The old kindergarten room is now used for middle and high school classes.

Facilities manager Steve Willson says the elementary updates have been in the works since about 2019. At that time, the Raymond Architectural Design Office, which CAJ partnered with to build its ARK building, completed an audit of the campus. The results of the audit meant CAJ needed to commit to several updates, big and small, to its campus to come into compliance with building regulations before construction on the ARK could start.

CAJ agreed to do so, and over the last four years, the facilities team has been working hard to complete those updates. Willson says “the final step” was moving the kindergarten room upstairs with the rest of the elementary to come into compliance with building code regarding the bathroom in the kindergarten room.

That compliance issue was the main motivation for the elementary remodeling, but CAJ’s rising enrollment numbers also mean that the school simply needs more space for its students. CAJ’s enrollment has indeed risen by more than 14 percent between the fall of 2021 and the fall of 2025.

“We’re often talking in the building committee about how we can gain more classrooms to help allow for higher enrollment,” Willson said. “When you increase enrollment, you can provide more for students and staff.”

Willson says the elementary wing “looks beautiful” with all the new rooms.

Air conditioning in the gym has long been a desire for students and staff. The gym is now a safe haven in Tokyo’s hot and sticky summer months, which seem to be lasting longer each year.

“The air conditioning turned out fantastic,” Willson said. “It’s quick, seamless, and visibly beautiful without getting in the way of anything. Everyone has been so grateful.”

Ultimately, all of these changes have continued to make CAJ a more welcoming and updated campus. Willson says there are even more big projects coming in the next three years, but he’s pleased with what his team has helped facilitate recently.

“We have really improved our environment,” Willson said. “It’s attractive and people want to come to CAJ.”

Hear from some CAJ teachers about the changes to their work environment:

Shyni Paul (4th Grade Teacher)-
“The transition to our new, cozier room with its colorful, flexible furniture, and my adjustable desk, has been excellent. This updated setting, along with the new Smart Board, has maximized the room's dynamic potential for small group work."

Julie Johnson (5th Grade Teacher, ‘06)
“I've enjoyed the flexibility of our new tables and chairs! I have sometimes had the kids reimagine our classroom and help me put the tables in new arrangements. They like having more flexible seating where they can work at a high or low table and easily move around the room as they learn.”

Victor Eby (3rd Grade Teacher, ‘07)
“The new rooms have a clean, finished look, and the kid-friendly sinks have been a great addition! The flexible seating has been great for small group work and for giving variety to the kids. Another great addition has been an entire wall of the classroom that can be used as a pin board wall.”

Esther Tsuji (Elementary Resource Teacher)
“The elementary resource room has moved to a new location alongside the elementary counseling room. The new space offers significant improvements, including a larger room, new carpet, and plenty of natural sunlight. We now have more space for students to interact, and the storage areas have been expanded. The cabinets have also been upgraded to hold more files and materials.
Additionally, the teachers now have a new adjustable desk that can be used for both sitting and standing, providing greater flexibility and comfort throughout the day. I am grateful for the move!”

Jared Johnson (PE Teacher, ‘11)-
“PE students, teachers, and coaches are all thrilled with the air conditioning in the gym. Before, we had to be really cautious about not overexerting in the gym during the first month or two of the school year, but now the kids can jump right back into their sports and PE classes without worrying about the heat!”