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- Introducing new faces on the international scene -
By MICHIRU YOSHINO, Contributing writer
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Introduced below, with profiles and curriculum, are some of Tokyo's international schools that have begun operation in recent years. |
Canadian International School
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Canadian International School (CIS) features a Canadian-based program and was established
in April of last year. It is located in Kita Shinagawa near Osaki Station on the Yamanote Line.
The school currently has an enrollment of over 100 students, with the highest concentration of
students in the K-4 to 7-11 grades.
CIS aims to provide students with a high level, internationally oriented education in order to
prepare them for postsecondary learning in Japan, Canada, the U.S. or other countries.
One of the school's focuses is its Canadian curriculum (accredited by the Prince Edward Island
Ministry of Education) and its Canadian teachers. CIS is a small school with a low teacher-student
ratio, which enables students to receive large amounts of personal attention.
Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology recently approved graduates
of CIS as eligible for postsecondary programs at regular Japanese institutions, a decision that
greatly increases options for graduating students.
With an eye to providing a solid international education consistent with Canadian and international
standards, CIS will offer a full K-12 program so students will have the option of studying at CIS
for their entire K-12 education.
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International Secondary School
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Located in Mita, Tokyo,
International Secondary School (ISS) is a private coeducational school
providing an American-style, accredited international education for secondary school students
grades 6-12. The school, based on a ``small-school philosophy,'' takes pride in its positive
and stimulating learning environment.
Its programs seek to instill communication skills, achievement, respect and a sense of personal
empowerment in its students. Its small class sizes, quality instructional practices, supportive
success-oriented environment are sure to give students a solid foundation and prepare them for
a lifetime of learning.
The ISS school year begins with 35 students, with each class having an average of six students
to every teacher, up to a maximum number of eight students per class allowing students to work
in supportive and positive small-size groups.
The emphasis on quality, explicit instruction, organized experiences and well-planned lessons
enable teachers to work closely with the students to improve the pupils' academic and social skills.
The ISS Middle School Program (6-8) provides opportunities for students to develop as a whole
person. Students can take accredited-based options in English, mathematics, science, social studies,
health and physical education, life skills, information technology, foreign language, and the arts.
Course options are available in a choice-based or project-based form, on a text basis or online.
In ISS' High School Academic Program (9-12) progress and achievement is monitored closely to ensure
that students meet graduation requirements and are guided through the college/university application process.
The school's English as a Second Language (ESL) Program is designed for students who wish to receive
education through an English medium, but who may not have the necessary skills to take on a full
academic program. The program provides two options: The ESL Pre-academic Program is designed to prepare
students for a middle or high school academic program in an international-education environment while
the ESL Academic Program is designed to assist students as they progress through a middle or high
school academic program.
Another unique feature of ISS is its Special Education Program, designed to assist students needing
extra help in reading comprehension, written expression, language, mathematics, social skills and
task-related skills.
Small class sizes, experienced staff, explicit instruction and curriculum development ensure that
the needs of the students are properly addressed.
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The Montessori School of Tokyo
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Montessori School was first established in 1983 as a Tokyo community center, and eventually
developed into the Montessori Preschool. The current school, The Montessori School of Tokyo,
was established in 2003 and has just moved to its new location in Minami Azabu.
Currently the school has about 100 students divided by age from 18 months to 3 years old
(the Little People group), 3 years old to 6 years old (Sunshine)and Grades 1 to 8.
In line with the Montessori methods, developed by Italian educator Maria Montessori, the
school follows an ``Education through Partnership'' philosophy, and seeks to inspire passion
and habits in their students that will lead to excellence.
The learning environment is child-centered with parents sharing the same philosophy and
values. The school, meanwhile, stresses to establish and maintain excellent communication
between the school administrators, teachers, students and parents.
With a goal to create the first-ever Montessori High School in Japan, the school hopes
to eventually build up its student base to about 450 students.
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