INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN JAPAN (Pre-Schools)
- Where to send your kids to school in Tokyo from pre-kindergarten to college -
By James Yellowlees, Ph.D.
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As the demand for international education in Japan continues to grow, the need for quality information on international schools has become increasingly important for both students and parents.
In this article, we will look at schools and institutions in three categories: Pre-School, K to 12, and Post Secondary.
The primary focus in this article is on schools in the greater Tokyo area (including Yokohama), but information related to other international schools in Japan is available on the
Weekender Online.
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PRE-SCHOOLS
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The number and variety of pre-schools in and around Tokyo has increased dramatically over the past few years.
A number of good pre-schools are located in the Hiroo area.
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ABC School takes children from 18 months to six years old and features bright classrooms; good play space and excellent teacher-student ratios.
Nikki Blue, the ABC school director, noted that the emphasis is on a combination of fun activities: music, dance, art and daily trips to a nearby park for the youngest children, and a graduated introduction of academic work and computer instruction for the older children.
Tel/Fax: 03-5791-4358
E-mail: abcintl@gol.com
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PAL School, also located in Hiroo, offers a friendly environment in a two-story house, with adequate classroom space and a strong emphasis on having the 18-month to six year old children learn through play and creative activities.
School founder and director Chie Ura noted that PAL teachers also take the children to the park each day, weather permitting, and attracts children from a variety of nationalities.
Tel: 03-5770-8166
Fax: 03-5770-8167
E-mail: pal@gd5.so-net.ne.jp
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J.A.C. School is part of an educational group that has 23 locations in Japan.
The Hiroo J.A.C. School is the only international one in the group.
Long-time Tokyo resident Monique Keller is the school director and is very aware of the needs to children who attend international schools.
"I attended Sacred Heart and put my children through St. Mary's, so I know the challenges involved," she noted.
The focus at J.A.C. is on developing both academic and creative skills, as well as musical talents.
There are three music teachers on staff.
Tel: 03-3445-6326
Fax: 03-3445-5676
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Willowbrook School is the most recent addition in the Hiroo area and was established in January of 1999.
There are now 60 students who are two to five years old.
According to school founder and director Ikuyo Maeda, the emphasis is on "integrated learning through play" and the development of emotional intelligence and intrapersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
Parents at Willowbrook are very active, as is the case in many of the pre-schools, and she is thankful for the efforts of "super moms" who assist with activities such as fundraising, parenting seminars, and the school newsletter.
Tel: 03-5474-8334
Fax: 03-3405-6484
E-mail: wistokyo@gol.com
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The Rainbow International Montessori School has 180 students in three locations: Hiroo, Denenchofu and Yokohama.
Founder and proprietor Eriko Salamack established the schools because she was seeking alternative education for her own children.
"My husband is from Hawaii and was educated in a Montessori School, so it was natural to adopt this model for our schools," she noted.
The schools focus on math, practical, sensorial and language development and the Hiroo School offers a Montessori teacher-training course that is delivered in the evenings.
Tel/Fax: 03-3406-4320
E-mail: webmaster@rainbowschool.co.jp
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The Tokyo Union Church pre-school conveniently located in Omotesando, was founded in 1986.
School director Pat Haines said that the school aims to provide a "safe, stimulating environment that allows children to learn through play and develop proper foundations."
In order to keep close to the students Pat teaches classes on Fridays and has developed a system in which older children mentor younger children.
Parents are also very involved in Tokyo Union Church pre-school activities and the school has been able to gain the cooperation of the local community in order to provide its students with unique outside activities such as pizza-making in a nearby pizzeria.
Tel/Fax: 03-3400-1579
E-mail: tucpk@twics.com
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Maria's Babies School can be found in nearby Jingumae and provides a very homey atmosphere in a stand-alone house.
School director Maria Matsuoka places an emphasis on a British-style curriculum and will accept pre-school children of various ages.
Currently the youngest is 7 months old but the majority of students are in the two to six year old ranges.
This school has a full time art teacher and places a strong emphasis on having children learn to appreciate and play the violin.
Tel: 03-3404-3468
Fax: 03-3404-3625
E-mail: obata@mariasbabies.co.jp
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Pacific International School (PTC) in Shimouma, near Yutenji Station, was established in 1982 and offers Steiner method instruction is a cozy environment.
School Principal Yoko Takatsuka embarked on extensive study periods in the U.S. and Germany and has become well versed in Steiner methodologies.
There are currently 20 students between the ages of 3 and 6 and the emphasis is on children developing confidence and getting in touch with themselves.
Tel/Fax: 03-5481-9425
E-mail: fwiv8158@mb.nifty.com
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Komazawa Park International School is located in close proximity to Komazawa Park so the students are able to engage in a number of nature-related activities in the park.
The focus is on the development of emotional intelligence, a natural learning environment and positive reinforcement.
The holistic approach to instruction combines Montessori and Steiner methods.
Tel/Fax: 03-5707-0979
E-mail: kpip@nn.iij4u.or.jp
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ai international school is located in Mita and is close to many embassies.
As a result it attracts a very international mix of students.
It takes children from 18 months old and is able to offer flexible afternoon pickup schedules that range from 2:30 to 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
This is very convenient for working parents.
ai international school also has a strong summer program.
Tel: 03-3769-3372
Fax: 03-3456-0488
E-mail: aioffice@gol.com
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Montessori Friends International School offers a unique pre-school/kindergarten environment in Midorigaoka for children aged 18 months to six years old.
School Director Jeanne Shimazaki, a veteran teacher with twelve years experience in Japan, opened the school in August of 2001 to offer an affordable alternative for the parents of children seeking a strong English-based early education.
"Some of the children will go on to international schools, while other will go into the regular Japanese school system," she explained.
Montessori Friends offers tea ceremony and pottery as part of the curriculum and instructors teach piano to the children on an individual basis.
Tel/Fax: 03-3726-9386
E-mail: mfjmontessori@aol.com
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Gregg International School is situated in Jiyugaoka and is the only pre-school in the area.
It actually has classes for students from two years old to grade three.
The curriculum has been developed by adopting American models.
There are currently 65 students and the school features a unique garden playground.
Although the pre-school children generally study in the morning and older children extend into the afternoon, extended daycare options are available to parents on a flexible, ticket-based system.
Tel: 03-3725-8000
Fax: 03-3724-0577
E-mail: gis-j@aa.alles.or.jp
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Child's Play School is well situated in Shibuya, near Yoyogi Uehara Station, and was established in 1978.
The school motto is, "School is Fun," and the bright, creative environment allows the smiling children to create to their hearts content.
School director Naomi-san noted that the emphasis is on achieving a balance between creative and structured activities.
Tel: 03-3460-8841
E-mail: childs-p@rc5.so-net.ne.jp
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Yoyogi International Preschool/Kindergarten was established in 1999 and now has three locations in close proximity to Yoyogi Park.
The 75 students range in age from 18 months to six years old. Director Yuko Muir said the school emphasizes, "fun and creativity in a nice, bright environment."
Tel: 03-5478-6714
E-mail: muir@yoyogiinternationalschool.com
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Tokyo YMCA International School (TYIS) is located in Koto-ku, in the eastern section of Tokyo and offers an affordable, convenient alternative for children who live in that part of the city.
The center features excellent recreation facilities such as a swimming pool and exercise areas.
There are currently 50 students enrolled and they range in age from 4 to 11 years of age.
YIOS is currently working on obtaining full accreditation and school director Shigeru Kurita hopes to establish a full primary school in the near future.
Tel: 03-3615-5632
Fax: 03-5635-1023
E-mail: yios1@tokyo.ymca.or.jp
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American World offers pre-school and kindergarten classes in four locations: Shibuya, Setagaya, Saginuma and Okurayama.
The pre-school accepts children from 20 months to three years and the aim is to guide students to become independent, self-confident and capable.
The kindergarten has both morning and afternoon programs and can take children up to age of six.
The morning classes are structured, while the afternoon classes are free in activity but supervised.
Tel: 03-5464-6966
Fax: 03-5464-6955
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J's International School will begin operations with summer programs in July of 2002 and will commence regular pre-school programs from September.
Veteran educator, Irene Koyasu, and her partner have established the school in Minami Azabu and the curriculum is based on a "hands-on" approach in which children learn mainly by touching, creating and experiencing.
J's features a cooking room and utilizes videos in play and instruction.
Tel: 03-3452-2078
Fax: 03-3452-2092
E-mail: office@js-international-school.com
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Sunshine Montessori School is located in Minami Azabu and has 40 pre-school students who range in age from 2 1/2 to 6 years old.
Founder Pete Juds noted the primary focus of instruction is on peace and conflict resolution in the Montessori spirit.
A supportive environment allows students to strive for an independent approach to life and learning.
Sunshine Montessori School is a member of the International Montessori Council.
Tel/Fax: 03-3452-4244
E-mail: sunshine@montessorijapan.com
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Little People Montessori School is located in Yoga, close to Seisen International School.
There are currently 12 students in the 2-4 year-old age group and they are able to study and play in a very warm, homey environment.
School Director Mariko Maeda-Juds studied Montessori methods in London and worked as a teacher at an international school kindergarten in Tokyo before establishing Little People Montessori School.
"Small is better," she noted. "This way we can give the children the attention they need."
Tel: 090-1204-2565
Fax: 03-3707-4981
E-mail: littlepeople@montessorijapan.com
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Seta International Preschool is located in Yoga, close to Seisen International School.
There are currently 12 students in the 2-4 year-old age group and they are able to study and play in a very warm, homey environment.
School Director Mariko Maeda-Juds studied Montessori methods in London and worked as a teacher at an international school kindergarten in Tokyo before establishing Little People Montessori School.
"Small is better," she noted. "This way we can give the children the attention they need."
Tel/Fax: 03-5717-6769
E-mail: iga@vega.ocn.ne.jp
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The international school community in Japan is rich and varied and it is reassuring that the level of commitment by all of these schools to provide quality education for our children is so strong.
James Yellowlees, Ph.D., is President & CEO of Global Daigaku.com, a Tokyo-based education/training consulting firm.
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