Welcome to Summerhill International School, an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School located in the serene and leafy area of Motoazabu, Tokyo. Catering to children aged 15 months to 6 years, Summerhill is dedicated to creating a nurturing, warm, and enriching environment. Our mission focuses on empowering children to become confident, global, compassionate, and respectful individuals. We believe that a safe and happy atmosphere is essential for effective learning, and we prioritize this in every aspect of our educational approach.

At Summerhill, we follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), which serves as the backbone of our curriculum. Our aim is to bring the IB PYP to life in its most impactful form, fostering a lifelong love of learning while nurturing each child’s natural curiosity. Through inquiry-based experiences, we encourage students to seek answers and apply their knowledge with confidence. This approach supports emotional development, creativity, and critical thinking—foundational skills for young learners that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and beyond.

The school operates a core program from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with doors opening at 8:15 AM. For families seeking additional flexibility, we offer an extensive selection of after-school classes until 4:00 PM, as well as extended care available daily until 5:00 PM. Our beautifully designed campus features spacious classrooms and engaging outdoor spaces, providing an ideal setting for exploration and learning. To maintain robust communication with parents, we utilize an online platform called Toddle, which keeps families informed with photo and video reflections on their child’s experiences throughout the school year.

Nutrition is a key focus at Summerhill, as we believe in teaching children the importance of healthy eating habits. We encourage our students to explore new foods and understand nutrition in a fun and engaging way. We offer a dedicated lunch service provided by Luca Deli, known for its delicious, organic meals. Parents have the option to choose between home-packed lunches or our school lunch service. Additionally, snack time is carefully structured, with children asked to bring nut-free, child-friendly snacks to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

Our after-school programs are designed to be both engaging and educational, offering a variety of enrichment opportunities that include art, music, language, and physical movement. Physical education classes are particularly noteworthy; led by a professional ballerina, these classes motivate children through movement and rhythm. Each classroom also participates in weekly Japanese lessons centered around cultural themes, enhancing students’ understanding of the vibrant culture that surrounds them.

Summerhill features a beautifully sunlit library filled with books appropriate for learners of all ages. Our librarian conducts weekly storytime sessions, allowing children to immerse themselves in literature and develop a love for reading. We place a strong emphasis on effective communication skills, encouraging children to express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas confidently through a variety of interactive learning experiences.

Our school comprises five distinct classrooms that cater to different age groups: K1 Sunshine Class (15 months to 3 years), K2 Sunset Class, K3 Halfmoon Class, K4 Full Moon Class, and K5/Kindergarten Star Class (ages 5 to 6). All classes follow the core program from Monday to Friday, emphasizing learning through play for younger children. This aligns with our philosophy that every child is a capable communicator and inquirer, deserving of an educational experience that respects their individual learning styles and paces.

At Summerhill International School, we are committed to nurturing the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively. Our goal is to ignite a lifelong love of learning and prepare children not just for school, but for life. With a vibrant community and exceptional programs, Summerhill stands out as an exemplary choice for early childhood education, making it an exciting environment for both children and parents alike.

Summerhill International School offers a unique academic program anchored in the prestigious IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). As an accredited IB World School, it provides a nurturing, warm, and enriching environment for children aged 15 months to 6 years. The school emphasizes the importance of a supportive and welcoming atmosphere, where children can explore and grow at their own pace. The core program runs from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with extended care and after-school classes available until 5:00 PM, accommodating the needs of families while fostering a love of lifelong learning. The school’s mission is to empower children to become confident, global, compassionate, and respectful young individuals within a safe and happy learning environment.

At Summerhill, the educational philosophy revolves around the idea of learning through play. The guiding principles for the K1 and K2 classes (ages 15 months to 3 years) allow children the freedom to engage in activities they initiate or that are led by teachers. This rigorous approach helps to create a secure yet challenging environment where children practice and build ideas, concepts, and skills, think creatively, and develop self-regulation alongside social skills. Teachers play a crucial role as guides in this process, ensuring that children’s experiences are meaningful and that they develop effective communication skills. Throughout their journey, children are encouraged to observe, listen, and express their thoughts with confidence, thereby nurturing inquisitive, open-minded, and caring individuals.

The school comprises five distinct classes tailored for children from ages 15 months to 5 years: K1 Sunshine Class, K2 Sunset Class, K3 Halfmoon Class, K4 Full Moon Class, and K5/Kindergarten Star Class. In addition to the core program, which focuses on fostering a love of learning and social development, Summerhill provides a range of enrichment activities. These include Japanese language lessons taught by a licensed teacher, physical education classes led by a professional ballerina, and regular visits to a beautifully sun-drenched library where students engage in storytime and book checkouts. The after-school programs run from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday, offering additional enrichment opportunities that include art, music, and seasonal projects, all within a safe and familiar environment.

In sum, Summerhill International School embodies an educational philosophy that is deeply rooted in nurturing curiosity and fostering a love for learning. Through the IB Primary Years Programme, children engage in a rigorous yet exploratory curriculum that encourages them to seek answers, build their knowledge, and apply their skills confidently while caring for their community and the world around them. With a focus on individualized learning and supportive educators, the school prepares its students for success in future academic pursuits, as evidenced by the transition of its graduates to prestigious international schools.

Student life at Summerhill International School is vibrant and engaging, providing a nurturing environment for children aged 15 months to 6 years. The school operates on the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), which emphasizes inquiry, creativity, and emotional development. The core program runs from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with additional after-school programs available Monday through Thursday, further enriching the educational experience and catering to the needs of families.

The after-school program offers a diverse range of activities designed to spark children’s interests and foster their creativity. Options include Cooking, where students learn valuable culinary skills and the importance of nutrition; Music, allowing for exploration of rhythm and melody; Dance, which promotes physical expression; and Photography, encouraging an appreciation for visual arts. These activities are conducted in a safe and supportive environment, where children can build social skills and connect with their peers.

Nutrition plays a vital role in student life at Summerhill. Families are encouraged to provide healthy snacks, and the school partners with Luca Deli, a respected local caterer, to provide organic and nutritious lunches. This commitment to healthy eating is integrated into the school culture, with discussions and hands-on experiences occurring during Cooking Class, reinforcing the importance of making healthy choices.

In addition to the after-school offerings, each classroom participates in three specialized enrichment classes each week. One such class is Japanese, where students immerse themselves in the language and culture of their host country. Lessons are engaging and conducted entirely in Japanese, allowing children to gain a meaningful understanding of their surroundings. The Physical Education program, led by a professional ballerina, focuses on developing gross motor skills and personal achievement, encouraging children to gain confidence while enjoying physical activity. Weekly visits to the school's sun-drenched library for story time further enhance the learning experience, instilling a love for reading and storytelling.

The sense of community at Summerhill is further strengthened through various events and activities, fostering a spirit of belonging among students and families. Upcoming events, such as the Nutcracker performance and bake sales, not only showcase student talents but also encourage parental involvement. The school actively engages parents through informative workshops, ensuring they remain connected to their child’s educational journey. This collaborative approach reinforces the school’s mission to empower children to become confident and compassionate individuals.

Overall, Summerhill International School creates a culture of support, encouragement, and holistic development. With its commitment to nurturing the whole child, the school provides an exceptional educational experience that lays a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning.