Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool Harumi Shibaura

I was just on the Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool Harumi Shibaura’s website, and I learned about their unique approach to early childhood education. The school prides itself on creating a “nurturing environment” that supports both the cognitive and emotional development of children aged 1 to 5 years. They emphasize that “learning happens through hands-on exploration and discovery,” which is evident in their daily activities that seamlessly blend play with learning. They truly believe that “if it’s not fun, nothing starts,” making it clear that a joyful atmosphere is pivotal to their educational philosophy.

The Harumi campus is strategically located in a bustling office district. Despite the urban setting, it is surrounded by “a lot of natural environments,” including large parks where children can experience the changes of the seasons. This connection to nature is seen as vital for the children’s emotional growth and overall well-being, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of the world around them.

A significant aspect of the school’s curriculum is its affiliation with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Starting from the K3 class, students engage in inquiry-based learning through four Units of Inquiry each year. The school emphasizes that this approach helps to expand each child’s potential, allowing them to explore concepts of “what the world is” and “who I am” from various perspectives. They are committed to supporting the development of a global outlook in children, nurturing their curiosity, and encouraging them to ask questions and seek answers.

Furthermore, the Harumi campus offers a variety of after-school programs that are quite appealing to parents, especially given that popular extracurricular activities in the area often have waiting lists of 2 to 3 years. The after-school offerings include piano, classical ballet, hip-hop dance, programming, and gymnastics, with classes taught in English. This is particularly attractive for parents who appreciate the convenience of having diverse programs available on-site, eliminating the need for transportation to external activities. The school also provides a school bus service that runs routes in the Toyosu, Ariake, and Shinonome areas, which is operational from age 2.

The school operates Monday through Friday, running from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with basic care hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They offer extended care as well, which allows parents a bit more flexibility in their schedules. Additionally, they hold seasonal programs during summer vacation that are conducted entirely in English, further emphasizing their commitment to bilingual education. From the principal’s greetings, you can sense a deep commitment to fostering not only language skills but also a strong understanding of Japanese culture and heritage. The principal, Chikako Sasaki, highlights the importance of understanding Japan’s rich traditions while developing a global perspective. She shares a personal story about her experiences with cultural identity, underscoring the school’s philosophy that while learning English is essential, it is equally important for children to appreciate their roots.

Overall, Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool Harumi Shibaura sets itself apart with its engaging and immersive bilingual education rooted in the IB framework. The combination of a nurturing atmosphere, inquiry-based learning, and a strong emphasis on cultural appreciation creates a rich educational environment. The active inclusion of play in the learning process and the wide variety of programs available make it a standout choice for parents looking for a well-rounded preschool experience for their children.