Yokohama International School

Yokohama International School (YIS) presents a comprehensive academic program centered on a holistic, student-centered approach that nurtures curiosity and resilience. Founded in 1924, the school emphasizes its mission to help every learner “Live, Learn, and Lead” with purpose, promoting a lifelong passion for learning. Their curriculum is designed to engage students actively with the world around them through “authentic learning” opportunities, including challenging expeditions, enriching service projects, and leadership retreats, all aimed at building resilience and confidence.

The academic journey at YIS begins in the Early Learning Center (ELC), where children ages 3-5 are encouraged to explore their curiosity and creativity through play. Guided by the Reggio Emilia Approach and the IB Primary Years Program (PYP), this foundation sets the stage for joyful lifelong learning. The Elementary program deepens this exploration, developing globally-minded learners who engage in inquiry-based learning, reflecting on their understanding of the world while focusing on social-emotional growth. This learning occurs through transdisciplinary units in line with the principles of the IB PYP, ensuring that students not only gain knowledge but also learn to embrace diversity and enact positive change within their communities.

As students transition into Middle School (grades 6-8), they develop independence and shape their identities through the IB Middle Years Program (MYP). This program enriches their experience with technology and service learning, fostering critical and reflective thinking. YIS empowers its middle schoolers to make meaningful contributions both on campus and in the broader community, emphasizing personal responsibility and leadership. In High School, grades 9-10 further the rigor of their learning pathways, allowing students to tailor their academic experiences to align with their goals, interests, and aspirations. The culmination of their secondary education is the IB Diploma Program (DP), which prepares them to graduate as self-reliant learners ready to contribute positively to a global society.

In addition to the core academic offerings, YIS emphasizes a diverse, global perspective within its learning environment, representing over 50 nationalities among its student body and 26 countries within its faculty. The school integrates principles of diversity and inclusion into all aspects of school life, ensuring that every student feels valued and successful. This commitment is reinforced through programs like the Japanese Culture Program (JCP), where students engage in cultural activities that cultivate appreciation and respect for their host culture, thus enriching their educational experience. Furthermore, service learning is a central component of YIS’s philosophy, wherein students are encouraged to turn empathy into action, tackling community and global challenges through meaningful projects and partnerships.

YIS’s modern campus, opened in January 2022, features bright, flexible learning spaces designed to enhance collaboration and exploration. This environment is complemented by a dedicated, expert faculty, with an average tenure of 6.6 years and a significant portion holding advanced degrees. The educators at YIS are not just teachers but are part of the community, reflecting and adapting alongside their students to support their growth, well-being, and potential.

Overall, Yokohama International School’s academic program embodies an educational philosophy that prioritizes authentic, hands-on learning experiences, personal learning pathways, and a commitment to community and global citizenship, fostering the development of well-rounded, compassionate learners prepared to make a difference in the world.