Yamanashi Gakuin School

I was just on the Yamanashi Gakuin School’s website, and there’s a lot to unpack about what they offer and how they present themselves as an educational institution. They pride themselves on being a place that nurtures students in a “nurturing environment,” which really seems to be a cornerstone of their philosophy. They emphasize a focus on developing “global human resources” through various educational programs designed to cultivate skills such as thinking, judgment, and expression.

One standout feature is their “特進コース” (Special Advanced Course), which aims to prepare students for some of the most competitive universities both domestically and internationally. They highlight that this course has been recognized as an “International Baccalaureate World School,” which means they adhere to a curriculum that develops problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and international communication skills. This is significant because it not only opens doors for students aiming for prestigious universities but also equips them with skills that are essential in a globalized society.

Within this advanced course, they offer different tracks—like the “P series” focused on difficult national public universities and the “A series” which emphasizes liberal arts and sciences. The P series is geared towards students aiming for institutions like the University of Tokyo or medical schools, while the A series focuses on developing high English proficiency as a foundational skill for their students to thrive in an international context. The website mentions, “主体的で対話的な学び” (active and interactive learning), emphasizing their commitment to fostering an environment where students can engage deeply with their studies.

Beyond academics, the school is also heavily invested in sports. They established the “High School Sports Center” as part of a six-year project aimed at cultural innovation. The center supports students in their athletic endeavors, promoting not just physical excellence but also character development through sports. Their mission includes “培う” (cultivating) a rich sports life, which suggests that they view athletic participation as a crucial part of student life. They are looking to create top athletes who can compete at a national level, as evidenced by the school’s strong athletic record, which they showcase on their website with updates on various sports achievements.

Another impressive aspect is their commitment to personalized education. The site notes that they implement “少人数教育と徹底した個別指導” (small class sizes and thorough individual guidance), ensuring that each student receives the attention they need to succeed. This is particularly beneficial as it allows for tailored teaching strategies that cater to different learning styles and paces. Moreover, in their “進学コース” (Advancement Course), they offer a variety of subjects aligned with different career paths, such as law, management, and sports science, along with a strong collaboration with Yamanashi Gakuin University, enabling students to take courses on the university campus from the first year.

For those who might not be able to engage in a traditional high school setting, the school also offers a “通信制課程” (Distance Learning Course). This program is particularly flexible, allowing students to learn at their own pace without the rigid structure of daily attendance. It’s designed for those who might be pursuing sports or arts at a high level and need the flexibility to manage their time effectively. The website highlights that students can learn via online platforms and that they have complete access to learning spaces on campus, including resources like Wi-Fi for studying, which adds a modern touch to their educational offerings.

Overall, Yamanashi Gakuin School presents a holistic approach to education that emphasizes academic rigor, personal development, and a commitment to nurturing a well-rounded student experience. Their focus on creating “global human resources” is clear throughout their programs, and they seem to genuinely care about the future success of their students, both in academics and life. The combination of their advanced curricular offerings, strong sports programs, and supportive learning environment truly sets them apart as a notable educational institution in Kofu, Japan.