Founded in 1924, Yokohama International School (YIS) stands as a leading international institution in Japan, distinguished by its commitment to a holistic, student-centered approach that nurtures curiosity and resilience. The school’s mission encourages students to “Live, Learn, and Lead” with purpose, fostering a positive impact within the community. At YIS, education transcends traditional boundaries, emphasizing authentic learning experiences that empower students to engage actively with their environment through challenging expeditions, enriching service projects, and skill-building leadership retreats.

YIS prides itself on its intimate class sizes, which range from 16 to 22 students, ensuring that every learner’s voice is heard and valued. This personalized educational experience promotes inquiry, creativity, and responsibility for one’s own learning. The school’s diverse community enriches the learning environment, comprising students from over 50 nationalities and faculty from 26 countries. YIS actively integrates principles of diversity and inclusion into every aspect of school life, fostering a supportive atmosphere where all members feel valued and successful. Rigorous safeguarding and well-being policies, reinforced by regular staff training in Child Protection, create a nurturing environment conducive to thriving and exploration.

The YIS campus, opened in January 2022, spans an impressive 14,685 square meters and features bright, flexible learning spaces equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to encourage exploration, collaboration, and community. The school adopts the philosophy that “every space is a learning space,” reflecting a commitment to blending global values with the rich host culture of Japan. This commitment is particularly evident in the unique Japanese Culture Program (JCP), where students engage in cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy, deepening their appreciation and understanding of Japanese heritage.

YIS offers a comprehensive curriculum anchored in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, encompassing the IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, and IB Diploma Programme. In the Early Learning Center (ELC), children aged 3-5 are nurtured through the Reggio Emilia Approach, fostering curiosity and creativity. The Elementary program focuses on developing globally minded learners through an inquiry-based curriculum, while Middle School students are empowered through technology and service learning opportunities. In High School, students are guided to define their own rigorous learning pathways, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to a global society.

Extracurricular activities are a vital component of the YIS experience, providing students with a spectrum of opportunities to explore interests and develop talents beyond the classroom. From athletics and artistic pursuits to student-led clubs, there are ample avenues for collaboration and personal growth. The school emphasizes service learning, encouraging students to transform empathy into action through hands-on projects and community partnerships, fostering a sense of responsibility towards both local and global challenges.

At YIS, the sense of community is strong, encompassing students, parents, alumni, and staff. The school invites potential families to visit and learn more about its offerings, demonstrating its openness and commitment to collaboration in the educational journey. The supportive parent community actively collaborates to enhance student success, further enriching the holistic experience that YIS provides. Overall, Yokohama International School’s dedication to nurturing a lifelong passion for learning and empowering students to carve their own pathways truly distinguishes it in the realm of international education.

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.

Student life at Yokohama International School (YIS) is characterized by a holistic, student-centered approach that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and resilience. The school fosters a vibrant community where students are encouraged to "Live, Learn, and Lead" with purpose, making a positive impact in their surroundings. With an international student body representing over 50 nationalities and a faculty from 26 countries, YIS creates an inclusive environment that values diversity, ensuring every learner's perspective is heard and appreciated.

At YIS, students participate in a wide array of activities and clubs that promote personal growth and collaboration. The school offers numerous opportunities for students to explore their interests and discover hidden talents. Clubs such as Contemporary Dance, Photography, and Mathematics not only serve as platforms for self-expression but also foster teamwork and cooperation among peers. Athletic programs, including Swimming and diverse sports, provide avenues for students to enhance their physical skills while fostering camaraderie and healthy competition. The performing arts hold a significant place in student life, with opportunities in Music and Dance that allow students to showcase their talents through various performances throughout the year.

A standout feature of student life at YIS is the emphasis on experiential learning through expeditions and the Japanese Culture Program (JCP). Expeditions encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences and promoting resilience and teamwork. Through the JCP, students engage in enriching activities such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy workshops, deepening their appreciation for Japanese culture while cultivating respect for their host community. Additionally, the school’s commitment to service learning empowers students to turn empathy into action through hands-on projects that address local and global challenges, reinforcing YIS's mission to nurture compassionate individuals.

The modern facilities at YIS, which opened in January 2022, enhance the student experience by integrating bright, flexible learning spaces designed for exploration and collaboration. This contemporary campus embodies the school’s dedication to fostering a vibrant learning environment that blends global values with local culture. The supportive atmosphere is further reinforced by dedicated faculty who not only excel in their subjects but also genuinely care about the growth and well-being of every student. Overall, YIS provides a dynamic and enriching student life experience, encouraging learners to thrive personally, socially, and academically in a caring and inclusive community.