CGK International School

CGK International School, located in the vibrant city of Yokohama, Japan, is an esteemed International Baccalaureate (IB) World School dedicated to delivering a seamless educational experience for children aged 2 through high school graduation. Embracing a “12+4-Year Continuum Education” model, CGK provides a continuous pathway that nurtures students’ academic and personal growth from early childhood through their formative high school years, with plans to expand their offerings to include high school programs in April 2028.

At the heart of CGK’s philosophy is the commitment to “maximizing your opportunities for happiness in an increasingly global world.” This mission shapes the educational environment, fostering inquiry-based learning as a fundamental aspect of the curriculum. The school emphasizes practical, hands-on experiences that encourage critical thinking and self-expression. In the preschool program, which serves children ages 2 to 5, CGK is recognized as an “IB PYP World School.” Here, young learners are nurtured not only academically but also in essential non-cognitive areas such as communication skills and emotional maturity, laying a strong foundation for their future education.

As students transition to elementary school (grades 1-5), they continue to benefit from the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), which promotes a transdisciplinary approach to learning. This framework encourages students to make connections across various subjects, fostering a holistic understanding of the world around them. The flexible curriculum integrates the IB framework with other world-standard educational practices, providing families with a globally recognized education that prepares students for the complexities of the modern world. In the middle school years (grades 6-9), CGK has recently achieved candidacy for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), enhancing the academic rigor and allowing for deeper exploration of subjects as students prepare for high school.

CGK International School places a significant emphasis on community involvement and social responsibility. Recent initiatives, such as participation in the “Yokohama Spring Homeless Patrol,” highlight the school’s dedication to fostering a spirit of engagement among students and their families. Through hands-on projects, such as first-graders exploring the principles of electricity in science classes, students are actively engaged in practical learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Additionally, CGK offers a variety of after-school programs that provide further opportunities for exploration, creativity, and the development of independent, lifelong learners.

What makes CGK truly unique is its nurturing environment that promotes exploration and learning through play. The school hosts a series of seasonal programs, including the popular Autumn School and Summer School, which feature inquiry-based activities designed to ignite curiosity in students. These programs are flexible, allowing families to choose participation days that suit their schedules. For instance, the upcoming Autumn School promises engaging experiences focused on themes of art, science, and outdoor adventures, all centered around the concept of “Learning through Play.”

Community engagement is further exemplified through CGK’s annual School Festival, which showcases student creativity and achievements while fostering a sense of belonging and pride among students and their families. The festival invites participation from the entire local community, emphasizing CGK’s commitment to inclusivity and collaborative learning. This cultural celebration serves not only as a platform for students to share their educational journey but also as an opportunity to build connections within the wider community.

Overall, CGK International School stands out as a compelling educational institution in Yokohama, blending inquiry-based learning with a strong commitment to community involvement and the holistic development of students. The school’s focus on nurturing emotional and cognitive growth prepares students to become internationally-minded individuals ready to contribute positively to the world around them. Families seeking a comprehensive and enriching educational experience will find CGK International School to be a remarkable choice for their children’s future.