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Yokohama International School

Japan, Tokyo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥2,120,000 - 3,440,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 830
Type Co-educational
Opened 1924
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Reggio Emilia Approach
Taught languages English, French, Japanese, Spanish
Typical class size 19
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Yokohama International School (YIS) opened on 27 October 1924 and is located at 2-100-1 Kominato-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama. Students learn through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the Early Learning Center and Elementary School and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6–8. In the Early Learning Center (ages 3–5), learning is play-based, rooted in the PYP and inspired by Reggio Emilia. YIS also runs a Japanese Culture Program that spans the full student journey and connects experiences to IB learning, including the Diploma Programme. Beyond classes, the school highlights athletics and activities supported by facilities such as a 25-meter heated indoor swimming pool, an artificial turf field and a double gymnasium.

2 Chome-100-1 Kominatocho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0802, Japan

The Essentials

Yokohama International School has 830 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location
The Yokohama International School campus is in the Honmoku area of Yokohama, located in Naka-ku in a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood. It sits beside the Honmoku Front shopping complex and is well integrated with local shops, parks, and transit routes; there are multiple bus routes serving the area and nearby train access to Tokyo. The campus address is 2-100-1 Kominato-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0802, Japan.

Stages
YIS operates an Early Learning Center for ages 3–5, Elementary School from Kindergarten through Grade 5, Middle School in Grades 6–8, and High School in Grades 9–12. The school follows an IB continuum: Primary Years Program (ELC–Grade 5), Middle Years Program (Grades 6–10), and Diploma Program (Grades 11–12).

Type
Co-educational, day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body includes more than 50 nationalities (the community is highly international). The school has around 808 students, with faculty drawn from multiple countries; the most common nationality is not publicly disclosed.

Additional learning support
YIS provides Learning Support for diverse learning needs, working in collaboration with Counselors and EAL teachers to support academics, behavior, and social–emotional development. EAL support is provided across core subjects to help students access the curriculum, and wellness/counseling services are available for social-emotional health.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation; the school serves the international community in Yokohama and the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation.

School day structure
Daily start and end times vary by division and are provided during enrollment. Breakfast is available on campus before the start of the day, and lunch is served in three sittings via Dragon Dining, with a campus café (The Street Café) for breaks. The First Day of School in August 2025 ran from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm as an example of a full-day schedule.

Bus service
The school offers a bus service with nearby pick‑ups and stops. From Sakuragicho Station or Ishikawacho, take buses 101, 105, or 106 to Kominato-cho; From Negishi Station take buses 58 or 101 to Honmoku-Miyabara; bus stops near the campus are indicated in the access information.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
YIS operates a school uniform system that includes a PE uniform. Uniforms and other YIS-branded apparel are sold on campus through the Dragon's Den, the on-site school store. Families are advised to purchase the PE uniform, with specific colours and design details not published on the site.

Food Options
Dragon Dining runs the on-campus cafeteria, offering a rotating weekly menu with Western, Asian, vegan and vegetarian options. Meals are prepared on site with locally sourced ingredients where possible, and some herbs and vegetables are grown on campus in collaboration with students. The Street Café, located between the North and South buildings, provides coffee, tea and baked goods, and the cafeteria uses a cashless payment system with allergen labeling for menu items.

House System
YIS uses a house-based system to foster student leadership and community. Students participate in House events across divisions, and leadership opportunities related to Houses are available; there are Student Councils in Elementary, Middle and High School to support student voice and governance.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Directors (elected at the AGM) and a Board of Trustees, with Auditors monitoring governance and financial status. Day-to-day operations are led by the Head of School and the Senior Leadership Team. Foundational governance documents include the Act of Endowment, the Constitution, and the Board Governance Manual; the site does not indicate that YIS is part of a larger group of schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Yokohama International School ranges from JPY 2,120,000 to JPY 3,440,000 for 2026/27.

One-time fees

- Application Fee: JPY 50,000 (non-refundable).
- Registration Fee: JPY 1,350,000 (non-refundable; payment due within 14 days of acceptance).

Annual tuition by year group (with per-term amounts)

- Early Learning Center – Half Day: Annual tuition JPY 2,025,000. Per term (two equal installments): JPY 1,012,500.
- Early Learning Center – Full Day: Annual tuition JPY 2,495,000. Per term: JPY 1,247,500.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5: Annual tuition JPY 3,060,000. Per term: JPY 1,530,000.
- Grades 6 – 11: Annual tuition JPY 3,190,000. Per term: JPY 1,595,000.
- Grade 12: Annual tuition JPY 3,285,000. Per term: JPY 1,642,500.

- Campus Development Fee (annual): JPY 385,000. This fee is charged annually and is not prorated.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard billing: Tuition is billed in two equal installments (two terms). Installment due dates: July 31 and December 8.
- Mid-year enrollments: Tuition is prorated by quarters for mid-year entries; the Campus Development Fee is not prorated.
- Re-enrollment deposit: JPY 300,000 due by April 15 to secure placement for the following year.
- Late payment: Fees overdue by 30 days incur a 2.5% monthly late charge.
- Registration fee payment: Due within 14 days of acceptance and non-refundable. Application fee is non-refundable.

Payment methods and banking details

- Primary payment method indicated: international bank transfer. Include the student's full name or invoice number in payment details for correct processing.

- SMBC Trust Bank (SMBC信託銀行):
- SWIFT: SMTCJPJT
- Yokohama Branch (736)
- Savings Account: 7579973
- Account Name: Yokohama International School.

- Bank of Yokohama:
- SWIFT: HAMAJPJT
- Motomachi Branch (311)
- Savings Account: 1708779
- Account Name: Yokohama International School.

What the tuition covers

- Tuition includes school‑issued technology (computers/tablets), most expeditions and field trips, and IB Diploma (IBDP), ISA, and PSAT examination fees (excluding resits).

Additional costs billed separately

- School bus service (separate charge).
- Uniforms (separate charge).
- Cafeteria services (separate charge).
- Certain extracurricular activities (separate charge).

All of the above are billed in addition to tuition where applicable.

Boarding fees

- Boarding fees: Not applicable. No boarding or boarding fees are listed in the school's tuition and fees schedule.

Refund and withdrawal policy

- Notice of withdrawal must be submitted in writing.
- In principle there are no refunds of tuition. The only exceptions noted are partial refund of deposit or in cases where the student has been enrolled for less than the first five days of that semester.

Other financial notes

- Scholarships: Scholarships are available through a Corporate Contribution Program for students whose parents' employers participate; details are managed by the school's Business Office.
- For payment processing, always include the student's full name or invoice number to ensure correct allocation of funds.

Contact for billing enquiries

- Admissions/Business Office email provided for payment inquiries.
Academics

Yokohama International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Reggio Emilia Approach for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
YIS delivers instruction in English and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from the Early Learning Center through Grade 5; the Middle Years Programme (MYP) runs from Grades 6 to 10; and the Diploma Programme (DP) runs in Grades 11 and 12. In addition to the IB Diploma, students may earn IB Certificates, the YIS Diploma, and the Global Citizen Diploma. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, service learning, and well-being, with field trips, expeditions, and a range of clubs. English is the language of instruction, with an English as an Additional Language program to support learners.

Exam Results
External examinations are part of the Diploma Programme assessment. YIS publishes external exam results. Details are accessible through the DP results reporting.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates are well prepared for higher education at universities around the world. YIS offers pathways including the IB Diploma, IB Certificates, the YIS Diploma, and the Global Citizen Diploma. Graduates pursue higher education worldwide with the credential mix available through YIS.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Counseling is available across Elementary, Middle, and High School, with counselors providing individual and group support, social-emotional learning, wellness programs, and academic advising delivered in classroom and tutor group settings. Students reflect on strengths, set personal goals, and develop resilience through a structured wellbeing program and university/career guidance. The community emphasizes mindful choices, belonging, and personal growth, with orientation and ongoing family meetings for new students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support collaborates with counselors and EAL specialists to support students with diverse learning needs, offering observations, consultations, and targeted instruction to help students access the curriculum and reach their potential in an inclusive environment. The program is designed to celebrate learning differences and provide individualized or small-group support as required.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the language of instruction. The EAL program provides developmentally appropriate language support to help students access all learning programs, with targeted instruction across speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The school recognizes a multilingual environment, with home-language programs and a diverse student body speaking many languages.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is addressed through counseling services, social-emotional learning, and wellness programming integrated into the school's counseling and health offerings. The health office provides resources and support for student health needs, and counselors partner with families and teachers to support emotional and psychological development.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is embedded in daily practice with a designated safeguarding framework, staff training, and a student-protection policy aligned to international standards. The school provides clear safeguarding contacts and a responsive child-protection structure, with ongoing monitoring and reporting procedures.
Parent Experience

History
Yokohama International School was founded in 1924 and opened on October 27, 1924 in a YMCA classroom with six students and one teacher. It was among the first schools to include 'international' in its name, and by the late 1930s enrollment exceeded 100 students with a boarding facility added in 1936. The school closed during World War II, its campus was destroyed by fire in 1945, and it was rebuilt and reopened in 1955 on its original Yamate site. YIS became a registered School Juridical Person in 1969, introduced the IGCSE in the 1990s, and offered the IB Primary Years Programme from 2001 with a full Early Learning Centre–High School structure by 2003. In January 2022 the school moved to a new Honmoku campus designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, and the centenary was celebrated on October 27, 2024.

Community
The close friendships and cooperation between students, staff, parents and alumni lie at the heart of YIS. A range of events and activities are offered by the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), supporting learning opportunities and community engagement. The Food Fair is a hallmark event that unites the YIS community and nearby neighborhoods in a festival of food and culture. Alumni remain connected after graduation, with many returning as staff or as parents of current students.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) provides a calendar of events and activities for families, supports learning opportunities, and drives community engagement. The Food Fair is the largest annual PTSA-led event, attracting thousands of attendees and involving hundreds of volunteers across many booths and cultural presentations. Proceeds from the Food Fair fund the PTSA Grants Program, which supports student and wider-community projects. Culture Workshops at Food Fair bring immersive country experiences to the school community, expanding intercultural understanding. The PTSA and school collaborate to foster parent involvement, fundraising, and service opportunities across the year.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
YIS has a 14,685-square-meter campus designed so every space is a learning space, with flexible environments and communal hubs. It blends Japanese design with global values and emphasizes sustainability. Opened in January 2022, the campus supports exploration, collaboration, and a sense of community. The campus hosts a library, an Early Learning Center, a science wing, Visual Art & Design studios, performing arts spaces, a multipurpose auditorium, a double gym, and outdoor areas such as The Street and Dragon Dining.

Sports Facilities
The athletics program is supported by world-class campus facilities, including a 25-meter heated indoor swimming pool, a 90m x 46m artificial turf field with floodlights, netting and a digital scoreboard, a double gymnasium with two official-size basketball courts and spectator seating, outdoor basketball courts, and an indoor dance studio. The secondary athletics program is organized in three seasonal offerings (Fall, Winter, Spring) with opportunities across multiple sports, and teams compete under the Dragons banner.

Academic Facilities
The campus includes a Library with satellite libraries and study spaces, a Codependent Science Wing with six laboratories, and Classrooms designed with movable furniture and large glass doors to support inquiry-driven learning. The Early Learning Center (ELC) serves ages 3–5 with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a fluid layout. Visual Art & Design Studios, Black Box Theatre Rooms, and Music Studios support arts learning, while a Multipurpose Auditorium accommodates performances and gatherings. A solar energy system on the roof, a Deck Garden, and Chowa-an (teahouse) and gardens integrate sustainability and host-culture elements into daily learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Expeditions provide hands-on, experiential learning beyond the classroom. The Japanese Culture Program (JCP) integrates activities and events that celebrate Japanese culture while primarily teaching in English. Service Learning connects empathy with action through community partnerships. The Elementary School Activities program (ESA) offers clubs such as Gardening, LEGO, Robotics, and Book-related activities; Secondary Activities include Model United Nations, Robotics, Environment Club, and Student Councils. Athletics and Artistic Opportunities further broaden experiences through team sports, performance, and visual/performing arts showcases.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Expeditions are a key experiential opportunity at YIS. They connect wilderness engagements to classroom concepts and personal growth, with clear learning intentions. They promote resilience, collaboration, and a deeper respect for nature. Expeditions encourage stepping outside comfort zones, reflection, and returning to campus with new skills, stronger relationships, and a richer understanding of themselves.

Arts & Creative
Artistic Opportunities at YIS include visual and performing arts driven by student choice, creative exploration, and collaboration. Learners pursue personal expression and cultural insight through arts activities. They gain confidence in creative abilities and connect with others through showcases and exhibitions. They build skills, confidence, and empathy through artistic exploration.

Cultural & Language
Japanese Culture Program (JCP) offers immersion in Japanese culture through an integrated program. Although we primarily learn in English from the ELC to High School, students engage in activities, workshops, and community partnerships that celebrate our host culture. Activities include tea ceremonies, calligraphy, festivals, and traditional cultural experiences that cultivate appreciation, respect, and a deeper understanding of Japan.

Social & Hobbies
Student Activities offer clubs and organizations enabling students to explore interests, develop talents, and challenge themselves. Activities promote creativity, collaboration, and pursuing personal passions. Based on diversity and inclusion, a vibrant range of clubs enables students to try new things and collaborate with peers.

Community & Service
Service Learning at YIS turns empathy into action. Through hands-on projects and partnerships, students address community and global challenges, learn diverse perspectives, and experience teamwork. It fosters a sense of responsibility for local, national, and international communities and breaks down barriers. Making service a core part of learning nurtures compassionate students who understand that real change starts with them.

Leadership & Professional
Expeditions build leadership, self-management, and collaboration skills through challenging journeys. Grade-specific expeditions develop leadership across grades 3–10, culminating in experiences such as the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and a diving expedition. The program includes leadership retreats and service leadership opportunities as part of authentic learning, enabling students to lead with confidence. Students reflect on leadership and apply it in teamwork and community projects.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Safeguarding and wellbeing are integral to YIS. Safeguarding is woven into every aspect of the community, with staff undergoing regular training in child protection and adherence to international standards for safe recruitment. The middle school program includes a supportive wellbeing program. Expeditions and outdoor education contribute to wellness by promoting resilience, physical health, and mindful connection with nature.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction across Yokohama International School. The EAL program personalizes language support to help multilingual learners participate across all subject areas and activities. Japanese language is offered as part of the language program; in Grades 1–5, students new to English may attend EAL instead of the Japanese Language class to access the curriculum, while other students study Japanese in the regular language program. The school offers additional modern foreign languages as IB/DP options, including Spanish, French, German, and Japanese; the Home Language program supports more than 20 home languages, with over 90% of students speaking two or more languages.

Immersion Programs
English is the language of instruction. The Early Learning Center and Kindergarten are fully English-language immersion. In Grades 1–5, students new to English may attend a specialized EAL class instead of the Japanese Language class to access the curriculum with language support. In Secondary (MYP/DP), language progress is monitored by an EAL specialist who collaborates with subject teachers to provide differentiated instruction.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Eligibility. The school accepts applicants who are foreign nationals or Japanese nationals with prior international education. At least one residing parent must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English. Applicants must live with at least one parent within commuting distance while enrolled at YIS.

2. Admissions Portal and Pre-application. Start with the Pre-application Form to provide basic information and create an account for the Admissions Portal. If a child is already enrolled at YIS, begin the process in the Veracross Parent Portal under the Admissions option. The school year runs from August to June.

3. Our Admissions Team Reviews Your Pre-application. The Admissions Team reviews the pre-application to confirm eligibility and may request additional information by email. If there are issues regarding eligibility, follow-up communication will occur.

4. Complete Application in The Admissions Portal and Pay Application Fee. Return to the Admissions Portal to complete the forms and upload required documents so the school can form a full picture of the child's suitability for the program. Payment of the application fee is part of this step.

5. Document Submission. Submit all requested documents through the Admissions Portal to support the application review. Ensuring all documents are uploaded helps avoid delays in processing.

6. Application Review & Notification Of Admission Decision. The Admissions team reviews the complete application and aims to notify applicants within a few weeks for overseas submissions. There is rolling admission for overseas applicants due to space constraints. For entry at the beginning of the school year (August), apply by early March (early February for high school).

7. Respond To Admissions Decision. If admitted, the family should respond to the admission decision to indicate whether they will enroll. This response typically follows the notification of the decision.

8. Complete Online Enrollment and Pay Registration Fee. After accepting the offer, complete online enrollment and pay the registration fee to secure a place.

Scholarships
Corporate Contribution Program (CCP): The CCP is a corporate scholarship program for organizations that cover expatriate employees' educational expenses. Donations fund corporate scholarships for dependents and support the school's fundraising and facilities. CCP donations are not taxable as personal income in Japan under an authorized agreement; contact the business manager for details on eligibility and participation.

Chowa Scholarship Fund: The school is launching the Chowa Scholarship Fund in 2026–2027 to provide need-based financial assistance to students facing hardship. The fund is designed to promote equity and inclusion so students can continue to thrive at YIS.

Waitlist
When the number of eligible applicants exceeds available spaces, applicants may be placed in a wait pool if deemed acceptable. Priority is given to siblings of current students, children of YIS staff and alumni, returning students, and dependents of organizations participating in our Corporate Contribution Program (CCP). Applicants in the wait pool are requested to submit updated school reports to confirm continued interest.​
School Events
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