Welcome

Welcome to Yokohama International School. Founded in 1924, and arising out of the spirit of internationalism that prevailed following the formation of the League of Nations in Geneva, YIS became a pioneer of international education. Today, more than 40 nationalities are represented in our school community, providing a rich cultural mix and an exciting learning environment.

The challenges faced by our young people today, though different, may well be more demanding than they were all those years ago. We seek to maintain the optimism and drive that existed at the school's founding and we strive for excellence in our field. In doing so, we hope our students will be happy, successful and ready to take an active role in a changing world through positive contributions to society.

As an IB World School, fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and New England Association of Schools and Colleges, our academic programme has enabled our graduates to attend many of the world's leading universities, yet YIS also strives to create an appropriate balance between the academic and the non-academic, which we feel is important for a complete education.

To this end, the school places importance on not only academic excellence but also on the social and emotional development of our students.  Our broad and balanced yet demanding educational programme is built upon the following clearly articulated core values.

We shall be mindful of the needs and rights of others

We shall be honest in our dealings

We shall be peaceful in our intentions

We shall be responsible in our actions

We shall be supportive of each other

In this way, we aim to help students fulfill their academic potential and form a strong sense of self and community.

YIS shares much with other international schools worldwide but is unique in many ways. The community spirit that existed amongst the first group of parents who founded the school, amidst the ruins of Yokohama following the devastation of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, is still very much part of our school community today. A genuine family-like atmosphere permeates the school to this day.

We hope this website will provide you with useful information and some insight into our distinctive school, and we welcome you to come visit us in person.

Sincerely,

Simon Taylor

Headmaster