English Language Ability
English is the language of instruction in all grades, and the ability to successfully access the curriculum within a reasonable time and to thrive in our English-language learning environment are the guiding principles for admission to the school. All YIS teachers are trained to support language acquisition and learning for non-native English speakers, and specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers provide additional support and instruction. We do not offer a separate ESL track within our academic program.
Early Learning Center and Elementary School: In the ELC and Elementary school children are admitted regardless of their level of English language proficiency, providing there are no other additional learning needs. However, we do not advise mid-year admission for Grade 5 students with minimal English ability. If we have some concerns regarding an applicant’s ability to access the curriculum, we may require the applicant to attend school on a trial basis without obligation. In the case of Grade 5 applicants applying mid-year, we may also request an EAL assessment.
Middle School: Students entering grades 6 – 8 must generally have sufficient competency in English in order to benefit from our learning programs. If we have some concern regarding an applicant’s ability to access the curriculum, we may administer a competency test. We may also ask parents to provide supplementary English tutoring at their own expense as a condition for admission.
High School: We offer a challenging learning program in grades 9 - 12 geared toward students planning to go on to college or university in North America, Europe and other areas of the world. Applicants must therefore have a fairly high degree of competency in English. Moreover, in order to obtain a YIS graduation diploma, students must have credits equivalent to four full years of high school English. (See Graduation Requirements.) If we have some concern regarding an applicant’s ability to access the curriculum, we may administer an academic assessment test. Assessment tests for Japan-resident applicants, if required, will be administered at YIS prior to the school year for which they are applying. Assessment tests for overseas applicants, if required, may be administered at the applicant’s current school if the school is able to monitor the test and return the results directly to YIS.
Learning Needs
We uphold the principles of a balanced education rooted in the firm belief in inclusion. Academic excellence is reflected in our philosophy of supporting and celebrating the diversity of learning needs within the school community. We endeavor to accommodate students with diverse learning needs to achieve their highest potential while celebrating their unique learning strengths and needs. Applicants with mild social/emotional issues, learning differences or other learning needs are referred to our learning support staff for review. Admissions decisions are made by the relevant principal based on the recommendation of the learning support staff and in consideration of available learning support resources. If we determine that we are unable to accommodate a candidate’s learning needs, we will endeavor to direct parents to more suitable options. However, it should be noted that there are limited English language-based resources to support children with additional learning needs in the Tokyo-Yokohama area.
Please note that any learning needs or social/emotional, physical or behavioral issues must be fully disclosed and described in detail in the application for admission. Reports of professional assessments, along with details of extra support the applicant is receiving, must also be provided at the time of application. Failure to fully disclose such information at this time may result in revocation of admission or, if discovered after enrollment, require withdrawal from school, and any school fees will paid will not be refunded Should significant social/emotional/behavioral issues or learning differences become apparent following enrollment in the school, we reserve the right to review a student’s progress and determine the appropriateness of their continued enrollment in the school within the context of our learning support resources and capabilities and in consideration of the overall classroom environment. This review will include close consultation with parents but may also involve requiring parents to obtain external assessments as described in our Learning Support Policy. If we determine that we are unable to accommodate a student's learning needs, or if parents are unwilling to obtain requested external assessments, the student will not be able to continue enrollment at YIS.
Children of Japanese Nationals
Children whose parents are both Japanese nationals may be eligible for admission if the student has been educated exclusively or primarily at international or non-Japanese schools overseas or at other accredited international schools in Japan where English is the primary language of instruction. A limited number of spaces for Japanese nationals is also available in our ELC. Parents should understand that YIS is not a 'language school' for learning English but rather an international school with a distinct pedagogy in which the language of instruction is English. Admission of Japanese nationals, as is the case of nationals of any country, is also subject to our class balance policy.
Residence
YIS is a day school and does not have boarding facilities. Students must therefore reside with their parent(s) in a location within commuting distance to the school.
Parent Communication
At YIS we believe that partnership and close communication between parents, teachers and other school personnel is essential to student success and well-being. Because English is both the language of instruction at YIS and the primary language for communicating with parents, we require as a condition of admission and continuing enrollment that at least one parent who is residing with the student be able to speak and understand spoken English with school personnel without difficulty or assistance from others. In addition, the parent/legal guardian must be able to access and understand written communications from the school (e.g., email and web-based platforms including the parent portal).
Please note that the school reserves the right to rescind offers of admission or terminate enrollment without refund of fees if it is found that parents have misled the school regarding their English communications ability.
Early Learning Center
All ELC students must be able to use the toilet independently.