New International School of Japan

Scottish Curriculum for Excellence for both English and Japanese. Integrated Thematic Approach, Two teachers per class with a three year age-range of students. Vygotskian approach to learning and language acquisition.

Urban

Corporate Contribution Plan only

Two complete buildings, parts of 4 others.
Art and Music rooms, 40,000+ volume library, mini-gym.

Early Learning Center, Primary, Secondary

Three school bus routes available.

Vary from year to year.

Available from a uniform shop.

Parental attendance at an orientation and tour.
Completed Application materials.
Copy of previous school records.
Meeting with the parent(s) and child.
 

NEW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IS A SCHOOL WHERE….
*  Discrimination on the basis of race, sex, or place of origin does not exist.
*  Every child becomes bilingual or multilingual over time:
    >  Academic and social skills in both English and Japanese are developed.
   >  The children have the option to study Chinese as well.
   >  The native language of each child is celebrated, encouraged, and supported.
*  Social and environmental studies, math and science, the language arts, fine arts, performing arts, and 
    physical education  are all an essential and integral part of the life of every child and are directed to 
    the development of life skills: collaboration, teamwork, mutual respect and appreciation, inquiry,
    problem-solving, attention to audience, and effective use of language, as well as technical skills and
    academic and artistic inspiration.
*  The children retain and/or develop self-motivation, a healthy self-image, and an appreciation of
    others by virtue of what they are able to learn and accomplish within a school environment designed
    for their enjoyment and success.
*  The curriculum is always in the process of development based on the latest research and experience
    in  teaching  and learning, especially as regards multilingual and multiage education:
    >  Administrators and teachers are constantly updating their knowledge through the professional
        development opportunities offered.
    >  Information sessions, orientations and seminar opportunities are provided for parents as well, so
       that they may be better informed about their child’s education.
*  Spacious classrooms and an abundance of books, hands-on materials and technological resources
    are  provided for  the enjoyment and enrichment of the children's learning experience.
*  Standpoints/individual points of view are considered, developed, understood, and appreciated  in
   context. 
*  Expert placement counseling is provided for options after New International School.

It is further stated that:
THE ABOVE GOALS ARE ACCOMPLISHED IN A DEVELOPMENTALLY BASED, MULTIAGE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT FREE FROM THE STANDARDIZATION AND RIGIDITY OF THE FIXED AGE-GRADE SYSTEM.

The above mission is really the “bottom line” as far as this school is concerned.  We are confident that
if we all work together in furtherance of this mission, the school will become better and better on
behalf of the children."
                                                                                                            --Steven Parr
                                                                                                     Director/Head of School

New International School of Japan was founded in 2001, as the first international school in Japan
specifically established to meet the needs of permanent, international marriage, and/or long-term
residents of Japan, regardless of nationality, in the clear and research-based recognition that dual
language and multiage education are good for children!

In addition, the school offers a smooth transition for children moving from a Japanese based educational
system to an English one, or vice versa, and families temporarily in Japan but with an interest in
Japanese as well as English are also welcome.

At New International School, the children maintain and develop their social and academic skills,
creativity, and independence in a child-centered environment they can participate in with great
enthusiasm. Knowledge, skills and attitudes are developed through an inspired dual language
implementation of Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence.

Our students learn bilingually through team-taught multiage classes, a resource-based thematic
approach, and a combination of whole group, individual, center-based and project-based activities.
There are two full time teachers for about twenty children in each exceptionally well-resourced
classroom.

Multiage education, like Montessori education, is constructivist, meaning that the children construct
their own knowledge and understanding based on experience. It is, however, a Vygotskian style of
constructivism which emphasizes learning and language acquisition as a social process. The students
learn from one another as well as from the teachers in a highly interactive style of education. The
children thrive in an environment where they can progress unimpeded by traditional grade level
limitations.

Established in 2001, New International School began for children from age 3 to Grade 9 and extended to Grade 12 from August 28, 2014. It is accredited through grade 12 by both the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). It is a member of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) and the Council of International Schools (CIS), and it supports the Progressive Education Network (PEN).

From August of the calendar year in which they turn 6, all the students learn to play the violin by ear,
physical education includes International Tae Kwon Do, and Chinese is offered as an elective.

Interested persons are encouraged to visit by appointment or register for a group orientation and tour,
offered at least twice monthly, once in English and once in Japanese.