Compare International Schools in Yokohama, Japan

Instructs in German

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees ¥1,650,000 - 1,810,000

Pupils 550

Type Co-educational

Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama (DSTY) is a German international school in Yokohama, founded in 1904. It teaches according to German curricula and awards German qualifications up to the Deutsches Internationales Abitur (Grade 12). The language of instruction is German, and the school offers Japanese learning for both native speakers and students learning Japanese as a foreign language. English and French are also part of the programme, and students can earn the Latinum. Beyond lessons, DSTY runs a coordinated cocurricular afternoon programme (open all-day school) with care options and activities, as well as sports teams in football, volleyball and basketball. A distinctive feature is the on-campus BVB Evonik Football Academy, providing football training from kindergarten through upper school.

Location

Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama is located in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, at 2-4-1 Chigasaki-Minami, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama 224-0037. The campus sits in a residential area of Tsuzuki and is easily accessible by public transport from Tokyo and Yokohama. The school also operates a dedicated bus network to serve families in the region.

Stages

The school comprises Kindergarten; Grundschule (primary); Sekundarstufe I (lower secondary) and Sekundarstufe II (upper secondary), culminating in the Deutsches Internationales Abitur. The levels are provided under one roof, supporting a continuous German curriculum from early years through to Abitur.

Type

DSTY is a co-educational day school. It operates as a Ganztagsschule, offering after-school care and activities until 16:30.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Students come from around 20 nationalities; representative groups include German, Swiss, Austrian, and Japanese students, reflecting a diverse international community. The school notes these nationalities as examples and does not publish a precise local-to-international ratio.

Additional learning support

DSTY has a dedicated Förderbereich that supports students with identified learning needs (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum, etc.). Support can be inclusive in the classroom, in small groups, or in one-to-one settings, and includes provision for gifted students; staff include Sonderpädagoginnen/Sonderpädagogen. Parents can access counseling through the team.

Country affiliation

Germany; DSTY is recognised as an Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule (Excellent German Overseas School) and maintains active engagement with the German embassy in Tokyo.

Religious affiliation

Religious affiliation is not listed as part of the school's public profile; DSTY operates as a German international school with instruction primarily in German.

School day structure

DSTY operates as a full-day school (Ganztagsschule) with supervision and activities through to 16:30. The cafeteria serves meals on school days from 7:30 to 16:30, and a midday lunch break is included for students.

Bus service

DSTY runs a school bus system for students from the Tokyo–Yokohama region. Buses depart in the morning with three return options, and the BusCatch system locates buses in real time; a supervising staff member accompanies students on the bus.

Application and one‑time fees
- Enrollment / application handling fee: JPY 75,000 (one‑time, per child, payable on enrolment).
- Entrance / admission (registration) fee: JPY 650,000 (one‑time, payable on acceptance/registration).

Annual tuition fees by year group (current academic year — annual amounts shown in Japanese yen)
- Kindergarten (full day core hours): approximately JPY 1,770,000 per year. Extended‑day options increase the annual fee (examples reported up to JPY 1,840,000 depending on number of extension days).
- Elementary (Grades 1–4): approximately JPY 1,610,000–1,650,000 per year (reported figures vary by source; this is the range in current public summaries).
- Upper elementary and secondary (Grades 5–12): approximately JPY 1,750,000–1,790,000 per year (reported figures vary by source; use the range shown here).
- First year total cost example (illustrative): for a Grade 1 entrant a one‑time enrolment/entrance combination plus tuition produces a first‑year total in the range of roughly JPY 2,300,000 (one‑time fees + annual tuition) depending on the exact one‑time fees applied.

Per‑term detail and billing frequency
- Publicly available fee summaries present annual tuition figures by year group. No explicit, authoritative per‑term (term‑by‑term) breakdown with fixed term amounts was published in the public fee summaries reviewed. The school's annual amounts are commonly shown as the basis for invoicing; specific term instalment amounts or fixed dates for term invoices were not found in the accessible summaries.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- A detailed billing schedule (invoice dates, due dates, late‑payment penalties and standard payment terms) is not published in the public fee summaries located during this review. Where third‑party summaries list annual fees, they do not include a definitive billing calendar or explicit payment deadlines.

Boarding fees
- The school operates as a day school with a school bus system for pupil transport; there is no indication that on‑site boarding (an internat/boarding house) is offered. Therefore no boarding fees apply.

Other mandatory or commonly billed costs
- School bus / transport: an annual school‑bus fee is reported in public summaries; examples from third‑party fee summaries indicate a school bus cost in the region of JPY 380,000 per year (actual route‑based charges may vary).
- Foundation / association membership or annual contribution: a small annual foundation/association fee is reported (examples show JPY 15,000 per year).
- Extended‑day kindergarten charges: additional fees for afternoon extension(s) above the core kindergarten day are reported; amounts depend on number of extension days per week (examples reported in public summaries).
- Extracurricular activities, school trips, examination fees, lunches, learning‑support and special‑programme costs, and uniforms are commonly charged in addition to core tuition. Specific itemised amounts for these items (uniform prices, meal plans, per‑trip charges or per‑activity charges) were not published in the general fee summaries reviewed.

Refunds and cancellations
- No comprehensive public refund policy or detailed rules for refunds (for example, refundability of entrance/registration fees, pro‑rata refunds on withdrawal, or conditions for reimbursement) was located in the fee summaries that were publicly accessible. Public summaries and third‑party listings do not include a full, authoritative refund policy.

Fee payment options
- The specific methods accepted for fee payment (for example, bank transfer, credit card, direct debit or cash) are not specified in the publicly available fee summaries located during this review. Payment method details and instructions were not published in the fee overviews reviewed.

Summary of sources and limits of the available public information
- The numeric fee figures above are drawn from contemporary public fee summaries and independent school‑directory listings that publish the school's annual tuition and typical one‑time enrolment charges. These summaries show consistent banding for kindergarten, lower‑elementary and upper grades, but precise line‑item labelling (for example the exact name applied to each one‑time charge) can vary between public listings.
- What was not found in the publicly available fee summaries reviewed: a formal, itemised school fee schedule showing a term‑by‑term invoice breakdown with due dates; a published refund policy with concrete refund amounts or conditions; and a published list of accepted payment methods. The available public summaries therefore provide reliable annual figures and examples of common one‑time fees and ancillary charges, but do not include the full billing timetable, bank/credit‑card payment instructions, or an official refund statement.

Boarding Arrangements

The school provides a DSTY bus system that transports Kindergarten through Grade 12 students from the Tokyo region directly to the school and back. The return trips depart at three different times, and a supervisor accompanies the bus on board. The BusCatch system allows real-time tracking of bus locations.

Food Options

The school has a Mensa (cafeteria) open on school days from 07:30 to 16:30. The daily lunch buffet changes and includes vegetarian options, ramen, fresh sandwiches and wraps, and freshly baked pretzels. Payments are cashless, and meals for Kindergarten children are delivered to the Kindergarten. The Mensa is externally operated.

Governance and Ownership

DSTY is a non-profit foundation (Gemeinnützige Stiftung Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama) that establishes and operates the school and promotes German language knowledge and Germany–Japan cultural relations. The foundation's Kuratorium (board of trustees) is the supervisory body and appoints the School Board; the Vorstand (executive board) handles administration and represents the school externally. The DSTY im Überblick confirms the school operates as an open all-day school with supervision until 16:30 for all sections from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

DSTY provides social and emotional learning (SEL) support through a Prevention and Counseling service that includes crisis intervention, conflict mediation, and individual counseling, with pastoral care provided by pastors from two German-speaking churches; a school psychologist offers confidential counseling appointments and assists students in accessing therapy.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

DSTY operates a Förderbereich (inclusion and special education support) with an interdisciplinary child-protection team, an Inklusions-AG, and related activities such as an Inklusions-AG Elterncafe; the school also advertises internships in the Förderbereich for training in inclusive education.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Deutsch als Zweitsprache (DaZ) is provided from Kindergarten to Abitur to support non-native German speakers, with DaZ instruction including early integration in Kindergarten and DaZ in Sekundarstufe I; English is taught as a first foreign language from class 2, and there is no publicly disclosed dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through the DSTY School Psychology service, which offers psychological consultations for students in crisis, and pastoral care by staff from German-speaking churches; speech therapy is also available in individual or small-group settings to support communication and wellbeing.

Safeguarding

DSTY has a safeguarding concept (Schutzkonzept) with an interdisciplinary child-protection team, a staff and student behaviour code, a reporting pathway for suspected cases, safeguarding trainings for staff, age-appropriate child-protection training for students, and multilingual safeguarding materials.

History

The Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama (DSTY) was founded in Yokohama and opened on September 20, 1904, making it the oldest German international school in East Asia still in operation. After the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, many German families moved to Tokyo, and the school opened a new building in Omori, Tokyo, in 1934. Following World War II, the Deutsche Schulverein Tokyo was re-founded on December 1, 1953, and the first postwar year began with 17 students; the school started awarding Abitur in 1960. In 1967 the school moved to a new building in Omori, and in 1991 it relocated to Nakamachidai, Yokohama, where it remains today, with a 2010 extension adding a third floor to the campus. DSTY operates as a private institution supported by the non-profit DSTY Foundation and currently serves kindergarten through Abitur, including the German International Abitur.

Community

DSTY is a center of the German-speaking community in Japan, serving not only as a school but also as a cultural hub for German-speaking residents in the region. The school engages in intercultural programs and exchanges, including Deutsch-Französischer Austausch and collaboration with partner schools such as LFIT. It hosts and participates in community events like Oktoberfest (the 2024 edition) and Mochi-Fest with Tsuzuki Rotary Club, reflecting active ties with local groups. An alumni network connects former students with the current community, reinforcing ongoing engagement beyond graduation.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

DSTY does not publish a formally named Parent-Teacher Association in publicly accessible materials; instead, parent involvement is organized through school-led channels and parent groups that participate in events and day-to-day school life. Examples include the January 2026 Elternabend Ostasienspiele, the Elterncafe der Inklusions-AG, and the Cocu Winterball, which mobilize families to support school programs. Parents also participate in and support events such as the Fußball-Inklusionstag at the Edogawa Ward Sports Center, where organizers thank the parents for accompanying their children. Parents engage with intercultural and language activities, including the Deutsch-Französischer Austausch and the BVB Evonik Fußballakademie training on campus. The DSTY community also features an active alumni network that maintains connections between graduates and current students, underscoring ongoing family involvement in school life.

Facilities Overview

Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama sits on extensive school grounds with modern facilities, all under one roof. The campus houses Kindergarten through secondary school on a single site. The library, located on the third floor, offers a broad media collection in German, English, and French and provides PCs for research. The Mensa operates on school days with a buffet of lunch options, including vegetarian dishes, ramen, sandwiches, and baked goods, and uses a cashless system. Outdoor spaces include a climbing wall, playground, football field, and basketball court, which support PE and cocurricular activities, and an Aula is used as a venue for performances and events.

Sports Facilities

Outdoor sports spaces on campus include a football field and a basketball court, as well as a climbing wall and a playground for younger students. These spaces serve PE classes and after-school sports and activities coordinated through the Cocu program. The Cocu team programming makes regular use of the outdoor facilities for student activities and recreation.

Academic Facilities

The library, affectionately called Bibi, is on the third floor and is an active component of the school community, used by students of all ages, teachers, and parents. It offers a broad collection in multiple languages, including German, English, and French, with items ranging from children's literature to reference works and magazines, plus translations and travel guides; DVDs, CDs, and other media are also available. The library houses PCs for research and hosts language- and information-literacy activities such as Lesescout, the school newspaper, and a Vorlese-AG. These resources support independent research, reading development, and project work across the curriculum.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Cocu, the school's after-school cocurricular program, runs as an open daytime program with Grundschule Hort care until 16:25 and access to spaces such as the outdoor area (climbing wall, playground, football field, basketball court) and the library for study and activities. In the Sekundarstufe, the Freizeitraum is used for common activities under supervision, including a kitchen, living room, and game areas, with staff and student-led projects. A wide range of AGs covers sports, music, arts, and crafts, and the BVB Evonik Fußballakademie is integrated into Cocu. The Cocu program also organizes events and camps, including a two-week summer camp in the last two weeks of summer, and the Aula hosts performances and events throughout the year.

Academic & Intellectual

DSTY runs a cocurricular program (Cocu) that extends the day with after-school activities coordinated by a dedicated Cocu team, and it runs a two-week summer camp during the last two full weeks of the summer. In Grundschule, the Hort provides supervision until 16:25, with access to the library and outdoor facilities such as the climbing wall, playground, and football and basketball fields for study and recreation. The on-site library hosts AGs like Lesescout (reading scouts), a Schülerzeitung (student newspaper), and a Vorlese-AG (reading aloud), which develop literacy, research, journalism, and project skills. The Studien- und Berufsberatung offers individualized guidance, university visits, BEST training, and career days to support academic planning and career exploration.

Arts & Creative

DSTY supports arts and performing arts through a Theater-AG, which produced Gebrüder Grimm reloaded for Expo 2025 in Osaka with an English-language performance for both students and the wider audience. A Lehrkonzert article describes exposure to contemporary classical music through collaborations with professional musicians and composers, enriching students' understanding of modern repertoire. The school's Sommerferiencamp 2025 included a dance workshop, expanding movement and creative expression during the summer break. The theater production and concert activities illustrate ongoing engagement in performing and visual arts.

Cultural & Language

DSTY hosts language and cultural programs, including Deutsches Seminar which offers German-language courses for the German-speaking community (externally run), and Japanisches Seminar which offers Japanese-language courses for community members (externally run). The school also facilitates cross-border exchanges, such as the German–French student exchange with Lycée Français International de Tokyo (LFIT), and annual intercultural activities and performances connected to these exchanges. Cultural events and international collaborations are showcased in school activities and Expo participation, highlighting German-Japanese and German-French cultural engagement.

Social & Hobbies

The Cocu program offers a wide range of AGs across sport, music, arts, and crafts, with activities chosen each half-year and including a two-week summer camp with varied activities. School sports are organized as Schulteams in football (coached by Borussia Dortmund), volleyball, and basketball (coached by Yokohama B-Corsairs), with opportunities beginning in early grades. The Cocu leisure spaces include a Freizeitraum managed by a social pedagogue, a common room, kitchen, living room, and a game area, plus organized events such as film nights and school tournaments. DSTY also hosts culturally rich events like Mochi Festivals and Oktoberfest, which involve student participation and community celebration.

Community & Service

New families are supported by the Starthilfegruppe, a parent-led group that helps with relocation logistics and community integration, including information bundles and organized meet-ups. The Inklusions-AG includes activities such as Elterncafe and other inclusive initiatives that promote community involvement and student support. The school runs seasonal camps and community events, such as Sommerferiencamp with field trips and a focus on social interaction, and large-scale events like Oktoberfest that engage families and the local German-speaking community. These programs demonstrate DSTY's commitment to community building and service orientation.

Leadership & Professional

DSTY places a clear emphasis on leadership and professional development through Studien- und Berufsberatung, offering individual guidance by a dedicated staff member, university visits, and structured programs such as BEST training and Karrieretage to help students reflect on strengths and future pathways. The program includes class-year experiences such as university visits for ninth-graders, two-week internships for tenth-graders, and senior-year career days that involve alumni and higher education representatives. This framework supports self-assessment, informed decision-making, and exposure to career options beyond the classroom.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Wellbeing is supported by a Cocu environment where the Freizeitraum is supervised by a social pedagogue, with dedicated spaces such as a quiet room, a creativity room, and a play area to promote safe, balanced after-school time. DSTY's sports program includes school teams in football (coached by Borussia Dortmund), volleyball, and basketball (coached by Yokohama B-Corsairs), emphasizing physical health and teamwork from a young age. The summer camp and arts events include movement and dance workshops, and theatre productions and concerts provide healthy outlets for creativity and social connection. Ongoing events like Oktoberfest and theater projects further contribute to a vibrant, healthful, and inclusive school culture.

Language Provision

German is the language of instruction, with DaZ (Deutsch als Zweitsprache) offered from kindergarten through Abitur to support non-native speakers. English is taught as the first foreign language, starting in grade 2. Japanese is offered as a second language; native speakers may choose Japanese as an Abitur subject, while non-native learners may study it as an elective through grade 10 and, in grades 11–12, as an activity. French is offered as a second foreign language from grade 6, and Latin is available from grade 10, with the Latinum obtainable.

Immersion Programs

Schweizer Unterricht is offered for students in grades 1–12 who are interested in Swiss culture and Swiss German. The program consists of four hours per week of Swiss language instruction, delivered in four small groups with one lesson per week each. Students engage in conversations in Swiss German and explore Swiss culture through projects and activities. The program is open to all students, not only those with Swiss roots.

Admissions

1. Initial inquiry and information request: Express interest in DSTY by using the online contact form to reach the Anmeldebüro (admissions office). A DSTY representative will respond with next steps and guidance; a campus visit or information session is strongly recommended to understand the school environment and programs. This step helps families confirm fit before submitting formal applications.

2. Language readiness and eligibility for entry: For admission to the early grades, DSTY requires age-appropriate German language knowledge. This can be demonstrated by two consecutive years of attendance at a German-speaking kindergarten or by a school-conducted language placement assessment to verify German language ability. If aiming for early admission, the school will require successful completion of its internal school-readiness checks.

3. Documentation and application forms: Gather and submit the necessary forms and documents. Application forms are provided through the admissions process and are in German; the set includes a family registration form and per-child documents (health card, kindergarten/primary/secondary forms as applicable). Completed documents are submitted to DSTY's admissions office as part of the intake process.

4. Admission decision by the school leadership: The final decision on new enrollments rests with the school leadership. Once the child is accepted, families will be asked to submit the remaining forms and documents required for enrollment.

5. Enrollment timing and waitlists: There is no strict annual application deadline because enrolment can occur mid-year; however, competition is high, especially in the kindergarten. If a class reaches its maximum capacity, a waitlist is created and families are notified when a space becomes available. Early application is advised to improve the chances of securing a place.

6. Fees and onboarding steps after acceptance: Upon acceptance, families receive billing for the admission-related fees (service fee and admission fee) and then annual tuition and other charges as applicable. The current fee schedule for the 2025/2026 year includes a service fee of 75,000 yen and an admission fee of 650,000 yen per child; tuition is 1,650,000 yen for Primary grades 1–4 and 1,790,000 yen for grades 5–12; bus service is 380,000 yen; and a DSTY membership of 500 yen applies. Fees may be paid in four installments with a 1% processing fee, and late payments incur interest of 3% above the Bank of Japan discount rate.

7. Language and curriculum context (helpful for admissions planning): The school's instruction is predominantly in German; English is taught as the first foreign language starting in Grade 2, with the option to study Japanese as a second foreign language from Grade 1 and French (or Japanese with prerequisite) from Grade 6; Latin may be chosen from Grade 10.

Scholarships

DSTY offers financial assistance through the DSTY Foundation in the form of social subsidies to support German-speaking students regardless of parental income. Eligibility focuses on income and assets: gross family income thresholds are used as guidelines (under 7,000,000 yen per year for a single child; under 8,500,000 yen for two children), and prospective recipients must disclose the worldwide assets (real estate, investments, business interests, etc.). Applications for social subsidies must be submitted before enrolling in the school year for which the subsidy is sought, and the foundation reserves the right to make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Documents and forms are to be completed and submitted in person to the DSTY administration.

Waitlist

DSTY operates a waitlist system when a class reaches its maximum capacity. There is no strict end-of-year deadline for filing the application, as admissions can occur mid-year; once a class is full, a waitlist is created and families are notified when a space becomes available. The kindergarten section tends to have especially high demand, so early application is recommended.

View Full Profile

YES International School - Yokohama

Instructs in English, Japanese

Ages 5 - 15 years

Fees ¥1,412,400 - 1,588,950

Pupils 50

Type Co-educational

YES International School is a Cambridge International School for Grades 1 to 9, an 8-minute walk from Yokohama Station. Children learn trilingually, in English, Japanese and Programming, following Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary (English, Maths, Science and Global Perspectives) alongside Japanese. Classes have fewer than 10 students and lessons are grouped by level, so every child gets close attention. Families new to Japan are supported by JSL (Japanese as a second language) classes. Children don't need to speak English to join: ESL is included in tuition, and around 30% of our students start with little or no English. Led by Principal Kaoru Takeuchi, a science writer with a Ph.D. in physics from McGill University, YES has been preparing children for life in the age of AI since 2016. Rolling admission throughout the year, with a free one-day trial for Age 5 to Grade 9.

Location

Located in Yokohama, in Nishi-ku, near Yokohama Station. The school is on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Nisshin Yokohama Building, 1-33-1 Hiranuma, Yokohama 220-0023. It is an eight-minute walk from Yokohama Station, with convenient access to Kawasaki, Musashi-Kosugi, Shibuya and central Tokyo.

Stages

1–9 grades (elementary to junior high); Pre-School is available on request.

Type

International school; bilingual English–Japanese instruction with programming; Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary curricula.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Approximately 80% of students are Japanese nationals; international students comprise the remaining ~20%.

Additional learning support

ESL for English learners and JSL for Japanese learners; small classes with differentiated instruction; English and Japanese language support integrated into the curriculum.

Country affiliation

Japan

Application & Entrance Examination Fee

- Entrance / examination fee: JPY 52,800 (total for the examination period).

Enrollment (Admission) Fee

- Enrollment (one-time) fee: JPY 411,950. Payment required as a lump sum within one week after notification of acceptance.

Annual Facility & Equipment Costs

- Annual facility & equipment fee: JPY 411,950. This fee may be paid as a lump sum, divided into three instalments, or split into monthly payments.

Annual Tuition Fees (by year group)

- Pre-school (G1P / year before Grade 1): JPY 1,412,400 per year.
- Grades 1–9 (Elementary through Junior High): JPY 1,588,950 per year.

Per-term presentation (three-term billing basis)

- The school operates on a three-term academic year; the facility fee may be billed in three periods and academic grades are reported each term. Using the three-term billing basis, the tuition per term is:
- Pre-school (G1P): JPY 470,800 per term (JPY 1,412,400 ÷ 3).
- Grades 1–9: JPY 529,650 per term (JPY 1,588,950 ÷ 3).

Teaching Material Fees

- Monthly teaching-material fee: JPY 11,770 per month.
- Annual total if paid for 12 months: JPY 141,240 (11,770 × 12). Consumption tax applies separately to teaching-material fees.

Other Costs and Ancillary Fees

- Optional / additional fees: school lunch, after-school programme fees, pick-up/transport services (paid separately). School lunch via contracted catering is available (typical single-meal cost indicated around JPY 500–600 in school communications). Field trips, camps, external exam fees and special programme charges are billed as they occur. Examination-related fees are posted to the family account in the month after the test. Consumption tax is charged separately on tuition, facility/equipment fees, and teaching-material fees.

Billing schedule & payment terms

- Enrollment fee: lump-sum payment required within one week after acceptance.
- Facility & equipment fee: may be paid as a lump sum, divided into three instalments (three periods), or split into monthly payments.
- Installment payments: a split/administration fee is charged when paying by instalments. Bank-transfer fees are payable by the payer. Consumption tax is added where applicable. Examination fees are billed for the examination period and notified within one week of results.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: Not applicable. No boarding provision or dormitory fees are listed in the school's published tuition, admissions, or policies materials for the Yokohama campus; the school operates as a day programme.

Refunds and withdrawal / cancellation

- No explicit, published refund, withdrawal, or fee-cancellation policy for enrollment, tuition, facility or teaching-material fees was located in the school's publicly posted tuition, admissions, FAQ or school policies pages. Where a specific refund or cancellation rule is required for a database entry, the school's office should be contacted for the official refund/withdrawal terms.

Fee payment options

- Bank transfer is used for school fee payments; bank-transfer fees are the responsibility of the payer. Installment and split-payment options are offered for facility/equipment fees and other charges, with a split fee for instalments. Consumption tax is applied separately to tuition, facility and teaching-material fees. Specific methods for paying the entrance/examination fee at application are not detailed in the public tuition pages; families should follow the school's invoicing instructions when they receive an offer.

Curriculum

The school has a trilingual curriculum: English, Japanese & Coding.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates have continued to a range of Japanese junior high and high schools and international programs, including Hiroo Gakuen Koishikawa JHS (AG Course, all-English), Morimura Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, International College of Technology (all-English), Oozora High School, N High School (online), Orange County School of the Arts, Visual Arts Conservatory (USA), King George Secondary School (Canada), Clayburn Middle School (Canada), with some completing study-abroad programs such as Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand.

Gifted and Talented

YES has gifted education provisions, with ability-grouping for some classes; math-talented students may study above grade level, and the school also serves students with learning disabilities.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school emphasizes social-emotional learning through the Three Cs: Consideration, Critical Thinking and Creativity. Consideration fosters empathy; the school develops sympathy and empathy so students care about others and consider situations they have not faced. Critical Thinking is central to the curriculum, encouraging independent thinking and learning from mistakes. Creativity is promoted across subjects through project-based learning and creative approaches to core subjects.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school serves gifted students and students with learning disabilities, with classes grouped by ability and one-on-one instruction when needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school uses CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) for English Language Arts to integrate language instruction with content from other subjects. TOEFL Step 1, Step 2, and Junior tests are administered twice a year to measure English ability and place students in level-appropriate classes. The curriculum is delivered in English. The school accepts international students with JSL (Japanese as a second language) support.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through social-emotional learning and a caring school culture; empathy and consideration are fostered to support students' emotional development and resilience.

Safeguarding

The school provides pick up and drop off services to ensure the safety of students.

History

YES International School is a private free school run by YES International Inc., in the spirit of the Equal Educational Opportunity Law. It provides education that respects individual differences rather than uniformity. Kaoru Takeuchi opened YES International School in 2016 with the goal of education to survive in the age of Artificial Intelligence, and regards Japanese, English, and programming as three languages, providing trilingual education. The school's finances consist of tuition fees, donations, and seasonal school earnings, and the management company has an auditor, Haruya Fujino. Nobuo Kawakami is the major donor, and shareholders include Kenichiro Mogi, Hiroko Sumita, Kazuhiko Toyama, Haruya Fujino, Takashi Tokunaga, Hiromi Ibukuro, Masashi Fujii; capital is 33.2 million yen as of March 2023; Kaoru Takeuchi is Principal, with Naveen Bukhari as Vice Principal and Head of English Department, and Yuji Nakajima as Vice Principal.

Community

Festivals and Events are held to embrace festivals from all cultures, with activities around Yokohama and Tokyo across the seasons. The school runs an Annual School Camp. Field Trips are a regular part of YES and are designed to be varied to increase knowledge while strengthening students physically and socially. Seasonal Schools were offered in 2023 with Spring and Summer programs and are planned to continue in the future.

Facilities Overview

The school is a Cambridge International School and is trilingual in English, Japanese, and programming. It is located eight minutes from Yokohama Station. The campus is in the Nisshin‑Yokohama Building on the 3rd and 4th floors. The address is 1-33-1 Hiranuma, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0023, Japan. The school accepts international students year‑round with Japanese as a second language (JSL) support.

A library, a dance studio, and computers, tablets and other technology for everyday learning. Outdoor P.E. takes place at Rinko Park, by the sea in Minato Mirai, about a 15-minute walk from the school.

Academic Facilities

Technology is integrated across subjects such as English, Japanese, math, science, and art, enriching the learning experience. Students acquire essential technology skills, including operating systems, 3D design tools, and touch typing in English and Japanese. Programming and responsible technology use are central to the curriculum, supporting cross‑subject problem solving and safety online. The approach fosters creativity and innovation, preparing students for a digital landscape integrated into education and life.

Extra Curricular Facilities

After school activities run after the regular day and focus on English development, creativity, and physical fitness. Participation is on a pay-as-you-go system with tickets that students buy and spend on any lesson they choose. A schedule of after school activities for the 2024-2025 year is provided.

After-school activities include table tennis, robotics, coding, English for beginners, arts and crafts, and capoeira. Hiking trips run about twice a year to places in Kanagawa such as Kamakura and the Miura Peninsula.

Academic & Intellectual

The school is a Cambridge International School with a trilingual program in English, Japanese, and programming. The English Language Arts program fosters a lifelong love of language and literature, while the Japanese Language program supports similar language-learning aims. Programming is integrated across the curriculum to build computational thinking and problem‑solving skills. A Study Abroad Program broadens learning beyond Yokohama and the local community.

Arts & Creative

Visual Arts courses blend Western and Eastern art principles across mediums and techniques, including digital art. Music, dance, and ukulele classes are offered to students. Art, Music, and Digital Art provide opportunities for creative expression across disciplines. These courses are part of the broader curriculum design.

Cultural & Language

Location-Based Language Separation divides spaces by language use outside the classroom. The 3rd Floor (Grades 1–2) allows both Japanese and English; the 4th Floor (Grades 3–4) is English‑only; the Maple Building (Grade 5+) predominantly uses English, with bilingual use permitted. Japanese Culture activities are provided as part of the program. The school offers English Language and Japanese Language programs to support bilingual development.

Social & Hobbies

After School Activities are offered to students. Seasonal School programs run throughout the year, with diverse Field Trips planned around the curriculum. Festivals and Events provide cultural experiences across seasons. An Annual School Camp builds teamwork and outdoor learning.

Leadership & Professional

Study Abroad Program offers opportunities for extended learning beyond Yokohama. Alumni (Graduate Students after YES) have moved on nationally and internationally. The school fosters leadership and professional development through its programs and alumni experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Physical Education is an indoor/outdoor program designed to balance mind and body and develop core strength. An Annual School Camp develops outdoor skills and teamwork. Seasonal activities and Field Trips promote wellness, resilience and community engagement.

Language Provision

English Language Arts (ELA) and Japanese Language Arts (JLA) are taught. The ELA program uses CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning). Programming is taught as part of the curriculum. Grades 1–9 are offered, with Japanese as a second language support (JSL) for international students.

Bilingual Teaching

Yes. English and Japanese are used in instruction; programming is also taught. Language exposure is organized by grade: Grades 1–2 allow both languages; Grades 3–4 are English-only; Grade 5+ English is promoted most of the time, with both languages permitted. Lunchtime is free communication time where children can use any language.

Immersion Programs

Yes. YES International includes an immersion English program. Japanese is used as the children's native language. From Grade 1, the school teaches English, Japanese and Programming, describing itself as a trilingual school.

View Full Profile

Yokohama Christian School

Instructs in English

Ages 2 - 11 years

Fees ¥2,007,000 - 2,126,000

Pupils 40

Type Co-educational

Yokohama Christian School (YCS), founded in 2002, is located in Yokohama’s historic Bluff (Yamate-cho) area and serves children from Preschool through Grade 5. The elementary program uses an American Classical Christian curriculum, including resources such as Shurley English, Saxon Math and Bible materials. The school notes that social studies draws on students’ backgrounds and the school’s Japan location. YCS also offers an enrichment program across ages that includes art, music, PE, Latin, library, technology and worship, with Japanese listed as part of enrichment in the admissions FAQ. For after-school options, the school lists clubs such as Children’s Choir, Book Club, Homework Club, Multimedia Club and Running Club. The school also describes an After School Care program with extended options.

Location

Yokohama Christian School is located at 66-2 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0862, Japan. It is in the Bluff district of Yokohama, near landmarks such as the Foreigner's Cemetery, Bluff Clinic, Ferris Girls' School, and St. Maur International School. The area is accessible by nearby subway and JR lines, including Motomachi-Chukagai Station and Ishikawa-cho Station.

Stages

Preschool (age 2–4) and Elementary (Kindergarten–Grade 5). The Elementary division is split into Lower Elementary (Kindergarten–Grade 2) and Upper Elementary (Grade 3–5).

Type

The school is a non-profit, co-educational preschool and elementary school. It is non-denominational and church-sponsored, offering Christian and classical education.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The student body includes international, bicultural, and local students. The school does not publish nationality percentages and does not require a specific nationality; applications are open to all faiths.

Additional learning support

YCS provides Learning Support, including Regular Learning Support on a case-by-case basis. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available from this school year, with a focus on language arts as the foundation for other subjects. The school works with families and support staff to provide appropriate academic and behavioral support.

Country affiliation

No formal country affiliation; the school operates in Yokohama, Japan.

Religious affiliation

Christian affiliation; non-denominational and church-sponsored.

School day structure

A Before School Care option runs from 7:55 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. The After School Care program ends at 3:30 p.m., with Extended After School Care available to 5:00 p.m. Regular school hours are supported by these care options.

Bus service

There is no school bus service offered at this time; families use public transport. The school notes that many families live near Yamate-cho and Honmoku and rely on public transportation.

Admission process fees

- Application fee: JPY 30,000 payable at the time of application.
- Entrance fee: JPY 300,000 payable when invoiced.

Annual fees (non-tuition)

- Registration fee: JPY 42,000 (non-refundable).
- Annual development fee: JPY 250,000 payable when invoiced.

Tuition fees (annual and per-term by year group)

- Elementary (Kindergarten – Grade 5)
- Annual tuition: JPY 1,802,000.
- Per term (two-term billing): JPY 901,000.

- Sprouts (3–4 year olds), Full Day (08:30–15:30)
- Annual tuition: JPY 1,715,000.
- Per term (two-term billing): JPY 857,500.

- Sprouts (3–4 year olds), Regular (08:30–14:30)
- Annual tuition: JPY 1,630,000.
- Per term (two-term billing): JPY 815,000.

- Seeds (2 year olds), Full Day (08:30–14:30)
- Annual tuition: JPY 1,834,000.
- Per term (two-term billing): JPY 917,000.

- Seeds (2 year olds), Regular (08:30–12:30)
- Annual tuition: JPY 1,630,000.
- Per term (two-term billing): JPY 815,000.

Additional recurring or optional fees

- Deferred payment (10-payment plan) fee: JPY 20,000 (non-refundable). Payments on this plan run from May through March with an exemption in October.
- Learning support fee (if required): JPY 40,000 per semester.
- EAL (English as an Additional Language) support fee (if required): JPY 140,000 per semester.
- After School Club Activity (1st–5th graders): Annual club registration and maintenance fee JPY 25,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard tuition billing: Full tuition is payable in two terms; payments are due May 30 and November 30.
- Deferred 10-payment plan option is available as described above (additional non-refundable fee applies).
- All fees are stated as non-refundable. A withdrawal form is required 30 days prior to leaving. Changes of days during a term are not permitted. Late payments incur a fee equal to 10% of the total outstanding invoice.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a preschool and elementary day school and does not list boarding options or boarding fees.

Other costs (uniform, materials, etc.)

- No separate uniform fee is listed in the published fee schedule. Other incidental or program-specific costs are not itemized in the headline fee summary; learning support, EAL support, and after-school club fees are listed above.

Refund information and related business policy

- All fees are non-refundable. A completed withdrawal form is required 30 days prior to leaving. No changes of days during the term are permitted. Late-payment penalty: 10% of outstanding invoice.

Fee payment options and instructions

- Bank transfer / direct deposit in JPY to Bank of Yokohama, Motomachi Branch. Account (ordinary): 311-1518402. Account name: Yokohama Union Church Yokohama Christian School. SWIFT code: HAMAJPJT. Payer must cover bank transfer fees. Use the student's name as the payment reference.
- PayPal: payments accepted via finance.school@yokohamaunionchurch.org (send as a gift and note the child's name; any extra charges deducted to the school will be charged to the parents on the next invoice).
- Japan Post (JP Post) transfer option is provided; account name and number are supplied in the fee instructions.

Tuition assistance

- Limited tuition assistance is available; contact the school office for details.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required. Preschool uniforms consist of a green t‑shirt with the YCS logo and hoodies for colder months; dark colored bottoms are encouraged but not mandatory. Elementary students wear a Kelly-green polo with navy bottoms (slacks or skirts); girls wearing skirts or skorts must wear knee socks in navy or white.

Food Options

Yes. Students aged 3 and above can order a bento from Cezars Kitchen, the meal service used by Saint Maur International School. This provides a lunch option for YCS students.

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by a School Board in conjunction with the school leadership. It is affiliated with international Christian school networks, including the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association, Christian Academy in Japan, and the Association of Christian Schools International, and holds Star Program accreditation.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Yokohama Christian School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through an inclusive, Christ-centered learning environment where each student is viewed as a child of God with unique capabilities. The school states it aims to be an inclusive environment and works as a team with parents to ensure students' needs are met, creating a warm, nurturing community of learners. Formal learning support is provided in two areas: behavioral/developmental/learning differences and English language, coordinated by a Learning Support team. The staff includes a School Chaplain who provides pastoral support for students, and a School Nurse who contributes to students' well-being. There is no explicit, named SEL program described on the site.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Yokohama Christian School provides two categories of formal learning support: 1) behavioral, developmental, and learning differences; 2) English language support (EAL). Admissions require parents to provide transparent information about the child's schooling history and diagnosis history to shape an accurate picture of needs. The school emphasizes an inclusive environment and teamwork with parents to meet students' needs. It is not described as a specialist SEN institution, with learning support delivered as part of the regular program rather than a separate SEN-only facility. A Learning Support staff member is listed, and EAL support includes one-on-one and group lessons as well as other forms of support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is identified at admission or through fall/spring assessments. Some students require support across reading, writing, speaking, and listening, while others may need specific support in one area to succeed at YCS. Students are able to have one-on-one lessons, group lessons, and other support as needed through this program. EAL is part of YCS's Learning Support framework, with ongoing efforts to improve how support is delivered to meet students where they are on their academic journey.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through pastoral care staffed by a School Chaplain, indicating availability of spiritual and emotional support for students. The school describes a nurturing community framed by Christian education. The site does not describe a separate, named mental health program, counseling service, or mental health curriculum. The presence of the School Nurse further complements overall student wellbeing.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding-related information is addressed through health and safety measures. The Health page states that the health of each student is of utmost importance and outlines policies concerning illnesses and absences, with a Classroom Policy handbook available in each classroom and the school office. The school conducts monthly emergency drills, rotating between fire and earthquake drills, and maintains evacuation procedures for emergencies. The School Nurse and School Chaplain on staff contribute to student safety and welfare.

History

In 2002 the Preschool Committee began developing a preschool outreach for Yokohama Union Church and the local community, with early classes held at the 'Pink House' next to the church. In 2003 the program expanded to five mornings a week and moved into the new church building on the site. Enrollment grew, and in 2005 a second classroom opened, with by 2009 enrollment expanding to serve children from age two through six and including afternoon English language learning. In 2013 the school began using a Classical Christian Curriculum and added a multiage elementary class, and in 2014 the school name was changed to Yokohama Christian School to reflect the broadened program. STAR groundwork for accreditation started in 2015–2016, Alisha Yamamori was hired as Head in 2020 (the third head in YCS history), the first Elementary Commencement occurred in 2021, and the school celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023.

Community

The school functions within the Yokohama Union Church community and serves international, multicultural, and Japanese families seeking a Christian, classical education for preschool through Grade 5. The school emphasizes parental involvement and partnership with families in its educational approach. It hosts a calendar of community events such as the Fall Family Festival, Christmas Program, Community Service, Year End Show, and field trips that bring families together. After-school clubs offer additional opportunities for family and community engagement, including Children's Choir Club, Book Club, Homework Club, Multimedia Club, and Running Club. The school maintains ongoing family communication through newsletters and parent forms as part of its engagement with the School community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

A formal Parent Teacher Association page or structure is not published on Yokohama Christian School's site. Parent involvement is organized through events and program support rather than a standalone PTA. Families participate as volunteers for events such as the Fall Family Festival, Christmas Program, Community Service, Year End Show, and field trips. Parents also contribute by supporting after-school clubs, including Children's Choir Club, Book Club, Homework Club, Multimedia Club, and Running Club, with logistics and supervision coordinated by the school staff. Communications with families are facilitated through newsletters and a Parent Forms portal to coordinate volunteering, health information, and other logistics. Volunteer opportunities can also be pursued via Yokohama Union Church channels, which list roles such as ushers and street outreach for broader church-family service. The school's affiliations with ACSI, CAJ, JEMA, and TAIP position it within a broader international Christian education community that families engage with through the school program.

Facilities Overview

Yokohama Christian School is located at 66-2 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama. The campus features a library with a 4,000+ English-book collection and weekly checkout for students. An enrichment program offers Music, Art, Japanese, Physical Education, and Computer classes to extend learning beyond core subjects. After-school care provides supervision and outdoor play when weather permits, with additional before-school options. Nutritious lunches are arranged via external providers, with hot lunches available from Cezar's Kitchen at St. Maur International School.

Academic Facilities

Library services are a central academic facility, with the library housing 4,000+ English books and weekly borrowing for students. Computer class teaches typing, editing, presentation, and digital literacy to prepare students for the 21st century. Japanese language classes introduce students to local language and culture through interactive activities. Physical education focuses on fitness and personal development as part of the enrichment program. Music and Art are included in enrichment activities to foster creativity across grade levels.

Extra Curricular Facilities

YCS offers after-school clubs for both academic and sports. The lineup includes Children's Choir Club (Mondays 3:10–3:50, Grades 1+), Book Club (Tuesdays 3:10–3:50, Grades 1+), Homework Club (Wednesdays 3:10–3:50, Grades 1+), Multimedia Club (Thursdays 3:10–3:50, Grades 1+), and Running Club (Fridays 3:10–3:50, Grades 1+). The full club program is announced at the start of each academic year. Twice a year the school hosts a Christmas Program and an End-of-Year Show to showcase student talents.

Academic & Intellectual

Yokohama Christian School offers a day-long Enrichment Program for Seeds through Grade 5 that engages students in activities beyond core academics. The program includes Art, Music, Library time, Japanese, Latin, Computer, and Physical Education, all integrated into the school day. These activities support language development, literacy, digital literacy, creativity, and physical fitness as part of a holistic education. Twice a year, the Christmas Program and End-of-Year Show showcase student talents.

Arts & Creative

Arts and creative activities are integrated through the Enrichment Program and in after-school clubs. Art is taught by a trained staff artist, offering diverse modes of expression. Music education is provided from preschool through elementary, using Music and the Brain curricula and the God Made Music program. After-school clubs such as Children's Choir Club and Multimedia Club provide performance and design opportunities, and the school marks creativity with the Christmas Program and End-of-Year Show.

Cultural & Language

Japanese language classes expose students to the local language and culture through interactive activities such as songs, books, and games. Latin is offered as part of the enrichment program, introducing classical language and supporting English vocabulary development. These language offerings aim to build cultural awareness and communication skills beyond the classroom.

Social & Hobbies

After-school clubs provide social and recreational opportunities. The 2025-2026 program includes Children's Choir Club (Mondays 3:10–3:50), Book Club (Tuesdays 3:10–3:50), Homework Club (Wednesdays 3:10–3:50), Multimedia Club (Thursdays 3:10–3:50), and Running Club (Fridays 3:10–3:50) for Grades 1+. These clubs support reading, creativity, design, and physical activity.

Community & Service

YCS highlights community involvement through volunteer activity documented in school communications. Staff and students have participated in charitable events such as charity marathons in Tokyo, reflecting a commitment to service and outreach.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Physical Education is offered twice weekly, focusing on motor skills, teamwork, and healthy living. The Running Club provides additional opportunities for physical activity and personal growth. Seasonal events such as the Christmas Program and End-of-Year Show celebrate student wellbeing, confidence, and achievement.

Language Provision

English is the primary language of instruction, with explicit English-language programs and support available. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is offered for students who need help with reading, writing, speaking, and listening, including one-on-one and small-group lessons. The school provides an Afternoon English Course with an English Beginner track (4–6 years old, Mon/Thu) and a Language Arts track for older students (6+), aimed at maintaining and strengthening speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English. Japanese language instruction is provided as part of the Enrichment Program to expose students to the local language and culture; the enrichment classes also include English-language resources such as a large English-language library.

Immersion Programs

No formal language immersion programs are described on Yokohama Christian School pages. Japanese language instruction is offered as part of the Enrichment Program to expose students to the local language and culture. The Afternoon English Course is conducted in English; the classroom is English-only, with Japanese-speaking staff available for emergencies. These arrangements indicate language learning occurs through English instruction and targeted Japanese exposure rather than full-language immersion across the curriculum.

Accreditations

Accreditations and affiliations Yokohama Christian School publicly lists: - Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI): YCS is a member school and uses ACSI-approved materials in its teaching. This places the school within a global Christian-school network and aligns it with Christian education standards. ACSI is also the body that runs the STAR program, a pre-accreditation path toward formal accreditation. The school notes it is pursuing ACSI accreditation and, in parallel, aims to pursue WASC accreditation in the near future. - STAR Program (Steps Toward Achieving Recognition): The STAR program is an ACSI pre-accreditation development designed to help schools establish policies and administrative structures needed for formal accreditation. Yokohama Christian School has completed steps of this program since 2015, with ongoing work toward full accreditation. - Tokyo Association of International Preschools (TAIP): YCS is a TAIP member, indicating involvement with the network of international preschools in the Tokyo area. - Japan Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA): YCS is an endorsed ministry of JEMA, reflecting alignment with Japan's evangelical mission community. - Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ): YCS is an affiliate school of CAJ, linking it with other Christian international schools in Japan. - CAJ affiliation and the listed accreditations appear together on the school's “Accreditations & Affiliations” section, confirming these connections.

Admissions

Step 1 — Visit: School tours are available by appointment. During the visit, the School Head will discuss your family's educational goals and how Yokohama Christian School can support them. You will be given an admissions pack with information about programs, policies, and next steps. To arrange a tour, contact the school office or submit the inquiry form.

Step 2 — Application: Submit the application and application fee, and provide the required documents: proof of age (birth certificate or passport information page), teacher recommendations or reports from previous schooling, Health History (completed by a parent/guardian), and a Medical Certificate for School Entrance (ages 5 and up). Note that the yearly amounts for different grades are payable in two terms, and you should confirm that all documents have been received before the application is considered. Your application will not be considered until all documents are received.

Step 3 — Interview & Observation: A parent and child interview is conducted to discuss your situation and future school plans. Children aged 4 years and older are evaluated on English listening and speaking abilities, while elementary-aged children are assessed in language arts and mathematics in addition to English listening and speaking. This step helps determine placement and readiness for the program.

Step 4 — Review, Decision & Enrollment: After the interview and once all required documents are received, the school reviews the application and makes a admission decision. If admitted, you will receive enrollment instructions and be invoiced according to the Fees & Tuition schedule; payments are due in two terms (May and November 30th). The fee structure includes an Application Fee, Entrance Fee, Registration Fee, Annual Development Fee, and grade-appropriate Tuition, with additional Learning Support, EAL Support, and After School Club fees as applicable. All fees are non-refundable, and late payments incur a 10% charge on the outstanding balance. If you plan to withdraw, a withdrawal form is due 30 days prior to leaving.

Scholarships

Scholarships: Limited tuition assistance is available for eligible families. Details and eligibility are determined by the school office; families are advised to contact the office for information on what aid may be available and how to apply.

Waitlist

Waitlist/Pool: For the main Yokohama Christian School admissions, a formal waitlist policy is not published on the general admissions materials. The Afternoon Class page states that admission is based on availability of space and indicates that you will be informed if there is a wait list when determining your start date. This suggests that waitlists, if any, are specific to certain programs and not described as a universal policy for the entire school.

View Full Profile

Yokohama International School

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees ¥2,120,000 - 3,440,000

Pupils 830

Type Co-educational

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

View Full Profile

Compare International Schools in Yokohama, Japan

Location

Stages

Type

Pupil Nationality Mix

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Religious affiliation

School day structure

Bus service

Boarding Arrangements

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

History

Community

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Facilities Overview

Sports Facilities

Academic Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities

Academic & Intellectual

Arts & Creative

Cultural & Language

Social & Hobbies

Community & Service

Leadership & Professional

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Language Provision

Immersion Programs

Awards

Accreditations

Admissions

Scholarships

Waitlist

Location

Stages

Type

Pupil Nationality Mix

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

History

Community

Facilities Overview

Academic Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities

Academic & Intellectual

Arts & Creative

Cultural & Language

Social & Hobbies

Leadership & Professional

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Language Provision

Bilingual Teaching

Immersion Programs

Awards

Admissions

Location

Stages

Type

Pupil Nationality Mix

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Religious affiliation

School day structure

Bus service