Horizon Japan International School

The Horizon Japan International School is located at 1-24 Ono-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 221-0055, Japan. The campus sits along Yokohama's portside waterfront in central Yokohama. It is accessible from Yokohama Station via multiple JR lines (Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi, Tokaido, Yokosuka, Shonan-Shinjuku) and private rail lines (Tokyu Toyoko Minatomirai, Keikyu Main Line, Sotetsu, and the Yokohama Municipal Blue Line).

HJIS offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum from early years through high school. The Early Years Programme (EYP) serves ages 3–5, followed by the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP) in the upper grades.

HJIS is a co-educational international day school. It operates as a day school rather than a boarding institution.

The student body represents over 37 nationalities. The school has more than 530 students (Preschool to Grade 12) and 22 nationalities represented among the faculty. The most represented nationality among students is not publicly disclosed.

The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for non-native speakers from Early Years to the Diploma Programme. A Student Support & Guidance framework is in place to support learners, alongside related SEN provisions.

No formal country affiliation is stated. The school is located in Yokohama, Japan.

No religious affiliation is stated; the school welcomes students from diverse religious backgrounds.

Lunch is offered through a school lunch program (students may also bring lunch). After-school Daycare runs from 3:30 to 6:00 PM on regular school days. The School Office hours are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM on weekdays.

Private bus transportation is provided by a contracted bus company for an additional fee. The fleet serves a large region including most major areas of Yokohama and surrounding neighborhoods. Bus routes include Kohoku, Hiyoshi, Yokohama, and Kawasaki, with annual revisions; safety rules and a timetable are published and waitlists may apply when buses reach capacity.

HJIS offers an IB Continuum from Early Years through Grade 12, including the Early Years Programme (EYP), Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Instruction is in English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to ensure full access to the curriculum. The Diploma Programme follows the IB framework with six subject groups and a DP core to prepare students for higher education. The school holds accreditations as an IB World School and is accredited by CIS, WASC, and ECIS. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and global citizenship across all grade levels.

HJIS prioritizes student social and emotional wellbeing as a core part of its safety and learning culture. The Student Support & Guidance program combines academic assistance, language learning, and career preparation into one seamless framework. The IB continuum and guiding statements promote global citizenship, high quality learning, and a collaborative community, which underpin SEL. The school offers more than 60 after-school clubs to support social development and peer connections. Digital Citizenship and Global Citizenship are highlighted as core values in the guiding statements, reinforcing responsible, empathetic participation in school and beyond.

An ILP (Individualized Learning Plan) is used during admissions to tailor support for students with identified needs. EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is provided for non-native speakers from Early Years to the Diploma Programme. Placement assessments determine whether EAL or other specialized assistance is required. Horizon is an IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP), with SEN support described as integrated within the IB framework rather than as a separate SEN department.

HJIS provides tailored English support for non-native speakers from Early Years to the Diploma Programme. Lessons focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills and are integrated into the IB curriculum. During admissions, a WIDA test is used to assess EAL needs and determine the level of support required.

Safety Protocols state that the safety, health, and emotional wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors are top priorities. The protocols outline emergency communications and a culture of safety and trust. During incidents, families are updated via emails, website posts, social media, and phone where available, and no child is dismissed from school without a parent or approved designee with photo ID.

HJIS is a JCIS World School (joined 2024) and CIS-accredited (since 2018), with ECIS membership; these accreditations emphasize safeguarding, inclusive practices, and strong governance. Safety Protocols describe a culture of safety and trust and robust emergency communications. During emergencies, updates are provided through multiple channels (email, website, social media, phone), and dismissal follows strict identification and designee rules. The admissions policy states Horizon is non-discriminatory in admissions.

Step 1 – Gather the documents. Collect the items listed in the admissions guidance: Academic Records for applicants in Grade 1–12; Proof of payment of the application fee of 30,000 JPY; a scan of the student's passport or birth certificate for birth-date verification; photos of the student and guardian(s); a guarantee letter from the employer if the company will pay school fees; and any individualized learning plan (ILP) or other supporting documents. This collection ensures the admissions team has complete material to begin with and supports a smooth review. The documents are used to determine eligibility and placement, and to facilitate the review of the application package.

Step 2 – Submit your application. Submit the online application and complete all checklist items in your account. The online submissions are routed through the school's admissions portal, and submitting the form triggers the review process once all required documents are received. This step marks the transition from document gathering to formal review.

Step 3 – Submission Review. After online submission, the child may be invited for an interview and a placement assessment. The placement assessment helps determine the appropriate class placement and whether English as an Additional Language (EAL) support or other specialized assistance is required. The outcome of the assessment informs next steps and potential supports.

Step 4 – Application Decision. Following the assessment and review of prior school records, the school decides whether the child may register. Families are notified by email as soon as possible of the outcome, and the actual registration occurs at this stage if a place is offered. This decision ties together assessment results, records, and space availability.

Step 5 – Enrollment Begins. The admissions office determines the first day of the school, and a family orientation may be organized if applicable. A WIDA test for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners will be conducted as part of the enrollment process. Enrollment activities culminate in the start of the new school term.

Scholarships are available through the Corporate Contribution Plan. Scholarships are granted to students whose parents are employed by companies that participate in this plan. Detailed information about eligibility and how to apply is provided by the Business Office. Families interested in this option should contact the Business Office for further information.

Horizon Japan International School uses a rolling admissions policy with a space-available basis. Applications are reviewed and considered as spaces open up, and there is no published waitlist system; families are typically informed by email if a place becomes available or if further steps are required. This approach means that admissions can occur at various times during the year depending on vacancies.