Ayla International School

The school utilizes the 'Ayla Method,' a holistic approach to early childhood education inspired by the teachings of Jean Piaget, Rudolph Steiner, Loris Malaguzzi, and Erik Erikson. It emphasizes child-centered learning, individuation, and the development of the whole child through play, exploration, and discovery. The school aims to foster a lifelong love of learning while instilling integrity, compassion, and confidence in each student.

The school offers a bilingual (English and Japanese) and multi-age program for children aged 1 to 6, covering subjects such as math, science, language arts, social studies, and the arts. The curriculum integrates music, dance, drama, and nature-based activities to engage all senses and intelligences. In addition to regular full-time enrollment, the school provides flexible short-term enrollment options ranging from 1 to 3 months.

The school employs a tailored approach to cater to individual learning styles, utilizing visual aids for visual learners, discussion for auditory learners, and hands-on activities for physical learners. It is committed to providing high-quality education for all children regardless of physical or academic ability, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Small classroom sizes ensure that each student receives individual attention.

The admissions process requires families to check for space availability, schedule a visit with the school director, and complete a half-day trial lesson to assess the child's social-emotional development and adaptability. Upon successful completion of the trial, families may submit an online application. Classes maintain a low student-teacher ratio, and early registration is encouraged as spots are reserved upon payment of tuition. The school offers need-based financial assistance to qualified non-Japanese families.

The school operates on a standard academic year running from September to June, with an option to extend through August. Regular programs operate from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with additional extended care options available until 6:00 pm. School tours are conducted on Wednesdays at 10:30 am or 3:30 pm by appointment.

Located in Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, the school provides a friendly and homely environment designed to be safe and supportive for young children. The facility is a registered childcare facility (認可外保育) within the Minato Ward. The campus is equipped to support a variety of learning activities, including dedicated spaces for art, music, and sensory exploration.

After-school programs are available for children aged 3 to 9, offering a variety of activities designed to help students practice English and other languages, explore different cultures, and express themselves creatively. These sessions typically run between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Additionally, the school hosts seasonal camps, including Golden Week, summer, autumn, and winter sessions.