Poppins Active Learning International School

The school’s philosophy centers on awakening a passion for discovery by encouraging children to explore and interact with their environment. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than rote memorization. The educational experience is built upon the core values of honesty, gratitude, and integrity.

The curriculum is based on the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which covers learning criteria for children aged three to six, including physical development. The school offers active learning programmes in science, art, music, mathematics, languages, physical development, lifesaving, and self-discovery. Instruction is conducted in both English and Japanese to support the development of bilingualism.

The school aims to foster multicultural and bilingual individuals who are capable of participating in a global society. By emphasizing honesty, gratitude, and integrity, the programme seeks to nurture lifelong skills, critical thinking, and creativity in children.

The school employs bilingual staff to assist and comfort young children during the early stages of their English language acquisition. The educational approach integrates high-quality childcare with standards-based education, which the school refers to as "Educare."

The admissions process begins with a school visit or attendance at an open house, followed by a trial session involving free play and circle time for children aged seven months and older. Families must submit an application pack, supporting documents, and an entrance fee before meeting with the principal and senior teacher to discuss school policies and settling-in routines. Enrollment decisions are made by the school, and families may choose between three, four, or five-day-a-week attendance schedules.

The school operates on a three-term system: Term 1 runs from April 1 to August 28, Term 2 from September 1 to December 17, and Term 3 from January 5 to March 19. Children may participate in external special programmes during the summer, winter, and spring breaks. Standard school hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional childcare available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. by advance sign-up.

The school is located within the Yebisu Garden Place complex in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, occupying the first and second floors of the Yebisu Garden Terrace Nibankan. The facility is designed to be bright, spacious, and secure, featuring environments specifically created to promote learning through play and exploration. It is situated within walking distance of both the JR Yamanote Line and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line at Ebisu Station.

The school offers a variety of specialist programmes designed to enhance physical and creative development. These include karate for martial arts and physical discipline, professional art classes, ballet, gymnastics, and yoga, which incorporates meditation to improve focus and body awareness. Additionally, the school provides Japanese-only after-school classes from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.