Yokohama International School

Guided by the mission to "Live, Learn, and Lead," the school focuses on developing the whole child through a student-centered, inquiry-based approach. It emphasizes values such as mindfulness, honesty, peacefulness, responsibility, and support, while fostering a diverse and inclusive community where every student's voice is heard.

The academic programme is structured into the Early Learning Center (ages 3–5), Elementary School (Kindergarten–Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). The curriculum is rooted in the IB Primary Years Program (PYP) for younger students, the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) for middle schoolers, and flexible pathways in high school that include IB Diploma courses. The ELC is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, emphasizing play-based learning.

High school students follow flexible pathways toward the YIS Diploma, with options for IB Diploma courses, external assessments, and teacher-created coursework. Graduates are prepared to lead and contribute to a global society, with the school emphasizing the development of critical thinking, resilience, and empathy.

The school provides holistic support services, including Learning Support for diverse learning profiles, EAL (English as an Additional Language) assistance, and Wellness & Counseling to prioritize social-emotional health. These teams collaborate with families and external specialists to tailor support to individual student strengths and aspirations.

Yokohama International School serves the international community in Yokohama and the Tokyo metropolitan area, offering instruction in English. It welcomes students of all nationalities, particularly those from families on temporary assignments, as well as Japanese nationals with prior international education. The application process requires a pre-application, submission of school records, and confidential teacher recommendations, with rolling admissions for overseas applicants and specific periods for those already in Japan.

The school year runs from August to June. The calendar includes key dates for applications, with the process for the 2027–2028 school year opening in early November 2026. The school provides a central calendar for community events, activities, and holidays.

The 14,685-square-meter campus in Honmoku, opened in 2022, features flexible learning spaces, a library with satellite branches, and a science wing with six labs. Performing arts facilities include a black box theatre, music studios with recording capabilities, and a multipurpose auditorium. Athletic facilities include a double gymnasium, a 25-meter heated swimming pool, and a 90m x 46m artificial turf field. The campus also incorporates sustainable features like a 360-panel solar energy system and outdoor spaces such as the Chowa-an teahouse, an ornamental Japanese garden, and various student-tended gardens.

Students participate in a wide range of activities, including athletics, visual and performing arts, and service learning. The school offers expeditions to promote resilience and connection to nature, a Japanese Culture Program featuring activities like tea ceremonies and calligraphy, and student-led initiatives such as Student Councils and performance showcases like "Studentainment." Athletics include team sports and aquatic activities in the school's 25-meter heated pool.