Here we provide some of the Frequently Asked Questions and answers to help make your decision-making process easier.
Please click on any category below to Frequently Asked Questions and answers.
Shinagawa International School (SIS) in Tokyo is committed to following and further developing the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP Programme. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is followed from Preschool to Grade 5.
SIS also offers a Secondary School Inquiry Learning Programme for its students. The programme is an extension of our current Primary Years Programme (PYP). Each year, we will add an additional year level to allow your child to continue their education through the Middle School Inquiry Learning Programme.
We have students from more than 40 different countries including America, Korea, UK, Australia, China, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Peru, Taiwan, India, Philippines, Japan, etc.
- Preschool to Kindergarten – 8:30 am to 3:15 pm
- Grades 1 to 10 – 8:30 am to 3:15 pm
All subjects (except for Japanese classes) are taught in English; therefore, students need sufficient English ability to keep up with class learning. However, since we have students with a variety of language backgrounds, we offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) from Grades 1 – 10 to support second language learners.
We offer two Japanese language learning programmes: The Kokugo Programme, for students who are proficient speakers of Japanese, and The JAL (Japanese as an Additional Language) Programme. In the Kokugo programme students follow the national curriculum and learning objectives that are utilized in Japanese public schools. However, it is a modified version due to English being our main language of instruction. We offer Kokugo/JAL Japanese classes up to 5 times a week for Grade 1 – Grade 10.
We have more than 300 students from Preschool to Grade 10 (September 2022).
The teacher-student ratio is 1: 6
After students are enrolled, parents and guardians will need to be able to communicate with foreign teaching staff about their children, school events, etc.; however, no specific level of English ability is required of parents and guardians.
In order to maintain international diversity in our school, we keep the maximum ratio of 25 % for any nationality. Therefore, at Shinagawa International School (SIS), we accept children/students from a variety of nationalities and backgrounds.
We may accept students whose parents are both Japanese, however, the students must be eligible according to the Admissions Policy of SIS.
Since international schools accept students who may arrive in Japan from overseas at any time, applications for admission are accepted year-round. SIS, as well, does not set a fixed application deadline.
Additional expected costs include school uniform, a few of after school programs (for only the programs taught by outside experts), summer school (for only participants) and field trips/school trips, PTA contribution fee, annual stationary fee.
Yes, starting with your second child, a 20% discount is applied to the tuition fee.
SIS Tokyo accepts new students all year round. Since the new school year in Japanese schools starts in April, SIS may accept students then as well. The students will join the class appropriate to their age, according to our Admissions Policy.
No, we are a secular school and we welcome students from all races, religions, and cultures.
All class teachers are native English speaking teachers from UK, USA, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. All teachers have education certificates and licenses from their countries and they are well-trained, experienced and committed to excellence.
SIS students in all grades wear the school uniform.
Yes, we currently run several bus routes throughout the city. The bus routes are designed to cater to families living in the wider Tokyo area. Please contact the school for more information.
We offer many After School Programs (ASP): Art, Sports, Drama, Music, Coding, Ballet, Languages, Science Clubs, STEM Clubs, and more. ASPs are run at the school by staff, instructors, and some outside experts.
Yes, we do. Please contact us for more information.
Fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills are held regularly throughout the year. The low student-teacher ratio contributes to close care and quick response during accidents.
We work with Kiwi’s Kitchen to provide school lunches for our students. Purchasing school lunch is optional and orders are placed in advance weekly and monthly.
They have 4 different main dishes every day including one vegetarian. They are available in 2 sizes: regular size: 650 yen and large size: 850 yen.