Quick summary of key school information
School details
Number of students |
450+ |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
50 |
Most common nationality |
Japanese |
Ratio of local students to international students |
Currently, 1/3 of the students have a foreign nationality, 1/3 have dual nationalities and 1/3 have a Japanese nationality. |
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
English as an Additional Language Support. There are mainly two types of EAL support provided at HJIS: - Pull-out support is for students who feel more comfortable receiving instruction at their level of proficiency. They are withdrawn from their English Language Arts classes all or part of the week by an EAL teacher and English is taught at a lower level until they gain confidence in entering the regular classes. - In class support is provided to students who feel comfortable being instructed at the school level, but need assistance in accomplishing tasks assigned during English Language Arts classes. The EAL teacher spends time inside the classroom with those students and they work together on the language activities so that the student is supported to become an independent learner. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Japanese and Spanish |
Average number of students per class |
15 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
We require 1:1 Laptops for all students starting from lower elementary. Younger students require a 1:1 iPad. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Absolutely! We pride ourselves on offering an exemplary virtual classroom experience in times of emergencies. |
External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma |
Results in these examinations |
Our students perform very well on the SAT, and IB Diploma Course. |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the subject and grade level. |
Entry evaluation for students |
Interview and assessment |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
All students must go through a level test and an individual interview in order to be accepted into HJIS. As a part of the application process all parents must sit the enrollment interview, which is to ensure the school's philosophy and programs match parent's educational beliefs and expectations.
Preschool: Ability to separate from parents, social maturity, self-help skills, language ability, fine and gross motor skills and the current makeup of the class. Students must be able to toilet themselves independently. Primary and Middle School: Age-appropriate social skills, language ability, academic ability and the current makeup of the class. |
Waiting list |
Depending on the grade level, at times you may need to be included in a wait list. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline. We offer rolling admissions. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Most children are admitted in September, but if vacancies exist the school will normally admit children throughout the course of the year. |
School start time |
Preschool, Kindergarten and Primary School: 8:30
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School finish time |
Preschool, Kindergarten and Primary School: 15:15
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School bus service available |
Yes |
School provided lunches |
Yes, a hot lunch can be purchased. |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
All dietary restrictions can be accommodated. |
Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Robotics, soccer, drama, yoga, maths, cooking, knitting, study skills, art and design, school band, volleyball, graphics design, basketball, football, tennis. |
Sports activities included |
Students across the school take P.E classes. |
Facilities at the school |
Science Labs, Theatre, Primary Library, Secondary Library, Media Centre, and Computer Lab. |
Sports facilities at the school |
Playground, gymnasium, basketball pitch, and vast rooftop field. |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Horizon Japan International School serves students from preschool through high school, and is an IB Continuum School offering the PYP, MYP and DP programmes.
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Teaching approach of the school |
Horizon Japan International School is accredited as a Gakkou Houjin (educational not-for-profit corporation) by Kanagawa Prefectural Government as of 2004. HJIS is also fully accredited by two of the world’s leading accreditation organizations: the Council of International Schools (CIS), based in Europe, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), based in the USA. This recognition as an international school in Japan and having joint accreditation are evidence of our commitment to academic excellence. The high standards set by CIS and WASC Accreditations ensure that HJIS is able to attract and retain professional and dedicated teachers. We are an IB (International Baccalaureate) World School, authorized to offer the PYP, MYP and DP Programmes. IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education. As a school, we follow the IB framework and implement the US Common Core. HJIS aims at educating each of its students to be:
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