Quick summary of key school information
School details
Number of students |
190 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
21 |
Most common nationality |
Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indian respectively |
Ratio of local students to international students |
36% local / 64 % international |
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
We provide a highly structured Academic Support for Kids (ASK) program for those students needing extra assistance in any subject. A group of teachers attends to specific grade levels and conducts pull-out and push-in sessions to support learning. The majority of support is for language arts. Teachers in the program consistently plan with classroom teachers to ensure that students receive the best support for their needs. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Japanese |
Max. number of students per class |
24 |
Average number of students per class |
16 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is an essential tool for student learning. It is important that the knowledge and skills students are acquiring in school are aligned with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a growing tech-based world. To meet this objective there are various technology-based education programs implemented at TYIS: All students Kindergarten to G9 have weekly computer classes to develop projects which are integrated with the mainstream curriculum. Students use Apple AirBooks to compose literary pieces, design brochures, create multimedia presentations and commercials, make podcasts, learn keyboarding skills and use digital cameras to record still images and movies. Accelerated Reader - The Accelerated Reader Program (AR) is a reading-based system that tracks the development of students’ reading skills. The program keeps a running record of assessment reflecting student quiz scores about books they have read. Students read at their appropriate level and take computer generated quizzes after finishing the book. At the end of every trimester, students take the STAR Reading Test to determine their current reading level. The program monitors students’ answers during the test and adjusts the difficulty level of the questions. This process enhances the validity of the test results. The results are then used to select books from the library at the students’ appropriate reading level,. After reading the book, the students take a multiple choice quiz on a computer. The program offers teachers insight to the challenges and achievements of individual students. Parents are also able to follow their child’s progress and reading list through the Renaissance Place "Home Connect" feature. The program offers quizzes in three key areas: Reading Practice, Vocabulary Practice and Literacy Skills. Also available are quizzes for every grade based on selections from the Houghton Mifflin Reading anthologies used in the language arts curriculum. At the end of every month, students receive achievement certificates based on a point system that correlates with the books they have read and the scores achieved on quizzes. |
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) |
We utilize Google Classroom for various projects and assignments. |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No. Although the YMCA is based upon Christian philosophy, the YMCA and TYIS welcome students and families from many faiths which strengthen its relationships and understanding. |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
Entry evaluation for students |
English screening |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
An applicant is expected to take several tests to determine their English proficiency (i.e. speaking, listening, reading, writing) and academic ability. These tests are to determine if your child requires the EAL (English as an Additional Language). English abililty is crucial for your children’s academic success at TYIS. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline. Applications are always accepted as long as there’s space available in the grade for which you are applying. |
School start time |
8:30 am |
School finish time |
2:45 pm |
School bus service available |
Yes |
School provided lunches |
Yes |
Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
TYIS offers a variety of after-school programs throughout the school year. Students are given the opportunity to participate in a range of fun activities Tuesday through Friday after school every week. Most of the clubs are free except for an occasional fee to cover the cost of materials. Some of the clubs in the past years have been Drama, Cooking, Art, Computer Skills, Floor Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Athletics (Track and Field), Frisbee, Cheerleading, Public Speaking and Entrepreneurial Club. |
Sports activities included |
Physical education and swimming |
Sports facilities at the school |
25 meter swimming pool and a shallow swimming pool, gymnasium, roof-top soccer courts and parks |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Tokyo YMCA International School provides an education guided by the YMCA core values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty, plus the importance of community and a high level of academic excellence. To instill and nurture success within the school's diverse school population, TYIS encourages its students to develop an awareness and appreciation of cultural identity and individual acceptance. |
Teaching approach of the school |
TYIS offers a viable, integrated curriculum coupled with international content standards, technology, and extra curricular programs.
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