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There is no one majority nationality. About half of students are local and half are international. Local students may be Japanese or multicultural residing in Japan.

We do not discriminate based on nation of origin, rather we focus on English language ability and international experience.

Yes

No, but added support is offered throughout the school day.

Japanese is taught two times a week from Kindergarten. Preschool students have Japanese culture and language twice a month.

Seeds Class (2yo) = 8 students*
Sprouts Class (3-4) = 12 students*
Lower Elementary (grade K, 1, 2) = 10-14 students*
Upper elementary (grades 3, 4, 5) = 10 students*

*All numbers are pre-Covid19 class ratios. These ratios have been adjusted downwards to allow for safe practices during the current pandemic.

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Yes

Technology is used in a supporting role in the classroom. As a school focusing on Early Childhood education, technology is not of the greatest importance. Instead of technology, children are encouraged to explore their surroundings and think creatively by using their 5 senses. From grade 2, students have a computer class, which helps them learn the basics of typing. As students move through the upper elementary grades, students will be learning about internet safety, word processing, basic spreadsheet construction, and using presentation software.

We have used and are prepared to use technology in the event that there is a school shutdown due to the current pandemic.

Yes, Yokohama Christian School is a Christian school affiliated with Yokohama Union Church. The basic tenets of protestant Christianity are taught to all students through lessons in Bible and Worship during the week. Yokohama Christian School is a mission school that aims to reach people outside of the Christian community in Japan.

Parents are aware of the teaching methods and philosophies of the school before a student is enrolled. The school is consistent with teaching, but does not require students to already have a faith or to convert to Christianity. There is no discrimination against students who do not come from religious backgrounds or are practitioners of other faiths.

Diagnostic assessments are given to entering students to determine their proficiency in mathematics and language arts. We use the Easy CBM diagnostics developed by the University of Oregon for elementary years. For Pre-K students we check for literacy readiness and basic math skills before moving into kindergarten. These assessments cover literacy and mathematics. As we grow as a school, a more comprehensive assessment is being explored.

Students achieve grade-level standards by the end of the school year.

Homework is assigned from kindergarten.

10 minutes (or less) for Kindergarten. 10 minutes for First Grade. 20 minutes for Second Grade. 30 minutes for Third Grade. This pattern continues through the upper grades.

As a preschool and primary school, all of our students go on to other schools to finish their schooling.

As a small school, we do not have any full-time staff to help students with special needs. However, YCS staff and administration are willing to work with parents, within reason, to accept students with different needs and abilities. We have guidelines in place to evaluate students that require additional assistance to assess whether YCS is a good fit for the student and family. Once part of YCS, teachers and staff work closely with any outside supports that students may need and do our very best for every student in our care.

We work closely with the family and a child's therapy team and offer the best support that we are able. Teachers are provided with the student's IEP so that in the classroom all teaching and support class understand the goals for each student. Each student with additional needs for support is unique and we work together to provide the best education possible, while also working with outside experts.

Due to the small class sizes at YCS, our teachers are uniquely capable of adapting the curriculum to each students' level and ability.

YCS provides information, for both Japanese and English speaking families, on a variety of services available for child-rearing, family support, learning needs, and other potential parental concerns. Currently, YCS is not equipped to directly address issues, but are willing to be we aim to be proactive and work together with families and outside experts.

Yes, our school has a screening process for all ages that is age appropriate. For children from pre-k to grade 5 an academic assessment is given to determine if YCS is a good fit.

For kindergarten and elementary aged students, a literacy and mathematics assessment is given to students to determine whether they are at grade level.

For preschool students, we look for school readiness and the classroom teachers meet with students to evaluate general milestones of each potential student.

Certain classes may have waiting lists, while others do not. Please inquire directly for more information.

We have a rolling registration as long as there are seats open in the classrooms. With a few exceptions, in-take for new students is at the beginning of the school year or the beginning of semester 2.

Yes

School begins promptly at 8:30am.

School ends for the Seeds (2 year old class) at 12:30pm, after school care is available to extend the school day. Formalized teaching ends at 12:30pm.

The Sprouts (3 and 4 year old class) finishes at 2:30pm. Extended care until 3:30pm is available as well.

Kindergarten and elementary students finish at 3:00pm. After school clubs and after school care is available depending on the grade of the child.

Currently YCS provides an After School Care program. After school care is available for 2 year old class students from 12:30pm until 3:30pm. For all other classes, there is after school care from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. Extended After School Care is also available from 3:30pm to 5pm. Extended After School Care is opened when there is enough interest, we must have 4 students signed up to open this section.

Not at this time. Good local train and bus transportation is available, thus the need for bus service is diminished.

Most students bring a lunch packed at home. Cezar's Kitchen, the meal service at Saint Maur International School, provides both adult and child bento for YCS. This service includes a vegetarian option. YCS has a strict no tree nut policy in lunches that are packed by parents.

YCS is conscious of dietary and allergy requirements for students. The YCS prepared snacks are nut free and comply with other allergy requirements of students.

Yes. The school uniform shirts may be purchased directly from YCS. Detailed uniform requirements can be requested from the school directly or the school website.

Monday through Friday there are club activities for elementary students. During the 2022-23 school year the current activities are: badminton, chess, homework club, ukelele, and drawing. Offerings may differ depending on the school year.

YCS has a PE program that challenges children to learn the basics of physical movement and sports at an age appropriate level. Badminton is currently the only sports club after school at this time.

As the opportunities for sports competition for elementary school students is quite limited, we do not have any at this time.

The school has a library and a large multipurpose space that can be used for everything from indoor PE and recess to concerts and musical performances.

Not applicable at this time.

Yokohama Christian School (YCS) is, by design, a small, international, Christian school for young children through elementary school. We equip students to grow in their God–given potential spiritually and academically. We offer Christian and classical education using a variety of materials and methods, including Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) curriculum, in English. We foster a biblical worldview and provide a stimulating, educational environment.

Our classes range from age 2 to 11 years old (preschool through grade 5). Classes are multi-age, with a Lower Elementary (K-2) and Upper Elementary (3-5) class.

Yokohama Christian School has embraced a Classically-inspired, Christian teaching approach in its classrooms. This approach is interdisciplinary in nature and focuses and giving students the tools in which to explore the world around them. The reading of challenging works of literature is an important facet of the classical curriculum. Since all of our students are currently living in Japan, we teach Japanese language at different levels to help students further their language development.

Yokohama Christian School also offers educational opportunities for parents and students within our community of Yokohama. Each year the school sponsors a parenting seminar with a speaker qualified to discuss important parenting issues.