J's International School — Local services in Tokyo

A Hidden Gem for Early Education: A Home away from home International Preschool and Kindergarten School in the heart of Tokyo.

My search for a school for our then 18 month old child came upon almost magically and unexpectedly. At that time four years ago, our family was new to Japan, we moved from the United States & we were a newly minted expat family, exploring our new home & country. Never did we thought that our youngest would attend an international school, let alone attend one of the best in our humble opinion.

From the moment we stepped onto J’s International School, we were welcomed into a world of warmth, welcoming staff, cozy interiors reminiscent of a home filled with love & light, most of all we were introduced to a women led school with a dedication to early childhood education that exceeded our expectations. The school's commitment to fostering a nurturing safe environment is evident in every corner – from the cheerful classrooms to the well-equipped play areas.

One of the standout features at J’s International School is its exceptional teaching staff. The educators are not only qualified & selected but also incredibly passionate about their roles. Their approach combines the best of international teaching using the Reggio Emilia approach, creating a holistic learning experience that focuses on both academic and personal growth. Our child's teacher, for instance, demonstrated a remarkable ability to understand our child's unique needs, fostering a sense of belonging that allowed our child to flourish & bloom.

The school's balance between structured learning and creative exploration is finely tuned, ensuring that students not only acquire essential academic skills but also develop a love for learning. The integration of the Reggio Emilia methodology is age-appropriate, preparing the children for their future while maintaining a healthy balance with hands-on, sensory-rich activities.

Equally noteworthy is the school's commitment to fostering a multicultural environment. Celebrating diversity and inclusivity is easily seen at J’s International School, and this is evident in the diverse student body and culturally rich activities that take place throughout the year. Our child's exposure to various cultures has been a valuable part of their education, helping them develop a global perspective from a very early age.

Communication between the school and parents is outstanding. Regular updates, parent-teacher conferences, and informative workshops ensure that we are always informed about our child's progress, their overall safety and the school's upcoming events. This level of transparency and engagement has been invaluable in building a strong partnership between the school and our family.

In conclusion, J’s International School is an exceptional private international preschool and kindergarten that has left an indelible mark on our family. Its unwavering commitment to excellence, holistic approach to education, dedicated staff, and safe environment make it an exemplary choice for parents seeking the best start for their children. We wholeheartedly recommend J’s International School to any family looking to provide their child with a foundation that will last during our cumulative young years.

Our experience with J’s International School for the past four years, with the wonderful directors like Mrs Yang, as well as Mrs Han-Teh & their entire staff has been nothing short of stellar, and we eagerly anticipate the schools bright future that continues to offer to all of its current & future onboarding students.

Sincerely,

Therese Bas Proud Parent of a former J’s International...

Our family visited Tokyo from June to July 2024, and our three-year-old daughter attended J's International summer camp for three weeks. She had an amazing time and woke up every day excited to go to the school and be with her teachers and peers. As a teacher in my home country, exposure to educational and cultural activities was important to me, and J's International did not disappoint! Her teachers had a wonderful blend of themed educational and gross motor activities (trips to the park, swimming, etc.). The hot temperatures during the month make it challenging for kids to be outside for extended periods, and our daughter is very active; however, the school made sure to integrate outdoor activities and opportunities safely and regularly. Even though we don't live in Japan and it was our first time at the school (and the country), our daughter seamlessly slid into their school routine, which says a lot about the outstanding staff and atmosphere at the school. Everyone at the school from the teachers to the administrators was extremely communicative, helpful, and kind. The school also communicates weekly (via a closed app, seesaw) with information about the week's activities and photos of children taken throughout the week. We ordered a school lunch, and our daughter typically ate the meal provided, even though she wasn't used to the food in the country. Additionally, Jija and Satomi, the directors, were always quick to respond to any questions. I can't recommend this...

Our family enrolled our 2.5 year old at J's International School for one month during the 2023 school year. Firstly, I can't say enough about the staff and school. The school is incredibly cozy and charming, and the staff are all wonderful, warm and welcoming. Our son loved going to J's and was excited for school every morning, including on weekends when we'd have to break the bad news to him that it wasn't a school day. Secondly, I have to commend the administration on their flexibility and accommodating attitudes. Trying to find a school in Japan is hard enough, but doing so for just a month was almost impossible given that we wanted an actual learning experience rather than just a daycare. The administrators explained that they strive really hard to offer an open door to families in a pinch like ours, which all ties back to the school's great values. Lastly, even though we were only there for a month, we were included and welcomed by the active group of parents which made a big difference for us new arrivals. Can't recommend J's enough, you won't regret sending your...