MONTESSORI / REGGIO EMILIA / PROJECT-APPROACH / WALDORF or STEINER SCHOOLS
Back to "DIRECTORY LISTINGS OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS"
This page is a listing of:
Note: Not all the schools are in the English medium or international. Japanese
schools that feature one of the approaches are also listed here.
Note: Schools or links that are no longer functioning are in italics.
Montessori International Schools
AICHI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (K - 9)
Website: http://www.nipais.com/sub3.html
3-4, Nijigaoka, Meito, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Phone: 052-788-2255 Email: info@nipais.com
The AIS kindergarten program primarily focuses on immersing the children
in English and surrounding them with a large variety of stimulating activities.
The kindergartneers' days are filled with music, movement, stories, show^and-tell,
art, math, observation, experimentation, and some introduction to reading
and writing. The kindergartne is an English-only enivonrment and by 4,
the students no longer mix their languages and can converse freely inEnglish
with their peers and the teachers. In addition to offering a well-balanced
daily routine, the school also draws on Montessori techniques to help foster
independence and self-confidence in the kindergarten students.
AMERICAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF NAGANO (3 -6 years)
Website: http://www.ama-nagano.com/en/
Konabe Tanarioki 3642-2 Nagano City 380-0875
Phone for enquiries: 026-223-8841 (School)235-1496 Fax: 026-235-1496 Email:
AMAnagano@aol.com
A rural international preschool in Nagano City with a full English curriculum in a country setting. The Academy offers 3-year olds a full Montessori education in English and Japanese. Materials and activities in Japanese and English for the development of writing, reading, oral, and written expression. The fundamentals of Spanish are also introduced which help train for future foreign language acquisition.
(THE) CHILDREN'S GARDEN (preschool and after school class)
Website: http://childrens-garden.jp/
3-12-19 Honcho, Kichijoji, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
Phone: (0422) 20-5055) Email: tcgjapan@yahoo.com
Run by Ellen Motohashi, the school which opened in 2002 offers a full day English content based preschool (9:30 am - 2:30 pm) along with an after school class for English speaking children who attend facilities outside, Saturday special activity classes, and a bilingual class focusing on the creative arts. It is located in Kichijoji about 10 minutes directly west from the Kichijoji JR central exit straight down Nakamichi-dori (this street continues on from the main street which runs in front of the station past Parco). Bilingual elements in the program include bilingual storytimes/singing and will be expanded gradually. Its pedagogy and philosophy share elements from the Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia (project based approach) and any other discipline which promotes the importance of child directed, experienced based learning which enhances the development of the whole child. Rich natural experiences are emphasized and outdoor trips will be planned for as often as possible during the year.
CHIYODA MONTESSORI SCHOOL (0 - 6 years)
Website: http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~monteiml/index.html
3-14-7, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3411-0932 Email: monte-iml@msa.biglobe.ne.jp
2 branches, for Shibuya branch phone: 03-3264-4006
CLASSIC MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (Ages 2.5-6) CLOSED since June 2002
Website: http://www.clamis.co.jp
2-10-18 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, 150-0012 Tokyo
Phone / Fax:03-5468-6456 Email: clamis@gol.com
Preschool for 2 1/2 to 7-year-olds of all nationalities who communicate and are guided in English as the school's primary language. Run by Mr. Gerd Oberlin for 2.5 to 6 year olds. In an aesthetic, Swedish style environment the children are challenged by a broad spectrum of genuine, natural wooden Montessori materials that help them develop fundamental motor and technical skills, acquire self-discipline and enhance their creativity. They gain basic understanding and abilities in the areas of aesthetic perception, communication, reading, writing, calculating, rhythm and drawing. Linked up by a semester long theme, creative activities in drama, art and music complement the individual work and daily conversational circle. If the child's first language is not English he will learn it by immersion. This approach follows current programs as practised in Japan and everywhere else in the world. It owes its success to the fact that children do not think it strange if people in school speak differently from people at home. Apart from becoming bilingual they construct and appreciate their own cultural identity.
DISCOVERY MONTESSORI SCHOOL (ages 2 through 5) CLOSED from June 2003.
4-6-18 Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0063
Phone/Fax: 03-3710-9377 Email: dmsmeguro@yahoo.com
Montessori pedagogy with a small class-size - 4:1 student / teacher ratio
GLOBAL INDIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL JAPAN (Kindergarten - Grade 12)
3-20-6, Minami-Shinozakicho, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo (Mizue Station on Toei-Shinjuku Line)
Phone: 03-6202-7639 Fax: 03-6202-7676 Email
'Currently, 134 children, are studying at the school currently K-8) where every lesson is given in English. "Our school's selling point is not English but that we have adopted the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) currciulum, a tough and modern curriculum that is indisnesable in acaquiring the scholastic abilit y required to pass the competitive entrance examinations in my country," (Niyanta) Deshpande (Director of GISS) said. //He said that as this was the major curriculum in India, children who studied under this curriculum overseas could easily adapt to local schools when they returned to India. "Not only Indian children, children from other countries can get the benefit from this curriculum to pass the examinations of international univerrsities," he said. //"As it is quite difficult to enter a prestigious university in India, Indian parents want their children to have high academic ability and competitiveness," Deshpande said. "In our school, students will learn three languages-English, Hindi or French, and Japanese. Lessons are conducted in Englsh, but we need to learn Hindi to live in India."//Compared with other international schools, the tuition is quite resonably priced-￥600,000-800,000 a year. The curriculum is the same inevery school-they have adopted the Montessori kindergarten approach for very young children while using the CBSE curriculum and International Baccalaureate system, which is recognized at many universities around the world, for older students"'-excerpts from Dialy Yomiuri article Sep 21. The GIIS in Singapore was selected as one of the best international schools in Singapore by the 2005 and 2006 Newsweek magazine surveys. Annual Schedule July to March
IKOMA MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (Kindergarten - Elementary) in the Kansai area. Proposed New School
Location: Mt Ikoma, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture (Kasumigaoka station on the cable car route from Ikoma Station a commuting distance from Osaka/Kyoto/Nara).
Phone: 0743-73-2909. Please contact Sada-Anand S. KHALSA Email at goldenjp@kcn.ne.jp or Mary Ohdai mohdai@livedoor.com for more info. (It would be great if any and all parents even remotely
considering an international kindergarten (or elementary school) for their
children could attend a meeting, or contact us, to air your concerns, wishes,
dreams, and desires for the school. Volunteers and leaders always welcome!
A dual-language curriculum Montessori primary school is being considered.)
The proposed school site is on Mt Ikoma near the amusement park, several
buildings in a spacious yard and a forested mountain setting. There is
only one house at Kasumigaoka with spectacular views, wild woods and hiking
trails--and a mere minutes from downtown Osaka!! Spectacular view! to establish
a branch of the Khalsa Montessori school (Arizona, USA) in Ikoma with a
dual-language curriculum
INDIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (3 - 5 years; Grades 1 - 5)
Website: http://www.geocities.com/india_international_school
See also Japan Times article
Mailing address prior to school building in Koto-ward being available:
India International School In Japan (IISJ)
C/O Kudan Bhavan, 1-15-14, Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0073
Phone: 03-3234-4845 Email: India-Intl-School@yahoogroups.com
The school operates a Montessori kindergarten and an elementary school that adopts the CBSE and ICSE curriculum that aims at devising student friendly and student focused learning and teaching paradigms. The syllabus is skill and knowledge oriented and not just content and memory based. The goals of the programme are: To provide knowledge and develop logical thinking and scientific aptitude / To facilitate creativity and excellence / To appreciate, nurture and inculcate aesthetic sense. / To strengthen value-based approach to life / To meet emerging global challenges. A middle school is being planned.
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF WALDORF-STEINER (K - grade 6)
Website: http://www.waldorf-steiner.org/index.html
3-19-20-103 Takanawa, Minato-ku, TOKYO 108-0074
Phone: 03-5791-1435 Fax: 03-5423-7410
The school is located in traditionally-styled imperial grounds with parks
that will allow the children to be surrounded not only by a truly Japanese
atmosphere but also by abundant, healthy, greenery so scarce in an urban
setting. The school is also has use of the spacious halls of the local
Shogenji Temple for their movement classes, sensory integration therapy,
and other activities. The school emphasizes its classroom setups and tools
since these are especially important in a Waldorf schools with the hallmark
Steiner belief is that children need a constant connection with natural
materials and thrive best in a gentle atmosphere with subdue tones and
lighting. Waldorf teachers use specially designed multi-purpose objects
that encourage divergent thinking. Storybooks are selected for their inherent
moral and cultural lessons. A lyre and simple flutes are standard musical
equipment along with the more traditional supplies needed for arts, handiwork
and movement. Waldorf education is about teaching all subjects creatively
and artistically. The many new and often challenging ideas put before students
are presented in an imaginative, rhythmic, and always cheerful way. This
will emotionally engage the student and facilitate learning. Art and music
are interwoven throughout the curriculum in a Waldorf school in order to
develop the imagination, creativity and joy in learning. After reading,
the children might draw pictures of the story with bright beeswax crayons,
metamorphosing newly learned letters into colorful beings. They might try
experimenting with self-made music inspired by the tales, which may then
become the class play that semester. The school curriculum can be viewed
at URL: http://www.waldorf-steiner.org/curriculum.html
KAWANISHI ROOMS (Preschool - K)
Mosaic Box 3F, 11-1 Sakaemachi,
Kawanishi-shi, Hyogo
(Take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Kawanishi Noseguchi Station )
Phone: 0727-40-2505
A Montessori method bilingual classroom. Morning classes for 2-3 and 3-4 year olds Afternoon classes for 5-6 year olds. Most of instruction is in English, with 20 minutes of Japanese instruction including songs and games.
KOMAZAWA PARK INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL (2 - 6 years; elementary - jr high evening programme)
Website: http://kpipk.com
4-26-17 Fukasawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0081
Phone/Fax: 03-5707-0979 Email: contact@kpischool.com
Begun operating in September 2000, the school incorporates the spirit and
positive elements of the 3 leading educationalists of early childhood education
(Montessori, Steiner, Froebel). Teacher:student ratio : one teacher, one
sports trainer and one music teacher: ten children. The Evening & Saturday
Elementary Programme is designed to maintain and improve the English level
as well as to foster Western cultural awareness of Japanese returnees,
children who want to continue learning English in Japan and half-Japanese
children who attend Japanese schools. The program makes use of similar
methods as many international schools when we teach students how to express
their thoughts and conduct research; deliver an effective presentation;
and discuss their ideas at age-appropriate levels at a high English calibre.
The amount of course time devoted to doing research, creating and practiciing
presentations increases as children gorw older and improve their language
skills. Upon completing the Evening Junior High Program, students will
have received the instruction and training to the point where they can
conduct research presentations and give speeches with the presuasive power
needed to convince anyone from any country, and theyll be at the same level
as, if not hgher than students who attend international schools.
LITTLE PEOPLE MONTESSORI SCHOOL (18 months - 3 years; 3 - 6 years; 6 - 12 years) now renamed THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF TOKYO (see below)
Website: http://www.montessorijapan.com/littlep.html
3-5-13 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047
Phone: 03-5449-7067 Fax: 5449-0087 Email: mst@montessorijapan.com
MAPLE LEAF MONTESSORI SCHOOL (2.5 - 6 years)
Website: http://www.montedu.com/
Phone: 03-3707-5797 Email: info@montedu.com
A two-minute walk from Yoga station on Den-entoshi line in Tokyo. Canadian-owned international preschool applying the Montessori method for 2.5 to 6 year olds and after school programmes for elementary kids are being offered.
MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE
Harajuku: 6-18-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150
Phone: 03-3499-544
Also at: Sumiregaoka: 42-10 Sumiregaoka, Tuzuki-cho, Yokohama 224
Phone: 045-591-4688
MONTESSORI FRIENDS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (18 months to 6 years)
Website: http://www.montessorifriends.com/
3-8-8 Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0034
Phone: 03-3726-9386, Fax: 03-3726-9386 Email: jeannes@tkk.att.ne.jp or mfjmontessori@aol.com
Fully equipped with Montessori classroom and materials, with a spacious
play area outside. School Director Jeanne Shimazaki, a veteran teacher
with twelve years experience in Japan, opened the school to offer an affordable
alternative for the parents of children seeking a strong English-based
early education. "Some of the children will go on to international
schools, while others will go into the regular Japanese school system,"
she explained. Montessori Friends offers tea ceremony and pottery as part
of the curriculum and instructors teach piano to the children on an individual
basis.
MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Website: http://www.15ocn.ne.jp/~wordell
10-10 Minami Matsumoto-machi, Yokkaichi 510-08038
Phone / Fax: 0593-21-6181 Email: wordell@ninus.ocn.ne.jp (Contact: Miyoko Wordell)
Japanese Montessori school with English immersion teaching. Pleasant environment,
lovely timbered school building located between the Suzuka Mountain Range
and Ise Bay and only 35 minutes by train from Nagoya (Japan's 4th largest
city). English conversation classes also held for grade & high schoolers.
The English-only intensive programme caters to both native and non-native
English speakers. The school also offers non-native speakers English classes
in an immersion setting. Every year, children in the Montessori programme
and the ESL programme have an opportunity for a cultural exchange with
a Montessori School in Ohio.
(THE) MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF TOKYO (18 months - 12 years / elementary grades 1 - 6)
Website: http://www.montessorijapan.com
1-5-10 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047
Phone: 5765-7655 Fax: 5765-3178 Email: mst@montessorijapan.com
Extended daycare hours are available. The school will use the proven Montessori
method which enables children to understand the interrelatedness of language,
mathematics, the arts, and science while learning at their own pace. Classes
will be taught in English. The preschool has been expanded to include elementary
levels for children aged 6-12, Mission statement: "Stimulating curiosity
while developing independence in thought and action." School Motto
"Confidence, Respect, Compassion". Established by the team that
also founded Sunshine Montessori Pre-school, the school was the first school
with an elementary school Montessori curriculum in all of Japan.
NIDO INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL (18 months - 6 years) CLOSED since February
1998.
Miyamae Village A-101, 2-10-42, Miyamae, Suginami-ku
Phone/fax: 03-3334-7374
The school combines Montessori method with Jean Piaget's philosophy.
PTC PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (2.5 - 6 yrs old)
Website: http://homepage3.nifty.com/ptc-pacific/
5-11-5 Shimouma, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0002
Phone/Fax: 03-5481-9425 Email: fwiv8158@mb.infoweb.ne.jp
Unique curriculum that focuses on a "return to nature" and ecology.
Small classes in a cozy environment overseen by qualified teachers and
music specialists. Principal Takatsuka Yoko's methodology draws on her
training in Japan, the Montessori technique in the US, and the Steiner
(Waldorf) system in Germany.
RAINBOW INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL (Montessori 18 months - 6 years)
Website: http://www.rainbowschool.co.jp/
3 locations:
3-12-15 Denenchofu, Ota-ku, Tokyo 145-0071
Phone: 3722-0312 Fax: 3722-0312 Email: webmaster@rainbowschool.co.jp
3-17-4, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku,
Phone/Fax:3406-4320 Email: webmaster@rainbowschool.co.jp
Founder and proprietor Eriko Salamack established the schools because she
was seeking alternative education for her own children. The schools focus
on math, practical, sensorial and language development. The Hiroo School
offers a Montessori teacher-training course that is delivered in the evenings.
RIVENDALE MONTESSORI SCHOOL (1.5 - 12 years)
Website: http://www.tokyomontessori.com
Momon Roppongi Bldg. 3F., 2-19, Motoazabu 3-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5772-0079 Fax: 03-5772-0079 Email: gabe@tokyomontessori.com
Rivendale applies the Montessori hands-on approach to learning. Mixed aged classrooms equipped with Montessori supplies and materials. Summer school programme available.
SAINT MAUR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (Montessori K -13)
Website: http://www.stmaur.ac.jp/
83 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0862, Japan
Phone: 045-641-5751 Fax: 045-641-6688 or office@stmaur.ac.jp
The school offers quality education within a caring environment. Pioneers
since 1872. Small classes for maximum care. All the way from Nursery 2.5
years to grade 12, students always receive the optimum amount of care and
attention. The Saint Maur academic programme is the highest standard for
all ages, offering Montessori; International Primary Curriculum (IPC);
International Baccalaureate (IB); International General Certificate of
Secondary Education (IGSCSE). Advanced Placement (AP) Scholastic Assessment
Test (SAT I/SAT II) Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT)Lions-Quest
international programme Trinity International Music Examination. A Saint
Maur education includes the benefit of varied extracurricular programmes
with outstanding fine-arts faciliites and programmes. Language of instruction
is English, with French, Spanish and Japanese as secondary languages. The
school is accredited by Countil of International Schools, New England Association
of Schools and Colleges, Registered Gakko-Hojin by the Japanese Ministry
of Education, Science and Culture. Note: The traditional Montessori classroom
is at preschool level only.
SEISEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (Montessori K - 12)
Website: http://www.seisen.com/
1-12-15 Yoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0097
Phone: 3702-9291 Fax: 3701-1033 Email: sisinfo@seisen.com
An all girls' school with a Catholic orientation. This international school
offers a Montessori Kindergarten program and Montessori training as high
school electives. The High School is a college prep program of studies
incorporating Christian ethics. Students in the high school are prepared
for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE),
International Baccalaureate and the Advanced Placement exams in 5 subjects.
The program of study in grades 11 and 12 can culminate in either a full
International Baccalaureate diploma or in individual subject certificates.
Advanced Placement courses are offered in 5 subjects and the IOWA Test
of Basic Skills, the PSAT/national Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, the
SAT, the TOEFL and the IGCSE are also offered.
SETA INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL (Ages 3 - 6 years)
Website: http://www.seta-inter.com/
2-19-21 Seta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0095
Phone/Fax: 03-5717-6769 Email: iga@vega.ocn.ne.jp
Well-balanced curriculum with Montessori and manipulatives, plus latest materials from abroad. Computing music and P.E. are incorporated into the curriculum. School hours are from 9:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
ST. ALBAN'S NURSERY (2 - 5 years)
Website: http://www.saintalbans.gol.com
3-6-25 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011
Phone: 3431-8534 Fax: 5472-4766 Email: stalbans@gol.com
The pre-school aims to provide purposeful and stimulating early childhood
activities, to enhance each child's growth and development. The Montessori
programme offers an extensive range of materials and activities based on
the well-established principles of the Montessori method. The first steps
of reading, writing, number work and nature are introduced in a simple,
creative and enjoyable way. Daily emphasis is placed on the creative arts;
there are many opportunities for children to enjoy singing, dancing, storytelling,
simple drama and artwork. The school has spacious indoor facilities, providing
for each child an atmosphere of warmth, understanding and a place to develop,
both as an individual and as part of a group.
SUNSHINE MONTESSORI (name has been changed to THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF TOKYO) (3 - 6 yrs;
elementary programme - 12 years)
Website: http://www.montessorijapan.com/ See also http://www.globaldaigaku.com/global/en/schoolsearch/detail/2577/index.html
3-5-13 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047
Phone: 03-5449-7067 Fax: 03-5449-0087 Email: mst@montessorijapan.com
Sunshine along with Little People merged with MST and moved from Shibuya and Setagaya to the Minato-ku area sometime back in their bid to expand into a Preschool cum Elementary School - which explains why names are now attached only to the class programmes. A large team of well qualified and experienced instructors. Though predominantly an English curriculum, Japanese is first introduced in the Sunshine classes (hiragana and reading). Small group lessons are conducted every day (approximately 20 min) for 4 or 5 children and there are Japanese language activities available on the language shelves. Native speakers are also introduced to hiragana and beginning word building and reading. In the Elementary class, children will acquire a basic working knowledge of grammar and writing in hiragana/katakana. There will be opportunities for the study of Kanji as well as oral conversation and communication skills. After school clubs have included music & movement and clay sculpture.
TREEHOUSE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (day preschool - afterschool elementary)
Website: http://www.treehouse.global-ed.net/index.html
1F Rainbow Aoyagi Building Imaike Minami Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0851
Phone: 052-735-8958 Fax: 052-782-2464 Email: Treehouse@global-ed.net
Treehouse's Children's Advantage International Academy offers fulltime
classes (9:30-2:30 pm Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri) and the programme is based
on the Core Knowledge Sequence delivered in a Montessori inspired environment.
Students are also welcome to join the Kids Club after school classes (2:30
pm - 3.:30 and 3:30 - 4:20 pm) and the Saturday International Montessori
inspired approach is perfect for families that don't want to compromise
on their children's education while living and working abroad. It is also
an exceptionally balanced and complete program for host country families
who want an all English program without sacrificing other areas of development.
The school offers a preschool early childhood education program that uses
the Core Knowledge Pre-school Sequence. The school also offers flexibly
scheduled Kids Club after school programs that are play-based (with a strong
Montessori influence) allowing children to develop all of their communication
and cognitive skills in fun and imaginative ways.
TREEHOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL (1-6 years)
Website: http://www.tms-school.com
16-5, Honmoku Makado, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0825
Phone: 045-622-5804 Fax: 045-622-2803 Email: jenny@tms-school.com
A small independent Montessori school with children 18 months to 6 years
of age (Preshcool through Kindergarten) set in a warm, cozy house in the
area of Honmoku in Yokohama. Features dedicated teaching staff in a hoke-like
learning environment with quality education. Accredited by Montessori Centre
International in London, U.K. and was formerly called Rainbow International
Montessori School, Yokohama until February 28, 2006.
WHITEHORSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL (2.5 - 6 years)
Website: http://www.whitehorsemontessori.com
19-7 Mihanayama, Tsuduki-ku, Yokohama 224-0066
Phone / Fax: 045-944-1009 Email: info@whitehorsemontessori.com
Montessori education in English by qualified Montessori teachers.
Japanese Montessori schools
LITTLE PEOPLE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
1-36-11 Sakura-shinmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0015
Phone: 090-1204-2565 Fax: 5706-4572
MIKUNI YOCHIEN (Japanese)
1-6-14 Asahi-cho
Kashiwa-shi, Chiba
Offers a traditional Montessori classroom and curriculum with instruction carried out in Japanese
MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE
Harajuku: Grand Manshion 202, 6-18-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150
Phone: 03-3499-5440
also at:
Sumiregaoka: 42-10 Sumiregaoka, Tsuzuki-cho, Yokohama 224
Phone: 045-591-4688
Classes (for 2 1/2 to 6 yr olds) are taught in Japanese.
MONTESSORI KODOMO NO IE (Montessori Children's House - Japanese)
4-25 Nishi, Edogawa dai, Nagareyama-shi, Chiba
Phone: 0471-547375
OPEN MONTESSORI SCHOOL CEREGHINO KODOMO IE
2-40-3 Arai, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
Phone:03-3386-0539
YOYOGI MONTESSORI KODOMONO IE (Japanese)
5-8-5-302 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
Phone:03-3460-0452
Reggio Emilia schools
BILINGUAL KIDS INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL (18 months - 6 years)
5-12-7 Sakai, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-0022 (Musashisakai, Mitaka, Kichijoji area)
Phone / Fax: 0422-54-1898 (Japanese or English) Email: robandkumi@m4.dion.ne.jp
Applies the Reggio Emilia method where learning activities are child-led.
Standard kindergarten practices (all areas) are built upon, expanded and
refined using extensive documentation of each child's daily experiences.
Full day preschool operating between 9 am - 2 pm with 5:1 student-teacher
ratio. Flexi-programme with 2, 3, 4 or 5 day-week options. Particularly
geared to cater for bilingual and multilingual children with one English
speaking parent in the home. An English after school support programme
is available for children between 3 and 6 attending a Japanese kindergarten.
(THE) CHILDREN'S GARDEN (preschool and after school class) (English medium)
Website: http://childrens-garden.jp/
3-12-19 Honcho, Kichijoji, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
Phone: (0422) 20-5055) Email: tcgjapan@yahoo.com
Run by Ellen Motohashi, the school which opened in 2002 offers a full day English content based preschool (9:30 am - 2:30pm) along with an after school class for English speaking children who attend facilities outside, Saturday special activity classes, and a bilingual class focusing on the creative arts. It is located in Kichijoji about 10 minutes directly west from the Kichijoji JR central exit straight down Nakamichi-dori (this street continues on from the main street which runs in front of the station past Parco). Bilingual elements in the program include bilingual storytimes/singing and will be expanded gradually. Its pedagogy and philosophy share elements from the Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia (project based approach) and any other discipline which promotes the importance of child directed, experienced based learning which enhances the development of the whole child. Rich natural experiences are emphasized and outdoor trips will be planned for as often as possible during the year.
YOKOHAMA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (Preschool - 12)
258 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231 Japan
Phone: 045-622-0084 Fax: 045-621-0379 Email: yis@yis.ac.jp
YIS incorporates the Reggio Emilia experience within its early learning
International Baccalaureate framework and curriculum.
HIRATSUKA YOCHIEN, Yutenji, Kanagawa (a Japanese not international kindergarten)
Hiratsuka is 3 minutes from Yutenji station on the Toyoko line
Phone: 03-3712-5580.
"Officially Hiratsuka Yochien doesn't call itself an Reggio Emilia
preschool. I came upon the connection quite by chance in my work as a teacher
and journalist. Someone had told me about an Reggio Emilia conference in
Italy that sounded very intriguing. When I did internet research to find
out what RE is about, I was stunned that it sounded so close to Mirai's
preschool experience at the time. I asked Mirai's teacher and she nodded
that yes, all the teachers at Hiratsuka are aware of the Reggio Emilia
approach. They are also aware of the Waldorf Approach. But ultimately,
Hiratsuka Yochien is about the Hiratsuka family values.
A striking feature is the importance Reggio Emilia and Hiratsuka both placed on documenting childrens' daily life at the yochien, documenting simple conversations between the children, documenting the childrens' growing awareness of animals and farming (for example) through the beautiful pictures they made. The other similarity is about developing child-leadership skills by having the kids assume responsibility for decisions within the framework of a class activity. Children start out in nensho in groups of two and by the time they graduate they are up to groups of six, where leadership skills are emphasized. My daughter didn't like being put in the leadership role at all, and I think she was the last of 66 of 67 kids in her class to assume leadership duties that include monitoring other kids' tardiness and making sure that the miso soup gets passed out to everyone at lunchtime and coming up with interesting skits or games to perform around using cardboard boxes--for instance. Again, at Hiratsuka Yochien, the mothers are handed a graduation diploma along with their graduating kids and everyone laughs but its no joke. If you choose, you can be at the yochien all day doing volunteer work with other mothers. Being pregnant and then having an infant to take care of during my daughter's Hiratsuka experience let me off the hook, and I was touched by how the other mothers lend a hand when a parent has a new child at the school ground. Finally another thing to mention about Hiratsuka Yochien is that this is a 3-generation Hiratsuka family enterprise run by one of the richest and most eccentric landowning couples in Yutenji. If you ever wondered why Yutenji--of all the places on the Toyoko line--remains a quite, boring backwater town, it's largely because Hiratsuka-san is a naturalist in the mold of a Japanese Thoreau and the largest property owner around the train station wants to leave it this way. (Hiratsuka is 3 minutes from Yutenji station and you enter a giant 1,000 tsubo oasis of trees, funky wooden buildings and Hiratsuka's great Fukushima "bargain"--a giant antique farmhouse that he purchased for 10,000 yen and then spent about a million dollars resurrecting on this land.) The children went out to the school's rice field in Kanagawa-ken once a month for seasonal activities. There are about 25 kids in a class times 3 classes." - Liane
Project Approach Schools
IEC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (Preschool / Kindergarten / After school)
1-15-17 Sengari, Aomori Prefecture, 0038-0015
Phone: 017-782-7876 Contact them online: http:/www.iec-japan.org/en/ask.html
Our Preschool Program introduces your child to a structured day with stimulating activities; group interaction and the chance to be inquisitive as he or she begins to explore the world of learning. Preschool course offers parents the opportunity to tailor their child's schedule to fit their daily needs. We understand separation anxiety both yours & your child's and we want to help make this transition as easy as possible.
Our curriculum for preschoolers gradually introduces key concepts that build literacy, using flash cards, stories, and daily activities. With music, books, movement, and creative projects learning is always exciting. We spend a big part of the day singing, dancing, laughing, playing, and exploring, indoors and out. Monthly themes, weekly topics, and daily activities keep the curriculum focused and fun. This natural progression encourages your child to learn step-by-step preparing them for kindergarten. Our Kindergarten Program takes children onto the stage of preparation for 1st grade. Like that of any other kindergarten this course is a full-time course. Monthly and weekly themes focus on direct instruction of vital core subjects in English and Japanese. Emphasis is placed on mastering language development.
Our curriculum for kindergarteners is rooted in the latest research on child development. Fundamental instruction includes English and Japanese language growth, math, science, social studies, art, drama, music, as well as motor skills training and personal and social development.
Our after school K Club is for students who for some reason are not able to attend our morning kindergarten but want to partake of a solid English education. This course is geared to English language development. Children participate in a variety of fun activities that teach essential reading, writing and English communication skills. All instruction is in English. K Monthly and weekly themes focus on direct instruction of vital core subjects in English and Japanese. Emphasis is placed on mastering language development.
IMAGINE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (preschool)
Website: http://www.toyaku.biz/
13F Yokohama Landmark Tower, 2-2-1-1, Minato Mirai, Nishi-Ku, Yokohama.
Phone:045-224-2121, fax: 045-224-2122 Email: imagine@lfa.ne.jp
Imagine has adapted the Project Approach a child-care methodology developed under the guidance of a professor at Harvard University. This system emphasizes acquisition of fluency in English and Japanese in a natural manner while developing a sense of creativity. Its two-pronged approach is to: build cross-cultural communication skills in a familiar environment, through contact with native speakers from a young age; and to turn questions and curiosity into creativity through the Project Approach. Numerous services provided including extended day care, temporary care, and classroom lessons, in addition to the child care and preschool classes that are the core of their program.
Montessori-cum-Waldorf schools in Japan
(THE) CHILDREN'S GARDEN INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL (2.5 - 6 year olds)
3-12-9 Honcho, Kichijoji, Musashino-shi. Tokyo
Phone: 0422-20-5055 Email: webmaster@childrens-garden.jp
The Children's Garden is a full day English content based preschool (9:30
am to 2:30 pm) along with an after school class for English speaking children
who attend facilities outside, a bilingual class focusing on the creative
arts and a Saturday Bilingual Drama class which includes Hula dancing.
Located in Kichijoji, its mainstream programme offers an original theme-based
English curriculoum that encourages creative learners. Bilingual elements
from the Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia (project based approach) and
any other discipine which promotes the importance of child directed, experienced
based learning which enhances the development of the whole child. The Children's
Garden International Preschool exposes children to a variety of subjects
needed to enhance their natural curiosity and imagination. The curriculum
includes regular fieldtrips to nearby Inokashira Park and provides many
subject-related, hands-on experiences. The goal is to protect the children's
world, and work closely with parents to nurture each individual. This preschool
program is available for two-and-a-half to six year olds. The staff comprises
both native English and Japanese speakers who seek to provide a thoughtful
and caring program for the development of the whole child.
HARVEY AND MACLAUREN'S SCHOOL
Website:http://www.harvey.co.jp/maclaurin/
3-19-23-1003 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo (7 minutes from Shinagawa JR station) Phone: 03-3473-6896 (Contact Mrs. Toku Nakashima) Fax: 03-3473-7410
The school's mission is to provide special education and therapy in order
to support children with special needs such as developmental disabilities
(ADHD, PDD, LD), Autism, CP and so on. Services include motor-skill training,
coordination with eye and motor-skills, speech therapy (revised ABA), movement
exercises, art activities, social skill training and communication skill
training. The school operates a full-time day school programme is called
self-acquired applied behavioral learning/advanced applied behavioral approach,
with an individual program according to original IEP plan. Individual counseling
and program design will be done by Professional Occupational therapists
and psychologists. Family counseling will be included in the session. The
school is also well-known for its tutoring program and/or after-school
program according to individual's needs in which arts and fundamental learning
activity based on Waldorf-Steiner and Montessori is also included. A small
Waldorf-Steiner day school has also been opened since September 2004 by
Ms. Nakagawa (with support from Ms. Nikki Sanders who was active in Steiner
schools in Michigan for more than 20 years) opened for children aged 3
- 7 with an English-language curriculum only but some staff speak Japanese.
The school is also accepting students with special learning needs with
a specialist teacher on hand.
Phone: 03-5791-1435. Email address is: meg@po.iijnet.or.jp
KOMAZAWA PARK INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL (2 - 6 years; elementary - jr high evening programme)
Website: http://kpipk.com
4-26-17 Fukasawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0081
Phone/Fax: 03-5707-0979 Email: contact@kpischool.com
Begun operating in September 2000, the school incorporates the spirit and
positive elements of the 3 leading educationalists of early childhood education
(Montessori, Steiner, Froebel). Teacher:student ratio : one teacher, one
sports trainer and one music teacher: ten children. The Evening & Saturday
Elementary Programme is designed to maintain and improve the English level
as well as to foster Western cultural awareness of Japanese returnees,
children who want to continue learning English in Japan and half-Japanese
children who attend Japanese schools. The program makes use of similar
methods as many international schools when we teach students how to express
their thoughts and conduct research; deliver an effective presentation;
and discuss their ideas at age-appropriate levels at a high English calibre.
The amount of course time devoted to doing research, creating and practiciing
presentations increases as children gorw older and improve their language
skills. Upon completing the Evening Junior High Program, students will
have received the instruction and training to the point where they can
conduct research presentations and give speeches with the presuasive power
needed to convince anyone from any country, and theyll be at the same level
as, if not hgher than students who attend international schools.
Waldorf schools in Japan
According to Daily Yomiuri, Jun 14, 2005, there are 7 Steiner schools in
Japan, 2 in Kanagawa and one each in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Tochigi, Gifu and
Kyoto prefectures, out of the 950 Steiner schools worldwide. The schools
listed below are Japanese medium schools unless stated expressly otherwise.
A Japanese listing of Steiner schools is at Nihon no Shyutaina Gakko
(THE) CHILDREN'S GARDEN (preschool and after school class) (English medium)
3-12-19 Honcho, Kichijoji, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
Phone: (0422) 20-5055) Email: tcgjapan@yahoo.com
Run by Ellen Motohashi, the school's pedagogy and philosophy share elements
from the Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia (project based approach) and
any other discipline which promotes the importance of child directed, experienced
based learning which enhances the development of the whole child. Rich
natural experiences are emphasized and outdoor trips will be planned for
as often as possible during the year. The school which opened in 2002 offers
a full day English content based preschool (9:30 am - 2:30 pm) along with
an after school class for English speaking children who attend facilities
outside, Saturday special activity classes, and a bilingual class focusing
on the creative arts. It is located in Kichijoji about 10 minutes directly
west from the Kichijoji JR central exit straight down Nakamichi-dori (this
street continues on from the main street which runs in front of the station
past Parco). Bilingual elements in the program include bilingual storytimes/singing
and will be expanded gradually.
HARVEY AND MACLAUREN'S SCHOOL
Website: http://www.harvey.co.jp/maclaurin/
3-19-23-1003 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo (7 minutes from Shinagawa JR station)
Phone: 03-3473-6896 (Contact Mrs. Toku Nakashima) Fax: 03-3473-7410
The school's mission is to provide special education and therapy in order
to support children with special needs such as developmental disabilities
(ADHD, PDD, LD), Autism, CP and so on. Services include motor-skill training,
coordination with eye and motor-skills, speech therapy (revised ABA), movement
exercises, art activities, social skill training and communication skill
training. The school operates a full-time day school programme is called
self-acquired applied behavioral learning/advanced applied behavioral approach,
with an individual program according to original IEP plan. Individual counseling
and program design will be done by Professional Occupational therapists
and psychologists. Family counseling will be included in the session. The
school is also well-known for its tutoring program and/or after-school
program according to individual's needs in which arts and fundamental learning
activity based on Waldorf-Steiner and Montessori is also included. A small
Waldorf-Steiner day school has also been opened since September 2004 by
Ms. Nakagawa (with support from Ms. Nikki Sanders who was active in Steiner
schools in Michigan for more than 20 years) opened for children aged 3
- 7 with an English-language curriculum only but some staff speak Japanese.
The school is also accepting students with special learning needs with
a specialist teacher on hand.
HIBIKINOMURA STEINER MICHAEL COLLEGE
Website: http://www.michaelcollege.org or http://www.hibikinomura.org/ andhttp://www.hibikinomura.org/hibiki/English.pdf
6-13 Hokkaido 052-0001
Phone: 0142-25-6735 Fax: 0142-25-6715 Email: info@michaelcollege.org
KINDERGARTEN NANOHANAEN
2-27-7 Inakoshina, Tokyo, Mitaka-shi, 181
KOMAZAWA PARK INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL (2 - 6 years; elementary - jr high evening programme)
Website: http://kpipk.com
4-26-17 Fukasawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0081
Phone/Fax: 03-5707-0979 Email: contact@kpischool.com
Begun operating in September 2000, the school incorporates the spirit and
positive elements of the 3 leading educationalists of early childhood education
(Montessori, Steiner, Froebel). Teacher:student ratio : one teacher, one
sports trainer and one music teacher: ten children. The Evening & Saturday
Elementary Programme is designed to maintain and improve the English level
as well as to foster Western cultural awareness of Japanese returnees,
children who want to continue learning English in Japan and half-Japanese
children who attend Japanese schools. The program makes use of similar
methods as many international schools when we teach students how to express
their thoughts and conduct research; deliver an effective presentation;
and discuss their ideas at age-appropriate levels at a high English calibre.
The amount of course time devoted to doing research, creating and practiciing
presentations increases as children gorw older and improve their language
skills. Upon completing the Evening Junior High Program, students will
have received the instruction and training to the point where they can
conduct research presentations and give speeches with the presuasive power
needed to convince anyone from any country, and theyll be at the same level
as, if not hgher than students who attend international schools.
MINAMISAWA STEINER KODOMOEN
3-16-63 Higashi-kurume-shi Tokyo 203-0023 Phone: 0424700843
NASU-MIFUJI-RUDOLF-STEINER-KINDERGARTEN
325 Nasumachi Takaku-Ko, Tochigi-ken, 6394-1
NPO-HOJIN KYOTANABE STEINER SCHOOL
Website: http://school.kyotanabe-steiner.jp/
94 Minami-Hokodate, Kodo, Kyotanabe-shi, Kyoto-fu, 610-0332?(For instructions on how to get there, see map at URL:http://school.kyotanabe-steiner.jp/access.html
Phone / Fax: 81-774-643334
NPO STEINER SCHOOL IZUMI NO GAKKO NPO
Website: http://www.wicc.tv/izumi/index.html
65-8 Matsugae-Cho, Date City, Hokkaido 052-0012
Phone / Fax: 0142-22-0309 Email: hibiki@phoenix-c.or.jp
The school has been designated a free school.
NPO TOKYO KENJI SCHOOL (Elementary - High School)
Website: http://www1.neweb.ne.jp/wa/kenji
4-3-18 Shibasaki-cho, Tachikawa-city, Tokyo 190-0023
Phone: 042-523-7112 Fax: 042-523-7113
Tokyo Kenji School is a NPO corporation started and run by Toriyama Toshiko
who has incorporated the educational ideas and cosmologies of R. Steiner
and Miyazawa Kenji into the school's original curriculum. The elementary
course has eight grades, and the number of pupils in each class is limited
to less than twenty. They also provide workshops for youths and teachers.
The classes respect individual feelings and aim to establish the harmony
of body and soul. Other teachers are trained by Toriyama after school through
their discussions of the day's lessons. In 2006, the school expanded its
classes through high school grades.
NPO YOKOHAMA STEINER GAKUEN (Grades 1- 2)
Website: http://yokohama-steiner.com/
1-20, 3-chome Midori-ku, Yokohama City, 226-0016?
Phone / Fax: 045-922-3107 Email: gakuen-info@yahoogroups.jp
5-11-5 Shimouma Setagaya-ku Tokyo, 154-0002
Phone: 03-5481-9425 Fax: 03-5481-9425 Email: info@ptc-school.com
The school is seeking to expand its grades in the next school year.
PTC PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (2.5 - 6 years) (English medium)
Website: http://www.ptc-school.com/en/index.htm
Located in Shimouma, Setagaya Ward, near Yutenji Station, it offers Steiner
method instruction (explained at URL:http://www.ptc-school.com/en/attitude.htm) in a cozy kindergarten environment. School Principal Yoko Takatsuka embarked on extensive study periods in the U.S. and Germany and has become well versed in Steiner methodologies. The emphasis is on children developing confidence and getting back to nature.
RUDOLF STEINER KINDERGARTEN
3-14 Matsugaoka, Yokohama shi, Kanagawa ku 221 Phone: 045-32-33737
SOYOKAZE KINDERGARTEN
55 Kokuzodani, Osumi, Kyotanabe-City, Kyoto
Phone: 81-77-463-0950
STEINER GAKUEN (Elementary & Middle School) formerly RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL (a.k.a NPO TOKYO STEINER SCHULE) (Grades 1 -9)
Website: http://www.steiner.ed.jp/
2805-1 Fujinomachi, Kanagawa Prefecture 199-0207
Phone: 0426-86-6011 Fax: 0426-86-6030
(Old link http://www.steiner-schule.or.jp link is obsolete, and the school
has moved to Fujino, please see new website for new address)
Instruction is in Japanese. Tokyo Steiner Schule also has "Saturday
School" for children going to other schools. The eurythmist there
(Hata-sensei) also gives adult classes. The school has been existed as
a non-accredited school for delivering Waldorf education on art. Under
policy of the education as art. The school has recently been accredited
as a private school in Kanagawa Prefecture and thanks to the Koizumi cabinet's
deregulation program called Kozo Kaikaku Tokku the school may be established
without having to own its own land and/or buildings as well as unstandardized
curriculum. The school may also be able to give you info on another group
trying to get a school started in Machida.
STEINER KINDERGARTEN
7141-1 Yaho Kunitachi-Shi, Hoshinoko, Tokyo
YAMASATO KINDERTAGESSTATTE
85-1 Yamazato-Cho, Showa-Ku, Nagoya-Shi, Aichi Prefecture
Rombini Yochien in Kanazawa Bunko (within walking distance of the JR station) By word
of mouth, Rombini is a small school with about 12 kids in a class.
In Zushi: There is another Japanese Steiner preschool operated out of a
residence in Zushi that is said to be excellent.
_________________________________________
Other related Japanese Steiner or Waldorf Related Educational websites
A more comprehensive Listing of Japanese Steiner Schools may be found at Infokids a Japanese page explaining the key precepts of a Steiner education.
Rudolf Steiner College website's Japanese pages
ANTHROPOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN JAPAN
1-18-26-203 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075. Phone / Fax: 03-3205-9645.
Watch out for the workshops, talks and sales of materials and books that
are held from time to time.
Japanese Waldorf internet resources
Infokids site includes a kindergarten list and other resources.
An interview with Michiko Koyasu who is a professor at Waseda University
and who has written many books in Japanese and made a film on Waldorf Education,
see Passagen's webpage
Training seminar resources for Japanese Waldorf instructors at the Steiner college
Japanese version Waldorf FAQs, Mr Mori translates many Steiner books and qualified Waldorf Math /Biology
teacher in Osaka
General Internet Resources on Waldorf education
For a typical curriculum from preschool to high school see:
URL: http://www.meadowbrookschool.com/mbscurr.html
***A good homeschooling resource that has many aspects and principles consonant
with Waldorf education is Enki Education URL: http://www.enkieducation.org This resource is much highly regarded by many homeschoolers in Japan.
See also Waldorf homeschooling resource site
On Waldorf Education worldwide see Waldorf Education Resources on the Internet
Catalogues or Stores in Tokyo
Omochabako catalogue
Obaachan no tamate bako in Kichijoji Phone: 0422-21092
The Mercurius catalogue is the main supply catalogue for Waldorf schools here and they have distributors
in many countries. Some of their things are sold through omochabako but
you can order directly from them as well.
The Waldorf Resources website lists dozens of suppliers of waldorf toys, craft supplies, books, etc.
Most will happily ship to Japan by sea.