TO DEVI
Re Tokyo International School

We are having a pretty positive experience at TIS. My son started in kindergarten last Sept, having gone to a Japanese nursery school (hoikuen) for 3.5 years, where his first language became Japanese (I think). I wanted more emphasis on English, and he has learned to read it very fast, as have all the kids (my impression anyway). I'm not familiar with Montessori, so can't compare, but with small class sizes, children are able to proceed at their own pace, although it is not multi-age. They don't aim for a bi-lingual program and follow the home-room theme in the Japanese classes which are twice a week in kindergarten, at two levels- native or near, and beginners. I think a number of parents would like more emphasis on Japanese. The curriculum is a mixture of US/UK/Canada and Australia, which also suited us since it was closer to the system which we may return to at some point.

Having been in the Japanese hoikuen system, which was excellent, Japanese elementary school was an option for us. However my son has really blossomed in the last six months, which is not a criticism of the Japanese system, probably an indication of the expanded world of, and attention given, in this international school anyway. He has also become more cheeky though.

I was very impressed with the commitment of the Japanese teachers in the nursery school and the ethic of getting all the kids to a certain level, whether it was skipping rope, origami, helping with the lunch etc. Also with things like the level of performance on sports day and occasional performances - perfectly practised.

Just some impressions - hope it helps.
You should realise that TIS currently only goes to 4th grade (only one class in 3rd and 4th I think), but they are growing the school.

My sons and I will join my husband in tokyo this summer 2001 and the boys may attend TIS - a 3rd grader, 1st grader, and a pre-K. Can someone share their experience at TIS. I welcome any responses to my e-mail address or here. Thanks.

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Tokyo International School
3-4-22 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073 (Mita and Tamachi stations)
Tel: 03-5484-1160, Fax: 03-5484-1139

Map at: http://www.tokyois.com/content/contact/directions/TISlocation.htm

hi,
does anyone have any feedback about the tokyo international school (TIS). I am thinking about putting my son in there next yr, but somehow, a bit reluctant. their location is great, but i don't get a very good gut feeling. parents out there, do you know what i am getting at? it is hard to explain.

any feedback will be greatly appreciated. thanks

Suprised to hear you feel something less than positive. We are not parents there, but have visited them some time ago and got a good impression. The founder/owner was very accessible and accountable, which can be a plus.

I have only heard positive things from parents there.

Your own gut feeling is important, though so I hope you can follow it up.

Anne,
I went to visit the about a year ago, school and received a positive impression except for the fact that I was a little disappointed with the facilities given how wonderfully they were described on the website. The classrooms and gymnasium were lovely, however there was not much greenery. This though is part and parcel of what one would expect from any school in central Tokyo, I just felt a little mislead. What put me off the school forever was the attitude of the founder of the school when he overheard me telling another mother the above. Despite this, the teachers seemed wonderful,the principal was young, energetic and well versed in current educational philosophy and curriculum, and there was a great teacher to student ratio. The school seemed to have a positive atmosphere and seemed to try hard to be truly international.

Just my impression....

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