There are a number of new schools in the planning stages, all around Japan. Here is information on a proposed Montessori school in the Kyoto/Nara/Osaka area.

Ikoma Montessori School: Nara, Osaka, Kyoto Area
There will be a planning session for the proposed Ikoma Montessori school on Sunday, Sept 29 (postponed though if enough people find that day inconvenient, what with bunkasai and undokais!). 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!

location: Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture (commuting distance from Osaka, Nara, Kyoto). The proposed school site is on Mt Ikoma near the amusement park, several buildings in a spacious yard and a forested mountain setting. Spectacular, wild woods and hiking trails -- located at Kasumigaoka station on the cable car route from Ikoma Station, mere minutes from downtown Osaka.

proposal: to establish a branch of the Khalsa Montessori school (Arizona, USA) in Ikoma with a dual-language curriculum
time table: ideally to open April or September 2003

Contact: Mary Ohdai at mohdai(at-mark)livedoor.com
or Sada-Anand S. KHALSA tel. 0743-73-2909, email: goldenjp(at-mark)kcn.ne.jp

I opened a center in Fujisawa last year. I am trying to apply for NPO status. Although our main program is a Montessori (cross Steiner, Reggio) style kindergarten, one of my purposes is to provide a resource center for all foreignors and Japanese alike regarding educational needs. I have collected a number of items, and am slowly (very slowly) creating a database of those items. For those not attending the programs I have originally set up, (Homeschoolers, afterschooler etc.) by becoming a member (Y1000 per year) you may borrow materials or rent space to meet monthly or weekly. Currently my space is very humble in size, and I am looking for a sponsor or bigger space. Without any real support however it will be difficult to expand.

I think we can build an active and worthwhile center in the southern kanagawa area. We need support in a number of ways:

1) Autumn Festival: Come to our Autumn Fest. on October 26, 10:00 - 4:00. There you can meet us and take home some pamphlets. It will be held at the Meiten Building 6F which is a 1 minute walk from the South exit of Fujisawa station. (above Yurindo book store) Rene Bosman (clown, entertainer) will be performing at 12:00 and there will be an English sing-a-long at 3:30. There will be crafts and games for your children to enjoy, and a market with used clothing, books, and hand made items as well.

2) Become a member. I charge Y1000 per year. We have events that anyone can participate in such as the Autumn Festival, monthly storytime, parent seminars, teacher seminars, toddler play group, english support group for native or fluent speakers...

3) Living Values workshop, Nov. 16 / 17, 10:00 - 5:00. Y2000 for both days: Evelyn Sasamoto has put together a wonderful workshop affiliated with the Unesco Living Values program. If you would like to know more about how to teach your children values in such a materialistic society, or are interested in discussing issues with others who have concerns similar to your own, please join our workshop.

4) Volunteer to help out at the center. I am basically running the center by myself. My staff at the kindergarten are wonderful and hep out with extra work, but they have the children at the school to concentrate on. I need help in the office and with setting up a
library.

Sincerely,
Regina Splees, Director
Gateway Int'l Center and the Children's Garden
Fujigaoka, Fujisawa
0466-54-6-5755 (school)
0466-28-6915 (home)

Canadian International School to open primary school in Tokyo and in Osaka. (Junior and Senior High Schools already open.)

"CIS will open Canadian style Kindergarten Class (3 years & up) and Elementary School (Grade 1 to Grade 6) at its Gotenyama Campus in April 2003."

http://www.cisjapan.net

Tokyo Campus
5-8-20 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0001 JAPAN
Tel: 03-5793-1392, Fax: 03-5793-3559

Osaka Campus
Sankei Building, 2-5-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan 530-0001
Tel: 06-6347-1477, Fax: 06-6341-7065

An international Montessori elementary school is opening in Tokyo!

The team that brought you Sunshine Montessori pre-school has decided to open a Montessori school for children aged 6-12. 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 school will open in September 2003 in the Azabu-Juban area of Minato-ku. We will have a series of information nights to explain Montessori Elementary Education. Our first information night will be on Tuesday January 28th at 7:30 pm. For more information and directions to the school, please contact Pete Juds at (03) 3452-4244 or e-mail sunshine@montessorijapan.com

The Montessori School of Tokyo
1-5-10 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047
Tel: 5765-7655, Fax: 5765-3178
email: mst@montessorijapan.com
- 18 months to 12 years old
- only elementary school Montessori curriculum in all of Japan
- Mission statement: "Stimulating curiosity while developing independence in thought and action."
- School Motto "Confidence, Respect, Compassion"

Mz International Preschool
Maxim Building 3F, 2-13-5 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045
Tel: 03-5730-9767, Fax: 03-5730-9796
Director, Terry Zailan
Email: terry@mzip.co.jp
http://www.mzip.co.jp

The same folks who have the above school are putting together a "mobile pre-school" called "Mz Little Stars" which will be available in Machida City and another city ___?

Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) - To OPEN April 2003
1-33-6 Higashi Terao, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0077

Tel: 045-584-1945
Fax: 045-584-1946
Free-dial:0120-466-695
Suleyman Turhan, Principal
E-mail: info@horizonjapan.org
Website: http://www.horizonjapan.org
- Kindergarten and Elementary school (grades 1 through 6) starting in April 2003
- All nationalities are welcome.
- International curriculum with intensive Japanese language instruction.
- Language of instruction (English or Japanese) can be selected for Math, Science and Social Studies.
- Third language instruction optional for students to maintain a mother tongue other than English or Japanese.

Nagoya
http://www.nihs.ed.jp/1/j/intro.html
"Nagoya International Junior High School, a school designed to educate citizens to thrive on the international stage, will open in April, 2003."

I was wondering if this school counts as an international school or what type of niche it fits into?
_____________
AmerAsian School in Okinawa opens new building
Sunday, April 13, 2003
NAHA � A new building at the AmerAsian School in Okinawa, an educational institution mainly for children born to U.S. military personnel and Japanese women, was opened Saturday in the city of Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture.

Some 60 students from kindergarten to junior high school levels attend the school, while around 10 other children are planning to enroll, according to the school officials. (Kyodo News)

There are at least two web sites that are linked to the Amerasian School Okinawa.
http://www.mareclub.com/amera/
http://www.amerasianschool.org/
An explanation of what the school is doing is found at http://www.mareclub.com/amera/p_info.html

They decidedly have English in the curriculum for all age groups. They classify themselves as a "free school". I have sent them email now to try to get more information. It seems they should be included on the international school list.

Upcoming Event

There will be an information evening "Montessori Education for the Elementary student" at the Azabu Campus of The Montessori School of Tokyo.

Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2003

Please contact the school regarding this event as seating is limited.

Contact:
Tel: (03) 5765-7655
Fax: (03) 5765-3178
Email: mst@montessorijapan.com

For more information about the school or location map please see our website http://www.montessorijapan.com

HJIS Introduction and Summer School Program

Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) is a new elementary school (K-6) that opened its doors in April 2003. We are one of three international schools in Yokohama city, which have been accredited by the Kanagawa Prefectual Government and have numerous affiliates throughout the world. Our team of educators and consultants has been gathered from around the globe and have all played an integral role in developing our international curriculum. With an affordable fee structure, HJIS will best match the expectations of the foreign community who are planning to reside long term in Japan. The school is also open to Japanese families who want to send their children to international schools. Come and see what we have to offer. For further information regarding the programs offered at HJIS do not hesitate to contact us at:
Horizon Japan International School (HJIS)
1-33-6 Higashi Terao, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0077 Japan
Tel: 045-584-1945
Fax: 045-584-1946
e-mail: info@horizon.ac.jp
URL: www.horizon.ac.jp

HJIS Summer School 2003

The Horizon Japan International School summer English program is designed for students who wish to increase their proficiency is English, reading and conversation. Classes will be activity based and enhance the learning of English.

Term 1: July 21-July 25
Term 2: July 26-July 31 (no school on July 27)

Time:
Gr. K-2 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Gr. 3-6 13:00 pm-16:00 pm

Location: HJIS �E1-33-6 Higashi Terao, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama

Program Fee:
30, 000 yen (per term); 2nd child 27, 000 (per term)
For 2 Terms: 58, 000 yen; 2nd child 55, 000 yen
Application fee: 2, 500 yen

Application Deadline: July 4, 2003

Contact Information:
Tel: 045-584-1942
Fax: 045-584-1946
e-mail: admissions@horizon.ac.jp
URL: www.horizon.ac.jp

Sophia International school
Invitation: On the occasion of the opening ceremony we requests the pleasure of your company: come with your family and friends:Sep 8/2003 Tokyo Ikebukuro
Kids age 3/15 (Pre -k9)sophia school have experienced teacher
there are special programs for the childern who want to learn third language other than English and japanese
5 minutes from JR Ikebukuro sTa:
We are accepting early Application:
www.sophia-school.com
Tel:03-5958-4907
Fax:03-5958-4905

English and Japanese

I heard about this school in Mito City from other parents. Their Elementary school will be open in April, 2004.
http://www.bunka-gakuen.ac.jp/lily/lily-top.html

Regarding the Canadian International School which initially opened both in Tokyo and Osaka. The Osaka branch has closed, but the Tokyo branch is growing. It now has 50 students enrolled. See more info in the schools list announced at the top of this discussion.

Also there is a conversation started at:
http://www.tokyowithkids.com/discussions/messages/151/1003.html

Planned opening from August 2004 in Koto-ku--
nearest train station: Morishita station on the TOEI Oedo and Shinjuku lines, the entire five floors of the Amica building.

India International School In Japan (IISJ)
mailing address prior to school building being available:
c/o Kudan Bhavan building,
1-15-14 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0073
Email: India-Intl-School@yahoogroups.com
Or please contact:
Mrs. Nirmal Jain 03-3234-4845
Mrs. Saraswathy Jeevanandam 042-253-4867
website: http://www.geocities.com/india_international_school

Small Waldorf Steiner school to open for ages about 3-7 in Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo (7 minutes from Shinagawa JR station). English only. Start date September 2004. In terms of adherence to Steiner principles, this school might be measured at "medium" (sort of a scale referred to on web sites in the USA).

The school is also accepting students with learning disabilities. There is a special teacher just for this purpose.

This school is being started by Ms. Toku Nagashima of Harvey MacLaurin School with support from Ms. Nikki Sanders (active in Steiner schools in Michigan for more than 20 years) and others.

For more information you can contact the school (building is not yet open to the public) at 03-5791-1435. Email address is: meg@po.iijnet.or.jp

By Admin on Monday, November 8, 2004 - 06:03 pm:
The new Waldorf Steiner school (in English) mentioned above now has a web site: http://www.waldorf-steiner.org/

Sagamihara, Kanagawa-ken
Preschool is open now. New International elementary school will start in April 2005. Yearly tuition: 936,000 yen, can be paid monthly at 78,000. But initial enrollment fee is around Y800,000. Also deposit of Y78,000 and Y20,000 per term additional fee. Year book purchase is required. Nice facilities.

LCA International School
4-12-7 Cyuo, Sagamihara-city, Kanagawa-ken 229-0039 Japan
Tel: 042-776-8570, Fax: 042-776-8571
E-mail: lca-yama@din.or.jp
Website: http://www.din.or.jp/~lca/english_site.html
17 minutes' walk from JR Yokohama Sagamihara station. You can take a bus No. 6 from the station and get off at the second stop "I world". Also School Bus Available From Odakyu Sagamiono Station starting from ?.

By Admin on Saturday, December 11, 2004 - 12:52 pm:
More info for LCA International School including some corrections (there seems to be two websites accessible with conflicting info):

"Address:
1-27-16 Yokoyamadai, Sagamihara-city, Kanagawa-ken 229-0039
Tel: 042-776-8570, Fax: 042-776-8571
E-Mail: inquiry@lca-intl.com
Web-site: http://www.din.or.jp/~lca/

Our school is too far from Sagamihara station to walk. Could you omit the first sentence? You can take a bus No.6 from the station and get off at the fourth stop "Hikanezawa Ue" You will get our school by 5-minute walk from there.

School bus is available from Odakyuu Sagamiono Station, Machida, Fuchinobe, Hashimoto Stations (JR Yokohama Line) for preschool children. The fee for the bus is Y4,000 for Fuchinobe and Hashimoto and Y6,000 for Machida and Sagamiono respectively.

The information about the elementary school is correct. Thank you for writing about our school. We are looking forward to see our name on your site.

LCA International School
Tetsuya Kirishima"

I heard there is a new India school planning to open in Yokohama. If anyone knows any details can they please email me directly? Thanks!

I don't know any details, but the school you're referring to is Global Indian International School, which has a branch in Mizue in Edogawa ward. I think their website mentions something about the Yokohama school.

Saint Maur International School in Yokohama, has decided to start accepting applications for its French School Section opening in August 2007.
The survey conducted in April to the French population in the Kanto area as well as overseas, has gathered over 360 visitors and participants, indicating a strong wish to see this section start.
The school is in the process of updating the website to reflect this decision. The initial opening methodology and fees are on the website.
The scholl only hires professional experienced French teachers with all the necessary French National Education credentials.

I am also setting up an information page in French about Yokohama. You can find it at http://france-japon.jp/index.php?title=Yokohama.
Anyone can feed additional information and pictures by simply sending me an email at Gilles (at) Gaury.jp for inclusion.

Please direct any inquiry about this French section to the school at http://www.stmaur.ac.jp.
Thank you in advance for your help in passing on this information to your colleagues and any incoming French speaking foreigner establishing in the Kanto area.