Yokohama International School

The Yokohama International School campus is in the Honmoku area of Yokohama, located in Naka-ku in a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood. It sits beside the Honmoku Front shopping complex and is well integrated with local shops, parks, and transit routes; there are multiple bus routes serving the area and nearby train access to Tokyo. The campus address is 2-100-1 Kominato-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0802, Japan.

YIS operates an Early Learning Center for ages 3–5, Elementary School from Kindergarten through Grade 5, Middle School in Grades 6–8, and High School in Grades 9–12. The school follows an IB continuum: Primary Years Program (ELC–Grade 5), Middle Years Program (Grades 6–10), and Diploma Program (Grades 11–12).

Co-educational, day school.

The student body includes more than 50 nationalities (the community is highly international). The school has around 808 students, with faculty drawn from multiple countries; the most common nationality is not publicly disclosed.

YIS provides Learning Support for diverse learning needs, working in collaboration with Counselors and EAL teachers to support academics, behavior, and social–emotional development. EAL support is provided across core subjects to help students access the curriculum, and wellness/counseling services are available for social-emotional health.

No formal country affiliation; the school serves the international community in Yokohama and the Tokyo metropolitan area.

No religious affiliation.

Daily start and end times vary by division and are provided during enrollment. Breakfast is available on campus before the start of the day, and lunch is served in three sittings via Dragon Dining, with a campus café (The Street Café) for breaks. The First Day of School in August 2025 ran from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm as an example of a full-day schedule.

The school offers a bus service with nearby pick‑ups and stops. From Sakuragicho Station or Ishikawacho, take buses 101, 105, or 106 to Kominato-cho; From Negishi Station take buses 58 or 101 to Honmoku-Miyabara; bus stops near the campus are indicated in the access information.

YIS delivers instruction in English and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from the Early Learning Center through Grade 5; the Middle Years Programme (MYP) runs from Grades 6 to 10; and the Diploma Programme (DP) runs in Grades 11 and 12. In addition to the IB Diploma, students may earn IB Certificates, the YIS Diploma, and the Global Citizen Diploma. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, service learning, and well-being, with field trips, expeditions, and a range of clubs. English is the language of instruction, with an English as an Additional Language program to support learners.

External examinations are part of the Diploma Programme assessment. YIS publishes external exam results. Details are accessible through the DP results reporting.

Graduates are well prepared for higher education at universities around the world. YIS offers pathways including the IB Diploma, IB Certificates, the YIS Diploma, and the Global Citizen Diploma. Graduates pursue higher education worldwide with the credential mix available through YIS.

Counseling is available across Elementary, Middle, and High School, with counselors providing individual and group support, social-emotional learning, wellness programs, and academic advising delivered in classroom and tutor group settings. Students reflect on strengths, set personal goals, and develop resilience through a structured wellbeing program and university/career guidance. The community emphasizes mindful choices, belonging, and personal growth, with orientation and ongoing family meetings for new students.

Learning Support collaborates with counselors and EAL specialists to support students with diverse learning needs, offering observations, consultations, and targeted instruction to help students access the curriculum and reach their potential in an inclusive environment. The program is designed to celebrate learning differences and provide individualized or small-group support as required.

English is the language of instruction. The EAL program provides developmentally appropriate language support to help students access all learning programs, with targeted instruction across speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The school recognizes a multilingual environment, with home-language programs and a diverse student body speaking many languages.

Mental wellbeing is addressed through counseling services, social-emotional learning, and wellness programming integrated into the school's counseling and health offerings. The health office provides resources and support for student health needs, and counselors partner with families and teachers to support emotional and psychological development.

Safeguarding is embedded in daily practice with a designated safeguarding framework, staff training, and a student-protection policy aligned to international standards. The school provides clear safeguarding contacts and a responsive child-protection structure, with ongoing monitoring and reporting procedures.

1. Eligibility. The school accepts applicants who are foreign nationals or Japanese nationals with prior international education. At least one residing parent must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English. Applicants must live with at least one parent within commuting distance while enrolled at YIS.

2. Admissions Portal and Pre-application. Start with the Pre-application Form to provide basic information and create an account for the Admissions Portal. If a child is already enrolled at YIS, begin the process in the Veracross Parent Portal under the Admissions option. The school year runs from August to June.

3. Our Admissions Team Reviews Your Pre-application. The Admissions Team reviews the pre-application to confirm eligibility and may request additional information by email. If there are issues regarding eligibility, follow-up communication will occur.

4. Complete Application in The Admissions Portal and Pay Application Fee. Return to the Admissions Portal to complete the forms and upload required documents so the school can form a full picture of the child's suitability for the program. Payment of the application fee is part of this step.

5. Document Submission. Submit all requested documents through the Admissions Portal to support the application review. Ensuring all documents are uploaded helps avoid delays in processing.

6. Application Review & Notification Of Admission Decision. The Admissions team reviews the complete application and aims to notify applicants within a few weeks for overseas submissions. There is rolling admission for overseas applicants due to space constraints. For entry at the beginning of the school year (August), apply by early March (early February for high school).

7. Respond To Admissions Decision. If admitted, the family should respond to the admission decision to indicate whether they will enroll. This response typically follows the notification of the decision.

8. Complete Online Enrollment and Pay Registration Fee. After accepting the offer, complete online enrollment and pay the registration fee to secure a place.

Corporate Contribution Program (CCP): The CCP is a corporate scholarship program for organizations that cover expatriate employees' educational expenses. Donations fund corporate scholarships for dependents and support the school's fundraising and facilities. CCP donations are not taxable as personal income in Japan under an authorized agreement; contact the business manager for details on eligibility and participation.

Chowa Scholarship Fund: The school is launching the Chowa Scholarship Fund in 2026–2027 to provide need-based financial assistance to students facing hardship. The fund is designed to promote equity and inclusion so students can continue to thrive at YIS.