Early Childhood Education Programs in Japan

Aoba Japan International School

• In the center of Tokyo, the Meguro campus of Aoba Japan International School offers both a preschool and kindergarten program aimed at developing a child's physical and mental abilities. Music, art and swimming are taught alongside basic lessons about math and environmental science. While Japanese is given special focus, English is also highly emphasized in the curriculum. Children who graduate the program at approximately six years old move on to the Suginami campus, where they attend elementary and secondary school.

  Aoba Japan International School
  10-34 Aobadai 2 Chome
  Meguro-ku, Tokyo
  Japan 153-0042
  +81-3-3461-1442
  aobaonline.jp

Bilingual Kids International Preschool

• If your child is a member of a bilingual (Japanese and English) household where one parent speaks primarily English, Bilingual Kids International Preschool offers a teaching program for them. The Reggio Emilia approach tailors each child's curriculum based on his own learning pace and interests rather than using a strict teaching schedule. Conversations between the teachers and students take place almost entirely in English to give the children a solid foundation in the language. A morning and afternoon program are both offered; the afternoon program also invites children from other preschools and kindergartens to come and participate in practicing English.

  Bilingual Kids International Preschool
  5-12-7 Sakai, Musashinoshi
  Japan 180-0022
  +81-42-254-1898
  bkipreschool.com

Montessori School of Tokyo

• The Montessori School of Tokyo, in its own words, is based on a profound respect for each child as a unique human being. The curriculum is split into two age groups, the Sunshine program for 3- to 6-year-olds, and the Elementary program for ages 6- to 12-year-olds. The Sunshine program doesn't have compulsory activities but encourages each child to participate in group activities in addition to exploring on their own. Cultural and artistic activities are offered in addition to reading, counting and the development of practical skills like cooking and cleaning up the playroom. A Japanese teacher ensures children are taught the basics of the country's native language through songs and the hiragana alphabet (one of the two phonetic syllabaries Japanese children learn), while other classes are taught in English. A three-week summer camp is offered between semesters in June and July each year.

  Montessori School of Tokyo
  3-5-13 Minami Azabu Minatoku
  Japan 106-0047
  +81-35-449-7067
  montessorijapan.com