Shinagawa International School

Age: Ages 3-18
Area: Shinagawa (Tokyo)

About

Shinagawa International School (SIS) is a vibrant and diverse IB World School conveniently located near Shinagawa Seaside Station. The school community proudly encompasses over 40 nationalities, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and cultures. Committed to providing a holistic education, SIS caters to students from the Early Learning Center (ages 3 to 6), Primary School (grades 1 to 5), and Secondary School (grades 6 to 12, with grade 12 to be introduced in the 2025-2026 academic year).

Originally founded in 2007 in Shibuya, they relocated to their current premises in Shinagawa in June 2018, allowing them to expand and enhance their educational offerings. As part of their ongoing growth, they are proud to be an authorized IB Continuum School implementing the PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), and DP (Diploma Programme). This seamless continuum of the International Baccalaureate Programmes empowers SIS students to build upon the skills, knowledge and attributes they develop during their school years, preparing them for future success.

SIS Mission

Our mission is to provide a multicultural learning community that nurtures a passion for academic, social, and personal success.

SIS Vision

Our vision is to foster passionate, independent, highly motivated learners who actively contribute to world peace.

SIS Educational Philosophy

SIS aims to educate each of its students to be:

Inspired and independent life-long learners.
Academically, artistically, socially, and physically balanced.
Inquirers and problem-solvers.
Multilingual communicators.
Responsible and principled, internationally minded citizens.
Appreciative of our local community.

Facilities

Early Learning Center – Shinagawa Seaside Campus (3 to 6 years old)
Primary / Secondary School
Music Rooms
Visual Art Room
Design Room
Science Laboratory
Counselling Rooms
English Language Support Room
Japanese Rooms
ELC Library
Main Campus Library
ELC Gym
ELC Rooftop Play Garden
Main Campus Gym
Samezu Athletic Park
Samezu Soccer and Baseball Field
Konami Sports Center (1-min walk) for swimming lessons, Soccer, Volleyball, Badminton Club Activities

Services & Activities Available

Authorized IB PYP (Primary Years Program)
Authorized IB MYP (Middle Years Program)
Authorized IB DP (Diploma Program)
A member of CIS (Council of International Schools)
Summer School in July
Child Care Service up to 6 p.m.
School Bus Service (8 routes currently)
English Language Acquisition support
Japanese Language Acquisition Support (For both native and nonnative students)
Math support Service for both low and high-level students
Participating in international Math Olympiads
Wellbeing Counselling
Secondary School Teams

Promoting Holistic Development

At SIS, we go beyond the traditional curriculum to ensure the overall development of our students. Our approach is centered around student-centric learning, fostering passionate, independent, and highly motivated learners who can actively contribute to world peace. Here are some of the steps we take to promote holistic development:

Multicultural Environment: We provide a multicultural environment by admitting students from different nationalities and cultures. The school has a policy of having at most 25 percent of one nationality. By embracing diversity, students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures, fostering global citizenship and becoming open-minded learners.
Collaborative Learning: We promote student collaboration by organizing mixed-age group activities. When working together in teams, students develop essential skills like collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and communication. This approach prepares them for real-world challenges that require effective teamwork.
Inquiry-Based Learning: Our teachers practice the inquiry model in the classroom, encouraging students to ask questions, conduct research, and reflect on their learning. This approach fosters curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the subjects. Students learn to think critically and independently, becoming lifelong learners.
Real-Life Problem Solving: Students inquire into real-life problems, such as sustainability, gender equality, poverty, etc. They explore creative solutions to these issues through discussions and projects, enabling them to become empathetic and socially responsible citizens.
Technology Integration: We leverage technology as a tool to support student learning. Students work with various digital tools and apps that enhance their understanding and engagement. Additionally, we emphasize the ethical use of media and cultivate 21st-century digital skills, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

By implementing these strategies, we strive to ensure that our students excel academically and develop into well-rounded individuals with the necessary skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Motivating Students

Our school is committed to motivating and developing students’ interest in education. A few steps we take to achieve this are:

Supporting Independent Inquiries: Our teachers actively support and encourage students to pursue their inquiries within the classroom. Students are free to choose topics of interest and explore them in-depth. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and curiosity, igniting their passion for learning.
Varied Assessment Methods: Students have multiple avenues to demonstrate their learning. We encourage diverse assessment methods rather than solely relying on traditional exams and tests. Students can showcase their understanding through presentations, projects, portfolios, debates, and more. This allows students to express their knowledge and skills in ways that resonate with their interests and strengths.
Events: We organize events such as Japanese Culture Day, STEAM Week, Literacy Week, the Celebration of Learning etc., throughout the academic year. These events provide students with authentic opportunities to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and concepts in different fields, such as art, music, science, and technology. Students get to discover their passions and interests, paving the way for further exploration and development.
Guest Speakers and Field Trips: Inviting speakers from different professional backgrounds to share their experiences and expertise with our students supports building real-life context. Additionally, we organize educational field trips to museums, science centers, cultural sites, and other relevant locations to inspire students to pursue their interests beyond the classroom.
Recognition and Celebrations: We believe in acknowledging and celebrating students’ achievements. Weekly assemblies and unit-end exhibitions recognize students’ efforts and accomplishments. This recognition is a powerful motivator and encourages students to pursue education enthusiastically.

Unique Aspects of SIS

At Shinagawa International School, we embrace a holistic approach to education by implementing the esteemed International Baccalaureate (IB) program, encompassing the Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP). This internationally recognized curriculum empowers students to become critical thinkers, compassionate individuals, and lifelong learners, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

As a proud member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), we are committed to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence and promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity. With over 40 different nationalities represented within our school community, we celebrate the richness of various cultures, fostering a global mindset that prepares our students to be global citizens.

A Family-like Atmosphere

At Shinagawa International School, we believe that a supportive and caring environment is crucial for a child’s growth and development. Our school prides itself on creating a family-like atmosphere where every student feels valued, respected, and supported. With a small student-teacher ratio, we ensure personalized attention, fostering meaningful connections between educators and learners.

We understand the importance of a well-rounded education, which is why we offer a wide range of after-school programs and school teams. From sports and arts to music and robotics, our students have the opportunity to explore their passions and discover new talents outside of the classroom. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide a stimulating learning environment, enabling students to thrive and reach their full potential.

At Shinagawa International School, we firmly believe in the power of social-emotional support. Our dedicated team of educators and counselors prioritize the well-being of our students, providing a nurturing environment where they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We understand that each child is unique, and we tailor our support to meet their individual needs, promoting resilience, self-confidence, and a positive mindset.

We value the partnership between students, teachers, and parents, recognizing the importance of open communication and collaboration. At Shinagawa International School, we foster a sense of agency among our students, empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey. We actively involve parents in their child’s education, working together as a team to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Recognizing the international nature of our student body, our school provides language support programs to assist non-native English speakers in developing their language skills. Additionally, Japanese language classes are offered to help students acclimate to the local culture and foster connections within the community.

The school also understands the demands of parents’ work schedules and aims to accommodate them. It offers a daycare program to provide students with a safe and nurturing environment outside regular school hours. This flexibility helps working parents manage their professional responsibilities while ensuring their children receive quality care and support.

Keeping Up With Education Trends

By actively participating in IB and CIS conferences, collaborating with local schools, engaging in research and organizing professional development sessions, the teachers and leadership team stay updated with changes in educational trends. These strategies help to ensure that the school is equipped to adapt and implement best practices that benefit the students and promote continuous improvement in education.

Major Awards/Achievements

April 2015, IB PYP Authorization
November 2022, CIS (Council of International Schools) member school
May 2023, IB MYP Authorization
May 2024, IB DP Authorization
International Olympiads -medals acquired

Future Plans

Our foremost goal is to ensure that all our students reach the pinnacle of their abilities. We will continue to enhance our curriculum, pedagogy, and teaching methodologies, aligning them with the latest educational research and global best practices. By providing a rigorous and engaging learning environment, we empower our students to achieve their personal best and become lifelong learners.

In line with our commitment to excellence, we aspire to see our students gain admission to the best universities around the world. We will strengthen our college counseling program, providing comprehensive guidance and support to help students navigate the application process and secure placements in prestigious institutions. By fostering academic rigor, critical thinking, and a global mindset, we will prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities that await them in higher education.

Beyond individual success, we envision our students becoming catalysts for positive change in the world. Through our holistic education, emphasizing values such as empathy, compassion, and cultural understanding, we aim to nurture a generation of global citizens who actively contribute to peace and harmony. We will continue to instill a sense of social responsibility, encouraging our students to engage in community service, sustainable practices, and advocacy for important causes.

As we strive for excellence in education and the holistic development of our students, we also aspire to position Shinagawa International School as the premier educational institution in the Asia Pacific region. We will work tirelessly to strengthen our reputation for academic excellence, cultural diversity, and a nurturing learning environment. By constantly evolving and adapting to the changing needs of education, we will become a beacon of innovation and inspiration for other schools in the region.

Curriculum

As an IB PYP school, SIS offers a comprehensive education that incorporates the five essential elements of the IB program:

Knowledge
Skills
Attitude
Conceptual Understanding
Action

The SIS mission and education philosophy promotes a balance between acquiring knowledge, developing skills and promoting positive attitudes and attributes that will contribute to every student’s capability to be inspired, lifelong learners. The students’ action is represented in SIS’ vision statement that will guide them to be global learners who contribute towards world peace. Classes at SIS are timetabled with Japanese lessons, depending on the ability of the individual. Classes follow the books Kokugo (Japanese as a Native Language) or JAL (Japanese as an Additional Language).

Video

Access & Map

Contact Information

SIS Seaside Campus (Early Learning Center – Primary Grade 1-2) Address: Shinkan Bldg. 3F, 4-8-8 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo

SIS Main Campus (Primary Secondary – Grade 3-11)

Address: 3-6-21 Minamishinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo

Tel: +81-(0)3-6433-1531 / Fax:+81-(0)3-6433-1532

Official website: sistokyo.jp
Official Instagram: @shinagawa.is
OfficialTwitter: @shinagawaIS
Official Facebook: Shinagawa International School – Tokyo

For more information, contact Shinagawa International School here.