Best schools in Yokohama
Education in Yokohama
The second largest city in Japan - and in extremely easy, striking distance of the capital - Yokohama is both more diverse and has a greater fusion of western and Japanese culture than its neighbour. Expats tend to live either in the tower blocks of the Minato Mirai business district or else in houses in historic Yamate (known as The Bluff) but, wherever you choose, the cost will be lower in Yokohama than in comparable districts in Tokyo. In addition, the city is very child-conscious and even has a government system providing educational and childcare support for babies and toddlers.
In fact, the only obvious drawback for families choosing to live in Yokohama, rather than Tokyo, is that there is a comparative dearth of international schools. However, there are three well-established and well-regarded all-through schools, two of which have been here for over 100 years.
The express line from Shibuya in Tokyo to Yokohama means that more pupils are now commuting from Tokyo, at least for the junior high and high school years. Japan is very safe for children travelling alone and even small children of 6 or 7 can be seen by themselves on the Tokyo subway.
Choosing a school in Yokohama
Slimmer pickings on the international school front than you would find in Tokyo, but what there is comes with the comfort that two of them have been around for a very long time and are considered excellent, and that all three are authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate programmes from primary to graduation - always a consideration for expat families.
These extremely highly thought-of schools all teach classes from kindergarten to year 12. They are all three dually accredited by American external agencies and offer the IB diploma as a leaving qualification.
Special education needs in Yokohama
Schools have a better understanding of diverse learning needs than previously and they work hard to accommodate all students, providing additional support where needed – not just in academics but also in behaviour and social development. Things are getting better but expect schools to still be quite cautious in taking on new students where special education needs have been flagged.
Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Yokohama
Besides St Maur (which has a Montessori kindergarten) and YIS (which follows the Reggio Emilia approach), Hoizon Japan International School has a daycare programme for children aged 3 and above, and there is a wide selection of nurseries and pre-schools in Yokohama, including Treehouse Montessori School.
