Preschool & Kindergarten Program

Program Information

Outdoor Activities - Free Learning through Free Play:

Outdoor free play and organized activities in a safe and rich environment provide opportunities for children to interact with peers and develop social skills. It is difficult to secure such an environment in central Tokyo, but Komazawa Park International School (KPIS) has an advantage of being located only a few seconds away from Komazawa Olympic Park.

The children have approximately two hours of outdoor activities almost every day in a well-monitored area. Free play in the small forest of Komazawa Olympic Park using natural resources develops inventiveness, social skills and independence. While children are outdoors, they have the chance to learn about nature throughout the four seasons.

Children gain first-hand experience working in the campus garden once a week manipulating the soil, setting it, planting fruits and vegetables and observing plant growth and development. This meaningful experience promotes love and conservation of nature. It also teaches basic science concepts, as children are more likely to remember them through concrete examples.

Physical activities are organized and facilitated by an experienced sports trainer who is an expert in the physical and psychological development of children. Team games and other sports activities are designed to promote physical fitness, sportsmanship and teamwork. KPIS's close location to Komazawa Olympic Park provides children with space to develop agility, endurance and motor skills.

Indoor Activities:

KPIS offers a "Forest Kindergarten" with an activity-centered curriculum integrating pre-academic skills and creative arts. We are extremely proud to offer the highest quality early education program in Tokyo. Our program consists of well-planned hands-on activities that stimulate children's innate talents and potential. These engaging activities integrate concepts of mathematics, science, language and geography.

Academics:

We integrate pre-academic and creativity in a stress-free environment. Children learn the fundamentals of language, reading/phonics, mathematics and science through hands-on activities. We provide an atmosphere that nurtures children's natural curiosity about the world in combination with proper motivation to achieve academic excellence. Thematic units are chosen with the children's interest in mind, and activities are consistent with curriculum standards.

Special Subjects:

Our school employs specialists to work with the children on their aesthetic abilities and physical development. The specialists design a curriculum that allows children to express their emotions, creativity and imagination through music and movement, drawing, crafts and pottery making. The following special subjects are offered:

• Music: Children develop a love for music by listening to a professional music instructor play the piano, as opposed to listening to a CD or watching a video. Music class is scheduled on a weekly basis.
• Sports: A physical sports trainer works with the children weekly on their physical development.
• Fine Arts: Various fine arts are taught twice a month through live instruction. Children can develop their aesthetic talents and express their emotions, imagination and individuality.
• Pottery: An experienced pottery instructor visits twice a month to teach children hands-on techniques. This offers a medium for children to exercise their creativity and experience a sense of achievement.

Educational Philosophy:

Education is not simply a matter of encouraging literacy and numeric skills. It must also address the social and emotional qualities that underlie the basic human needs of harmony, security, positive self-awareness and self-expression. KPIS is focused on providing children with a high-quality education program that offers a well-balanced curriculum in a safe and nurturing environment.

We strongly believe in our philosophy, as these qualities form the foundation for dealing with life's various challenges. We believe lifelong achievement and happiness depend on one's ability to deal effectively with various people and to overcome adversity. These qualities need to be nurtured at an early age, as children's experiences in their early years play a significant role in enhancing their innate potential.

Safety

Child safety is one of our main priorities. The following measures are taken to ensure the children's security:

• All doors are locked promptly at 9:05 a.m. after drop-off time and remain locked throughout the day.
• Security cameras, emergency buttons and automatic smoke detectors secure each classroom.
• The majority of the facility's windows are shatter-proof.
• The facility's earthquake-resistance architecture complies with Japanese government standards.
• The facility's cushioned flooring helps prevent injuries if the children fall.
• Special safety designed classroom and restroom doors prevent children from injuring their fingers.
• The entire facility is safe-guarded by SECOM.
• Each child carries a personal COCOSECOM tracking device.
• Classes practice earthquake and fire drills in the classroom on a monthly basis.

Park Security

• All teachers keep a watchful eye on the children at all times.
• Teachers are equipped with first aid kits and emergency phones to contact SECOM.
• Each child carries a personal COCOSECOM tracking device.
• Fluorescent colored vests and caps are worn by the children for easy identification.
• Children who are 2 years old or younger are taken to and from the park in a baby cart.
• The school is one minute away by car from the emergency center at Tokyo Medical Center.
• Earthquake and emergency drills are conducted where the children usually play at Komazawa Olympic Park.

Hygiene

Teachers and staff always strongly encourage students to practice healthy hygiene habits.

• All students’ toothbrushes are sterilized every day.
• Students wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap and warm water before eating anything and after returning from outdoor activities.
• Students brush their teeth every day after lunch.
• All of the toys in each classroom are sterilized at least once a week.
• Toilets and sinks are cleaned 4 times each day.
• Classrooms are cleaned 2 to 3 times each day, and classroom tables, chairs and other materials are sterilized once a day.

Bus Service

Komazawa Park International School's bus is custom-made. The bus has two emergency exits and specially-designed seatbelts made specifically for children. There is one seatbelt per child on the bus. Also, a bus attendant rides on the bus to the help the students during pick-up and drop-off times. The bus attendant can help the children in cases of emergency. Parents who enroll their children at our school in the middle of a term can still sign up for the bus service. However, there may be times when the bus cannot pick up and drop off children at locations that are separated from the bus route.

Evening & Saturday Elementary Program / Evening Junior High Program

Program Information

Introduction:

Individuals born and raised in an English speaking country have the natural advantage of being immersed in its cultures and customs. On the other hand, a non-native English speaker may learn the language in their respective country, where the inherent culture is completely different. We emphasize the importance of learning about cultures and customs associated with the English language and applying it in a Western environment.

In recent years a number of large corporations in Japan have begun to operate in English and adopt Western business philosophies and management styles. Individuals who want to succeed in these firms need to know how to use the English language in an effective and appropriate manner. Both public and private Japanese schools fail to adequately prepare students for this kind of atmosphere. However, KPIS's Evening & Saturday Elementary Program and Evening Junior High Program help students become culturally literate and proficient in the English language.

Rationale

English proficiency can reap immeasurable rewards in today’s society. An individual who can use English effectively can express his/her ideas to anyone, anywhere in the world. The ability to express oneself adeptly in English requires special training and proper education. After all, understanding English and understanding how to use the language as a “tool” to your advantage are two completely different things.

KPIS believes that fostering Western cultural awareness is essential for effective communication. Our program focuses grammatical competence and communicative performance as students learn the English language in context to Western culture and customs. Students master target vocabulary, grammar and develop all four areas of language skills: Listening, speaking, reading and writing.

The program is designed to maintain and improve the English levels of students who have returned from living overseas and students who have been in international school.

 

Objective:

The Evening & Saturday Programs aim to develop in students:

• proficiency in expressing their thoughts and ideas both orally and in written form
• competency in reading and all related reading skills
• skills in effective presentations
• computer skills as tools for research
• awareness of the nuance of the English language in the context of Western culture

Class:

Classes are divided by level

Schedule:

Evening & Saturday Elementary Program:
Monday - Friday: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Computer Class:
Wednesday: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Evening Junior High Program:
Thursday: 5:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Term:

1st Term: August - December
2nd Term: January - March
3rd Term: April - July

Age Group:

Elementary and Junior High students ( 7 - 15 years old)

Entrance Requirements:

All applicants must first complete a level check test. Based upon the results of the level check test, children then will be able to take a trial lesson in a class that meets his/her level. (Level check tests and trial lessons are free of charge. KPIS is now accepting requests for free level check tests.)

*Beginners, please click here for more information about our other programs.

Course Content:

Grade Level	Courses Offered
Lower Elementary	(Integrated) Grammar Composition Writing Oral English (Listening & Speaking) Phonics/Beginning Reading/Vocabulary Building Spelling
Upper Elementary	(Integrated) Grammar Creative Writing Speech Reading/Vocabulary Development
Junior High	Juken/Eiken Preparation Literature Grammar Speech Research
Computer Class	Basic computer skills Research Geography Science

Special Activities:

• Charity Concert Participation
• Power Point/Speech Presentations
• Observation Days/Parent-Teacher Conferences

Safety:

• All doors and gates remain locked aside from drop-off and pick-up times.
• Security cameras, emergency buttons and automatic smoke detectors secure each classroom.
• The majority of the facility's windows are shatter-proof.
• The facility's earthquake-resistance architecture complies with Japanese government standards.
• The entire facility is safe-guarded by SECOM.

Staff:

Teachers and Principal/Director:

Please go to the Staff section of our pre-school and kindergarten program for details about the teachers and principal/director.

Afternoon Program

Program Information

Schedule:

Monday to Friday: 2:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Trimester System:

1st Term: August - December
2nd Term: January - March
3rd Term: April - July

Attendance:

1 - 5 times per week

Age Group:

3 to 6 years old

Entrance Requirements:

1. Child does not have separation anxiety with parents/guardians.
2. Child is toilet-trained.

Level	Class	Days of the Week
Beginner	Beginner Class	Monday - Thursday
Advanced (for Returnees)	Advanced Class	Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

*KPIS is now accepting requests for free trial lessons.

About the Program:

The Afternoon Program is separated into two levels: The first is for beginners and the second is for advanced students. The Beginner Class is aimed at making learning English fun and easy, even for children with little or no English ability. Children who attend Japanese preschools and kindergartens are more than welcome to join. All children learn English at a comfortable pace in a natural atmosphere.

The Advanced Class is designed to maintain and improve the English level of children who have returned from living overseas and for children with an advanced English level. Children who complete the Advanced Class in the Afternoon Program usually transition smoothly to the Evening and Saturday Elementary Program (for elementary and junior high students), which offers English classes integrated with specialized subjects.

About the Classes:

• At the beginning of each month, instructors give students study sheets that make reviewing and studying classroom material at home simple and easy to understand.
• Every term, students are carefully assessed and given evaluation sheets by their instructors.
• Every year, students actively participate in KPIS's Holiday Charity Concert.
• Also, students enjoy various fun events throughout the year (for example, Halloween and Christmas parties).

Staff:

Afternoon program instructors are highly qualified with extensive experience.

Please click here to complete an inquiry form.

Summer School

Entrance Conditions:

• Child is 3 - 6 years old
• Child is toilet-trained
• Child does not have separation anxiety with parents or guardians

Special Characteristics:

• Completely Original Summer School Program
• Unique Themes and Curriculum – specially designed by KPIS Faculty & Staff
• 5-Day Weekly Sessions – makes it easy to experience International School Environment
• Music Class Once a Week per Session – instructed by a Professional Pianist
• Large School Yard – for Outdoor Activities & Pool Time Everyday (as weather permits)
• Discount Fees for other KPIS Programs

Program Schedule & Program Fees:

SESSION	DATES	THEME	THEME CONTENT	AGE GROUP
1	7/14 - 7/18	Little Chefs	Cook up delicious everyday recipes with a kitchen center	3 - 4 yrs old
				5 - 6 yrs old
2	7/21 - 7/25	Greek & Roman Myths	Delve into the mysterious world of Greek & Roman mythology	3 - 4 yrs old
				5 - 6 yrs old
3	7/28 - 8/1	French Artists	Create popular childhood arts and crafts in French fashion	3 - 4 yrs old
				5 - 6 yrs old
4	8/4 - 8/8	Introduction to Good Eating Habits	Learn about health and nutrition as well as proper table manners	3 - 4 yrs old
				5 - 6 yrs old
5	8/11 - 8/15	Potpourri of Science Fun	Explore the wonders of science through fascinating discoveries	3 - 4 yrs old
				5 - 6 yrs old

Click here for inquiry

After School Music and Pottery Classes

After school music and pottery classes are both offered once a week to KPIS students. These classes offer further enrichment for children who have special interests in these areas. Both after school classes are taught by professionals and instructed entirely in English.

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