Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Number of students |
40 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
8+ |
Most common nationality |
There is no one majority nationality. |
Ratio of local students to international students |
We do not discriminate based on nation of origin, rather we focus on English language ability and international experience. |
Max. number of students per class |
Seeds Class (2yo) = 8 students*
*All numbers are pre-Covid19 class ratios. These ratios have been adjusted downwards to allow for safe practices during the current pandemic. |
Average number of students per class |
8 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
No, but added support is offered throughout the school day. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Latin is taught from grade 2. Currently a Japanese language and culture program is in development. |
Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is used in a supporting role in the classroom. As a school focusing on Early Childhood education, technology is not of the greatest importance. Instead of technology, children are encouraged to explore their surroundings and think creatively by using their 5 senses. From grade 2, students have a computer class, which helps them learn the basics of typing. As students move through the upper elementary grades, students will be learning about internet safety, word processing, basic spreadsheet construction, and using presentation software. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
We have used and are prepared to use technology in the event that there is a school shutdown due to the current pandemic. |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Homework is assigned from kindergarten. |
Approximate hours of homework given |
10 minutes (or less) for Kindergarten. 10 minutes for First Grade. 20 minutes for Second Grade. 30 minutes for Third Grade. This pattern continues through the upper grades. |
Uniform required |
Yes. The school uniform shirts may be purchased directly from YCS. The bottoms are navy blue and parents may choose what is appropriate for their child. |
Waiting list |
We are close to capacity at this time. A waiting list will be employed when we reach capacity. |
Entry evaluation for students |
Yes, our school screens students entering YCS from grade 1 for Literacy and Mathematics skills. |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
A literacy and mathematics assessment is given to students to determine whether they are at grade level. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We have a rolling registration as long as there are seats open in the classrooms. We prefer to allow students entry at the beginning of new terms. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
As a preschool and primary school, all of our students go on to other schools to finish their schooling. |
External examinations or assessments available |
Diagnostic assessments are given to entering students to determine their proficiency in mathematics and language arts. We use the Easy CBM diagnostics developed by the University of Oregon for elementary years. For Pre-K students we check for literacy readiness and basic math skills before moving into kindergarten. These assessments cover literacy and mathematics. As we grow as a school, a more comprehensive assessment is being explored. |
Results in these examinations |
Students achieve grade-level standards by the end of the school year. |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Yes, Yokohama Christian School is a Christian school affiliated with Yokohama Union Church. The basic tenets of protestant Christianity is taught to all students through lessons in Bible and Worship during the week. Yokohama Christian School is a mission school that aims to reach people outside of the Christian community. |
How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Parents are aware of the teaching methods and philosophies of the school before a student is enrolled. The school is consistent with teaching, but does not require every student to already have a faith that is compatible with the schools. There is no discrimination against students who do not come from religious backgrounds or are practitioners of other faiths. |
School bus service available |
Not at this time. |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Not at this time. However, YCS staff and administration are willing to work with parents, within reason, to accept students with different needs and abilities. We are working on developing guidelines and supports for students with special needs at this time and feel a strong calling to better educate our staff and students in being an inclusive school. |
Learning support offered |
We work closely with the family and child's therapy team and offer the best support that we are able. Teachers are provided with the student's IEP so that in the classroom all teaching and support class understand the goals for each student. |
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Due to the small class sizes at YCS, our teachers are uniquely capable of adapting the curriculum to each students' level and ability. |
Student access to education psychologist |
YCS provides information, for both Japanese and English speaking families, on a variety of services available for child-rearing, family support, learning needs, and other potential parental concerns. Currently, YCS is not equipped to directly address issues, but are willing to be proactive to help families with any problems or concerns that may arise. |
School start time |
School begins promptly at 8:30am. |
School finish time |
School ends for the 2 year old class at 12:30pm. All other classes end at 2:30pm. |
Supervised care before/after school |
Currently YCS provides an After School Care program. After school care is available for 2 year old class students from 12:30pm until 3:30pm. For all other classes, there is after school care from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. Extended After School Care is also available from 3:30pm to 5pm. |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Due to Covid19, we are exploring restarting our extracurricular activities. In a regular year, we provide: chess club, badminton, spelling bee club, and classics club. We are exploring restarting these activities, with safety measures in place, from January 2021. |
School provided lunches |
Most students bring a lunch packed at home. Cezar's Kitchen, the meal service at St. Maur International School, provides both adult and child bento for YCS. This service includes a vegetarian option. YCS has a strict no tree nut policy in lunches that are packed by parents. |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
YCS is conscious of dietary and allergy requirements for students. The YCS prepared snacks are nut free and comply with other allergy requirements of students. |
Sports activities included |
YCS has a PE program that challenges children to learn the basics of physical movement and sports at an age appropriate level. Badminton club, once resumed, is another extracurricular sport that students can choose to participate in. |
Sports facilities at the school |
Not applicable at this time. |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
As the opportunities for sports competition for elementary school students is quite limited, we do not have any at this time. |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Yokohama Christian School (YCS) is, by design, a small, international, Christian school for young children through elementary school. We equip students to grow in their God–given potential spiritually and academically. We offer Christian and classical education using a variety of materials and methods, including Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) curriculum, in English. We foster a biblical worldview and provide a stimulating, educational environment. Our classes range from age 2 to 11 years old (preschool through grade 5). Classes are multi-age, with a Lower Elementary (K-2) and Upper Elementary (3-5) class. |
Teaching approach of the school |
Yokohama Christian School has embraced a Classical, Christian teaching approach in its classrooms. This approach is interdisciplinary in nature and focuses and giving students the tools in which to explore the world around them. The reading of challenging works of literature is an important facet of the classical curriculum. Latin is also studied from grade 2 as it provides additional knowledge and insight into the English language, broadening the vocabulary of our students. Yokohama Christian School also offers educational opportunities for parents and students within our community of Yokohama. Each fall the school sponsors a parenting seminar with a speaker qualified to discuss important parenting issues. |