Tokyo, Japan Report of what it's like to live there - 01/15/17
Personal Experiences from Tokyo, Japan
School Name:
School Name: American School in japan
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
We have one child that attended this school.
2. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
Kindergarten at the ELC (Roppongi) and 1st grade at main campus.
3. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
Government
4. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Yes, many others. The facilities and academic/extra-curricular offerings were above average.
Admissions & Welcome:
1. Are the admissions and placement procedures clearly stated to prospective families, either on the school website or through other means of communication?
Yes, through their website.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
Very good. The staff and students were welcoming. We attended several parent/family events. They try very hard to make it easier for children to attend activities. They also went above and beyond to include siblings and parents at school functions.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
Excellent. Usually via email given the distance to the school from the city center.
2. Aside from school fees, are there required expenses such as uniforms, laptops/tablets, musical instruments, or field trips that parents are expected to cover? What are the approximate costs?
Yes I believe 3rd grade and above need their own iPad.
Academics & Resources:
1. What personal or academic counseling resources are available at this school? Is there a dedicated college counselor at the school? Is he/she familiar with universities worldwide?
We did not have a need for these services; however, I am aware of tutoring services, speech therapy services, and school counselors
2. Is there before and/or after-school daycare available? What are the costs?
There are after school activities offered. Fees vary. Transportation is provided from the main campus only.
There is no specific after school child-care.
3. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
Yes. Quite large. They had many newer books. Kids and parents can borrow from the library.
4. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
Yes and yes. The lower grades have iPads provided by the school-for in class use.
5. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
Yes to all. Quite excellent facilities.
6. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
K= 2:20
1st= 1:18/20
7. Are Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses available in upper grades? If this is an IB school, is the full diploma required of all students?
8. Are students generally challenged appropriately by the curriculum? Please describe any particular strengths or weaknesses in this area. Do you have any thoughts how the curriculum is applied and implemented at this school?
We were particularly impressed with the Reading/Writing program. The Art and Music classes were definitely favorites.
9. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Yes
10. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
All of the above.
11. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
I'm not sure. But everyone spoke English fluently.
12. What extra-curricular activities (including sports) are available at this school? Have your children participated in these activities? What activities do you feel are missing at the school?
Japanese cultural activities. Gymnastics. Ballet. Soccer. Girls/Boy Scouts. Art. Music. Tutoring. Swim team.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
Yes. My child felt welcomed by everyone.
Overall Impressions:
1. What letter grade (ranging from A, excellent, to F, fail) would you assign to this school based on your overall experience? Would you choose it again?
A. Yes we would.
2. Please tell us anything else you think prospective parents and students should know about this school. Thanks for your contribution!
This school attracts the best instructors from around the world. We were grateful that our child experienced this school as an introduction to the education system. The teachers were caring and kind. They all seemed to have a genuine love of teaching and it showed in the attitudes of the children attending. Their curriculum is well-rounded and impressive.
If you live in the heart of Tokyo the main campus is far (approx. 45 min bus ride) but the kids really seemed to enjoy it. We expected it to be a problem for our child but the adjustment period was short.
