Private & international schools in Yokohama

Start with the child's learning phase

Saint Maur's Montessori kindergarten describes mixed-age classrooms beginning at two and a half, while its elementary programme uses the International Primary Curriculum for several inquiry subjects. YIS describes a Reggio Emilia inspired, PYP early-learning approach and PYP from Kindergarten through Grade 5. A family's early-years comparison should include the classroom routine, daily attendance pattern and the transition into primary. Ask how teachers communicate progress and support a child entering with another home language, rather than treating Montessori, IPC and PYP as equivalent labels.

In secondary school, Saint Maur prepares Grades 9–10 for IGCSE. YIS continues the MYP in those grades. Send the receiving division the child's current course outline, especially for mathematics, sciences and languages, and discuss the proposed placement. A move within the same city can still change assessment structure and subject sequence. Request examples of the joining year's work and the support available during the transition.

Sources: Saint Maur: Montessori mixed-age learning · Saint Maur: elementary IPC and support · Saint Maur: IGCSE and IB course/Diploma distinction · YIS: learning phases · YIS: MYP and flexible senior awards

Separate IB courses from the full Diploma

Saint Maur's high-school guidance distinguishes IB Course Candidates from students registering for the full Diploma when their academic preparation and programme balance are appropriate. YIS describes flexible routes toward its school diploma through externally assessed IB courses, internally assessed courses or a combination, alongside the full IB Diploma option. Ask a senior-school adviser to identify the exact award proposed and how its subjects meet the student's intended university or next-school requirements. Neither an IB course nor a school diploma should be silently renamed a full IB Diploma.

For an older transfer, obtain a subject-by-subject plan before accepting an offer. Discuss language options, assessment already completed, the expected joining point and whether the desired subject combination fits the timetable. Saint Maur's admissions guidance makes academic English particularly relevant from Grade 10. Ask both schools about support for the student's actual needs, how that support fits assessed subjects, and any separate charges.

Sources: Saint Maur: IGCSE and IB course/Diploma distinction · Saint Maur: admissions criteria and residence · YIS: MYP and flexible senior awards

Check residence and campus before choosing housing

Saint Maur identifies its campus at Yamatecho; YIS identifies Kominato-cho. Compare the home-to-campus journey and after-school collection for the offered division, rather than relying on a shared Yokohama address. Saint Maur's criteria describe residence in Japan with one or both parents, allow a legal guardian in some circumstances, and require a proper residential visa for non-Japanese pupils. YIS's published FAQ describes a day school whose pupils live with parents within commuting distance and whose families arrange the necessary visa. Treat these as the respective school's policies and seek individual confirmation. Request current tuition and additional transport, activity and support costs for the proposed year.

Sources: Saint Maur: IGCSE and IB course/Diploma distinction · Saint Maur: admissions criteria and residence · YIS: current Kominato-cho campus · YIS: school-specific residence and visa expectations

Compare documented pathways and campuses

These are the pathways recorded for each included campus. Online provision appears separately. A senior qualification does not establish provision in younger years.

Parent questions about Yokohama schools