Welcome TO yis Middle School

We extend a very warm welcome to students and parents. Here in the middle school, we believe these years to be crucially important for students, a time of change and a time for increased independence in their learning. Reflecting these changes, our program in the middle school is both challenging and creative, developing the skills and understandings needed to meet the demands of high school while continuing to inspire enjoyment of and thirst for learning. We are conscious of how rapidly technology is changing our world and as such it is vital our students are exposed to what is current.

It is with this in mind that we have taken the decision to begin implementing the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) in the 2010-11 school year with the grade six class. This process of implementation will continue a grade level each year until we reach full implementation in the 2014-15 academic year. Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate currently works with nearly 3,000 schools in 138 countries to develop and offer three challenging programs to over 800,000 students aged 3 to 19 years. With our authorization to offer the MYP, we will offer all three of these programs. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Implementation of the MYP at YIS for a fuller explanation.

The middle school years are also a time when children are exploring who they are and where they fit into the scheme of things. They want to increase the level of independence in their own decision-making. Our task as educators, in partnership with parents, is to guide them along this road with both patience and understanding.

As an international school, with a student body comprising some 50 nationalities, we are in a culturally rich environment and one that is very relevant in today’s world. Not only is it a rewarding experience to live with, and learn about so many other cultures, it is also important that our students know about their own cultures. The mix of these two experiences is tremendously important in developing tolerant world citizens, something that is so vital in the 21st century. 



Finally, when young students are away from their home countries, we believe it is important that they find a new community to nourish them. Here at Yokohama International School we provide a vibrant, welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Opportunities for sports and fine arts abound in our extra-curricular activities, and we have a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of the student. All in all, I am very pleased and proud of the well-rounded and holistic program we offer at YIS, and I am confident that you will feel the same too.

John Snowball

Middle School Principal