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.

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 and 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 over 40 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 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 well-being of the student through our tutor program and Student Support Services. 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