While in Japan with a young family, it is of course natural that you feel concern for what your children may be missing out on educationally and socially. They may be at an age when fostering basic writing and communication skills in an educational environment is a key concern, and yet not being able to speak the local language has the potential to put up barriers for social interaction, something critical in the early years of development. As such, during your stay in Nagoya, you may want to consider sending your young child to an international preschool, where English language development is the sole focus.
International preschools offer a remarkable educational environment that fosters cultural diversity and early childhood development. Catering to families from various backgrounds, they provide a unique opportunity for children to interact with peers from different countries and learn about global cultures from a young age. Nurturing a curriculum that combines play-based learning and academic fundamentals, international preschools in Nagoya emphasize holistic growth, while highly qualified educators guide children through engaging activities that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Language acquisition is a prominent aspect, as many of these preschools offer bilingual or even trilingual programs, enabling children to become proficient in English and other languages.
Moreover, international preschools often celebrate various cultural festivals and events, encouraging a sense of inclusivity and respect for differences. This exposure prepares children for a globalized world by nurturing open-mindedness and adaptability.
There are a number of international preschools around Nagoya, and below you will find a small selection of them. Please note, this is for information only, and More Than Relo does not endorse any of these schools.
With a team of licensed teachers and licensed child care providers, Hisaya International Preschool, near Hisayaodori Station, focuses on bringing up bilingual children, with a particular emphasis on improving your child’s English and academic skills level so they can smoothly re-enter the school system when you return home.
Catering for children between two and six years old, Hisaya International Preschool take the best practices from both both play based learning and more traditional academic teaching methods to form a curriculum that aims to help your child develop positive self-esteem and confidence in all settings.
Where: Hishita Kaikan 2F, 1 Chome-9-3 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya (map)
Website: en.hisayapreschool.com
A five-minute walk from Kakuozan Station, Kakuozan International Preschool’s goal is to give your child an environment in which she or he can use their English to develop both their creativity and their ability to see the world through other’s eyes.
The curriculum is based on North American preschool models, and their staff undergo training in current Early Childhood Education (ECE) methodology. Starting with Pre-school from 18 months old, Kakuozan International Preschool also caters for bilingual and overseas students up to 6th Grade where they study Writing and Grammar, Reading and Listening and Creative Writing.
Where: 2 Chome-5-12 Hoocho, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya (map)
Website: kakuozan-preschool.com
In Meito Ward, next to the sprawling greens of Aichi Country Club, Grow International Preschool has a large staff of teachers from North America, Australia, Ireland, and Japan. They focus on international education methodology, and in addition to focusing the basics such as reading, writing and physical education, thye have also adopted STEM methodology (Science Technology Engineering Math) into their kindergarten and advanced lessons to harness your child’s ability to think outside of the box.
With four weekday courses to choose from, students can start as young as 6 months with the Baby and Mama class, move through Toddler Preschool, Kindergarten, and up to the Grow Grad Club for native-level English skills,
Where: Nagoya, Meito Ward, Makinohara, 1 Chome−1005-1 Marine Building (map)
Website: grow-school.com
Enisho International School is an International Baccalaureate school just 10 minutes from Nagoya Station, and has a mission to develop confident, lifelong learners who are multilingual, inquiring, open-minded and respectful of all cultures.
Enishi has a blended curriculum of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), adapted UK frameworks and the Japanese Curriculum. The Curricula, they say, provides a rigorous comprehensive educational programme preparing students for the next phase of their education by equipping them with required skills and qualifications to be fruitful members of their own communities. Admissions start at 1-year old, going up to 11th grade, with a 12th grade starting from September 2024.
Where: 2 Chome-12-32 Kikui, Nishi Ward, Nagoya (map)
Website: enishi.ac.jp
Image via https://grow-school.com/sports-day-2022/
Image via https://enishi.ac.jp/education/early-learning-center/early-years-class/
Image via https://enishi.ac.jp/education/early-learning-center/
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