WHAT TO KNOW FIRST:

– Before delving into the area of international schools, it is important to point out that for many families they are not a reasonable option due to their high cost. 

– BUT, of course if the family has the ability to afford the tuition for an international school, it is an option worth considering. 

* Some international schools are more affordable than others, so looking at different websites, as well as considering one’s situation (company grants, embassy grants, etc.) is very important.

MOST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS:

– Most international schools, but not every, will have a learning support program in place. 

– This learning support program will have teachers and assistants in place, that will provide push-in and pull-out support for a student with any learning needs depending on the learning plan that has been constructed with the collaboration of the parent, the school, and typically some kind of specialist as well. 

– HOWEVER, the size of the learning support program, meaning how many teachers are available, will vary depending on the school, and of course the number of teachers available will affect the number of students they can accommodate with the support of the learning support program. 

SOME UNIQUE AND ACCOMMODATING INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS:

 * The following international schools are known for being relatively more accommodating for students with diverse learning needs. 

– Tokyo International Progressive School (TIPS) is a relatively smaller school that is accommodating of students of diverse needs. However, it still has its limitations and is not able to accommodate all types of students. It also starts from 4th grade, and goes until 12th grade (graduation). Here is a link to their website:

https://www.tokyoips.com

– Lighthouse International School, located in Minato-Ku, Tokyo is another accommodating school of students of diverse needs, and is also relatively small in size. It is is described, as follows, by their director, John Adduru: 

“Lighthouse International School: The Inclusive School

At Lighthouse International School in Tokyo, we believe every child is valued and heard, and we’re committed to making sure that families who join us are accommodated and represented! As an inclusive international school, we cater to Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education Support, and Special Education services for young and neurodiverse learners. Our mission is to provide a safe haven—a shining beacon—where children can learn, grow, and enjoy the importance of being with others.

Founded by Dr. John Adduru and Pauline Sulit with a vision to nurture the basic unit of society—the family—Lighthouse International School aspires to be a catalyst for educating young and neurodiverse minds to become better citizens of tomorrow. We invite you to join our community and be a part of creating fantastic stories and effecting change for the better. Together, we make everything brighter!”

Here is a link to their website:

https://www.lighthousegl.co.jp/ 

– Yokohama Christian School (YCS) is another accommodating school of students of diverse needs. It is described as follows, by their school principal, Alisha Yamamori:

“Yokohama Christian School is a small preschool and elementary school located in Yamate, Yokohama, Japan. We provide a welcoming environment to all of our students and families with an eye at being an inclusive environment for all in our community. Our small class sizes allow for quality learning opportunities and close relationships to be forged between YCS teachers and students. Over the years we have worked hard to build our experience in providing support to students that have different learning needs than may be able to be met in larger international schools. We welcome families seeking small, inclusive classrooms to reach out and start a conversation with us. “

Here is a link to their website:

https://school.yokohamaunionchurch.org/

– Neurodiversity School In Tokyo (NSIT) is another accommodating school of students of diverse needs. It has recently opened. Here is a link to their website:

https://nsit.tokyo/

* A visit is highly recommended to any school to see if it would be a good fit. There is a large number of international schools in Japan concentrated in Tokyo, with others located in other big cities in Japan. 

** Also, there maybe other schools that are relatively more accommodating of students with diverse learning needs, but due to the publisher not being familiar enough with them to have them listed here, they are not included.