international school

Choosing an Early Education Approach: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, EYFS and PYP

Choosing an early education setting can feel like a surprisingly big decision. Parents are often presented with a collection of unfamiliar terms, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, EYFS, PYP, and asked to decide which approach will best suit their child. The good news is that these approaches have much in common. Most recognise that young children are naturally curious, capable and eager to learn. They value play, relationships and exploration,… Read More »Choosing an Early Education Approach: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, EYFS and PYP

Resetting School Routines After the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful opportunity for families to slow down, spend time together and take a break from the usual school timetable. Bedtimes may become later, breakfasts more relaxed and daily schedules wonderfully flexible. However, when the new school term approaches, returning to those familiar routines can sometimes feel like a challenge. Children may be tired, reluctant to get up in the morning or unsettled by the sudden change… Read More »Resetting School Routines After the Holidays

The Importance of Outdoor Play: 10 Benefits Every Parent Should Know

In a world where screens are becoming part of everyday life and family schedules are often packed with clubs, homework and activities, finding time for outdoor play can sometimes feel like a challenge. Yet spending time outside remains one of the most valuable things we can offer our children. Outdoor play is about so much more than simply getting fresh air. It supports healthy physical development, strengthens emotional wellbeing, encourages… Read More »The Importance of Outdoor Play: 10 Benefits Every Parent Should Know

Supporting Your Child’s Learning Over the Summer Break: Simple Ways to Keep Curiosity Alive

For many children, the summer break is a welcome opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy a change of pace after a busy school year. While rest and fun are important, the long holiday can also lead to a loss of some of the knowledge and skills gained during the previous school year. Often referred to as the “summer slide,” this can make the transition back to school more challenging in… Read More »Supporting Your Child’s Learning Over the Summer Break: Simple Ways to Keep Curiosity Alive

Keeping Your Child Motivated as the School Year Comes to an End

As the academic year draws to a close, many parents notice a shift in their child’s attitude toward school. Homework becomes a battle, enthusiasm fades, and motivation seems to disappear overnight. After months of routines, deadlines, tests, and extracurricular commitments, children often feel mentally exhausted by the final term. While summer break is in sight, the finish line can sometimes feel farther away than ever. The good news is that… Read More »Keeping Your Child Motivated as the School Year Comes to an End

Preparing Your Child for an International School Admission Assessment

Preparing your child for an international school admission assessment can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re navigating a new education system, relocating to a different country, or unfamiliar with global curricula. International schools often assess not just academic ability, but adaptability, language development, social skills, and readiness for a multicultural environment. The approach varies by age, so preparation should look very different for a four-year-old than for a fourteen-year-old. At this… Read More »Preparing Your Child for an International School Admission Assessment

Preparing for a Family School Admissions Interview

Applying to a new school can be one of the most important and emotional steps for any family. Beyond the paperwork and academic records, many schools, especially independent, international, or competitive public institutions, require a family interview as part of their admissions process. This interview isn’t just about your child; it’s about the entire family dynamic, values, and how your family will contribute to the school community. It can feel… Read More »Preparing for a Family School Admissions Interview

The Role of International Education in a Global Economy: What It Means for Your Child’s Future

As a parent, you want your child to grow up confident, capable, and ready for the world ahead. In today’s fast-changing, interconnected world, that means preparing them not just for local success, but also for global opportunity. That’s where international education comes in. More than just learning from a diverse curriculum, international schools help children develop the skills, mindset, and flexibility needed to thrive in the global economy. Here’s how… Read More »The Role of International Education in a Global Economy: What It Means for Your Child’s Future

Supporting Your Child During Exam Season

Supporting your child during exam season can make a significant difference to their academic performance and emotional well-being. The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming, but with your guidance, they can navigate this stressful period more effectively. Here are several ways to support your child during this time. Ensure that your child has a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit place to study. Minimise distractions such as loud television, video games, or… Read More »Supporting Your Child During Exam Season

Getting the Most out of a School Open Day

School open days are a great way to get a sense of a school: its philosophy, its culture and its diversity. It’s an opportunity to discover whether the school is a good fit for your child and whether your child is a good fit for the school. If you are thinking of applying to a particular school, try and sign up for an in-person open day, especially one that takes… Read More »Getting the Most out of a School Open Day

Choosing the Right School for Your Child

Navigating the school scene and finding the ‘right’ school for your child can be an anxious and challenging time. There are many factors to consider and questions to ask. Read on for some key pointers that might aid your decision making. Over the years, educational advantages have been identified for both; however, it is also important to think about your child’s personality. Does your child tend to make friends of… Read More »Choosing the Right School for Your Child

Language Learning in International Schools

A survey earlier this year carried out by the British Council of 2,083 pupils completing their first year of secondary school in the UK found that nearly 90% felt that languages would not be necessary for a career post school whilst some also thought that it was not beneficial to learn a language at all. Although only a snapshot of what is happening in the UK in regard to language… Read More »Language Learning in International Schools

Is Cultural Diversity Important in International Schools?

One of the criteria families may consider when choosing an international school is that of diversity, both of the student body and of the school educational community. From our visits to the schools in the Tokyo area, we have seen that although staff may be quite diverse, in some schools, student diversity is less so. However, is that important, or are the benefits of cultural diversity overstated? Culture is a… Read More »Is Cultural Diversity Important in International Schools?

Does Curriculum Matter When Choosing an International School?

One of the things that you might consider as a family when choosing an international school or preschool, will be the type of curriculum on offer. From our visits to the schools in the greater Tokyo area, we have seen some excellent teaching and learning taking place through a variety of curriculum frameworks, but is the curriculum used important both in developing international mindedness and in regard to individual student… Read More »Does Curriculum Matter When Choosing an International School?

How do we know what we know?

At International School Advisory, Tokyo (ISA-Tokyo), we pride ourselves on the fact that not only do we have a wealth of knowledge about international education, we know a great deal about the international education scene here in Tokyo. We do not rely solely on what we see on websites and what we’ve heard. Instead we get out and about to local international preschools and schools so that we get a… Read More »How do we know what we know?