School visit

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

Supporting Your Child’s Learning at Home

Supporting your child’s learning at home is a vital aspect of their educational development. Whilst schools play an essential role in providing formal instruction, parents and caregivers are also critical partners in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment outside of the classroom. With the right tools, strategies, and mindset, parents can significantly enhance their child’s ability to learn, think critically, and develop a love of learning that extends beyond… Read More »Supporting Your Child’s Learning at Home

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

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?

Why is International School so Popular with Japanese Families?

The popularity of international schools in Japan is increasing year by year, and with it, the recognition of international schools. Although there are various hurdles to entering an international school, the number of families attending is increasing. As we have been visiting preschools and international schools, we have been surprised to see so many Japanese children enrolled, especially in preschool. So, why are international schools so popular with Japanese families… Read More »Why is International School so Popular with Japanese Families?

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?