Information Session

■Special Family Event & Information Session

Nov.23rd (Sat) from 10:00-12:00 am＠Yoyohi Park/NYC
Experience AJB’s “Forest Day”
Learn tips of family outdoor activities with “Nature Game”
*Please come with suitable clothing for outdoor activities

■Other Scheduled Sessions

Nov. 13th, 2019 (Wed) 9:30-10:30 @ 9+/NINE(Yoyogi Hachiman/ Yoyogi Park)

Nov. 14th, 2019 (Thu) 9:00-10:00 @ AJB Mitaka **

Nov.16th, 2019 (Sat) 9:30-10:30 @STUDIO GEM GARAGE(Nakano Minamidai)***

Nov. 20th, 2019 (Wed) 16:30-17:30 @ Light Side Cafe (Shin Koenji)

Nov. 21st, 2019 (Thu) 9:00-10:00 @ AJB Mitaka **

**Includes a school tour of AJB Mitaka to observe our school environment.

***Located on the first floor of AJB Nakano campus building.

NOTES

-Please refer to the link below for the up-to-date details.

-We ask families to attend the session to better understand us.

-Reservation can be made via our online system (see below)

-If these dates are not suitable, feel free to contact us.

Reserve online

Locations:

9+ – Yoyogi-Hachiman, Yoyogi-Koen

Che Famille – Hamadayama

light side cafe – Shin Koenji

Tomokitchen – Hatsudai

Stanotte– Nakano-Fujimicho

■School Opening Special Campaign
For those who have submitted their applications by October 2019,
will receive a 50% discount on their enrollment fee.

Admission process

Please note we are unable to respond to inquiries regarding reasons for the acceptance or rejection of applications.

【Privacy Policy】
All personal information submitted to school is confidential and will only be used for services provided by AJBP. This information will not be sold to or shared with third parties. In extraordinary situations, AJBP may disclose information to government agencies when mandated by legal authorities.

Tuition Fees (Tax Included)

Core Time (8:10am-2:30pm)

※Additional Costs

Please prepare hats, T-shirts, bags and slippers when enrolling.
Field trips may incur additional costs.

※Extended Care Service: (2:30pm-6:00pm)

Extension on the spot: fee ¥800 every 30 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1.1 When can a child enroll? When does the school year begin?
  
  • Although enrolment is possible throughout the year, the school year (i.e. the program) begins in April 2020 and finishes in March.
    For the 1 year old infant class, only children older than one year, who are able to walk, can enroll.

• 1.2 Please tell me about the interview process for admission. Do you have selection criteria?
  • Enrolment interviews follow the policies of Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool, Nakano. When a child enters school, the education of that child becomes the shared responsibility of both the school and the family. The interview is an opportunity to see whether child will benefit from and grow within the environment of AJBP, Nakano. In cases where there is doubt that AJBP is the appropriate choice of school for the family, the school may suggest a period of trial enrolment. While we are unable to divulge our selection criteria, at AJBP Nakano, we are determined to make decisions that best support the needs of the school, the family, and most importantly, the child.

• 1.3 Do children need some ability in English in order to enroll? Do parents need to have some English ability too?
  • For very young children, English ability is not essential. For older children, we make final decisions in consultation with parents or guardians to see if they can get some help at home with reviewing. We seek solutions via co-operative approaches to achieve whatever is necessary to allow a child to begin studies at AJBP. 1 or 2 year olds will less likely to have any stress coping with bilingual environments. However, 3 or 4 year olds may not at first be able to cope as well. Wherever possible, AJBP seeks positive approaches supported by well-experienced teachers in order to allow a student to enroll.
  • There is no requirement for parents or guardians to have English abilities. All notices will be provided in both Japanese and English.

• 1.4 Is it possible to just attend school only two to three times per week at first?
  • In order for children to adjust to school life, separation from parents or guardians is essential. However, for 1 year old infants we do offer a two and three day per week options. Please ask us for more information. However, in our experience, there is a significant developmental difference in the growth of English language acquisition between children who part time and those who are full time.

• 1.5 Won’t children cry a lot and become unstable if they are not with their parents?
  • It is completely normal for children to cry when they leave their parents or guardians and enter a new environment. This is equally true at both bilingual kindergartens and Japanese schools. However, at AJBP, children are under the care of experienced and qualified childcare professionals. In addition, children quickly adapt to new environments and any crying or fussiness tends to be over within a fairly short time. In order for children to adapt to their new environment we have a ‘break-in nursing period’ where care hours are gradually increased. We appreciate and are grateful for your cooperation during this time.

• 1.6 We have several children. Is there a discount system?
  • There is a sibling discount system. For a second child the fee is discounted by 30%. For further details please refer to the Tuition Fees section. The discount is only applicable for siblings who are on the same campus.

• 2.1 What is the significance of having children experience English in early childhood?
  English?
  • Language acquisition has what is known as a critical time period. There is a certain limit of age for children to adapt learning a language in a natural and unconscious way. This period defines what becomes a native language. This period of time is the last opportunity for children to be able to learn a language through the natural process of language acquisition. Children are developmentally far more flexible and are able to acquire second language skills far more easily during these years.
  • Moreover, language is intrinsically tied to culture. Through exposure to foreign teachers and classmates, learners are exposed to the linguistic foundations and understandings of different cultures. For example, Japanese people have the habit of bowing when they greet one another. In English-speaking cultures, a simple verbal greeting is fine. In early childhood there is greater flexibility in regards to accepting and distinguishing the value and importance of different cultures. As a result, children don’t feel fear or embarrassment when it comes to foreigners and foreign languages. Parents must be careful not to interpret their children’s behaviors in these situations using their own apprehensions.

• 2.2 For infants in early childhood what is a good way to get them into contact with
  English?
  • There are various ways to provide infants with exposure to English. You can play English CDs, watch DVDs, or read English picture books. However, using these methods only leads to gradual improvement in listening. Without the ability to use English in context, acquisition will be difficult. Children can get used to foreign people by attending English classes a few times a week, but to achieve high English communication skills, it is absolutely essential to be in an immersive and interactive English educational environment for an extended period of time.

• 2.3 To what extent will a child gain English ability after joining the school?
  
  • Individual differences play a major role in education. However, if children begin school at 1 or 2 years of age and continue to graduation, they will have significant English communication abilities by that time.  It is possible that they will have attained a high enough level of English to function comfortably in most social (perhaps non-academic) environments. If children enroll at a slightly older age, their abilities will, on average, likely be less. Different from an international school, a bilingual school does not provide an immersion experience in one language. It also prioritizes the mother tongue. A child will therefore not have the same level of language acquisition.

• 2.4 Will the time dedicated to English acquisition delay acquisition of Japanese?
  
  • There are cases where neither the first nor second language does not develop to typical native levels. This is known as “double limited” or “semi-lingual” language ability. Additionally, if a child studies for a long time at an international school, it is possible for their second language to replace their mother tongue as their dominant language. Abstract thinking and learning is something which deepens through learning a language in elementary school and beyond. Therefore, by the time they enter elementary school, it is necessary to have at least one of the languages to reach an appropriate level for elementary school.
  • At Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool, Nakano, many of our families always use Japanese at home since it is their mother tongue. At this age of childhood development, is unnecessary to worry about a delay in Japanese learning. If English is only learned within a school environment, a child’s English will not displace their mother tongue. At AJBP Nakano, a child will develop the ability to write, read, pronounce, and express themselves as capable second language speakers in English. We strongly encourage families to support this development outside of school as well. For instance, allowing your children to watch English TV programs, read English books to your child, and whenever possible, experience English environments.
  • If the first language of a parent or guardian is English, the family possesses a strong and endless resource that can be used to help their child become fully bilingual.

• 2.5 What abilities are obtained through inquiry-based learning?
  
  • Through inquiry-based learning, children can acquire abilities to take action, co-operate, communicate, and think for themselves. This kind of knowledge can’t be obtained through traditional learning methods. Our students learn through having their curiosity and minds stimulated in order to develop the desire to learn, something that hopefully lasts for a lifetime.
  • The upcoming century holds social, environmental, and economic changes and challenges for Japan and the entire world. Some of these we can predict. However, our children will grow into a world where they will be faced with problems we cannot yet imagine. This education that goes depth in exploration and discovery will enable our children to develop minds to seek answers/solutions for questions/problems that have never been solved.

• 2.6 My child has not yet had a second birthday. What is the learning approach for very young children?
  
  • Our learning approach differs depending on the developmental stage of a child. From about three months old, a child starts to feel the desire to do things or know things. Children who are one or older can understand numbers, or the concept of numbers. From around the age of one, they begin to imitate the words they hear. Since the development of children differs individually, especially in these early years, we offer various activities based on individual development.
  • In order to encourage the development of language, the teacher speaks positively in English or Japanese to each child. Also, for children between 1 and 2 years old, we want to maximize their motivation to explore and try. For example, when a child tries to do something, the teacher will not help immediately. Instead, teachers offer just enough support for a child to accomplish what they set out to do.

• 2.7 What is the reason for having a program with a curriculum, such as music, eurhythmics, dance and swimming, by a specialist teacher?
  
  • The regular class teachers are professionals in early childhood education, including in the fields of music and art. Additionally, every day at school, certain activities incorporate other areas of learning that we believe are essential to child development but are not part of the core program.
  • Each individuals have different talents, likes, and dislikes. The philosophy of Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool, Nakano is: “Be the best you can be.” We want to draw out individual talents and curiosity from our children, and to instill in them the motivation and love of learning which, hoepfully will continue to enrich their lives after leaving our school.
  • Overloading infants and children with heavy academic responsibilities and requirements takes up valuable time outside of school. We don’t believe that learning should be a mental and physical burden. A healthy upbringing should provide children with the ability to relax safely at home, and to have the free time to indulge themselves.
  • Our intention is to draw out the innate skills, interests, and curiosity that each child possesses. Our specialist programs are designed to help them learn new physical and creative pursuits. At the same time, we believe that learning about friendship and community within an open and encouraging school environment is just as important.

• 2.8 What do you do if a child wants to speak Japanese during English time?
  
  • During English class, Japanese is not encouraged as the medium of communication. If students speak Japanese during English class, we encourage them to use English to the best of their abilities in order to be heard, recognized, and engaged in the learning activities. For classes where children are particularly young, whoes comfort in English speaking environments is yet weaker, we are more flexible in our expectations. However, while we recognize they do not yet possess the English skills to communicate even in simple situations, the use of Japanese is specifically to guide them towards the use of English as their language skills improve.

• 2.9 Do you have events in which parents/guardians can be involved?
  
  • A few times a year, parents and guardians have opportunities to get involved in school activities such as sports days, concerts, and more. We send out information about these occasions in advance, and we really encourage you to be involved. From time to time, we may also ask for volunteers to help support these events. 
  • It would mean so much to the school and to the children, thus, creating a better harmonious learning environment.

• 2.10 I heard that you offer an education which emphasizes natural science. What does this mean in practice?
  
  • At AJBP, Nakano, besides literacy and language, we also focus on what in education is referred to as STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  These are skills and understandings we believe to be core to our children’s success in the upcoming century. In terms of teaching methodology, our school uses the principles of active learning; children learn through engaging in real experience with real and simulated  things, rather than solely from the ideas contained in books. Children learn through engagement:. They…
  • ・understand the human body via the use of a human body model. ・understand and explore locations using real navigation tools. ・discover the micro world using microscopes, and the macro world using telescopes. ・understand the mechanics of connecting lights and sounds using circuits:electronic tools. ・learn about logic and process using computing and programming toys. ・discover digital art using Ipads. ・learn about the environment and conservation through making things from waste/recycled materials.

• 2.11 What is the relationship with Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS)? Will my child be given priority for enrolment at that school?
  
  • A-JIS is under the same management group and is our sister school. Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool, Nakano, is able to operate under, and take advantage of, A-JIS & AJB’s experience as an International Baccalaureate school. Our students do receive priority screening for elementary school enrolment at A-JIS. The intention to have your child participate in international education until they graduate from high school is a big decision. If you do consider this, we highly recommend that you seek our advice. We will help you create a plan that will ensure the greatest success possible to your child.

• 3.1 Do you do toilet training and teach children things such as using chopsticks?
  • Yes. For example, we do toilet training at a reasonable pace, and within each child’s level of comfort and development. The nursery staff continuously consults with parents and guardians regarding the children’s progress.

• 3.2 Please tell me about your safety and security measures.
  • Entrances to the school are secured by an auto lock and are only accessible to AJBP staff. Parents and guardians are provided with a security card and non-cardholders are unable to enter the building. We have also signed a contract with a security company, and the entire building is protected by video security.
  • In case of natural disasters such as earthquakes and fires,, we conduct an evacuation drill once a month. If such an event takes place, We have prepared a stockpile of supplies (food, diapers, etc.) to last three days. During this time, all staff and students remain together and children may only leave the safety zone when their parents or guardians are able to retrieve them.
  • There is an onsite AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and AJBP staff is trained to use it.

• 3.3 Is there a playground? Can the children have playtime outside?
  • Although we do not have a spacious playground, we, however, have a courtyard as our private outdoor environment. In addition to this, children can play outdoors in the nearby parks every day when the weather permits. We regulary take children to a large parks to explore nature. While outdoor play does include risks, the school provides parents and guardians with recommendations and supply lists that will make these experiences fun, educational, and safe. Please be aware of the risks that their clothes may get muddy after playing, or scratches they may get from falling down while playing outside.

• 3.4 What is the ratio of teachers to students?
  • The teacher:student ratio will be as below.
    1 year old infant class 1:4
    2 year old infant class 1:6
    3 year old infant class 1:9
    4 & 5 year old class 1:12

• 3.5 Is it possible to know more about my child’s life at school?
  
  • For 2 year olds, we maintain daily activity journals. Both the school and the parents write on them and bring them back everyday. There is also an onsite SNS which is used as a communication tool between the school and the parents or guardian as well. We regularly send photos, newsletters, and other updates on your children’s daily school lives.

• 3.6 What kind of support do you have in the case of child illness?
  • We have set guidelines for communication between the school and parents in the case of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, or other illnesses – these are detailed during the orientation at the time of enrolment as well as the brochure given to you. The communication we provide, the actions we take, and the actions we will recommend to parents and guardians will depend on the kind and severity of the illness. Many of our staff members are trained in emergency health care provision, and we will advise parents and guardians immediately and appropriately. Since most situations can be handled and monitored at the school and by our staff, we will advise parents on appropriate actions and responses. For example, if a child’s temperature is normal in the morning, but a fever of 37.5ºC or higher develops while at school, we will ask the parents or guardians to come to the school as soon as they are able to do so. We ask for your understanding, support, and cooperation in regards to the above.

• 4.1 What kind of expectations can we have after graduating from this program?
  
  • In Japan, there is a division between private elementary school, public elementary school, and international school. Schools in Japan have recently introduced a form of learning similar to inquiry-based learning. There is going to be a full scale introduction of “active learning” in the revised educational guidelines for 2020, and English is also scheduled to be introduced from 3rd grade. Whichever elementary school your child plans to attend, we believe that the education and English ability gained at AJBP, Nakano will give them confidence to participate in classes.

• 4.2 We are thinking about taking an exam to enter a private elementary school, do
  you prepare children for entrance exams?
  • Our curriculum has no provision to prepare students for Japanese school entrance exams. However, inquiry-based learning which encourages creative and active behavior has the result of giving our children an advantage in terms of behavioral observation tests at private elementary school entrance exams.

• 4.3 What will my child’s English ability be like after graduating?
  • The early years indeed, are the best period of time to learn a second language. However, to fully keep the level of English after graduating AJBP,  the immersion do need to be continued beyond the early years. AJBP, Nakano, is planning to open a Saturday School for further learning/immersion.

• 4.4 Is there a uniform?
  
  • We don’t have a school uniform. For safety and minimum dress standards, we do have certain clothing recommendations and requirements. For instance, T-shirts are required for gymnastics.  

• 4.5 Besides the items shown in the cost list, is there anything else that needs to
  be purchased?
  • Children need T-shirts as well as indoor shoes for the gym. They also require a bag and a hat. Full requirement lists are available in the student enrolment package. All of these information will be discussed at length in the enrolment orientation.
    

• 4.6 Is it possible to drop off and pick up my child by car?
  • Please use meter parking and refrain from doing so, since the street  in front of the campus is a private driveway.

• 4.7 Is it possible to drop off and pick up my child by bike?
  • You can park your bike on the designated spot we provide. Please refrain from leaving your bike elsewhere.

• 4.8 What should I do if we go on a long holiday or will live abroad?
  • If you will be away for more than 15 consecutive days (including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), please submit a notification of extended absence by the 5th day of the preceding month. Since your child has already enrolled you will need to pay 70% of the child care fee and snack cost.

• 4.9 Is it possible to attend just the after school or Saturday school?
  • Yes, it is possible for both internal and external students.
  • 1. We believe it is important for children to acquire a fundamental education allowing them to live in a Japanese society. It is not our purpose to see the child’s acquisition of their first language to be delayed. Since a firm grasp of the mother language is important for the acquisition of a second language, AJBP conducts native language studies in accordance with children’s ages and stages of development.
  • 2. We place an emphasis on learning values necessary to be a member of the Japanese society. Consideration, appreciation, harmony, dedication, and perseverance are crucial. Living with these values and features would definitely help them when they go overseas. They will be prepared to face the challenges of the complex and diverse world they are growing into.
  • 3. Holidays include two months during summer, one month in the winter, as well as other regular and national holidays throughout the school year. In addition, AJBP, Nakano, has the After School Program, the Saturdays Program, and the Extended Childcare Program: these additional programs are meant to offer more assistance to families looking for more flexible childcare solutions. For these programs, holidays are shorter; there is a two week summer holiday, a two week winter holiday, and a one week spring holiday. We also offer special events and seasonal English camp opportunities at different times across the year.

• 4.10 What are the similarities and differences between Aoba and other Japanese nursery schools/kindergartens?
  • The unique qualities of our school include: bilingual education, inquiry-based and holistic learning based on the international Baccalaureate, and special programs that include swimming, physical education, dance, and various others.
  • At the same time, there are similarities: Kindergartens and Nursery Schools in Japan are administered by different government agencies. Kindergartens fall under the ‘kindergarten education procedures’ guide administered by the National Ministry of Education.. Nursery Schools are operated according to the ‘childcare center guidelines’ administered by the department of Families and Social services at the local / municipal governmental level. Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool, Nakano, is a non-licensed childcare facility that doesn’t receive any subsidy. However, we operate in accordance with the ‘guidance and supervision standards for non-authorized nursery facilities’ set down by the Tokyo metropolitan government since we aim to be one. Consequently, the school facilities are designed accordingly. In accordance with nursery guidelines, our nursery do cover the 5 elements of education which are health, human relationships, the environment, language, and expression. In addition to that, we cover the two policies ‘preservation of life and ‘emotional care’ as well.

• 4.11 What is the International Baccalaureate?
  • The International Baccalaureate Programme was established in 1968 by a Non-Profit Organization in Switzerland. The original aim of the IB was to create a high quality standardized education program that could be used anywhere in the world for children of diplomats and international companies who had the need to frequently transfer to schools overseas. This program was developed by mainly by International School teachers. Following that, the IB’s high quality curriculum was highly evaluated by leading universities and government education departments around the world, and the number of accredited schools has continued to increase. Infant education comes under PYP amongst the following three programs.

  • Program Name	Target Age	Remarks
    PYP (Primary Years Programme)	3-12 years old	Importance in the development of both mental and physical capabilities. Any language can be used.
    MYP (Middle Years Programme)	11-16 years old	There is no requirement on the language used. It is a middle school program.
    DP (Diploma Programme)	16-19 years old	The official languages are English, French and Spanish. The curriculum is provided by IB. The study period is for two years.

• 4.12 Is your school accredited for the International Baccalaureate?
  • At the moment we are not an accredited school, but we are at the stage of preparing for certification of PYP. We will strive for the improvement of education quality at our school over the next two years as we work towards accreditation. Aoba-Japan International School, our sister school, as well as AJB Harumi, Shibaura, and Waseda are fully accredited at all levels of the IB. It stands as a demonstration of Aoba’s efforts to be a bilingual school. Obtaining International Baccalaureate certification requires continuous training of staff and a high standard of facilities. In addition to meeting the strict criteria of the IBO, schools must also meet the requirements of ongoing formal evaluations that happen once every 5 years. Our goal at AJBP, Nakano, is to gain International Baccalaureate accreditation. We are committed to constant improvement in quality and recognition of the high quality of this international programs.
    

• 4.13 Does a child get a qualification after graduating from a school with the
  International Baccalaureate?
  • At the moment we are not an official accredited International Baccalaureate school. Although even when a school does become accredited, the International Baccalaureate Programme does not offer any certification for children. The IBO gives out Diplomas only in through a Diploma course after finishing a two year course in high school. However, once AJBP, Nakano is accredited by the IBO, our certificate will demonstrate that your child has completed studies at school that incorporate the IB program..
  • Having the experience of learning through the IB program is a plus for enrolment in the future, especially for entering international schools as well as private elementary schools. The education received at our school will be recognized around the world.