Our Purpose
At Yokohama International School, everything we do is grounded in our belief that each learner brings a unique set of strengths, perspectives, and possibilities. By placing the student at the heart of every decision and every interaction, we ensure that learning engages the whole person—intellectually, socially, and emotionally—and leads to meaningful growth and transformation.
Our "Why"
These guiding words shape an environment where students explore who they are, how they connect with others, and the difference they can make in the world.
EMBRACING EACH CHILD’S POTENTIAL
Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive through a range of experiences that celebrate individuality, collaboration, and belonging. Our teachers observe, listen, and respond to children’s inquiries, supporting them in creating their own pathways. In doing so, each learner develops confidence, purpose, and a resilient sense of self.
OUR VALUES
We are mindful of the needs and rights of others.
We are honest in our dealings.
We are peaceful in our intentions.
We are responsible in our actions.
We are supportive of each other.
These values guide day-to-day interactions and long-term decisions, ensuring that every member of our community feels respected, valued, and inspired to grow.
Our definition of learning
Learning is the acquisition of knowledge and skills leading to the development of understandings and dispositions.
This can be from learning how to collaborate with a friend on a shared project or challenging personal biases to broaden one’s world view. Learning is deeply personal and intrinsically social. Students flourish when they collaborate with teachers and families, and in an environment where questions, mistakes, and reflections are celebrated as part of the journey.
OUR IMPACT STRATEGY
We strive to sustain a dynamic educational community that:
Diversity & Inclusion
Students use their skills, knowledge, understanding, and dispositions to create safety and belonging for themselves and others in our community.
Leadership & Impact
All students have the skills, knowledge, understandings and dispositions to make a difference through their impact and leadership.
Supporting Autonomy
All students have the skills, knowledge, understandings and dispositions to demonstrate autonomy in their learning.
Learn from Each Other
Collaboration enriches everyone’s understanding, whether through peer feedback, cross-grade mentoring, or co-teaching approaches.
Commitment to Sustainability
All members of the YIS community take responsibility for the sustainability of our school, the community and beyond.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
We uphold a core commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, ensuring that all learners feel seen, valued, and empowered. By embracing varied perspectives, cultures, and languages, we enrich both the individual and collective learning experience.
From mixed-age projects in the Early Learning Center to shared inquiry cycles in High School, we design experiences that cultivate empathy, challenge assumptions, and celebrate each person’s identity. Our inclusive community thrives on the belief that everyone’s voice adds value and that every student contributes to our school.
- Students and adults make a conscious choice to create an inclusive and respectful environment through perspective taking, cultural understanding, behaviors and language.
- Students advocate for self and others to create positive change within and beyond the community.
A SHARED PURPOSE
At YIS, purpose emerges from the synergy between mission, values, and the daily experiences of learners. By fostering curiosity, respect, collaboration, and a deeply personal sense of agency, we help students develop the mindset and heart to Live, Learn, and Lead with confidence.
They leave our care understanding that learning is lifelong and that real growth requires both individual passion and a shared commitment to improving the world around us.
"We are true to who we are - unapologetically and respectfully - so every student can become the best version of themselves."