Summer School at YIS
YIS Summer School continues to reflect our commitment to LIVE, LEARN, and LEAD, fostering a nurturing environment where students can explore, create, and grow. Come join us for a summer of creativity, friendship, and endless possibilities!
A Different Kind of Summer Learning
At YIS, summer is a season for discovery. Our 2026 Summer School program has been completely reimagined based on community feedback to offer a dynamic, inquiry-based experience for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
We’ve moved beyond the traditional classroom model to create a space where curiosity leads the way. Students come to YIS Summer School for many reasons: strengthening academic foundations, developing athletic skills, and exploring creative technologies. Whatever their focus, they will find a supportive community that celebrates innovation and rewards bold ideas.
elementary program
Sparking Curiosity
Our ES program is designed to keep young minds active through a transdisciplinary approach that blends core skills with hands-on exploration. We focus on “the whole child,” balancing literacy and numeracy inquiry with plenty of movement, artistic expression, and social-emotional growth.
This year, we are excited to expand our language offerings to include a specialized Japanese Immersion stream for upper elementary, ensuring that our students can grow their communication skills in a variety of contexts while preparing confidently for the school year ahead.
ES Summer Programs
Kindergarten Program
Keep playing and learning during summer and prepare for your next school year. Kindergarten Summer school program will include: Math, Language, Art, Music, PE, and Library time. The Kindergarten program will be inquiry based, student initiated and play based.
- A variety of materials and support will be provided in order to differentiate the children’s learning at their own level. Packed lunches are welcome, though Dragon Dining will provide a nutritionally balanced diet of healthy snacks and meals designed to optimize children’s energy levels throughout the day.
Grade 1 Program
Keep learning during the summer and prepare for your next school year. The Grade 1 Summer school program will include: Math and Language Inquiry as well as Art, Music, PE, and Library time.
- The Grade 1 program will be inquiry based, student initiated and play based. In writing, children will have the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of the letter sounds through various writing and reading engagements.
- Math Inquiry will include numeracy strategies and skills through activities and games. A variety of materials and support will be provided in order to differentiate the children’s learning at their own level. Especially for young learners, it is important to have many opportunities to play with mathematical materials which can be found around us to build their mathematical thinking and their number sense.
- Please have the children bring their hats, sunscreen, insect repellent and water bottles everyday. Packed lunches are welcome, though Dragon Dining will provide a nutritionally balanced diet of healthy snacks and meals designed to optimize children’s energy levels throughout the day.
Grade 2 Program
Keep learning during summer and prepare for your next school year. In Grade 2 summer school, students will continue to develop their reading, writing and math skills through a variety of engaging inquiries and games.
- In Mathematics, Grade 2 students will be working with problem solving and place value fluency with numbers up to 100. Number sense will be developed by using manipulatives, inquiring into number patterns, playing games, and exploring various mental math strategies.
- In Language, students will become authors by writing short stories and poems. Students will also continue to develop their abilities to choose and read just right texts. In Guided Inquiry, the students will engage in scientific thinking through conducting experiments, observing and recording their findings.
- The students will also have regular Art, Music, PE, and Library time. For students in need of EAL support, our EAL staff will come into the class to assist and work with them on their individualized programs.
- Please have the children bring their hats, sunscreen, insect repellent and water bottles everyday. Packed lunches are welcome, though Dragon Dining will provide a nutritionally balanced diet of healthy snacks and meals designed to optimize children’s energy levels throughout the day.
Grade 3 Program
Keep learning during summer and prepare for your next school year.
- In Mathematics, Grade 3 students will be working with problem solving and place value fluency with numbers up to 10,000. Number sense will be developed by using manipulatives, inquiring into number patterns, playing games, and exploring various mental math strategies.
- During language arts, students will summarize narrative stories and participate in mini-books clubs sharing and growing their ideas beyond the text. Students will explore the magic and wonder of keeping a writer’s notebook to generate ideas and new entries. Together with their teacher and their classmates, students will inquire into mindfulness and its impact on the body and learning.
- Students will observe and reflect on personal growth through a variety of activities. Art will connect to the Unit of Inquiry.
- For students in need of EAL support, our EAL staff will have pull out sessions during Literacy/Language Arts and work with them on their individualized programs.
- Please have the children bring their hats, sunscreens, insect repellents and water bottles everyday. Packed lunches are welcome, though Dragon Dining Catering will provide a nutritionally balanced diet of healthy snacks and meals designed to optimize children’s energy levels throughout the day.
Grade 4 Program
Students will take part in both collaborative and individual learning experiences.
- In Mathematics, the students will focus on maths challenges and play maths games to solidify their basic numeracy knowledge, while also strengthening their problem-solving skills.
- In Language, students will engage in reading, writing, viewing and presenting. Readers’ Theatre will include shared reading, discussions related to texts and presentations. Writing will focus on creating fables, turning them into scripts and presenting a puppet show.
- Maker Hour will ask students to engage in the design process by researching, planning and designing creations. Maker Hour requires skills from areas such as literacy (inquiry & research), Maths (measurement & construction), science (testing & problem solving), art, social and self-management, which are invaluable for students entering grade 4.
- Students in need of EAL support, our EAL staff will have pull out sessions during Literacy/Language Arts and work with them on their individualized programs.
- Please have your child bring their hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and water bottle every day. Packed lunches are welcome, though Dragon Dining Catering will provide a nutritionally balanced diet of healthy snacks and meals designed to optimize children’s energy levels throughout the day.
Grade 4 Program
Students will take part in both collaborative and individual learning experiences. Students will engage in all subjects in Japanese.
- In Mathematics, the students will focus on maths challenges and play maths games to solidify their basic numeracy knowledge, while also strengthening their problem-solving skills.
- In Language, students will engage in reading, writing, viewing and presenting. Readers’ Theatre will include shared reading, discussions related to texts and presentations. Writing will focus on creating fables, turning them into scripts and presenting a puppet show.
- Maker Hour will ask students to engage in the design process by researching, planning and designing creations. Maker Hour requires skills from areas such as literacy (inquiry & research), Maths (measurement & construction), science (testing & problem solving), art, social and self-management, which are invaluable for students entering grade 4.
- Students in need of EAL support, our EAL staff will have pull out sessions during Literacy/Language Arts and work with them on their individualized programs.
- Please have your child bring their hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and water bottle every day. Packed lunches are welcome, though Dragon Dining Catering will provide a nutritionally balanced diet of healthy snacks and meals designed to optimize children’s energy levels throughout the day.
Grade 5 Program
Keep learning during summer and prepare for your next school year. Students in the Grade 5 Summer Program class will be engaged in a range of collaborative and individual learning experiences.
- In Mathematics, the students will focus on maths challenges and play maths games to solidify their basic place value knowledge, while also strengthening their problem-solving skills.
- In Language, the students will be introduced to a range of books to explore how authors creatively communicate their ideas through poetry. Together with their teacher and classmates, students will have the opportunity to explore living things, and share their learning in both written and visual mediums.
- The students will also have regular Art, Music, PE, and Library time.
- Students in need of EAL support, our EAL staff will push in during literacy/language arts sessions to support and model language use.
- Please have the children bring their hats, sunscreens, insect repellents and water bottles every day. Packed lunches are welcome, though Dragon Dining Catering will provide a nutritionally balanced diet of healthy snacks and meals designed to optimize children’s energy levels throughout the day.
Grade 5 Program
Keep learning during summer and prepare for your next school year. Students in the Grade 5 Summer Program class will take part in a range of collaborative and individual learning experiences. Students will engage in all subjects in Japanese.
- In Mathematics, the students will focus on maths challenges and play maths games to solidify their basic place value knowledge, while also strengthening their problem-solving skills.
- In Language, the students will be introduced to a range of books to explore how authors creatively communicate their ideas through poetry. Together with their teacher and classmates, students will have the opportunity to explore living things, and share their learning in both written and visual mediums.
- The students will also have regular Art, Music, PE, and Library time.
- This year, we are also offering a Japanese Immersion stream for those who are fluent speakers of the language. For our English speaking stream, students in need of EAL support, our EAL staff will push in during literacy/language arts sessions to support and model language use.
- Please have the children bring their hats, sunscreens, insect repellents and water bottles every day. Packed lunches are welcome, though Dragon Dining Catering will provide a nutritionally balanced diet of healthy snacks and meals designed to optimize children’s energy levels throughout the day.
Dragons Basketball Camp Program
- Dragon Basketball Camp with Coach Hauet gives an introduction to the fundamentals of the game. The camp is designed to provide a positive and energetic environment to excite kids at all skill levels.
- Daily activities will include different drills and games geared towards guiding the beginner and experienced player through the basics and helping to form proper habits at an early age.
- The course is held five days a week for 3 hours in the morning. When partaking in Basketball Camp, students are welcome to also sign up for grade level classes for the afternoon session or Soccer Camp if they are in Grade 4 or 5.
Dragons Soccer Camp Program (Gr. 2-3)
- Dragon Soccer Camp is a great opportunity for Grade 2 and 3 students to learn the fundamentals of the sport, while enjoying a safe and fun environment.
- Students will develop game skills, game sense and learn how to play well with teammates. Dragon Soccer Camp will take place in the morning for Grades 2 and 3, and will run for two weeks.
- Students are welcome to bring packed lunches, or alternatively may take advantage of a nutritionally balanced diet of healthy snacks and meals designed to optimize children’s energy levels from Dragon Dining.
- When participating in the Dragon Soccer Camp, students may also sign up for other classes following the soccer sessions.
Dragons Soccer Program (Gr. 4-5)
- Dragon Soccer Camp is a great opportunity for Grade 4 and 5 students to learn the fundamentals of the sport, while enjoying a safe and fun environment.
- Students will develop game skills, game sense and learn how to play well with teammates. We will offer technical instruction for specialized skills, as well as introduce concepts to enhance tactical understanding.
- Dragon Soccer Camp will take place in the afternoon for Grades 4 and 5, and will run for two weeks.
- Students are welcome to bring packed lunches, or alternatively may take advantage of a nutritionally balanced diet of healthy snacks and meals designed to optimize children’s energy levels from Dragon Dining.
- When participating in the Dragon Soccer Camp, students may also sign up for other classes before the soccer sessions.
Key Program Information
Program Dates
- Monday, June 22nd to Friday, July 3rd 2026
Transport
There is no bus service provided for the YIS Summer School. Please use local transport, if needed, to get to our campus.
Traveling by Train
Minatomirai / Tokyu Toyoko Line
The Minatomirai Line connects directly with the Tokyu Toyoko Line, running from Shibuya Station through Yokohama Station to Motomachi-Chukagai Station. The journey from Shibuya to Motomachi-Chukagai takes approximately 35 minutes by Limited Express. This route is particularly convenient for those staying in areas such as Shibuya, Ebisu, Hiroo, Roppongi, Jiyugaoka, and Denenchofu. (See route map here.) For travel to YIS:- Alight at Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Exit 4)
- From the Yamashita-cho bus stop, take bus #8 or #58 to the Kominato bus stop
JR Negishi Line / Keihin-Tohoku Line
The JR Keihin-Tohoku Line runs from Omiya through Tokyo and Yokohama to Ofuna Station. South of Yokohama, this line is also referred to as the Negishi Line. (See JR route map here.) Travelers coming from Tokyo or Kawasaki may either:- Transfer at Yokohama Station to the Minatomirai Line, or
- Continue directly to Negishi Station
- Take bus #58 or #101 to the Honmoku-Miyabara bus stop
Traveling by Public Bus
Several public bus routes provide direct access to the school:- From Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Yamashita-cho bus stop): Bus #8 or #58 → Kominato bus stop
- From Sakuragicho Station or Ishikawacho Station: Bus #101, #105, or #106 → Kominato-cho bus stop
- From Negishi Station: Bus #58 or #101 → Honmoku-Miyabara bus stop
Lunch & Food Service
A balanced healthy lunch is available everyday by Dragon Dining. Lunch is included in the ES pricing. MS/HS students have the option of purchasing lunch each day or bringing lunch from home.
ES Summer School Fee
ES (whole day only)
- 135,000 yen (YIS Students)
- 148,500 yen (Non-YIS Students).
Eligibility
The YIS Summer School is open to Kindergarten to Grade 12 students from both YIS and Non-YIS students.
Middle school program
Discovery & Deep Dives
Middle school is a time for exploring identity and new interests. Our redesigned MS program emphasizes student agency, moving toward an immersive workshop model that allows for deeper focus and collaboration. Rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule, students engage in specialized tracks—ranging from digital creation and performing arts to strategic thinking and athletic development.
Our goal is to help students develop the “Approaches to Learning” (ATL) skills – like research, communication, and self-management – that empower students to take ownership of their own learning journey.
MS Summer Programs
Basketball Camp
Course Description
- The Dragon Basketball camp is designed to provide a positive and energetic environment in order to develop fundamental skills for all levels.
- Daily activities will include different drills and games geared towards guiding players through individual and team skills. Emphasis will be placed on sportsmanship, team play, leadership and simply enjoying the game.
- The course is held five days a week for 2 hours in the afternoon and open to players grade 6 through 9.
The Creative Project Studio
Course Description
- What would your child create if they had the time, the space, and a team behind them? The Creative Project Studio is a chance for students to finally go all in. They might learn to DJ and mix tracks, build a game, create an app, write a novel, launch a website, start a magazine, or explore an idea they’ve never had time to pursue.
- CPS feels like a think-tank and creative lab rolled into one, where focused deep work meets collaborative energy and bold experimentation. If your child isn’t sure what they want to build yet, that’s completely fine. The studio is designed to help students explore, test ideas, and discover what actually excites them. Through creative challenges, guided brainstorming, and real work time, students uncover interests and directions they may not have noticed before.
- Students move from rough ideas to real outcomes, test and improve their work, and use AI as a smart creative partner to help them plan, troubleshoot obstacles, and strengthen their project while keeping their own voice at the center.
This is where passion meets momentum and students’ “someday” projects actually get built.
Digital Media & Design Studio
Course Description
- Digital Media & Design Studio is a two-week summer program that introduces students to the tools, thinking, and creative processes used by real-world marketers, designers, and social media content creators.
- Using a blend of visual design, photography, videography, web tools, storytelling, and digital strategy, students will plan, build, and present a creative digital project – like a brand, portfolio, website, or marketing campaign.
This course is a soft entry to the Marketing & Communications Internship Program
The Groove Lab
Course Description
- Students will learn what it is really like to play in a band. Each day we will explore a different genre including rock, funk, blues, jam band, and alternative.
- The focus is on playing together, listening closely, and making music as a group. This class is less about music theory and more about learning by doing.
- Students will build their ability to play by ear, lock into a groove, improvise, and respond to each other in real time. The goal is to grow confidence, musical awareness, and teamwork through live playing. Guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards are welcome. If the student plays a different instrument, please contact me ahead of time to see if it will work in the group.
- This course is not designed for students who only sing. However, students who sing and play an instrument are encouraged to join.
History Detectives vol. 2
Course Description
- In this course, students will become “history detectives,” solving real-world historical mysteries using evidence, critical thinking, and teamwork. Each week focuses on a different case study, culminating in a “History Expo” where students present their findings.
- The course is designed to further strengthen ATL skills such as research, critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills.
Japanese Lang B
Course Description
Through the theme of values and traditions, students will explore Japanese culture while developing their Japanese language skills in a creative and meaningful way. Using a range of Japanese artistic expressions, such as song, dance and arts, students will deepen their understanding of how values and traditions are expressed and celebrated in Japanese society.
Along the way, learners will build confidence in Japanese characters (hiragana, katakana and kanji), grammar and everyday idiomatic expressions, strengthening both their communication and literacy skills. Come explore the Japanese language and culture in a creative, welcoming and collaborative environment this summer!
Learn to Swim
Course Description
It is never too late to become a confident swimmer.
- This course is specifically designed for students who are new to the water or currently only comfortable with basic submersion. In a supportive, small-group environment, students focus on moving from the wall to the lane.
- Water Comfort: Building trust, breath control, and submerged confidence.
- Core Skills: Mastering the “pencil” float, gliding, and foundational flutter kicking.
- Intro to Freestyle: Introducing the rhythmic coordination of arm strokes, side-breathing, and proper body rotation.
- Safety First: Developing essential treading and water awareness.
Students will move from hesitant to capable in a low-pressure setting designed for the age group.
Makers Class
Course Description
- In this interactive course, students transform their ideas into physical creations through the use of advanced 3D design software and modern 3D printers
- Working with industry-standard tools like Fusion 360 and Tinkercad, students design and build original models, tools, and prototypes while strengthening their skills in engineering thinking, creativity, and real-world problem solving.
The Story Re-mix Lab
Course Description
- Whether it’s a 15-second TikTok, a legendary graphic novel, or a chart-topping podcast, every content creator knows one secret: it all begins with a great story.
- In the Story Re-Mix Lab, students will master the art of the hook, the cliffhanger, and the visual beat. They will experiment with scriptwriting for video, storyboarding for digital art, and audio storytelling.
- By the end of the course, they will use new creator skills to launch a multi-platform narrative campaign that actually gets people to listen.
Summer Writing Workshop
Course Description
- A fun, low-stress writing course where students choose the activities they want to explore.
- Each week begins with quick games and a class vote, then we dive into creative tasks such as 10-sentence stories, anime-inspired snapshots, and light-hearted persuasive writing.
- Students share their work, give friendly feedback, and build confidence as writers.
Swim Camp
Course Description
- Swimming camp is for Intermediate to Advanced swimmers who can comfortably swim distances over 500m.
- This program is designed to help you develop your swimming skills further as well as improve fitness. Each day we will look at how we can improve technique for Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly.
- Students will learn how to dive properly into the water and spend some quality time playing water based team games to work on communication skills, teamwork and simply to have a little fun.
Tabletop Games
Course Description
- This project-based summer program invites students to explore the design and experience of tabletop games. Students begin by playing and analyzing a variety of games—including strategy (e.g. Catan), cooperative (e.g. Pandemic), social deduction (e.g. Avalon), and miniatures games (e.g. Warhammer) to identify factors that contribute to player enjoyment and engagement. Using these insights, students work in small groups to improve a tabletop gaming experience for a specific audience.
- Projects may include rule modifications, accessibility improvements, teaching materials, scenario design, enhancements to the physical game environment (e.g. painting miniatures or constructing wargaming terrain), or even making their own games. The program culminates in a public demonstration or teaching session where students present their revised game experiences.
- The course supports the development of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving through authentic, student-driven projects.
Traditional Japanese Music & Literature
Course Description
- Step into the rich world of traditional Japanese music through the study of a classic 17th–18th century composition. In this course, students will explore the history of the instruments involved, trace the evolution of the traditional Japanese ensemble, and uncover the cultural meaning behind the work’s evocative lyrics.
- The class welcomes both experienced koto or shamisen players and beginners eager to start learning. Students new to Japanese instruments (or unfamiliar with them altogether)—but interested in exploring traditional vocal techniques—are also encouraged to join.
- Through hands-on practice and historical context, participants will gain a deeper appreciation of Japan’s musical heritage while building practical performance skills.
Key Program Information
Program Dates
- Monday, June 22nd to Friday, July 3rd 2026
Transport
There is no bus service provided for the YIS Summer School. Please use local transport, if needed, to get to our campus.
Traveling by Train
Minatomirai / Tokyu Toyoko Line
The Minatomirai Line connects directly with the Tokyu Toyoko Line, running from Shibuya Station through Yokohama Station to Motomachi-Chukagai Station. The journey from Shibuya to Motomachi-Chukagai takes approximately 35 minutes by Limited Express. This route is particularly convenient for those staying in areas such as Shibuya, Ebisu, Hiroo, Roppongi, Jiyugaoka, and Denenchofu. (See route map here.) For travel to YIS:- Alight at Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Exit 4)
- From the Yamashita-cho bus stop, take bus #8 or #58 to the Kominato bus stop
JR Negishi Line / Keihin-Tohoku Line
The JR Keihin-Tohoku Line runs from Omiya through Tokyo and Yokohama to Ofuna Station. South of Yokohama, this line is also referred to as the Negishi Line. (See JR route map here.) Travelers coming from Tokyo or Kawasaki may either:- Transfer at Yokohama Station to the Minatomirai Line, or
- Continue directly to Negishi Station
- Take bus #58 or #101 to the Honmoku-Miyabara bus stop
Traveling by Public Bus
Several public bus routes provide direct access to the school:- From Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Yamashita-cho bus stop): Bus #8 or #58 → Kominato bus stop
- From Sakuragicho Station or Ishikawacho Station: Bus #101, #105, or #106 → Kominato-cho bus stop
- From Negishi Station: Bus #58 or #101 → Honmoku-Miyabara bus stop
Lunch & Food Service
A balanced healthy lunch is available everyday by Dragon Dining. Lunch is included in the ES pricing. MS/HS students have the option of purchasing lunch each day or bringing lunch from home.
MS Summer School Fee
MS (per session fee)
- 65,000 yen (YIS Students)
- 71,500 yen (Non-YIS Students).
Eligibility
The YIS Summer School is open to Kindergarten to Grade 12 students from both YIS and Non-YIS students.
SECONDARY program
Focus, Skills & Future
The High School experience at YIS Summer School is designed for students who want to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. The program functions as a creative lab and think-tank, offering intensive sessions that prioritize project-based outcomes.
Students can explore social impact, advanced technical skills, and university readiness in an environment that mirrors professional creative studios. It is a space for high-schoolers to build momentum on personal passions, refine their leadership abilities, and collaborate with like-minded peers.
HS Summer Programs
Basketball Camp
Course Description
- The Dragon Basketball camp is designed to provide a positive and energetic environment in order to develop fundamental skills for all levels.
- Daily activities will include different drills and games geared towards guiding players through individual and team skills. Emphasis will be placed on sportsmanship, team play, leadership and simply enjoying the game.
- The course is held five days a week for 2 hours in the afternoon and open to players grade 6 through 9.
The Creative Project Studio
Course Description
- What would your child create if they had the time, the space, and a team behind them? The Creative Project Studio is a chance for students to finally go all in. They might learn to DJ and mix tracks, build a game, create an app, write a novel, launch a website, start a magazine, or explore an idea they’ve never had time to pursue.
- CPS feels like a think-tank and creative lab rolled into one, where focused deep work meets collaborative energy and bold experimentation. If your child isn’t sure what they want to build yet, that’s completely fine. The studio is designed to help students explore, test ideas, and discover what actually excites them. Through creative challenges, guided brainstorming, and real work time, students uncover interests and directions they may not have noticed before.
- Students move from rough ideas to real outcomes, test and improve their work, and use AI as a smart creative partner to help them plan, troubleshoot obstacles, and strengthen their project while keeping their own voice at the center.
This is where passion meets momentum and students’ “someday” projects actually get built.
Digital Media & Design Studio
Course Description
- Digital Media & Design Studio is a two-week summer program that introduces students to the tools, thinking, and creative processes used by real-world marketers, designers, and social media content creators.
- Using a blend of visual design, photography, videography, web tools, storytelling, and digital strategy, students will plan, build, and present a creative digital project – like a brand, portfolio, website, or marketing campaign.
This course is a soft entry to the Marketing & Communications Internship Program
Esports & Competitive Decision-Making
Course Description
- This Esports summer program transforms competitive gaming into a structured learning opportunity for strategic thinking, cognitive psychology, and performance skills.
- Students use the game of their choice (E.g League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, Clash Royale, FIFA etc) as a decision-making laboratory to develop critical thinking, communication, emotional regulation, and goal-setting skills.
- Through guided analysis, structured gameplay, and team competition, participants learn to manage pressure, overcome cognitive bias, identify win conditions, and build performance habits that transfer directly to not just gaming but academics, athletics, and leadership opportunities.
The Groove Lab
Course Description
- Students will learn what it is really like to play in a band. Each day we will explore a different genre including rock, funk, blues, jam band, and alternative.
- The focus is on playing together, listening closely, and making music as a group. This class is less about music theory and more about learning by doing.
- Students will build their ability to play by ear, lock into a groove, improvise, and respond to each other in real time. The goal is to grow confidence, musical awareness, and teamwork through live playing. Guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards are welcome. If the student plays a different instrument, please contact me ahead of time to see if it will work in the group.
- This course is not designed for students who only sing. However, students who sing and play an instrument are encouraged to join.
Course Description
- In this course, students will become “history detectives,” solving real-world historical mysteries using evidence, critical thinking, and teamwork. Each week focuses on a different case study, culminating in a “History Expo” where students present their findings.
- The course is designed to further strengthen ATL skills such as research, critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills.
Learn to Swim
Course Description
It is never too late to become a confident swimmer.
- This course is specifically designed for students who are new to the water or currently only comfortable with basic submersion. In a supportive, small-group environment, students focus on moving from the wall to the lane.
- Water Comfort: Building trust, breath control, and submerged confidence.
- Core Skills: Mastering the “pencil” float, gliding, and foundational flutter kicking.
- Intro to Freestyle: Introducing the rhythmic coordination of arm strokes, side-breathing, and proper body rotation.
- Safety First: Developing essential treading and water awareness.
Students will move from hesitant to capable in a low-pressure setting designed for the age group.
Makers Class
Course Description
- In this interactive course, students transform their ideas into physical creations through the use of advanced 3D design software and modern 3D printers.
- Working with industry-standard tools like Fusion 360 and Tinkercad, students design and build original models, tools, and prototypes while strengthening their skills in engineering thinking, creativity, and real-world problem solving.
Swim Camp
Course Description
- Swimming camp is for Intermediate to Advanced swimmers who can comfortably swim distances over 500m.
- It is designed to help you develop swimming skills further as well as improve your fitness. Each day students will look at how we can improve our technique for Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly. We will also learn how to dive properly into the water.
- As well as improving our swimming we will also spend some quality time playing water based team games to work on our communication skills, teamwork and simply to have a little fun.
Tabletop Games
Course Description
- This project-based summer program invites students to explore the design and experience of tabletop games. Students begin by playing and analyzing a variety of games—including strategy (e.g. Catan), cooperative (e.g. Pandemic), social deduction (e.g. Avalon), and miniatures games (e.g. Warhammer) to identify factors that contribute to player enjoyment and engagement. Using these insights, students work in small groups to improve a tabletop gaming experience for a specific audience.
- Projects may include rule modifications, accessibility improvements, teaching materials, scenario design, enhancements to the physical game environment (e.g. painting miniatures or constructing wargaming terrain), or even making their own games. The program culminates in a public demonstration or teaching session where students present their revised game experiences.
- The course supports the development of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving through authentic, student-driven projects.
Traditional Japanese Music & Literature
Course Description
- Step into the rich world of traditional Japanese music through the study of a classic 17th–18th century composition. In this course, students will explore the history of the instruments involved, trace the evolution of the traditional Japanese ensemble, and uncover the cultural meaning behind the work’s evocative lyrics.
- The class welcomes both experienced koto or shamisen players and beginners eager to start learning. Students new to Japanese instruments (or unfamiliar with them altogether)—but interested in exploring traditional vocal techniques—are also encouraged to join.
- Through hands-on practice and historical context, participants will gain a deeper appreciation of Japan’s musical heritage while building practical performance skills.
Youth Social Entrepreneurship
Course Description
This course is for students who see problems in the community and think, “Someone should fix that”?
- This intensive course transforms your passion for social justice into a scalable social venture. Using the UN’s Global Goals as our roadmap, students will move from empathy to execution. Learn valuable skills, such as stakeholder interviewing, budget modeling, and rapid prototyping. As the culmination of the course, students will pitch a social venture idea to a Shark Tank-style panel of judges. No business experience required — just creativity, curiosity, and a desire to make a difference!
Key Program Information
Program Dates
- Monday, June 22nd to Friday, July 3rd 2026
Transport
There is no bus service provided for the YIS Summer School. Please use local transport, if needed, to get to our campus.
Traveling by Train
Minatomirai / Tokyu Toyoko Line
The Minatomirai Line connects directly with the Tokyu Toyoko Line, running from Shibuya Station through Yokohama Station to Motomachi-Chukagai Station. The journey from Shibuya to Motomachi-Chukagai takes approximately 35 minutes by Limited Express. This route is particularly convenient for those staying in areas such as Shibuya, Ebisu, Hiroo, Roppongi, Jiyugaoka, and Denenchofu. (See route map here.) For travel to YIS:- Alight at Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Exit 4)
- From the Yamashita-cho bus stop, take bus #8 or #58 to the Kominato bus stop
JR Negishi Line / Keihin-Tohoku Line
The JR Keihin-Tohoku Line runs from Omiya through Tokyo and Yokohama to Ofuna Station. South of Yokohama, this line is also referred to as the Negishi Line. (See JR route map here.) Travelers coming from Tokyo or Kawasaki may either:- Transfer at Yokohama Station to the Minatomirai Line, or
- Continue directly to Negishi Station
- Take bus #58 or #101 to the Honmoku-Miyabara bus stop
Traveling by Public Bus
Several public bus routes provide direct access to the school:- From Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Yamashita-cho bus stop): Bus #8 or #58 → Kominato bus stop
- From Sakuragicho Station or Ishikawacho Station: Bus #101, #105, or #106 → Kominato-cho bus stop
- From Negishi Station: Bus #58 or #101 → Honmoku-Miyabara bus stop
Lunch & Food Service
A balanced healthy lunch is available everyday by Dragon Dining. Lunch is included in the ES pricing. MS/HS students have the option of purchasing lunch each day or bringing lunch from home.
HS Summer School Fee
HS (per session fee)
- 65,000 yen (YIS Students)
- 71,500 yen (Non-YIS Students).
Eligibility
The YIS Summer School is open to Kindergarten to Grade 12 students from both YIS and Non-YIS students.
Summer School Faqs
Is the YIS Summer School open to non-YIS Students?
- Yes, in fact we welcome students from anywhere in the world to join our program.
Is there a boarding option?
- We do not offer boarding. All students who are attending our summer school must have a registered address here in Japan. If you are from overseas, this can be a hotel but at least one parent needs to be staying with the child just in case of an emergency.
Do you have a school bus?
- We do not currently offer bus service.
Can my child bring their own lunch/snacks?
- Yes, they can. In elementary classes, food is included in the price. For MS/HS students, they have the option of purchasing lunch coupons from Dragon Dining or bringing their own.
Are there swim classes for elementary students?
- Due to secondary classes at the same time, we are unable to provide opportunities for our elementary students.
Is there a cancellation policy?
A full refund of any fees made to YIS for summer programs will be made to parents as long as request for the refund is made by June 15th, 2026. After said date, no refund will be possible, with the exceptions of a course(s) being cancelled by YIS.
If the school has to cancel the summer programs due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund would be provided if cancellation is made on or before June 22, 2026. In the case that cancellation occurs between June 23 – 26, a 50% refund would be issued. No refund would be provided for cancellation on June 29 or later.