FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ADMISSIONS
For each school year, the first-round application period for documents submission is from mid-October to mid-December (before the Winter Break). However, to accommodate the needs of families who relocate either globally or locally at any time of the year, we accept applications all year round, dependent on grade vacancy.
The application is to be completed online through the Veracross Admissions Portal. You will be asked to complete various checklists including personal information on the applicant and parents, medical and immunization information, school report uploads and teacher recommendations (Aoba format). You can start your application from here: https://portals.veracross.com/aoba/form/contact_admission/contact_admission_auto-account/account-lookup
The application process involves several steps: - Start your application from our website - Access the Veracross Admissions Portal and complete all checklist items - Admission Officers will review the application - Interview (child and parents) - Placement and language assessment
The interview is designed to learn from the student what they enjoy about school and what they expect from Aoba: it is also designed to learn from parents why they wish their child to receive an international education. It is also the opportunity for parents’ or students’ questions to be answered.
The admissions assessments have two main purposes: - Assessment of the student's previous learning and understanding, and - Identification of any learning and/or language support needs the student might have. All assessments are age-appropriate, and they are designed to be straightforward and non-stressful: we want the students to show their capabilities.
We offer regular online information sessions and depending on the season, we offer campus tours too.
Yes, we welcome students from all cultural and national backgrounds, including Japanese students, so long as they have the capacity to access and benefit from our program. Students should be suited to the inquiry based team learning that takes place at Aoba, and families should be aligned to the school values.
Students at Aoba are immersed in English. In G1-G9, we offer an inclusive in-class support program to a limited number of students in each grade whose English is not quite at the grade level. More information: Support Services
Currently there is no financial aid available for newly enrolled students.
Regarding parent/guardian communication, it is essential that at least one parent can communicate in English. We can accept a limited number of students whose English is lower than the mainstream grade level. These students will be placed in the Support program, which is available from G1 until G9. In the early learning years (K-G1) can we accept a small number students with little to no English, providing that their home environment will help facilitate language development.
ABOUT AOBA
We aim for teacher demographics that represent a variety of backgrounds, nationalities, and cultural diversity. There are over 40 nationalities are represented within the school community. Approximately half of our students hold a Japanese passport, and many of these students are many are returnees from Japan, or dual citizens.
No, we are a secular school and we welcome students from all races, religions, and cultures.
Aoba is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). We are also an IB World School, providing the IB PYP, MYP and DP, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization, IBO, in Geneva, Switzerland. The Japanese Ministry of Education also recognizes the school. This allows our graduates to apply to Japanese universities.
No, we are not an English language school. We offer a complete curriculum for full-time pre-school to high school students (kindergarten to grade 12). All core classes are taught in English.
The school year is from late-August until June. We also offer an optional Summer School. August is the standard time for new students to join Aoba, however we cater to the needs of families to move internationally and we can accept students at any time of the year, depending on grade vacancy. April entry is possible for students who transferring at the end of the Japanese school calendar. For mid-year entry, please speak with out Admissions staff in advance to check the grade vacancy.
For international families, one of the primary advantages of sending children to an international school is to continue an education in the English language. Our small class sizes and international curriculum offer an environment conducive to developing students’ creativity and critical thinking skills. Whenever parents have concerns about their children keeping up with their cohorts back home, an international school like Aoba can be a good option.
CURRICULUM
Aoba is IB world school that provides the IB curriculum at all levels: the PYP, MYP, and DP: Our core values that are reflected throughout the curriculum are developing global leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, effective communicators, wise risk takers, and effective problem solvers.
We focus on creating the mindset that will allow our students to participate with confidence at the international level. We have designed our approach to learning that encourages the development of five core characteristics: global leadership, entrepreneurship and the ability to innovate, effective communication, wise risk taking, and effective problem solving.
The International Baccalaureate is a Geneva-based non-profit educational foundation that runs four educational programs for students aged 3 to 19, with the aim of helping develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. Founded in 1968, the IB currently works with 5,800 schools in 162 countries to develop and offer its four programs to more than 1,950,000 students aged 3 to 19 years.
All lessons, with the exception of Japanese Studies, are taught solely in English by native English class teachers. Children are screened before entry to ensure their English is at a level that allows them to access the curriculum at the school. If their English is not immediately sufficient for their respective grade, the student will be placed in the Support program, and receive support within the mainstream classroom.
CLASSES
On average, the student to teacher ratio at Aoba is 15:1. In the preschool and kindergarten years, there are no more than 16 children with two adults. In Grade 1 and Grade 2, class size is 20 students per class; and from Grade 3 and above, class size is capped at 25. Rather than filling classes, we aim to maintain a strong balance of student and teacher needs, so classes are not always filled to capacity.
All class teachers are native English speaking teachers, in almost all cases hired from abroad. Among other things these teachers are: - Trained, qualified, and committed to excellence. - Dedicated to the profession and love children and educating children. - Flexible team players who wish to continue learning as well as teaching.
Yes, all of our teachers are trained, certified, and licensed to teach at all levels. Teachers also participate in regular Professional Development days throughout the school year.
Start and finish times are as follows: - Kinder to Grade 9 - 8:30 to 15:30 - Grade 10 to G12 - 9:30 to 15:30
SCHOOL LIFE
Yes, there are several bus routes servicing both Meguro and Hikarigaoka campuses. The buses to and from Hikarigaoka campus are prioritized for Kinder to G6 students. Please contact us for further information. Many students take public transport to and from school. Hikarigaoka campus is a 12-15 minute walk from Hikarigaoka train station on the Toei Oedo line We also offer a free shuttle bus to and from Hikarigaoka station for all students. Bunkyo campus is a short walk from Sugamo station (JR Yamanote line). *Note that Aoba students are ineligible for the student-discount commuter pass on JR and Metro lines.
We encourage students to explore their interests outside of the classroom and we offer many after school programs (ASP) focusing on sports, arts, sports, dance, music and more. ASP are run at the school by teachers, instructors and outside specialists. Further information: ASP
Yes, we offer summer school to current students and external students from June to August. Families must register for this optional program in advance. Registration is available usually from Spring each year.Depending on the time of year, external students, including local children, can also participate in the programme.
All students are required to have a school uniform, however daily wear is optional at Hikarigaoka and Bunkyo campus. See the Dress Policy for details.
Yes. All families are welcome to participate and volunteer in activities. We have a wonderful Family Community who arrange regular coffee mornings, school events and other initiatives around the school.
The school is surrounded by fences and steel gates for external security. Internally, fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills are held regularly throughout the year. The low student-teacher ratio contributes to close care and quick response during accidents.
We have a school nurse who is available all day, every day for both emergency and non-emergency situations.
Our school offers a variety of family activities that coincide with special occasions such as Halloween, Winter Concert, Spring Carnival, Family Days, Sports Day, and other Japanese and international holidays. Please see our calendar for specific dates and opportunities. All events showcase the achievements and progress of the children to our entire community.
We have potty training and diaper service only in K2 at Meguro Campus. We have experienced female teachers who help train the children and will change their diapers until they have learned to use toilet facilities properly. All students enrolling at the Hikarigaoka Campus must already be potty trained in order to enroll.
Yes, we do. Please contact us for more information.