International Secondary School

Website link

4-17-26 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073
Phone: 03-5730-1331 Fax: 3710-1193 Email

International Secondary School founders recognized the need to provide flexible learning options for students with a variety of learning needs. The school prides itself on having created a positive and stimulating learning environment for international students in Tokyo. International Secondary School is a private 6-12 co-educational scool providing an American Style accredited international education for secondary school students. International Secondary School is underpinned by the ‘small school’ philosophy and instills in students communication skills, achievement, respect and empowerment. For many students, small class sizes, quality instructional practices and a supportive and ‘success’ oriented environment prepares them for a lifetime of learning. The school invites you to visit and experience first-hand the quality education that centers on student learning and student achievement. For the history and story on ISS, see Japan Times article. (ISS was formerly called INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES). Below is a feature Life in an International School on written by Jill, member of our discussion group at edn-in-jpn@yahoogroups.com:  

My oldest son went to International Secondary School last year. In fact, it was his first time to go to school – we had homeschooled prior to that. This year my younger son also attended – again his first school experience. ISS is a very small school of about 50 students in Mita with students from Grade 6 through 12. They have about 6 teachers and sometimes bring in teachers for specific needs for specific students. It is like other international schools, very expensive, and so it is not an option for everyone.

I liked the school because they have been very flexible about meeting my sons’ needs. I haven’t chosen to get formal credit for the classes the boys have taken but they offer credits through distance learning programs in the U.S. They are moving to a program in conjunction with Laurel Springs.

I also like that ISS offers quite a few special interest project type courses including theater, IT (information technology), sports, producing magazines, animation, band, gardening, woodwork. What they offer depends a bit on what the students are interested in. Any programs they offer after school are open to the public and as they are very flexible I think they would allow students to attend specific classes if that was what you wanted. The principal is very approachable. My oldest son has loved attending ISS and thinks I made a great decision to send him there and my youngest son has enjoyed it too. I would certainly recommend ISS if you want a more individual approach to learning as the class size is usually around five students. They offer study periods where students can get additional help if needed. The student mix is very diverse. It is also very supportive of students who learn differently. — by Jill