Play Focused English Nursery, Preschool, and Kindergarten

Reggio Emilia Approach at Discovery International School

School Mission

Discovery International School provides an English-language environment for the education of children from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, with individualized attention to all areas of development: personal, social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and linguistic.

We dedicate ourselves to respect for children’s rights and voices. We share with children the responsibility of determining paths to new knowledge and holistic growth.

We commit ourselves to continuous professional learning in the fields of early childhood education and language development.

  • Play-based, child constructed curriculum
  • STEAM learning projects
  • Safe and beautiful environment with on-site playground
  • Dependable professional care with licensed staff

A Curriculum Created With Children

The Discovery approach to understanding and working with young children emphasizes children’s capacities to know and to communicate understanding through a variety of oral, artistic, and physical expressions. Children are proactive participants in the formation of learning experiences, co-creating a custom-tailored curriculum with their teachers. Teachers, parents, and community work with and alongside each child to promote each child’s contributions to home, school, and broader society.

We draw inspiration from the Early Learning Centers of Reggio Emilia, Italy, considered among the finest early learning programs in the world.

Happy with her art work

What our parents say:

Parent of Explorers & Kinders 5

“I think Discovery is wonderful because it provides solid education and allows for a variety of experiences! They also offer extended childcare, so we are able to send our children to Discovery even though we both work. Because the children attend extended care for long hours, it feels like they are studying abroad while still in Japan. I envy the children who attend Discovery.”

3-year-old & 5-year-old

Parent of Kinders 5 Student

“The teacher said that “play is learning,” and that is absolutely true! When children are young, they learn many things from many different games. They especially seem to enjoy art and craft time! They draw pictures with various materials, use various objects, and use colors in a free and wonderful way that is different from Japanese drawing. As they reach the middle and senior years, they learn more things like math. My son came to like math at Discovery. They also have gymnastics and music classes, so I am happy that they can have a variety of experiences without having to go to other lessons.”

5-year-old

Parent of Explorers & Kinders 5

“My son has been attending Discovery since he was 2 years old, and my daughter since she was 18 months old. They are not yet in elementary school, but both of them are already fluent in English. Their pronunciation is also good, which I am very envious of. I am no match for them as a parent.”

4-year-old & 6-year-old

Toddlers Class Parent

“There are many other international schools, but Discovery’s size is just right, and it offers opportunities to learn various things. I highly recommend it! Thank you to all the teachers!”

3-year-old

Parent of Toddlers & Kinders 5

“Discovery International School is wonderful and was such a special part of our time living in Japan. We moved to Nagoya from the United States and our then 4 year old attended Discovery for 2 years before we returned home. She absolutely loved her time at Discovery. She learned so much, but even more importantly, she developed a true love for learning. We also enrolled our then 2 year old son in their Toddler program. He too thrived in Discovery’s safe, loving and fun learning environment.”

2-year-old & 6-year-old

Parent of Kindergarten Graduate (Now a Grads Student)

“The three years at Discovery were very fulfilling. The teachers were all dedicated to nurturing the children’s interests and curiosities, and because the classes were small, they were able to pay attention to even the smallest details, which gave us peace of mind. The staff and teachers believed in the children and supported them wholeheartedly, which I think helped my shy daughter to develop her individuality. Now that my child is attending a public elementary school, I truly appreciate the importance of being exposed to English every day.”

7-year-old

Parent of Saturday School Student

“Since learning the alphabet at Discovery’s Saturday School, my child has started reading and pointing out English letters they find at home and around town. The time at the end of each class when the children present in front of everyone is great!!! I think it’s a very valuable experience. My child has also become more confident in expressing their feelings, even when eating out or at his Japanese school.”

5-year-old

Toddlers Class Parent

“I think the charm of Discovery lies not only in the all-English environment but also in the daily activities. Play that engages the five senses, seasonal activities, and outdoor play with equipment that is good for balancing and core strength are all appealing.

Additionally, communication between teachers and children builds relationships that help to continuously improve the environment for the children. Not only do they use communication notebooks, but sharing photos every day also helps us understand our child’s daily activities, which we appreciate very much.”

3-year-old

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