Is your school accredited?
Yes. Discovery is officially certified as a Designated Private Child Care Center (認可外保育施設) by the Aichi Prefectural Government.
This certification means that we meet or exceed the standards set by the Japanese government for quality child care and early childhood education. Our facility, staffing, safety procedures, and curriculum are reviewed through annual government audits to ensure continued compliance.
Families can feel confident knowing that Discovery operates with transparency, accountability, and government oversight, while maintaining the flexibility of an international school setting.
What qualifications do your teachers have?
At Discovery, every Nursery, Preschool, and Kindergarten class is led by two qualified educators: one native English-speaking teacher and one English-speaking Japanese teacher (保育士). We are proud to employ only teachers who hold official licenses in early childhood education (ages 0+) and/or elementary education (ages 5+), ensuring both expertise and quality.
We believe learning never stops. Our teachers participate in annual professional development programs to enhance their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest best practices in education and care.
Why is this important?
In Japan, private early childhood centers are not always strictly regulated. As a result, some schools hire unlicensed staff based solely on English fluency, without requiring formal training in child development or safety.
At Discovery, we take your child’s growth and well-being seriously. Our licensed educators are trained to support the social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development of young learners and work closely with families to make informed, nurturing choices together.
Do I need to pay full tuition if my child enrolls mid-year?
Tuition and fees are pro-rated based on your child’s start date, so you will only pay for the portion of the school year that your child attends.
Do you accept Japan’s free preschool subsidy (幼児教育・保育の無償化)?
As a certified child care facility, Discovery International School participates in Japan’s free preschool subsidy program (幼児教育・保育の無償化) for children ages 3 to 5. Eligible families can receive up to ¥37,000 per month toward tuition, and our staff is happy to guide you through the application process to ensure you receive the full benefit.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes. We provide monthly tuition discounts for a second and third sibling, along with a 50% discount on the one-time enrollment fee. There is also an enrollment fee discount for an older sibling joining our After School program.
Contact us for full details.
Aside from tuition and fees, what additional costs should I expect?
We aim to keep extra costs minimal and flexible. Here’s what you might expect:
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School Shirts: While we do not have a required uniform, many families choose to purchase Discovery shirts for regular school days and events.
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Parent-Teacher Association Fee: A small yearly PTA fee supports classroom enrichment and seasonal activities.
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Optional School Lunch: You may order lunch on select days or every day, or not at all. Charges apply only for the days you opt in.
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Field Trips & Seasonal Events: Occasionally, families may be asked to cover costs such as transportation or admission if attending alongside their child.
We always communicate optional costs in advance so families can plan accordingly.
Do you offer part-time or flexible enrollment?
Yes. Children ages 18 months~3 years old may attend 2~5 days per week based on your family’s needs.
We also have a temporary leave policy available for students of all ages.
Contact us for more information.
Do you offer school tours?
We offer school tours year-round by appointment, either in person or virtually, with or without your child.
Contact us for more information or to schedule your visit.
Daily Life & School Routines
What ages do you serve?
We welcome children from 18 months through 6 years old across our preschool and kindergarten programs.
We also have an After School program for elementary and junior high school students.
Enrollment is open year round, depending on availability of space.
When does your school year begin and end?
We follow the Japan public school calendar, which begins in April and ends in March. Enrollment is permitted year round, depending on availability of space. Tuition and fees are adjusted for mid-year enrollment.
Have a look at our year-round school calendar.
What are your school hours?
Our core day runs from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Extended care options are available from 8:00 AM until 6:30 PM.
How do I know if my child is ready for preschool?
Preschool readiness isn’t about knowing letters or numbers—it’s about social and emotional development.
If your child is:
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Curious and eager to explore new things
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Shows interest in playing with others or independently
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Can separate from a parent or caregiver with a bit of support
…then they are likely ready to begin this exciting new stage!
At Discovery, our experienced early childhood educators are well-prepared to support children with all kinds of personalities through this important transition. We’re also happy to meet and discuss your child’s individual needs so you can feel confident about sending your child to school.
Does my child need to be toilet trained before starting school?
No. Toilet training is a developmental process, and we welcome children at any stage of toilet learning. We work closely with parents to ensure consistent routines between home and school. We encourage positive, pressure-free progress toward independence, with our caring staff offering guidance and emotional support to help children build confidence at their own pace.
How many students are in each class?
Each classroom has a maximum of 18 students, supported by a dedicated teaching team of two licensed early childhood educators:
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A native English-speaking lead teacher
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A bilingual Japanese support teacher (保育士)
In our Toddlers class (ages 1.5 to 3), we maintain a lower teacher-to-child ratio of 1:6. This means the class includes two main teachers as listed above, plus an additional support teacher to ensure individualized care and attention.
This small class size and expert teaching team ensure your child receives the personalized support they need to grow with confidence and joy.
How many students are expats?
Discovery International School is proud to serve a truly international and globally minded community.
Our campus is strategically located on the eastern side of Nagoya City, at the heart of an area where many expat families are based due to corporate assignments with multinational and Japanese companies. The area is also home to a large number of dual-national families, returnees (帰国子女) who have lived and studied abroad, and globally oriented Japanese households.
Each year, 30–60% of our enrolled families are expats, dual nationals, or returnees, creating a naturally diverse international school culture. Discovery is a top choice for families who value international education grounded in respect, creativity, and global citizenship.
This rich cultural mix is present in our classrooms every day, helping children build multicultural empathy, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and see themselves as part of a wider world.
Is school lunch provided?
Yes. Families may choose to send a packed lunch from home or order our optional school lunch.
If you choose school lunch, we provide a monthly menu in advance so you can decide whether to order every day or just on selected days. Our lunches are prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients and can be adjusted to accommodate most allergies.
Do children take naps at school?
We understand that each child has different rest needs, and we provide a calm, safe space for napping when needed. Families send blankets from home, and children nap on individual school mattresses in a gated area.
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Toddlers (ages 1.5–3) in our afternoon extended day care typically nap after 1:15 PM for 60–90 minutes. If a child chooses not to nap, they are offered quiet activities instead.
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Older children are not encouraged to nap but may do so if they feel tired.
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All students are welcome to rest when needed throughout the day.
We work closely with families to ensure each child gets the right amount of rest at school and at home, helping them stay healthy, happy, and ready to learn.
Will my child be prepared for elementary school after graduating?
Absolutely! Discovery students graduate with strong foundations in:
- Personal agency and independence
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Social-emotional and collaboration skills
- Early academic literacy and math
They are exceptionally well-prepared for the next stage of learning.
Many of our graduates continue their education at top institutions, including:
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International Baccalaureate (IB) schools like Nagoya International School (with whom we have a partnership to support smooth entry, space permitting)
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Bilingual schools such as Aichi International School
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Private Japanese schools including Sugiyama Jogakuen, Meishinken, and Nanzan Elementary
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Local public schools in Nagakute, Nisshin, and Meito-ku, known for their high quality
We work closely with families to help identify the best-fit elementary school based on your child’s needs, personality, and educational goals.
Is Japanese used in the classroom?
English is our primary language of instruction and communication with students. However, Japanese is used for emotional support and in emergencies when needed, especially for newly enrolled Japanese students who do not yet understand English.
We also offer an optional after school Japanese class for 4–6 year olds to help prepare for Japanese elementary school. This class focuses on hiragana and katakana (Japanese alphabet), stories, songs, and cultural activities.
Health, Safety & Well-Being
Can you administer medication at school?
Yes. We can administer medication during school hours with written instructions from a parent or guardian. To ensure your child’s safety, we follow strict protocols and maintain accurate records for all medications given.
Additionally, Discovery partners with a local pediatrician to offer on-site medical checkups twice a year (optional). This allows families to stay on top of their child’s health in a convenient and familiar environment.
How do you handle illnesses?
To ensure the health and safety of all children, we follow both government regulations and school-wide best practices for illness prevention and response.
If a child shows symptoms before coming to school, we ask families to visit a physician for diagnosis. For certain conditions (influenza, COVID-19, etc), a doctor’s note is required for the child to return to school, in accordance with national health guidelines.
If a child becomes unwell during the school day, we provide a quiet space for them to rest while we contact a parent or guardian to arrange pickup.
To help prevent the spread of illness, we maintain strong hygiene protocols, including:
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Regular air circulation in all rooms
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Use of air purifiers and humidifiers (in dry months)
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Daily cleaning and sanitization of classroom surfaces and materials
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Thorough handwashing followed by hand sanitizer for all children and staff
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Prompt, discreet notification to families in the event of a confirmed diagnosis in the school community
What are your emergency preparedness measures?
We take emergency readiness seriously to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
In the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake, we follow official instructions from local government authorities. Parents receive information upon enrollment about our emergency protocols and the officially designated evacuation sites.
To stay prepared for any scenario, we conduct monthly drills for:
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Earthquakes
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Fires
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Lockdown situations
Our staff also completes annual CPR and first aid training, so they are equipped to respond quickly and effectively in case of emergency.
What safety measures are in place at your school?
At Discovery, the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We take a comprehensive and proactive approach to creating a secure school environment. Our safety measures include:
Campus Security & Access Control
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All exterior building doors and playground gates are locked when not in use
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Security cameras installed in classrooms and on the playground
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Intruder restrainers (刺股) available for trained staff use
Child-Safe Infrastructure
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Shatterproof windows to prevent injury
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No-pinch sliding doors throughout the facility
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Padded flooring to soften trips or falls
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Earthquake-safe shelving and cabinets anchored for stability
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Monthly emergency drills (earthquake, fire, lockdown)
Staff Preparedness & Oversight
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Strict “eyes-on” supervision policy at all times
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Yearly CPR and first aid training
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Annual staff training on child protection, including how to recognize and prevent physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
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Personal electronic devices are not permitted in classrooms, to protect children’s privacy and prevent unauthorized photography
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Regular, documented safety checks of all indoor and outdoor spaces and equipment
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Clear, consistently reviewed safety protocols followed by all staff
These systems work together to ensure children can explore and learn in an environment that is both stimulating and secure.
What is your approach to discipline and behavioral guidance?
At Discovery, our goal is to foster self-agency, empathy, and social collaboration: skills that are vital not only for preschool, but throughout life.
We do not rely on reward or punishment systems as a primary means of behavior management, since these approaches often do not promote true understanding or intrinsic motivation. Exceptions are made only with guidance from a licensed child development specialist.
So what works best?
We approach every challenge with empathy and open communication between teachers, children, and families. This helps children proactively resolve conflict, build confidence, and develop emotional and social awareness.
Our teachers guide children to:
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Collaborate and communicate effectively with peers and adults
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Develop age-appropriate problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
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Use Restorative Practices when needed, involving families to repair relationships and grow from challenges
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Access a safe, calming space when overwhelmed, helping them reset before resolving issues
We also enforce a clear and proactive anti-bullying policy to ensure that every child feels safe, respected, and included. All families and staff commit to this policy, which outlines clear steps for reporting and resolving concerns.
Curriculum
What educational approach do you follow overall?
At Discovery, our curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach: a world-renowned philosophy rooted in creativity, exploration, social-emotional development and personal agency.
We believe children are capable, curious learners. That’s why our teachers and students co-create STEAM-based learning experiences around the children’s own interests, questions, and life experiences. Every project is unique, shaped by the ideas and energy of each class.
This approach nurtures:
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Critical thinking and problem-solving
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Confidence and a strong sense of self
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Empathy and collaboration
These 21st-century skills are not just important later in life, they’re essential from the very start!
Is your curriculum play-based or academic?
At Discovery, we believe that play is the foundation of all meaningful learning, especially in the early years. That’s why our students spend most of their day engaged in purposeful, joyful play both indoors and outdoors.
Our teachers carefully observe and document each child’s play, using it as a springboard to co-create inquiry-based learning projects that align with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). These projects are designed to deepen curiosity and extend play into real learning.
For children ages 3 to 6, we also include short periods of playful academic learning each day focused on early literacy and math. Skills like reading, writing, and numeracy are introduced gently and at each child’s own pace, with no pressure or fixed achievement levels by semester or year’s end.
How do you approach literacy learning?
At Discovery, we take a personalized approach to literacy development, ensuring that each child can grow in reading and writing at their own pace.
Our teachers introduce key skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, early reading, and writing through playful, hands-on activities that feel meaningful to children.
Whether a child is just beginning to explore letter sounds or already writing full sentences, we meet them where they are: With encouraging support and developmentally appropriate challenges. Our goal is not just literacy, but a lifelong love of language.
How do you teach math to young children?
We introduce children ages 3–6 to math through the globally respected Singapore Math curriculum.
This approach builds a deep conceptual understanding by starting with hands-on exploration using real-world objects before moving to pencil-and-paper tasks. By physically manipulating items, children develop strong number sense and problem-solving skills in a way that’s active, visual, and fun.
Our math lessons respect young children’s natural need to move, explore, and use their hands, not just sit still at a desk. This makes early math learning both meaningful and developmentally appropriate.
Do you provide physical education?
Yes. At Discovery, physical development is a key part of our whole-child approach.
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Daily Movement: In addition to plenty of free outdoor play, children participate in teacher-led physical activities each day to build gross motor skills in fun and developmentally appropriate ways.
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Professional Instruction: A trained gymnastics coach visits regularly to guide children in developing balance, coordination, strength, and confidence.
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Fine Motor Growth: Our classrooms are filled with materials that promote small motor skills, from art tools and stringing beads to building toys and sensory manipulatives.
And during Japan’s hot summer months, we make the most of the season with on-site swimming pools and water play in our secure outdoor playground.
Are there Art or Music programs?
Yes. At Discovery, the arts are a central part of everyday learning and expression.
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Creative Expression: Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, we believe children communicate in many ways, not just with words. Our classrooms offer a rich variety of open-ended art materials, from paints and markers to recycled items and natural objects. We encourage children to explore freely and express their ideas through drawing, building, crafting, and more.
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Music Every Day: Music and movement are woven into our Morning and Closing Meetings, helping build rhythm, community, and joy. Musical instruments are also available in each classroom for children to explore sound and creativity throughout the day.
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Professional Music Instruction: Each week, a trained music specialist leads engaging music sessions for all children, starting from age 1.5. These lessons nurture rhythm, vocal development, listening skills, and musical confidence.
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Optional Pianica Class: For 4–6 year olds, we offer a weekly after school pianica (keyboard) class, introducing note reading, musical awareness, and performance skills in a fun and accessible way.
Do you celebrate Japanese holidays?
Yes. At Discovery, we honor both Japanese and international holidays to help children grow into globally minded individuals while staying connected to the local culture and community. We also love celebrating special days that reflect the nationalities and traditions of our students’ families! These celebrations are integrated into classroom projects, songs, stories, and crafts to deepen children’s cultural understanding.
Some of the Japanese holidays and seasonal events we celebrate include:
Sports Day
Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi / 子どもの日)
Tanabata Star Festival (Tanabata / 七夕)
Bean Throwing Festival (Setsubun / 節分)
Hina Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri / ひな祭り)
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes. Discovery offers exciting, optional Summer Day Care weeks featuring:
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Thematic STEAM projects
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Outdoor water play
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Cooking classes
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Creative, hands-on activities
We understand that families have varying needs during holidays, so we also provide optional Day Care weeks during winter and spring breaks for enrolled students. Programs are available for older siblings in elementary school as well.
Have a look at our year-round school calendar.
Facilities
Is there a school bus? What are my transportation options?
We do not currently offer a school bus service.
However, Discovery International School is easily accessible by both car and public transportation, making school drop-off and pick-up convenient for most families.
By Car:
We offer ample on-site parking for families. In the morning, children ages 4–6 may be safely dropped off curbside, where a teacher will be waiting to receive them.
By Public Transportation (10–15 minutes):
Buses run between Fujigaoka Station (the last stop on the Higashiyama subway line) and Hananoki-dori Street, located just behind our school.
Do you have an outdoor playground?
Yes. Discovery International School has an on-site outdoor playground designed to support both physical development and joyful exploration.
Children enjoy daily outdoor time that includes:
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Running, ball play, and games
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A climbing wall and slide for gross motor development
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Gardening areas to nurture curiosity and responsibility
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Seasonal water play and mini pools during the hot summer months
We also provide weekly gymnastics lessons with a certified instructor for children ages 3–5 to further build coordination, balance, and confidence.
We strongly believe that movement is essential not just for health, but also for brain development and emotional regulation. Physical activity and outdoor play are part of every school day at Discovery.
Communication & Family Involvement
Do I need to understand English for my child to enroll?
Not at all. At Discovery, we make sure that language is never a barrier for families.
All communication with parents is provided in both English and Japanese. For day-to-day updates, we use the Class Dojo app, which includes automatic translation in many languages, making it easy for families from diverse backgrounds to stay connected.
For parents who do not speak either English or Japanese, we kindly ask that a translator be provided for occasional events such as our twice-yearly parent-teacher conferences. This ensures smooth, personalized communication about your child’s development.
Will my child understand the teacher if they don't speak English yet?
Yes. Many children enter Discovery without prior English experience, and they thrive!
Our teachers use supportive communication strategies such as gestures, repetition, visual cues, modeling, and warm emotional reassurance to help new learners build confidence and acquire foundational vocabulary naturally through daily routines and interactions.
In each classroom, a bilingual Japanese support teacher is present to assist children when needed, especially during moments of emotional distress or emergency. For children who speak languages other than Japanese or English, we collaborate with parents to prepare a list of useful words and phrases in the child’s first language to help bridge communication in the early days.
This nurturing and individualized approach helps every child feel safe, understood, and empowered to learn.
See what to expect for your child’s 2nd language development over time!
How can I stay informed about my child's progress?
We believe that parents are the most essential educators of their child, and that strong communication between school and home is essential to a child’s success.
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Daily updates are shared via our secure Class Dojo app, including photos, videos, and short explanations of what your child did each day.
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Each student has a personal digital portfolio that grows throughout the year, giving you a window into their development and achievements.
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The app allows direct messaging with teachers and staff—and features automatic translation, so you can communicate in your preferred language.
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Our Open Door Policy means you’re always welcome to schedule a classroom visit and see learning in action.
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We host twice-yearly parent-teacher conferences to discuss your child’s developmental milestones—and we’re always happy to meet at other times if you have questions or concerns.
We strive to help parents feel confident and connected with school life at all times.
Can parents volunteer or participate in classroom activities?
Absolutely! At Discovery, we believe that family participation enriches the child’s learning experience.
With advance notice, parents and family members are welcome to join seasonal celebrations and birthday parties, accompany us on field trips, read a story, share a special skill, introduce cultural traditions, or visit the classroom through our Open Door Policy.
We also have a friendly and active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that helps organize classroom enrichment, holiday events, and optional casual weekend meetups for Discovery families.
Enrollment Procedure
What is the application and enrollment process?
Our enrollment process is designed to support a smooth and confident transition for both your child and your family.
1. Schedule a School Tour (Optional)
Visit our school in person or request a virtual tour to experience the classroom environment, meet our staff, and ask any questions you may have. This is a great way to see whether Discovery is the right fit for your family.
2. Submit the Online Application
Fill out our online application form through the Discovery website. Once submitted, we will review your application promptly and follow up with next steps.
3. Receive Invoice & Make Initial Payment
Once your application is accepted, we will issue an invoice for the enrollment fee and initial tuition. Your child’s placement is officially secured once payment is received.
4. Family Interview
We conduct a brief family meeting (in person or online) to better understand your child’s personality, learning preferences, and any developmental considerations. You’ll also receive important documents such as the Parent Handbook.
5. Medical Checkup
In accordance with Japanese childcare regulations, all students must have a medical checkup before attending school. If you don’t yet have a pediatrician, we’re happy to recommend one and provide a form to bring to your doctor.
6. First Day of School!
We’ll warmly welcome your child and provide the support they need to confidently adjust to their new learning environment.