How many days a week may my child attend?

3, 4 and 5-day programs are available. (Priority is given to children who apply for the 5-day program.)

What age group can enroll?

We serve children from three to five years old.

What opportunities will my child have after graduation?

Children who have attended New Hope Preschools are succeeding in public and private Japanese elementary schools as well as international schools such as the British School in Tokyo, Christian Academy in Japan, and Santa Maria International School. Our graduates are eligible for priority enrollment at Columbia International School. We work with families to achieve their individual goals and and provide support, when needed, throughout the process of choosing and applying for elementary school.

For our graduates who attend Japanese elementary schools, we provide "Graduates' Class" in the afternoon to help them keep advancing in English.

When is the application deadline?

There is no fixed deadline. Students may enroll any time during the year. (This means that your child may enroll whenever he or she turns three.) However, space is limited so please apply early to guarantee your child a place.

When does the school-year begin and end?

Our school runs on a September to June cycle. However, many of our students enroll in April and graduate in March so we provide another orientation in April and another graduation in March for families on the Japanese school cycle.

What is offered for children who attend other preschools?

Children who attend other preschools are welcome to attend Afternoon Preschool, our spring and summer school programs, and Saturday Preschool.

What is the relationship between parents and the preschool?

We partner closely with parents. Through letters, conferences with teachers, classroom participation, outings, events, and in informal talks, we encourage parents to be involved with us in their children’s education.

What does being a Christian school mean at New Hope?

Our curriculum is based on the Bible. We learn about God and pray every day. Children from all religious backgrounds are warmly welcomed. Church attendance is not required for our students.

What are the preschool hours?

School hours are from 10:00 to 2:30, Monday through Friday. (Drop-off begins at 9:30.) Extended care is available until 3:30 for 1000 yen per day. Preschool students may also enroll in Afternoon Preschool and stay until 4:40.

What is the primary language?

English.

What about children who can’t understand or express themselves in English?

Because children at New Hope Preschool will be exposed to several hours of English every day, we expect their language skills to improve rapidly. Also, there are always bilingual staff in the preschool who can help when something important must be communicated in Japanese.

What happens if a child is ill at school?

If a child appears ill or has a temperature above 37 degrees, we will call a parent to come and pick the child up. In urgent cases, we will contact parents, then take the child to a clinic, or call an ambulance if necessary.

What about injuries?

We maintain very high safety standards, but children do occasionally hurt themselves. We will treat minor scrapes and bruises and inform the parent at pick-up time. If there is a more serious injury, we will contact a parent and take the child to a clinic, or call an ambulance if necessary.

Do children wear uniforms?

No, they don’t. Children should wear comfortable, season-appropriate clothes that can get dirty.

What about lunch?

Children bring their own lunches and drinks to school. Because of allergy issues, children are not permitted to share or trade food.

My child isn’t toilet trained yet. What should I do?

Generally, we can only accept children who are toilet trained. Depending on our current staff-child ratio and how far along in the process a child is, exceptions may be made.

My question isn’t answered here. What should I do?

We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us.