Our History
(why we made the school) We started as an Eikaiwa in 2010 with a goal to provide children and adults with an opportunity for natural communication in English with native speakers. We opened our nursery in 2024 and at present there are 15 students in the preschool with a further 150 students at the language school. We feel privileged to have been trusted to make a positive impact on so many children.
Our Future
We believe the current education system is not the only or perhaps even the best option to equip our children for the challenges of the very near future.
Helping the Hokuriku Area (our goal for the area)
We believe there are other families who may have the same view as us. Educational options are abundant in larger cities in Japan, but this is not the case in more rural areas, like Toyama. We would like to change that.
Why is this Important Now?
Times are changing more quickly than in our childhood
Our children are faced with an unprecedented number of challenges that previous generations did not have to contend with.
New Options are Needed
Challenges that have led to higher than ever incidences of low self-esteem, decreasing attention spans as well as physical and mental health issues.
The current education system recognizes this and is doing its best to adapt its methodology, but maybe now is the time for other choices for some parents and their children. As we have seen in other countries, the advancement of AI is moving fast and we are unable to predict what jobs will be available, but having the skills to adapt to new environments is important
Why Us?
Local and International Recognition
We have talked with the prefectural board of education as well as the city of Takaoka about our project and have been given encouragement to pursue opening an elementary school.
Our curriculum has been designed by an AMI qualified curriculum developer, with a track record of successfully meshing Montessori principles with the national curriculums in Spain, Morocco and Russia. (maybe add some scores or proof)
Japan Licensed Teachers and Staff
Our staff is made up of AMI qualified Montessori guides, Japanese teachers with elementary school licenses and staff with decades of English teaching experience in Japan.
Level appropriate learning
Children progress at their own pace, in their own time. Faster learners can go on ahead without being held back. Those children who need more time do not feel left behind by the quicker pace.
Learning Achievements
Our preschool students are meeting the MEXT guidelines for elementary school 1st graders in Math and the UK curriculum key stage 1 (5-6 year olds) for reading ability.
Our System : Japanese & International Mix
Confidence not Fear
Learning about things we are interested in, of our own volition and succeeding in tasks of appropriate difficulty lead to confidence. Confidence leads to self-esteem and an understanding of our strengths and interests. We hope this understanding will help children follow their own path.
This method allows students to be proactive instead of waiting for instruction. This will help them stand out in a job market where employers regularly complain about the inability of employees to do anything of their own volition.
Group Work (Wa and Harmony)
Incentivizing the child to discover for himself will lead to much richer and lasting understanding of knowledge gained as well as the realization he can gain more knowledge.
MEXT Guidelines
We will provide a curriculum based on MEXT guidelines, that will enable children to pass the same standardized tests that children do at elementary school.
Adapted for Japanese Children
However, the delivery of the curriculum will differ from that of regular public schools. Apart from Japanese and morality, all lessons will be conducted in English. These lessons will be delivered using Montessori methodology.
English language acquisition
Children will follow the UK curriculum guidelines for their English language education
Comparison Graph
Hours of lessons in Math, Japanese, Moral,
| Topic | TMIS Grade 1 | MEXT ES Grade 1 |
| Japanese | 306 | 306 |
| Math | 136 | 136 |
| Other compulsory subjects | 408 | 408 |
| English language lessons | 60 | |
| Total | 910 | 850 |
TMIS 1st graders will essentially be taking on the same number of lessons as 2nd graders according to MEXT guidelines.
Services
Translation and Interpretation
Japanese staff will assist in interpreting and translating as necessary. Most of the e-mails and materials delivered from the school are created in both Japanese and English.
School Lunch
School Lunch: We aim to provide a healthy and balanced school lunch to our students. Students can bring their own lunch or order from the school’s lunch company. You can order a daily lunch box and milk.
School Bus
The School bus will make pick ups and drop offs between Takaoka station and Toyama Montessori International School
After School Day care (15:00-18:00)
After school care is available for families who need it.
Within this time, the school offers different activities when opportunities arise. We currently offer traditional Japanese dance, calligraphy and karate for TMIS students.
Schedule
| Yearly Calendar | |
|---|---|
| April | Entrance ceremony |
| May | Sports Day |
| June | Lesson observation |
| July | |
| August | |
| September | |
| October | Science fair |
| November | |
| December | Learning showcase |
| January | |
| February | |
| March | Graduation |
| Daily schedule | |
|---|---|
| 8:00~8:20 | Arrive at school |
| 8:25~8:45 | Morning meeting |
| 8:45~9:30 | 1st period |
| 9:35~10:20 | 2nd period |
| 10:20~10:40 | Breaktime |
| 10:40~11:25 | 3rd period |
| 11:30~12:15 | 4th period |
| 12:15~12:55 | Lunch |
| 12:55~13:15 | Cleaning |
| 13:15~13:35 | Lunchbreak |
| 13:35~14:20 | 5th period |
| 14:20~14:30 | End of day meeting |
| 14:30~ | Hometime |
| 15:00~18:00 | After school day care |
Fees（2026）
| Entrance fee | ¥150,000 |
| Monthly tuition | ¥72,000 / per month |
| Maintenance fees | ¥100,000 |
| First year total | ¥1,018,000 |
| Materials（textbooks, notebooks, etc） | ¥6,000 / per month |
| Holiday programs | Participation is optional. Fees to be decided |
| After school day care | Fees will depend on which lessons students take. At the moment we offer karate, traditional Japanese dance and calligraphy. |
FAQ
How is it similar to or different from regular elementary schools?
Like other elementary schools, children will follow MEXT guidelines. Japanese and Morality will be taught in Japanese. However, all other lessons will be taught in English. The delivery of the curriculum is where the biggest differences can be seen. Instead of consuming the contents of textbooks in order to test the retention of those contents in standardized tests, the same topics will be covered but the emphasis will be on self-inquiry, group work and presentation. As well as being instructed by licensed Japanese elementary school teachers, children will be instructed by qualified Montessori teachers. The use of screens at school is extremely limited if at all.
Is there an entrance examination?
When we receive the application forms, we set up an interview with the parents and an observation session for the child to check his/her language and ability levels at the time of enrolment (see next slide).
Can children with no or very limited English also enroll?
Our curriculum follows MEXT guidelines, however, as well as focusing on Japanese and mathematics in the first 2 years, there is also room to implement English lessons, both during the school day and through after school activities. Preparatory courses are also available to those children who want to get ahead start before joining the school.
Can children follow the activities without being able to understand English?
Many of our students experience an all-English environment for the first time at our school. However, they are able to follow the class activities as our teachers use a lot of visuals, acting and demonstrating other than speaking.
Is it OK if parents cannot speak English?
Parents are not required to be able to speak English. Our Japanese speaking staff will help with written and oral translations, and in all school documents Japanese will also be included.
