Frequently Asked Questions about our school
Hisaya International Preschool and Kindergarten in Nagoya, Japan
🌸 General Information
Q: What kind of programs do you offer?
A: We offer English immersion preschool and kindergarten classes for students ages 2–6. We also offer extended hour daycare for working families, the hours are from 8 am – 5:45 pm. After normal classes are finished we also offer optional Montessori style, conversational English style and Eiken Jr. test prep classes.
Q: What ages of students do you accept?
A: 2 – 6 years old. We follow guidelines issued by Nagoya city regarding the number of students per class and the ages. We accept student from 24 months until they enter elementary school first grade. Ages 2 years old until 6 years old.
Q: How many weeks per year are your standard classes?
A: We know that having a trusted partner to look after your children is important. Our standard preschool and kindergarten classes are in session 41 weeks per year, with special winter and spring courses also running an extra 2 weeks.
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are conveniently located in the heart of Nagoya city, with easy access to interesting cultural venues such as the Aichi Arts museum and the Chubu Mirai Tower. Please see our Access page for directions and parking information.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: Our regular hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. We also have optional Saturday School classes.
🎓 Academic program – Preschool and Kindergarten classes
Q: What language is used in the classroom?
A: The goal of our school is to develop native like fluency in English speaking, listening, reading and writing in 4 years. So the language used in class is English and we enforce a strict English only rule when students turn 3 years old. There is some Japanese support for 2 year old students who are just starting. We also offer Japanese as a once-a-week subject in our Butterfly and Porcupine level classes.
Q: What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
A: For our 2 year old class there is a 6:1 student teacher ratio. For older classes there is a 10:1 student teacher ratio.
Q: What is the maximum number of students allowed in each class?
A: Our school intentionally limits the number of students per class to maximize personalized instruction with students. This is a very important point, since the number of students in class has a direct effect on how much time your child can get instruction from the teacher.
- 2 year old class / maximum of 12 students in the class.
- 3 years old / maximum of 10 students in the class
- 4 years old / maximum of 12 students in the class
- 5 years and 6 years old class / maximum of 12 students in the class.
Q: What age is the best to start?
A: If your goal is fluency in English then starting when your child is 2 is ideal. In general the younger the better. We also offer a once a week course BABY STEP for students ages 6 months to 23 months.
Q: Do you accept children who are new to English?
A: Yes, but it depends on the child's age and prior experience studying English. In general students with no prior English experience are acceptable for our 2 and 3 year old classes. Once a child turns 4 and older, it is difficult for a student with no prior English language experience to successfully join the class. We accept 4 and 5 year old students with no prior English studying experience on a case-by-case basis.
Q: My child has separation anxiety and cries a lot, what can I do to support their transition to being away from mom and dad at school all day?
One of the best ways for enrolling in our preschool classes is to attend our preschool prep class – BABY STEP. The Baby Step class is our Mommy and Me program for children ages 6 months to 23 months old. Becoming familiar with the school and the teachers makes transition to our full time preschool program very smooth. Usually students are very comfortable and do not cry at all.
🌈 Daycare & Extended Care
Q: Is extended care available in the morning and after normal class time finishes?
A: Yes, extended care is available from 8:00 am until 5:45 pm. We offer single day and monthly rates for these extra daycare services.
Q: Are meals provided?
A: Yes. Our optional meal service is a very popular way of providing delicious and nutritious meals for our students. We provide healthy delicious school lunches with our school lunch partners DEAR FRIENDS.
We can accommodate special lunch needs such as vegetarian, allergies, and dietary restrictions like no pork or no beef.
And it is also possible to opt out of our lunch service and prepare a lunch from home. Just let us know what you want!
💬 Enrollment & Tuition
Q: How can I apply?
A: To begin the process please fill out our online inquiry form or contact us directly by phone at 052 962 0366. All of our staff are fluent in Japanese and English. We’ll schedule a school tour and consultation where you can see the school and ask any questions you have.
Q: Are there any restrictions on enrollment?
A: In general we accept a broad range of students. However, we are not able to offer classes to students with special needs such as autism or ADHD. Our teachers are trained to teach standard classes but have not received training how to work with special needs students. Also, we do not accept students who are regularly enrolled in nighttime daycare.
Q: What are the tuition fees?
A: Tuition varies by program. Please visit our Tuition page for full details.
Q: Are government subsidies accepted?
A: Yes, we are certified by Nagoya city as a Ninka gai daycare center and we are eligible to issue documents needed to receive the 37,000 yen per month mushoka childcare subsidies. The process of applying is a little complicated. We’re happy to help you collect the correct paperwork and apply.
📚 After-School English Program
Q: Who can join the after-school program?
A: To keep your child's English fluency level, its a good idea to continue studying English in elementary school. Children who graduate from our Kindergarten class and enter elementary school often enroll in our popular after school English program with classes from 2:30 - 6:00 pm
Q: What do students learn in the after-school program?
A: Our program focuses on all 4 language skills in a balanced approach. Students practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing at age and developmentally appropriate stages. . Lessons are fun, interactive, and focus on important language skills.
Q: What is the class size?
A: Our regular classes have 2 – 8 students per class. 1 – 6 students for our Mommy and Me classes. Our small class sizes help teachers give individual attention to each student.
