Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) was established in 2003 with a vision to provide high-quality international education in a diverse and globally-minded environment. The school originally opened its doors in Higashi-Terao, Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama, serving children from age three through elementary school.

In 2004, HJIS was officially recognized as an educational not-for-profit corporation (学校法人) by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government. From the beginning, HJIS focused on delivering English-based instruction that fosters cultural understanding and global citizenship. This commitment quickly earned the school a strong reputation among parents and students, leading to significant growth in enrollment.
In response to increasing demand, the school expanded its academic offerings and facilities. By 2005, HJIS introduced middle school and began providing more advanced educational programs.

A major milestone was reached in 2019 with the completion of a stunning, architecturally distinctive new campus in Ohnocho, Kanagawa Ward—just a 9-minute walk from Yokohama Station. The new school building overlooks the scenic Katabira River and is surrounded by the greenery of Portside Park, providing an inspiring setting for learning.

As of 2025, HJIS is home to more than 500 students representing over 50 nationalities. The school offers a full educational pathway from Preschool (age 3) to High School (Grade 12), with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at the core of its curriculum. Through strong partnerships with schools worldwide, HJIS remains committed to continuous improvement and preparing students to thrive in an ever-evolving global society.

At Horizon Japan International School (HJIS), the school culture is built upon a foundation of academic excellence, individual growth, global citizenship, and community. Students are guided to become increasingly independent, as they explore the world around them and learn to express themselves with clarity and confidence. Through this process, they begin to understand how their choices and actions influence outcomes—an essential step in building critical thinking, self-awareness, and personal confidence.

HJIS provides a caring and nurturing environment where students feel empowered to try new experiences, acquire new skills, and reach their full potential. Regardless of learning style, every student receives the individualized attention they need to thrive. Through a broad range of opportunities, students are encouraged to develop higher-order thinking and effective problem-solving strategies.

◉ Mission
HJIS is committed to providing rigorous and challenging education within a safe and caring environment. We (HJIS) aim to nurture responsible lifelong learners who understand the importance of intercultural understanding to achieve global peace.

◉ Philosophy
We (HJIS) are learning to be appreciative, confident, cooperative, curious, committed, creative, enthusiastic, empathetic, independent, respectful, and tolerant.

HJIS is「A Community Of Lifelong Learners」:

★ High Quality Learning
An inclusive, ongoing, agentic process that challenges and enables our learners to acquire the skills to take responsible action during their time at HJIS and beyond. High-quality learning ignites curiosity and ensures transformation of concepts into understanding through play, inquiry and experiential learning.

★ Global Citizenship
An open-minded and inclusive mindset that encourages responsible and critical understanding of one’s identity, as well as local and global communities. The HJIS community recognizes that our actions can contribute to a peaceful, sustainable and interconnected world.

★ Digital Citizenship
The respectful and balanced use of technology to learn, create and connect responsibly.

Newly built in 2019, the current Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) campus is a purpose-built facility located in the Kanagawa-ku area of Yokohama, just a 9-minute walk from Yokohama Station. With convenient access from both Tokyo and Yokohama, the school sits beside the scenic Portside Park, offering views of lush greenery and the Katabira River.

Spanning nearly 6,500 square meters, the three-story reinforced concrete (RC) building was designed with the concept of diversity at its core. This theme is reflected throughout the architecture, where vibrant colors are used in various parts of the school to express inclusivity and creativity. A standout feature is the central gymnasium, which spans three floors with an open atrium design. Its colorful ceiling—crafted using the building’s structural beams—creates a dynamic visual experience that changes depending on the viewing angle, resembling a work of art.

The entire campus is designed to support 21st-century learning, providing a flexible and inspiring environment where students can thrive academically, creatively, and physically.

Key Facilities:

☑ 30+ Classrooms
☑ 2 Science Laboratories
☑ 2 Libraries
☑ Creative Studios
☑ Athletic Spaces
☑ Computer Laboratory
☑ Media Centre
☑ Playground
☑ Gymnasium
☑ Basketball Court
☑ Rooftop Sports Area

Virtual Campus Tour: https://vr.horizon.ac.jp/

Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) is a co-educational school offering a complete International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Preschool through Grade 12. The school is officially authorized to deliver all four IB programmes:

◉ Early Years Programme (EYP)
◉ Primary Years Programme (PYP)
◉ Middle Years Programme (MYP)
◉ Diploma Programme (DP)

As an IB World School, HJIS shares a commitment to high-quality, challenging, and globally focused education. The school follows the IB framework while also implementing the U.S. Common Core Standards, providing students with a strong academic foundation and the skills needed to thrive in an international environment.

In addition to its IB authorization, HJIS is fully accredited by two of the most respected international accreditation bodies: the Council of International Schools (CIS) in Europe and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the United States. This dual accreditation reflects HJIS’s dedication to academic excellence, effective governance, and continuous improvement.

The rigorous standards set by CIS and WASC also help HJIS attract and retain highly qualified, professional educators—ensuring students receive the best possible learning experience.

Horizon Japan International School welcomes children from the age of 3 into its Preschool, offering the IB Early Years Programme (EYP), a play-based, inquiry-driven curriculum that nurtures curiosity and creativity. In small, diverse classes, children learn through exploration, social interaction, and hands-on experiences.

From Pre-K to Kindergarten (ages 4–5), students continue in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), developing essential skills like problem-solving and reflection. The program encourages children to ask questions, make real-world connections, and grow as confident, caring individuals in a safe and supportive environment.

Horizon Japan International School offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Grades 1 to 5, creating a dynamic and supportive environment where students build a strong academic and social foundation. Through inquiry-based learning, students explore real-world issues, develop independent thinking, and gain the confidence to take meaningful action.

The program nurtures curiosity and personal growth, helping each child develop essential skills for lifelong learning while fostering respect, empathy, and global awareness.

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) at HJIS challenges students in Grades 6 to 10 to become independent thinkers and responsible global citizens. Through an inquiry-based curriculum, students make meaningful connections across subjects and real-world contexts.

Horizon Japan International School fosters both academic growth and social-emotional development in a supportive environment, encouraging students to reflect, take initiative, and appreciate diverse perspectives as they grow into lifelong learners.

Horizon Japan International School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11 and 12—an academically rigorous and globally respected curriculum designed to prepare students for university and life beyond.

Students engage in a balanced program that promotes intellectual, emotional, and personal growth across six core areas: languages, mathematics, humanities, sciences, and the arts. Alongside academic excellence, the DP encourages students to reflect, take initiative, and appreciate different perspectives—skills essential for success in any path they choose.

Through personalized support and a nurturing environment, HJIS empowers students to thrive as independent, compassionate, and lifelong learners.

At HJIS, education is not limited to academics alone. HJIS's diverse programs in Arts, Athletics, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) help students grow as creative thinkers, confident communicators, and team players. These programs support the development of the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.

Avenue for Creative Expression & Personal Growth - Horizon Japan International School offers a broad selection of visual and performing arts, including digital filmmaking, taught during the school day by qualified specialist teachers. Students may pursue these subjects through to the IB level, gaining both creative skills and personal confidence.

In athletics, the HJIS Hawks embrace school spirit, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Our athletes are recognized not only for their achievements but also for their enthusiasm, grit, leadership, and commitment. HJIS encourages every student to pursue their passion while supporting each other as a unified and proud team.

Empowering Multilingual Learners - The EAL Department at HJIS supports students whose first language is not English, ensuring they have full access to the curriculum and develop confidence in all aspects of English communication.

Aligned with our 21st-century learning goals, HJIS aims to nurture effective communicators who use English clearly and accurately, while also respecting linguistic diversity and encouraging mother tongue development.

HJIS believes English is a unifying element of our community, and language learning is a lifelong journey—for students, teachers, and families alike.

At Horizon Japan International School, learning goes beyond the classroom. HJIS offers a variety of enriching programs outside regular school hours, including Summer School, Daycare, Saturday School, and College Trips. These opportunities allow students to explore new interests, build valuable skills, and enjoy fun, educational experiences in a supportive environment.

HJIS Summer School offers a vibrant and enriching experience designed to keep students engaged, inspired, and active throughout the summer. Whether students want to strengthen academic skills, explore new interests, or simply stay curious and creative, our diverse programs offer something for everyone.

① Early Years Program (EYP)
Curiosity begins here - A joyful, Reggio-inspired play-based program where young learners explore and grow through hands-on discovery.

② Kindergarten & Grade 1
Learning through laughter and play - Fun-filled adventures that build early academic and social skills through creativity, games, and exploration.

③ Grades 2 & 3
Building foundations through fun - A perfect balance of learning and play to keep young minds engaged, curious, and active all summer long.

④Grades 4 & 5
Explore, create, and grow - An exciting mix of academics, physical activity, and creative exploration to help students thrive and discover new passions.

⑤ Grades 6–8
Stay sharp, stay active - A dynamic program combining hands-on learning, tech exploration, and movement to keep students motivated and inspired.

⑥ Grades 9–10
Prepare, participate, progress - A well-rounded summer experience focused on academic readiness, physical fitness, and meaningful real-world engagement.

HJIS Daycare Program is designed to support families by providing safe, engaging, and structured care for students from Preschool through Grade 1. This service is available on regular school days, midterm holidays, and during Summer School, extending until 6:00 p.m. Families can register up to 24 hours in advance, offering convenient flexibility to suit varying schedules.

☑ Eligibility
The Daycare program is available exclusively to students attending classes on campus, allowing for a smooth transition from the school day to after-school care in a familiar environment.

☑ Structured Playtime
Children engage in guided sessions including art, music, storytelling, and hands-on learning activities designed to stimulate creativity and social development.

☑ Outdoor & Indoor Play
Supervised physical play promotes motor skills, teamwork, and social interaction in both indoor and outdoor environments.

☑ Health & Safety
To ensure the well-being of all students, children with a fever of 37.5°C or higher will not be admitted to daycare. In the event of illness or emergency, parents will be contacted immediately.