Our Classes 
At Summerhill, we have six separate classes for children of different ages and needs. All six classes are from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm.

We also offer after-school activities every day for all classes from 2pm to 3pm.

  Sunrise Class (15 months- 2 years old) and Sunset Class (2-2½ years old):
  For this age group, we understand that it is usually the first time a child spends away from his/her parents, and it is truly important that this transition be made as smoothly and caringly as possible. For this reason, we have created a safe, cozy "home away from home" for your children.

Our Sun Program introduces your child to a fairly structured day with stimulating activities, group interaction and the chance to be inquisitive as he or she begins to talk, walk and explore. Curriculum activities, monthly themes and experiences are based on real-world sensory experiences.

We spend a big part of the day singing, dancing, laughing, playing and exploring, indoors and out. These activities encourage interaction with other children to develop important social skills.

Furthermore, our curriculum gradually introduces key concepts that build literacy, using Alphabet Cards, stories and daily activities. With music, books, age-appropriate toys, movement and creative projects, learning is always exciting.

The primary difference between the Sunrise and Sunset Classes is that during Circle, Art, and Play Times the children are divided for age appropriate activities. A pre-requisite for the Sunrise Class is the ability to walk alone. In the Sunset Class, the children are toilet trained before they move on to the Moon Class.
 
  Half Moon Class (2½- 3½ years old) and Full Moon Class (3½ - 4½ years old):
  Our Moon Program teaches essential reading, writing, math, science and social skills in a logical, natural sequence that encourages children to learn, one step at a time. Monthly themes, weekly topics and daily activities teach key academic skills while encouraging children to explore and understand the world they live in.

In this particular age group, our reading readiness program is focused on developing letter recognition skills. Literacy is enhanced with the use of Alphabet Letter Books and other engaging activities such as Library Time, when the children are gathered in the Quiet Corner to read or look at picture books that encourage language skills for both beginning and advanced readers.

Our proven 5-day, multi-activity routine emphasizes art, music, dramatic play and social interaction, all of which aim to develop curiosity, creativity and self-esteem. We divide the children into small groups within the class so that each child always receives individual attention and can work at his/her own pace. Our goal is to help each preschooler build enough confidence to realize, "I can do it!"

The primary difference between these two classes is that in Full Moon Jolly Phonics is introduced. In addition, during Circle Time, the children participate in age appropriate activities.
 
  Star Class (4 - 5½ years old):
  This is the final stage of our comprehensive preschool program. In the Star Class, concepts such as reading and math become progressively more advanced. It's all still child's play, but our Star Program is geared to fully prepare the children for their next big step — to enter kindergarten or first grade.

Our hands-on, literacy-based program concentrates on letter recognition and phonics. Monthly themes and weekly activities further your child's development in math, science and social interaction.

Star Children's inquisitive minds are kept stimulated and creative with Arts & Crafts projects, Nature Walks, singing, dancing, story-telling and our Costume Corner, where children are free to act out the events of their daily lives or their imaginations.

For this age group, we keep in mind the rigorous competition when entering the few, prestigious international schools in Tokyo. Summerhill staff and teachers will put your mind at ease by staying in close touch with you and helping to place your child in the institution of your choice. Our pre-school programs are proven to develop the skills and confidence necessary in order to breeze through any expectations made by the entrance board of these institutions.
 
  Summerhill Kindergarten Program:
  The Summerhill Kindergarten program recognizes that children will soon be entering schools that have a range of expectations for a child's social and academic performance. The program provides a comprehensive, child-centered approach that, while challenging, also works to support all areas of the child’s individual development. It recognizes both the value of emergent curriculum and the need for directed, sequential instruction to ensure that children enter first grade with the skills and knowledge expected of them in the school that they will attend.

Our program maintains high expectations not only for the children’s academic achievement, but also for their social development. Nonetheless, the program recognizes that not all children learn the same and is tailored to help each child grow according to their own pace. Through the use of a balanced, multi-sensory curriculum that includes the development of literacy skills, mathematics, science, social studies, computer studies, art, movement, music, and drama, students will leave the program enthusiastic, active learners.

Themes, Projects, Lessons, and Assessment:

The curriculum has been created to encourage students towards becoming life-long, and active participants in their learning. Students will be actively engaged at all times while in the classroom. Lesson plans will be written to meet the individual needs of the students and rotate around the school theme. All subjects will be integrated into these units to help create a deeper level of understanding and interconnectedness.

Core objectives of the program:
  • To increase competence in dealing with and expressing emotional feelings in various social situations
  • To increase the child’s awareness of their role as an active, life-long learner by nurturing their self-direction, initiative and independence
  • To teach strategies to help students build cooperative, trusting relationships and team work skills
  • To expand the child’s knowledge of themselves, their community, the global community, and basic events that have shaped those people through the study of social studies and geography
  • To increase competence and skills in language arts, mathematics, and the arts.
  • To begin fostering an interest in the sciences
  • To further develop fine and gross-motor skills, along with coordination
 
  Our Activities Include:
 
  • Gymnastics
  • Show & Tell
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Science & Health
  • Music & Movement
  • Drama
  • Outdoor Play
  • Multi-Cultural Activities
  • Language (English & Japanese)
  • Pre-School Learning
  • Dance
  • Environmental Awareness
  • Excursions
  • After-School Classes
  • Summer School Program
  • Readiness Program
  • Free-Play
  • Theme Activities
  •   Click here for our class schedules »
    Click here for an application form »
     
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