Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Curriculum are you teaching?

We teach our own unique bilingual curriculum that we created through the teamwork of dedicated and experienced teachers from a variety of different cultural backgrounds. Our curriculum focuses on developing the whole child – addressing both social and emotional needs as well as academics. In addition, each teacher brings their own unique experiences, skills, and interests to their lessons so your child experiences an education that is Truly Global. You can learn more about our curriculum here and each of the individual preschool and kindergarten programs at their respective pages.

2. Will my child be able to transition easily into another school system?

Our goal when developing our curriculum was to ensure academic success no matter where your child’s future takes them. Part of development included researching the benchmarks and goals from a variety of programs to make sure a transition from our school to another will be seamless. If you would like more detailed information about our academic goals feel free to contact us.

3. Will Kerria be offering an elementary school?

Kerria International School plans to grow with our students. As our enrollment increases and our children grow older, we will have an elementary class waiting for them.

4. Do you have a School Lunch service?

We have an excellent school lunch program that a number of our students enjoy each week. We order our school lunches daily from Life Deli, who provides traditional Japanese-style lunches. Please look at their website if you would like more information on their company and services.

5. How do your bilingual classes work?

Each kindergarten class is led by a native level English-speaking teacher and a native Japanese-speaking teaching assistant. Instruction takes part in both languages. Additionally, each day there is dedicated learning time for both languages where children learn and develop their skills in phonics, reading, and writing in both languages.

A bilingual education with Kerria supports many important skills and strengthens neural activity that will lead to later academic and career success. Bilingual individuals perform better in multitasking activities, leading to greater efficiency and efficacy in school and beyond. Also, being part of a bilingual classroom develops the cultural sensitivity that children will need for success in our increasingly global society.

6. What does my child need to bring each day?

Most importantly your child will need to bring a snack, lunch (unless you purchase school lunch), and a water bottle. Additionally your child will need a pair of indoor shoes, a bag for them, and a small backpack to hold all of their personal belongings. Upon enrollment we will provide a list of all items your child will need to bring on a daily basis.

7. Are there entrance tests? 

Admission tests to our preschool and kindergarten classes would be developmentally inappropriate. Enrollment in all of our kindergarten and preschool classes are based solely on the age of your child.

8. Are parents required to speak both English and Japanese?

Kerria International School has a fully bilingual admissions staff, and many of our teachers communicate effectively in both languages. You can feel at ease that any question concerning your child will be answered in the language you feel most comfortable.

9. Does the school have an outside play area?

At this time Kerria International School does not have a dedicated outdoor play area, however we have a large area designated for active play in our second floor classroom. Additionally, we are located within walking distance to a number of local parks that have swings, slides, and even a sandbox. Weather permitting, children are taken to one of these parks each day.

10. Are parents allowed to view the classes?

As visiting parents can be disruptive to the classroom environment and student learning, we ask that parents do not freely view our classes. However, if you have a particular concern you may schedule a time with our administration to visit your child’s classroom. Alternatively, you may freely view the classroom on one of the days we have designated for this purpose.