Our Accreditations & IB Continuum
A Globally Recognized International Education in Yokohama
At Horizon Japan International School (HJIS), we are proud to be an IB Continuum World School and to hold accreditation from leading global education bodies. Located in Yokohama, Japan, we offer a comprehensive, internationally recognized education from preschool through Grade 12. Our accreditations and curriculum framework reflect our commitment to academic excellence, global citizenship, and lifelong learning.
Accreditation & Membership Highlights
Global & Japan-Specific
At Horizon Japan International School (HJIS), we don’t just follow global standards, we help define them. Each accreditation and membership we hold is not merely a stamp of approval, but a reflection of our commitment to excellence, accountability, and the wellbeing of every learner in our care.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
WASC is a U.S.-based accrediting body known for its meticulous standards in educational quality, student outcomes, and institutional effectiveness. As part of WASC’s global reach, including schools in Asia and the Pacific, HJIS earned its accreditation in 2019.
This means our programs are not only recognized in Japan but also in North America and other international contexts, ensuring that our students have access to a seamless transition when applying to colleges and universities abroad.
IB WORLD SCHOOL
We are an IB (International Baccalaureate) World School, authorized to offer the PYP, MYP and DP Programmes. IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education. As a school, we follow the IB framework and implement the US Common Core.
Gakkō Hōjin Accreditation (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Officially recognized by the local government since 2004, affirming our legal status and commitment to educational standards.
JAPAN COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS (JCIS) WORLD SCHOOL
JCIS is an exclusive network of international schools in Japan that share a commitment to high academic standards, intercultural understanding, and student-centered learning. Horizon became a proud member in 2024, joining the ranks of only ~30 schools across Japan — making this one of our most distinguished recognitions.
To become a JCIS member, schools must be accredited by a recognized international body and demonstrate ethical governance, robust safeguarding, and inclusive practices. As one of the newest members, HJIS stands among the country's most forward-thinking international schools, offering both global curriculum and local responsibility.
COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS (CIS)
CIS is a globally respected organization that partners with schools to improve learning, leadership, and continuous development. HJIS became CIS-accredited in 2018 after undergoing a rigorous multi-year evaluation process that examined every aspect of our school — from curriculum design to leadership, operations, and community values.
What sets CIS apart is its emphasis on global citizenship and ethical responsibility. Through this accreditation, we align with over 675 CIS-accredited schools worldwide, and a handful of carefully selected schools in Japan that represent the gold standard in international education.
EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS (ECIS)
HJIS has been a proud member of ECIS for over 15 years. ECIS is more than an educational network — it’s a professional learning community of over 425 schools and 50,000 educators in more than 100 countries.
Through ECIS, our staff and leadership team access innovative professional development, global conferences, and research-based practices that continuously improve how we teach and lead. It reinforces our vision of being a community of lifelong learners, where teachers are just as committed to growth as the students they inspire.
