The HJIS Admissions Process
1. Start with an Inquiry
Families begin by submitting an inquiry so our Admissions team can learn more about the student, preferred start date, current grade level, and family situation.
This step helps us guide families clearly from the beginning and recommend the most appropriate next step in the admissions process.
2. Visit or Speak With Admissions
Families are encouraged to connect with HJIS before applying. You may book a campus visit, attend an Open House, request an online meeting, or join a virtual tour if you are outside Japan or unable to visit in person.
This step helps families understand our school community, facilities, curriculum, and admissions expectations before starting the application process.
3. Review Eligibility and Availability
After the initial inquiry or meeting, the Admissions team reviews the student’s age, grade placement, language background, learning needs, and available space.
This step helps determine whether HJIS can support the student appropriately and whether the application should move forward.
4. Submit the Application
Families complete the online application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
Required documents can include:
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Academic records or school reports
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Passport or birth certificate
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Student and guardian photos
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Application fee payment confirmation
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Learning support documents, if applicable
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Company guarantee letter, if fees are company-paid
5. Assessment and Family Interview
After the application is reviewed, the student may be invited for an interview and placement assessment. This helps HJIS understand academic readiness, English-language needs, EAL support, and any additional learning support.
This step helps the school make a thoughtful admissions decision and ensure that each student can be appropriately supported at HJIS.
6. Admissions Decision & Enrollment
After reviewing the application, records, assessment, and interview, families will receive the admissions decision by email.
Possible outcomes include admission, conditional admission, wait pool placement, a request for more information, or no placement available at this time.
Once accepted, families complete registration, payment, start-date confirmation, orientation, and onboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions.
As you move through the admissions process, you may have questions. Here we’ve answered the most common ones to help make your experience with Horizon Japan International School clear, smooth, and reassuring.
1. How can I apply to an international school in Yokohama?
Applying to an international school in Yokohama can feel like a big step, but at Horizon Japan International School (HJIS), the process is designed to be clear and supportive for every family.
Most families begin by contacting the admissions team or booking a school tour, where you can learn more about the school’s approach, curriculum, and community. After this, you will be guided through completing an online application form and submitting the required documents, such as school reports and identification.
Depending on your child’s age, they may be invited to take part in an assessment or informal interview. This helps ensure that each student is placed in an environment where they can succeed and feel confident.
Once all steps are completed, the school will share an admissions decision and support you through the next stages of enrollment.
At Horizon Japan International School, the goal is to make the application process as smooth and welcoming as possible for families moving to or living in Yokohama.
2. What is the admissions process for Horizon Japan International School?
At Horizon Japan International School (HJIS), the admissions process is designed to be clear, personal, and supportive for families at every stage.
Rather than focusing only on procedures, the admissions journey is centered on understanding each child as an individual—their background, strengths, and needs. From your first inquiry, the admissions team works closely with you to answer questions, explain expectations, and guide you through each requirement.
Families are encouraged to connect early, whether through a campus visit or an online meeting, to get a genuine sense of the school community. Throughout the process, communication is open and responsive, ensuring that parents feel informed and confident in their decisions.
Because HJIS is an IB Continuum World School serving students from early learning through high school, the admissions approach is designed to support smooth transitions at any age or entry point.
The goal is not only to complete an application, but to help each family feel welcomed, prepared, and confident about joining the Horizon community.
3. What documents are required to apply to an international school in Japan?
When applying to an international school in Japan, including Horizon Japan International School (HJIS), families are asked to prepare a few key documents.
These typically include:
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A completed application form
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Your child’s passport or identification (Japanese Residence Card or Japanese Passport required)
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Recent school reports or transcripts
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Teacher recommendations (for older students)
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Relevant health or immunization records
In some cases, additional information—such as English language background or learning support details—may be requested to ensure the best possible support for your child.
The HJIS admissions team will guide you through each step and ensure the process is clear and straightforward.
4. How long does the international school admissions process take in Yokohama?
The admissions process for international schools in Yokohama usually takes around two to six weeks, and Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) aims to keep this process as efficient and smooth as possible.
Once your application and documents have been submitted, the school will review everything and arrange any necessary assessments or meetings. For younger children, this stage is often quicker, while older students may require additional evaluation.
HJIS offers rolling admissions, which means families can apply throughout the year depending on availability in each grade level.
To help the process move quickly, it is recommended to submit all documents early and stay in touch with the admissions team. They are there to support you and answer any questions along the way.
5. What curriculum does HJIS follow?
Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) is an IB Continuum World School, offering internationally recognized programmes from early learning through high school.
The IB curriculum focuses on inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and global perspectives to prepare students for future academic pathways.
8. Are there after-school activities available for students?
Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) in Yokohama offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and enrichment programmes. These activities are designed to support students’ personal development, interests, and social growth beyond the classroom, and are available across different age groups.
6. What language is used for teaching at HJIS?
English is the primary language of instruction at Horizon Japan International School (HJIS). Students develop strong English communication skills within a diverse and international environment.
Japanese is supported across all grade levels, with instruction tailored to each student’s ability. In secondary school, students also have the opportunity to study Spanish as part of the curriculum.
9. Is transportation available for students at Horizon Japan International School?
Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) in Yokohama provides school transportation options for families in Yokohama and surrounding areas.
Routes and availability may vary, so families are encouraged to contact the admissions team for details.
7. Does HJIS offer support for students new to English?
Students who are developing their English are supported through structured programmes at Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) in Yokohama. This includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, helping students build confidence and access the curriculum effectively.
In addition, HJIS provides broader learning support tailored to individual needs.
10. What kind of school community can families expect at Horizon?
The community at Horizon Japan International School in Yokohama is diverse, welcoming, and internationally minded. Students and families from many cultural backgrounds come together, creating an environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to grow.
