We recently featured the founder, principal, and head teacher of Yokohama Sai International School, Ms. Bharti Chandiramani, in Yokohama Seasider no.191 (August-September 2026). Here, she explains more about the school’s approach, illustrating why it has become such a success.
At Yokohama Sai International School, our greatest hope is simple: that every child who walks through our doors will love learning and love coming to school. Located in Kominatocho, Yokohama, our school has been part of the community since 2016. Over the years, we have had the joy of watching many children grow, develop their confidence, discover their strengths, and graduate ready for their next step. For us, education is not simply about academic achievement; it is about helping children become curious, independent and enthusiastic learners.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
Our preschool program welcomes children ages 2 to 6, with a strong focus on English, including reading and writing. We follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) while creating a learning environment where children can explore subjects through hands-on experiences and meaningful activities.
Learning at Yokohama Sai goes far beyond textbooks. Our children experience music, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), pottery lessons, and Japanese, alongside English and other areas of core learning. We believe that children learn best when they are given opportunities to create, experiment, ask questions and express themselves.
Our STEAM activities encourage children to think creatively and solve problems, while music and pottery give them opportunities to develop their imagination and confidence. Japanese lessons help children build familiarity with the language and culture around them.
We also recognize the importance of preparing children for a rapidly changing world. Our computer coding program for children from age 6 introduces them to computational thinking and technology at an early age—an increasingly valuable skill as we enter the age of artificial intelligence.
A Day Designed Around Children
Our schedule has recently evolved to offer families greater flexibility and more opportunities for learning. Our Early Morning English Class, from 8:30 to 9:30, is designed for children ages 3 to 6. This is followed by our English Preschool from 9:30 to 2:00 for children ages 2 to 6. From 2:00 to 5:00, our After School English Class provides children ages 3 to 6 with additional opportunities to learn, play and develop their English skills.
For elementary-school children, we also offer individual English and mathematics lessons, allowing us to provide more personalized support according to each child’s needs and level.
Our after-school students have made wonderful progress not only in English, but also in mathematics and computer coding. We are proud to see their confidence grow as they develop skills that will support them throughout their education.
Celebrating Our Students’ Success
One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing our students take their next steps with confidence. This year, 99% of our students successfully cleared their international school interviews and gained admission to Grade 1. We are incredibly proud of this achievement, but even more proud of the children behind the numbers—their hard work, curiosity, independence and growing confidence.
For us, success is not measured only by where a child goes next. It is also seen in the small moments every day: a child discovering a new interest, confidently speaking English, solving a difficult problem, creating something with their hands, or proudly sharing something they have learned.
Growing Alongside Our Community
As our school community has grown, so has our space. Two years ago, we expanded by renting the top floor of our building, giving us two floors dedicated to our school community. The upstairs space is used for sports, our library, and after-school classes, giving children more room to move, explore and learn.
We also have a fitness studio within our school environment, where adults can work out with a personal fitness coach. The studio is operated by one of our school parents, creating another wonderful connection between our school and the families who make up our community.
Our students also benefit from our partnership with YIS School Cafeteria, Dragons Dining, which provides school lunches. In addition, through our partnership with Naka Sports Center, our children are able to use the gym facilities on PE days, giving them opportunities to enjoy sports and physical activity in a larger professional facility.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
We believe children need both academic learning and opportunities to be active, creative and social. Our location provides children with access to two public parks nearby, while the local bus stop is only about a two-minute walk from the school. These surroundings add to the sense of community and make our school a convenient choice for families.
Whether children are learning a new English word, reading a book, creating a pottery piece, exploring a STEAM project, playing music, practicing mathematics, learning Japanese, coding their first program or running around during PE, our aim remains the same: to make learning something they genuinely enjoy.
A School Built on Relationships
After nearly a decade in Yokohama, what means the most to us is the community we have built with our children and their families.Our parents have shared wonderful reviews of their experiences with us, and we encourage prospective families to explore those reviews as well as our activities and school life on Instagram and Facebook. These provide a glimpse into the everyday experiences that make Yokohama Sai International School special.
At the heart of everything we do is our belief that happy children are ready to learn. When children feel safe, supported and encouraged to be curious, they can discover what they are capable of.
At Yokohama Sai International School, we want our students to leave us with more than academic knowledge. We want them to leave with confidence, creativity, independence, kindness—and, most importantly, a lifelong love of learning
Sai International School: https://ysipreschool.com/