Having non certified teachers or those with out Master's is acceptable in private US school's and doesn't seem to effect the quality of the schools but that might be different in the International School scene.

Learning 2.010 will be hosted at Concordia International School this fall. It's been two years since I posted that comment, it'll be interesting to reflect on it's level of achievement in comparison to the other school's in the region.

I've heard good things about the American Cooperative School of Tunis. It's a small school, in a safe location. I'd give it a good look:

http://www.acst.net/acst2007/

Glad to have been of some help. Maybe we will bump into each other sometime.

All the best,

I talked to my contact and they stated it depends on which area of the school you'll be working in. The Middle and High school have low teacher turn over. This is not the case with Elementary as teacher turn over is quite high, except for Kindergarden.

The school has a strong commitment to mission and service. This expectation extends to staff members. It's a catholic girls school and is very much like the many catholic schools around the world.

Your happiness at this school depends on your long terms goals and your own expectations.

Japan itself is an amazing country. It's Public transportation is the best in the world. It's clean, safe and the people here are friendly.

Does this help a bit more?

This link is excellent for planning trips on the Tokyo train system. Its one more tool that might help you in deciding which school is right for you.

Japanese Train Route Finder

http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norika ... keyin.html

Correct YIS doesn't have a MYP program.

The American school is large, has excellent facilities, and a large student body. I've heard good things about their Academics, but it's an American curriculum. They're campus is quite far away, that might be a concern.

Good questions, I like small schools, as you and your children are more likely to get the personal attention they deserve. Yes, a student can start in the IB later on. The overseas American school's academic are more rigorous than what is found in the US. I have seen students migrate from an American System into an IB system. Good examples of this exist with great schools like the United World College. http://www.uwc.org/

Despite YIS not having an MYP program, it would be my first choice. Since they do have a diploma program they must have systems in place to help children migrate into this program.

Will you have the option to visit these schools again?

Those are some good questions, I'll see what I can find out. I may have some answers for you in a day or so.

The review is kind of old, I know a little bit about the school. Do you have some specific questions?

I ask this. because one of the best International IB schools in the region is in Yokohama. It's located in a nice residential neighborhood, with large western style houses and is only a 30 minute train ride from the center of Tokyo.

Just one more option to think about..

Oh... there's a lot more to think about from your perspective. TIS is right in the middle of the city and I can see your point. Nishimachi advantage is it's location with it being nestled in a quiet expat residential area.

Did you have a look at the Yokohama? There's another school there with a good track record with the IB.

Oh... there's a lot more to think about from your perspective. TIS is right in the middle of the city and I can see your point. Nishimachi advantage is it's location with it being nestled in a quiet expat residential area.

Did you have a look at the Yokohama? There's another school there with a good track record with the IB.

All the schools in the Tokyo area have issues with campus facilities. The exceptions to this are American School in Japan and the Christian Academy in Japan, both these school's are off on the suburbs of the city.

Good question on their growth. There are rumors, and the talks I've had with area teachers seem to indicate attractiveness to the school if the Diploma program existed. Many of us dream / hope he would create a purpose build campus in Tokyo. If he did, I may line up for an interview.

I think extra curricular activities directly relate to the location of the school and the opportunities families have for recreation. For example I'd expect teachers at International Schools in countries like Bangladesh would have a high load, as family entertainment options are limited.

All the schools in the Tokyo area have issues with campus facilities. The exceptions to this are American School in Japan and the Christian Academy in Japan, both these school's are off on the suburbs of the city.

Good question on their growth. There are rumors, and the talks I've had with area teachers seem to indicate attractiveness to the school if the Diploma program existed. Many of us dream / hope he would create a purpose build campus in Tokyo. If he did, I may line up for an interview.

I think extra curricular activities directly relate to the location of the school and the opportunities families have for recreation. For example I'd expect teachers at International Schools in countries like Bangladesh would have a high load, as family entertainment options are limited.

When I first met the owner, I wasn't sure if he was the real deal. I've had some of my own experiences with profit schools and privately pledge that I'd never work for one again. I thought he was a great sales person and that there would be some sort of bait and switch that all us international teachers are very aware of. With it being such a new school, it's difficult to believe the kind of progress they've made. How can so much be accomplished is such a short time?

In some ways the weakness of TIS is it's leadership. Sort of like Steve Jobs is to Apple Computer. If TIS didn't have Patrick what would the school be like?

Is it better than Nishimachi? Yes without a doubt, and my private pledge? I've made an exception for TIS.

As you can see from their website they only have a PYP and MYP program. I guess you'd need to define your gold standard for an IB program and then I might be able to write a comparison.