Yes International School

A small Shibuya-based alternative learning space for children who do not fit a traditional school, with project-based work, ability grouping and explicit support for gifted and neurodivergent learners.

The Tokyo branch of YES International opened in May 2018 and operates as a daytime hub for homeschooled children, students with school refusal, and learners with developmental or learning differences. The model mixes project work, museum visits, cooking together and one-to-one or small-group instruction. Math-talented children study above grade level, while students with dyslexia and similar profiles get individualised support alongside peer classes. The site is accredited by the Japan Homeschool Support Association.

This is a fit for families whose children have not thrived in mainstream Japanese or international schools and who want a flexible, individualised setting rather than a credentialled K-12 pathway. Anyone looking for a conventional curriculum, formal grading or a clear university pipeline will find this is not the model. The Shibuya location is central. The Yokohama branch operates separately and runs a more conventional elementary and junior high programme.

• The public parent signal is tiny but useful. One reviewer describes a kind, child-friendly environment where Japanese language exposure is strong and most children can play happily with friends.
• The same reviewer says English-native or non-Japanese families may need extra support, because most students are Japanese and English use may not be academically deep.
• The caution is that this looks like a specialist bilingual or alternative-school fit, not a conventional English-dominant international school.