Academic Program:

The school's goal is to provide Japanese students with a solid ESL foundation in academic studies that will enable them to follow an American-based curriculum in a high school abroad. Most of the students enter IPHJ after having successfully completed a Japanese junior high school (Chugakko). After graduating in March, incoming IPHJ students are encouraged to enroll in our Intensive ESL program which lasts 12 weeks, starting in April and finishing in mid June.

During the break, from the end of the ESL program and the September start of the regular school year, many students go abroad for a 3-week summer school or homestay experience in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Class placement for IPHJ students is done on the basis of his/her academic background, exposure to the English language, and academic ability. Once placed, students are prepared to read academic textbooks at the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade level, to carry out a variety of learning tasks and projects, and to give content presentations in English. For example, the emphasis of algebra/trigonometry is on solving word problems and problem solving techniques in English. The emphasis in science is on vocabulary, scientific method, and experiments so that the students are better prepared to study chemistry and biology courses abroad. Reading classes focus on creating interest in reading and increasing the reading speed and comprehension of IPHJ students. To do this, the teacher uses an SRA Reading Laboratory once a week and introduces students to different forms of world literature.

In the IPHJ 10th grade program, using an A to F grading system, progress reports are given to parents four times a year. Upon the recommendation of the faculty, students may be moved up or down a level after the first quarter. In order to keep parents advised of their son/daughter's development during the year, the Headmaster writes several reports to them throughout the year.
The parents of a student having academic or adjustment difficulties will meet regularly with the Headmaster and faculty to find solutions to their child's problems. The academic school year at IPHJ runs from September through mid-June. Japanese national holidays are observed.

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Faculty and Advisors:

The Faculties all have either undergraduate or Master's degrees in education or in their subject area, and are certified teachers in their native countries. In addition, most of the faculties have also taught ESL courses in various countries around the world.

Faculties are required to participate as an advisor. These include the sports program, student council, the arts, holiday parties, and field trips.

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High School Placement Abroad:

During the academic year, IPHJ's Headmaster, boarding school consultant, overseas student care staffs, and administrative staffs assist the students and parents in selecting high schools abroad. A library of catalogs and videotapes are available at the school for the students during the year.

The overseas student care staffs usually begin contacting various schools to introduce candidates in February, either through written correspondence or a personal visit.

High school Directors of Admissions who visit Tokyo are invited to give on campus presentations to parents, students, and staff.

Approximately 60 percent of all students who were placed in four-year boarding schools are maintaining a B average or better in their respective schools.

While the students are abroad, the overseas student care staffs at IPHJ maintain contact with key administrators at each of the schools where an IPHJ student is currently enrolled. The overseas student care staff translates progress reports, school information, and billing statements for the non-English speaking parents of IPHJ students abroad.

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Athletics and Extra-Curricular Opportunities:

Students are required to participate in a physical education program that introduces them to sports and exercise programs. They will most likely be required to participate at overseas schools; basketball, baseball, badminton, volleyball, nautilus training, soccer, and aerobic exercise.

Several of the graduates of the program have gone on to play varsity volleyball and soccer at their respective schools. The girls are required to study Japanese dance with a professional dance instructor, and those who excel are encouraged to take part in recitals sponsored by their teacher.

The classes elect officers and representatives to the school's student council, a mainstay of the American secondary school system. The council serves as an advisory body, informing the faculty and Headmaster of the suggestions of the student body to improve the various programs at the school.

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Admissions Information:

IPHJ seeks to enroll motivated students of good character. The administrative staff is mainly concerned that the student has both the desire to study abroad and that the student and his/her parents have a realistic understanding of what studying abroad entails. Students are admitted on the basis of their previous schools' records, their performance in ESL classes and on the SLEP test, personal recommendations, and interviews.

Orientations are held during the year for interested parents and students. Testing is arranged upon request. Applications are accepted until the beginning of the school year in September. In some cases, students with a high level of English proficiency have been admitted until early November. However, most of the students who participate in the program are encouraged to enroll by April so they can participate in the school's 12-week Intensive Spring ESL program.

We hope that you will consider applying to INTER-PACIFIC HIGH SCHOOL JAPAN and once enrolled, make the most out of the opportunities this kind of international program offers you.