Science, Culture & Community: An Expat Family’s Journey at Laurus

When Canadian native Someya Inzinger relocated to Tokyo with her family, they faced a city full of international school options, but chose Laurus for its promise of genuine cultural exposure and academic rigor. Her then four year old didn’t only adjust, he flourished - learning Japanese dance, starring in the winter play and building literacy and science skills that how have him ahead of the curve.

For this expat family navigating Tokyo’s crowded education landscape, Laurus proved to be more than a school, it became home. Here, Someya shares their family's journey and why Laurus felt like home, even 7,000 miles away from it.

Four-year-old Dean attended Laurus International School of Science Preschool in Shirokanedai

What brought your family to Japan, and what were you looking for in a preschool for your child when you arrived?

We relocated to Japan due to my husband's work and sought an educational opportunity for our son, Dean, that would immerse him in the local culture. Our primary objectives were to find a school where Dean could thrive academically and socially, feel a sense of belonging, and develop friendships.

We are looking for an institution that fosters an inviting and warm environment, staffed by caring adults who prioritize individual attention. It is essential for us that Dean is recognized not just as another student, but as the intelligent young boy he is, ensuring he does not feel lost among his peers.

Our ideal school would encourage a love of learning and provide a supportive community that embraces diversity. We believe that such an environment will significantly contribute to Dean's overall growth and adaptation during our time in Japan.

Can you walk us through your first impressions of Laurus Pre-K? What stood out to you during your initial visit or conversations?

Upon visiting Laurus Pre-K, I was impressed by the welcoming atmosphere. The classrooms featured student work prominently, creating an engaging environment that fostered creativity. The staff was exceptionally friendly and took the time to thoroughly explain the curriculum and the expectations for students.

As Dean was entering mid-year, I had some concerns about the advanced curriculum compared to what is typically offered in Canadian pre-K. However, the staff reassured me that with the extended care program and personalized one-on-one support from his teacher, Dean would be able to achieve a level comparable to his peers.

They outlined the various enriching opportunities available, including monthly excursions, sports days, and significant events, which seemed both exciting and diverse compared to traditional Canadian pre-K offerings. Overall, I found the program to be well-structured, and the staff demonstrated confidence in Dean’s ability to integrate successfully into the school community.

How did Laurus Pre-K help your child transition into a new environment, especially as a family living abroad?

The diverse activities and opportunities to engage with Japanese culture, both during school excursions and in-class experiences, have greatly enriched Dean's understanding of his new environment. These immersive experiences have not only facilitated his transition but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the nuances of Japanese culture, enhancing his ability to adapt to his surroundings.

What aspects of the curriculum or teaching approach did you find most valuable for your child's development during their time at Laurus?

Dean has significantly benefited from the foundational skills provided by Laurus particularly in the areas of reading and mathematics. The integration of Jolly Phonics into the pre-K curriculum has ensured that students are effectively exposed to the sounds of letters and their compositions in words.

In addition to literacy, Laurus has excelled in fostering a solid understanding of numeracy among students. Through engaging activities in addition, subtraction, and measurement, Dean had the opportunity to explore various mathematical concepts. This comprehensive approach has laid a strong foundation for both literacy and numeracy during his pre-K experience.

As Dean transitions into his educational journey in Canada, it is evident that the foundational skills he acquired in his pre-K classes have positioned him for future academic success. Laurus commitment to providing children with opportunities to learn and practice essential skills will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone for their continued growth and development.

As foreign parents in Japan, were there any specific ways the school supported your family or made you feel part of the community?

The staff at Laurus International School excels in building strong relationships with parents, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Each time I visited for drop-off or pick-up, it was evident that they recognized me and were genuinely interested in Dean’s experiences. The anecdotes shared by the homeroom teachers, nursary staff, and administrative team about Dean’s day highlighted their attentiveness and commitment to understanding our family.

This consistent engagement reassured us that Dean is valued within the school community. The personal connections fostered by the staff not only enhance our sense of belonging but also reinforce our confidence that we made the right choice for our son’s education. The commitment to knowing each child and family contributes significantly to a safe and nurturing atmosphere, making us feel secure in our decision.

Can you share a specific moment or milestone from your child's time at Laurus that stands out to you as particularly meaningful?

A highlight of Dean’s experience at Laurus International School was undoubtedly his role as the lead actor in the winter performances. For months, our family dedicated time to rehearsing his lines, preparing his costume, and ensuring he was familiar with the songs for his performance. When the day arrived, it was evident that Dean exuded confidence as he delivered his lines and sang his songs. The sense of community and familiarity he felt with his peers contributed significantly to his comfort on stage, a remarkable achievement for a four-year-old.

In addition to that we thoroughly enjoyed watching Dean participate in sports day activities. His enthusiasm for the Japanese dance Soran Bisho, which we practiced together at home, brought joy to our family. Witnessing him embrace sports day and experience the pride of receiving a medal at the end of the day was truly rewarding.

The staff’s dedication to nurturing young children's abilities and guiding them through such significant events is commendable. Their efforts in helping children like Dean achieve these milestones reflect a deep commitment to fostering confidence and skill development. It is a rare quality to find in educational settings, and we wish Dean could continue to benefit from this exceptional support in the future.

How has your child's experience at Laurus Pre-K influenced their transition back to Canada (or prepared them for their next educational steps)?

Observing Dean’s transition into the Canadian education system has highlighted the exceptional foundation he received at Laurus International School. He is thriving in his current kindergarten class, finding the work not only manageable but often too easy. This success can be attributed to the strong emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy skills that Laura provided, equipping Dean with the necessary tools to excel as a learner.

Many of Dean’s peers in Canada, particularly those who may not have had exposure to traditional school environments, are encountering challenges in the classroom. In contrast, Dean is navigating his educational experience with confidence and adaptability, demonstrating capabilities that exceed those of many of his classmates.

Before attending Laurus, Dean was not in a conventional school setting, and the comprehensive curriculum he experienced at Laurus has been instrumental in his current achievements. The strong groundwork laid at Laurus has not only prepared him for academic success but has also instilled in him a positive approach to learning, allowing him to thrive in a new educational landscape.

Canadian nataive, Someya Inzinger, relocated with her family to Tokyo for a year and discovered rich culture, community and excellent educational options for her son, Dean.

What would you tell other expat or international families who are considering Laurus Pre-K for their children?

For any parents considering Laurus International School, I would emphasize the potential for your child to exceed your expectations. This institution offers young learners opportunities and exposure to educational experiences that often surpass what one might anticipate for their age. There may be moments where you find yourself questioning whether a four- or five-year-old can truly engage in certain activities. However, with the high expectations set by the school and the unwavering support from the teachers and staff, your child is likely to surpass your own beliefs about their capabilities.

In addition to a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, Laurus also provided our son with a solid foundation in science. The emphasis on these core subjects naturally fosters critical thinking and inquiry, enabling young learners to engage in experiments and articulate their thoughts with phrases like, "I hypothesize that this can happen." The development of such critical thinking skills and the ability to question and explore at such a young age is truly remarkable.

I wholeheartedly encourage parents to consider Laurus International School. Prepare to be amazed by the opportunities your child will encounter and the growth they will experience—opportunities that may exceed your initial expectations.