1. Age Requirement:

Students are placed in grade levels primarily by age. Grade one begins at age six. The cut-off date for grade placement is April 1st for all grades one and above.  Please see the note below for transferring students.

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Grade and Age Comparison Chart

Elementary or Primary School

Grade 1:          Age 6-7

Grade 2:          Age 7-8

Grade 3:          Age 8-9  

Grade 4:          Age 9-10

Grade 5:          Age 10-11

Grade 6:          Age 11-12

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Junior High (Secondary School begins) 

Grade 7:                                     Age 12-13                    Japanese system: Junior High Grade 1

Grade 8:                                     Age 13-14                    Japanese system: Junior High Grade 2

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*High School (Secondary School continues)

**Grade 9, Freshman             Age 14-15                    Japanese system: Junior High Grade 3

Grade 10, Sophomore          Age 15-16                    Japanese system: High School Grade 1

Grade 11, Junior                      Age 16-17                    Japanese system: High School Grade 2

Grade 12, Senior                     Age 17-18                    Japanese system: High School Grade 3

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*Transferring Students

At New Life International High School, we understand the unique needs of students transferring from schools with an American calendar schedule. We offer a flexible transfer process that allows students to continue their education seamlessly. If a student transfers in September instead of coming in April, they can begin in the grade they would be in their country of origin. We provide options to make up the credits they missed, ensuring they can catch up and succeed. 

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**Grade 9, the Freshman class, is when America begins to record an official high school transcript. Therefore, we start a transcript for our 9th graders. The transcript is helpful for college applications. In Japan, grade 9 is still considered Junior High, grade 3. 

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2. English Language Requirement:

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Each student must be interviewed and take a reading and math test to determine their English language level and basic skills ability. Language assessment will include the following steps:

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1. A teacher who is the student's grade level and the head of the school will give the child an oral test to see how well the child can speak and comprehend spoken English. Children entering first and second grade will answer simple English questions. They will describe pictures and respond to simple commands. Older children will have more personal interview-style questions. The interview takes from 15 to 30 minutes.

 

2. A school official will interview at least one parent in English or Japanese to determine the child's language ability and experiences. 

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If a child is overseas, NLIS can interview the child and parent online. Based on the interview, school records, and a letter of reference from the child's current school, overseas students can be admitted.  Upon entering New Life International School, the child must take the Reading and Math Skills assessment to determine the child's skill level. 

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Note: Students who enter grade 1 are not required to have English skills. All students from grade 1 who are not on grade level in English must take extra ESL classes after school. A small percentage of grade 2 students may enter with no English skills.

Students in grades three and above must be able to speak, read, and write in English to enter the school.  However, the student's English may be up to two grades lower and still be accepted if the student has good grades and is motivated to work hard to catch up.  In other words, if a child is in 5th grade but speaks on a 3rd-grade level, he or she may be admitted.

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3. Basic Reading and Math Skills Requirement:

The students will take a reading and math assessment to determine the child's skill level.  The tests are on the same day as the interview.  The interview and assessments take 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the student's age. 

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4. Grade Level Requirement:

A student entering grade 1 has no pre-school attendance requirements. However, students should be able to read and say the alphabet before entering grade 1.

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A student entering grades from the second grade must have attended and passed the previous grade level to be entered into the next grade of our school.

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Transfers: Students educated in Japanese schools or homeschooled with English skills can transfer to our school. NLIS must receive permanent records from all previous schools, including grades and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or the head of the school. In the case of homeschooling, NLIS requires the child's transcripts with grades of all courses studied.

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5. School Regulations, Policies, and Procedures Requirement:

At least one parent/guardian must read the NLIS School handbook on our website and agree to follow and support all NLIS regulations, policies, and procedures. Children must also agree to follow the school regulations. 
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Upon acceptance, parents must sign and turn in several documents, including the contract, health records, permission to go to the public library, media permission, etc. 
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We are excited about your child's future with our school! New Life International School will provide a rich learning experience and a safe environment where children can express themselves freely as they explore God's wonderful world.

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