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 a different calendar schedule from Japan. We offer a flexible transfer process that allows students to continue their education seamlessly.  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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Homeschooling:  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 principal. In the case of homeschooling, NLIS requires the child's transcripts with grades for all courses studied.

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2. English Language Requirement:​

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. All new students take an oral test to assess their level of English, speaking, and comprehension. Children entering first grade and non-English speakers answer simple English questions. The teacher asks the students to describe pictures and respond to simple commands. Older children will be asked more personal, interview-style questions. The interview takes ten to twenty 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, the principal can conduct an online interview with the child and their parent. Based on the interview, school records, and a letter of reference from the child's current school, overseas students are eligible for admission. Then, upon entering New Life International School, children must take the Reading and Math Skills assessment to determine their skill level. 

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English level:  NLIS accepts some students entering grades 2 through 5 with no English skills. However, all students not on grade level in English must be highly motivated to learn English and take extra after-school ESL classes. Parents must pay for the additional English courses. 

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Students in grades six and above must be able to speak, read, and write in English to be admitted to the school. Note: New Life International School is a high-level educational institution. Students are expected to work hard and do well. 

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3. Basic Reading and Math Skills Requirement:

The students take a reading and math assessment to determine their skill level.  The assessments take 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the student's age and ability. ​

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4. School Regulations, Policies, and Procedures Requirement:
At least one parent or 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 submit several documents, including the contract, health records, permission to visit the public library, and a media release form. ​

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