Tel. 055-287-9577
New Life International School
NLIS Handbook
Welcome to New Life International School! NLIS encourages the love of learning, and teachers work hard to inspire happy, healthy children to follow God's teachings and encourage the students to serve each other in love. This handbook explains the school's basic plan, policies, and regulations.
New Life International School welcomes all students regardless of race, color, nationality, or religion.
VISION: Empowering students through quality English Christian Education in a safe, loving, family-like environment.
MISSION: Nurturing God-centered students who reach out to others, actively express themselves with purpose, and love learning.
I press on toward the goal of winning the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
NLIS students are:
God-centered,
Outreaching,
Actively expressive, and
Love learning
NLIS students are:
God-centered
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Apply Bible principles to daily life.
(honoring parents and leaders, caring for the poor, living moral lives...
Outreaching
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Love our neighbors as ourselves.
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Show respect and responsibility, and warmly welcome everyone around us.
(Develop an open-minded, understanding approach to other cultures and backgrounds, and appreciate and understand our own.)
Actively Expressive
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Actively participate in classes.
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Be self-driven, productive, and responsible.
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Express ideas clearly in English and Japanese through oral, written, and digital communication.
Love Learning
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Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Use 21st-century skills effectively.
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Pursue lifelong learning.
School policies, procedures, and the American curriculum:
New Life International School is a Christian, English-based school that follows an American curriculum. Biblical values and moral development are integrated into daily learning. Our curriculum is carefully selected for each grade through collaboration between teachers and the principal and is guided by recognized U.S. standards, including Common Core, National Arts Standards, SHAPE America, Christian Schools International, and the Next Generation Science Standards.
Subjects taught at NLIS in grades 1 - 6:
NLIS offers a well-rounded, English-based American curriculum that integrates strong academics, character development, and enrichment opportunities.
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Mathematics: Singapore Math
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Science: McRuffy STEAM (Grades 1–3); BJU Science with labs (Grades 4–6)
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Bible: Positive Action curriculum; daily NIV Bible use; weekly Friday chapel
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Language Arts: Reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and literature; phonics in Grades 1–2
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Social Studies: Community, history, geography, economics, Japanese studies, and global cultures
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Health: Instruction in all grades, including personal safety
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Japanese: Grade-level kanji and literature; JLPT preparation (Grades 3–6)
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Fine Arts & Electives: Art, music, drama, physical education, technology, and daily recess
Subjects taught at NLIS in Junior High School, grades 7-8:
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Bible: Route 66 Bible survey; weekly Friday chapel
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Math: Singapore Math
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Science: Kesler Earth Science
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Language Arts: English, grammar, literature, and current events
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Social Studies: Asian history, geography, culture, and government
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Electives: Physical Education, Technology, Drama, Art, Home Economics, and more!
Subjects taught at NLIS in both Junior High and High School:
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Japanese (year-long)
Students study Japanese four days per week using the National Japanese textbook and kanji workbooks. Instruction focuses on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills aligned to grade-level expectations.
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Japanese for Foreigners (year-long)
This course supports non-native speakers through intensive Japanese language instruction four days per week, with preparation for the Japanese Language Proficiency Tests (JLPT N5–N1).
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Health
The Health program addresses personal safety, human growth and development, abuse prevention, cyber safety, the endocrine system, and substance awareness, supporting student well-being and informed decision-making.
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Electives (Semester-long)
Elective offerings may include Home Economics, Photography, Physical Education, Life Management Skills, Psychology, Technology, Drama, Choir, Art, Robotics, and Sculpture. These courses provide opportunities for creative expression, physical development, and practical life skills.
Subjects taught at NLIS in the High School:
(Transferring seniors must complete at least five full-credit courses from NLIS to meet graduation requirements.)
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Bible (Year-long)
Study of selected biblical texts, including Proverbs, John, and Romans, with a weekly chapel. -
English (Year-long)
British, American, and World Literature with an introduction to literary criticism. -
Mathematics (Year-long)
Course offerings include Algebra I–II, Geometry I–II, and Trigonometry, based on student placement and program pathway. -
Science (Semester-long)
Courses may include Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics, depending on program selection. -
Social Studies (Semester-long)
Offerings include World Geography, World History, and Student Assistant, based on program selection. -
Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors (year-long and semester-long)
Students may enroll in AP and Honors courses, which are internationally recognized for credit and advanced placement. AP courses are delivered online in a supervised classroom setting. AP examinations are taken in Tokyo. Additional fees apply.
NLIS High School programs
The three choices of studies:
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Minimum High School Program
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Recommended High School Program
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Distinguished High School Program
Two non-course requirements:
1. Students volunteer 50 hours in the community. Students can engage in a variety of activities. Students have worked on an organic farm and volunteered at various locations, including a supermarket, bakery, restaurant, hospital, and museum. They helped with a local festival by selecting and purchasing Bingo prizes and leading the game on the day of the festival. They have also tutored students or helped with the NLIS summer school.
2. Students do an independent community project. This can be part of the volunteer activities.
Program 1: Minimum High School graduation program
To graduate from NLIS with the minimum program, students must take the following with at least a 68% average:
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English 4 credits
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British Literature
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American Literature
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World Literature
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Literary Criticism
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Mathematics 3 credits
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Algebra 1
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Geometry 1
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Math course of choice
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Science 2 credits
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Biology
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Physical Science or Chemistry
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Social Studies 2 credits
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World Geography
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World History
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Physical Education 1 credit\
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Japanese 4 credits (or other language)
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Computer 1 credit
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Fine Arts 1 credit
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Bible 2 credits (0.5 a year)
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Electives: As needed to complete the graduation requirements for the Minimum High School Graduation Program
Total Credits: 22
NOTE: We are flexible with transfer students, recognizing that some classes, such as Japanese and Bible, may not be offered at every school.
Program 2: Recommended High School graduation program
To graduate from NLIS with the recommended program, students must take the following with an 80% average:
English 4 credits
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British Literature
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American Literature
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World Literature
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Literary Criticism
Mathematics 3 credits from:
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Geometry
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Statistics
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Trigonometry
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Geometry 2
Science 3 credits from:
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Biology
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Physical Science
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Chemistry or Physics
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Physics
Social Studies 2 credits from:
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World Geography
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World History
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Research Project
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Student Assistant
Physical Education 1 credit
Japanese 4 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Computer 1 credit
Bible 2 credits
Electives: As needed to complete the graduation requirements for the Recommended High School Graduation Program
Total Credits: 24
NOTE: We are flexible with transfer students, recognizing that some classes, such as Japanese and Bible, may not be offered at every school.
Program 3: Distinguished High School graduation program
To graduate from NLIS with the Distinguished Program, students must take the following:
English 4 credits
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British Literature
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American Literature
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World Literature
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Literary Criticism
Mathematics 4 credits from:
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Geometry
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Statistics
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Trigonometry
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Geometry 2
Science 4 credits
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Biology
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Physical Science
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Physics
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Chemistry
Social Studies 3 credits
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World Geography
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World History
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Research Project
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Student Assistant
Physical Education 1 credit
Japanese 4 credits
Computer 1 credit
Bible 2 credits
Electives: As needed to complete the graduation requirements for the Distinguished High School Graduation Program
Total Credits: 26
NOTE: We are flexible with transfer students, recognizing that some classes, such as Japanese and Bible, may not be offered at every school.
Computers:
The school provides one computer per student in grades 3 through 8 for in-class learning, research, presentations, and skill development. Computers remain on campus at all times. Grades 1 and 2 have class computers.
Students in Grades 1–8 complete standardized testing online at school.
Students in Grades 9 and above are required to provide a personal computer for daily academic use, including writing, research, projects, technology courses, and online assessments.
School language:
English is the primary language of instruction at NLIS and is used in all classrooms except Japanese classes. An English-immersion environment supports effective language learning, and students are encouraged and modeled to use English positively in class.
Japanese is taught four days a week in Grades 1–12 and is used in Japanese classes, with minimal English support in bilingual Japanese classes.
Students may use other languages during recess, lunch, and social times, provided no one is excluded. In social settings, students should ensure that everyone can communicate and use a shared language when needed. The goal of NLIS is for students to become bilingual, valuing both English and Japanese equally.
Calendar:
NLIS follows the Japanese school calendar, which runs from April to March, and observes all Japanese national holidays. Students attend 183 instructional days each year, plus one student-led conference day and one teacher-parent conference day. Families receive a detailed annual calendar, and key dates are posted monthly at school and on the NLIS website.
Textbooks:
NLIS provides American textbooks on loan to students at no cost, saving families significant expense. Textbooks may be taken home for homework, but must be cared for and returned at the end of the school year in good condition.
Weather Policy for Early Dismissal, Postponing School, or Canceling
If severe weather makes travel unsafe, the school may dismiss early, delay, or cancel classes. In cases of heavy snow, typhoons, or other emergencies, the principal and board will decide whether to close the school; however, if the Chuo Line is canceled, the school will automatically close.
The principal will announce any schedule changes or closures on Class Dojo. Parents are responsible for reading the notifications.
If one full school day is canceled in a year, no makeup day is required. If more than one full day is canceled, makeup days are required for each additional day, up to a maximum of five days. Half-day closures are not made up.
School hours and Pick-up Procedures:
School Hours (Monday–Friday)
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Grades 1–2: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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Grades 3–6: 9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
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Grades 7–12: 8:50 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Arrival & Dismissal
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Families with children in multiple grades should drop off and pick up according to the oldest child's schedule. Younger siblings will wait with their teacher.
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Parents must enter the classroom to pick up their child.
Parking & Safety
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Parents with large vehicles or vans must use the side gravel parking lot.
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Parking is limited to 15 minutes unless you are meeting with a teacher or staff member.
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Children may not play in the parking lot at any time.
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Parents wishing to speak with another parent should arrive early and do so before pick-up.
Flag Duty
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Parents are asked to take turns assisting with flag duty during arrival and dismissal to help ensure student safety.
Arrival and departure times
For student safety, children may be on campus only during supervised hours. Students should arrive no earlier than 8:40 a.m. and be picked up within 35 minutes of dismissal, unless enrolled in after-school care or an approved extracurricular activity. Families are responsible for the safety of students who commute independently.
Students remaining on campus beyond the 35-minute window will be charged ¥300 per hour. Parents should notify the school office if they anticipate a late pick-up.
Lunches Options
Students have three lunch options:
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Bring an obento from home (simple, balanced meals are encouraged; no pressure for fancy lunches).
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Bear Café: Warm Hong Kong–style obento delivered daily (¥350–¥400). Orders via LINE; weekly payment by PayPay or cash.
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Hanazen Bento: Daily lunch box delivered to school from ¥400. Orders and payment are made online via PayPay.
Field trips, special days, class parties, and special speakers
NLIS offers a variety of class parties, special days, and school-wide activities throughout the year. These events enrich learning, build community, and encourage student engagement. Events include seasonal class parties, field trips, Sports Day, end-of-year celebrations, Spiritual Emphasis Week, and, for those who want, several days at Joy Bible Camp in Tokyo.
Elementary students enjoy themed days and grade-level trips, while secondary students participate in Spirit Week, Student Council activities, and school trips.
Guest speakers and community members also visit throughout the year to share their skills and experiences.
Recess and physical education
All NLIS students have a daily 30-minute recess, usually outdoors. Grades 3–12 use supervised outdoor areas, the local park, or the gym, while Grades 1–2 use the park or gym only.
Elementary students participate in physical education twice a week, with a focus on teamwork, fitness, and health.
Secondary students take required PE in Grades 7–8, and high school students complete at least two PE credits as electives.
All students take a required fitness test annually. Those who score in the top 85% receive an award.
Transportation
NLIS is located about 800 meters from Kofu Station, and many students commute by train, bus, bicycle, walking, or car. Students who ride bicycles must wear a helmet at all times.
Clubs and extracurricular activities
NLIS offers a variety of after-school programs, including ESL, JSL, Eiken classes, and after-school care until 5:00 p.m. Non-contact karate is offered on Thursdays, Shamisen is offered twice a year for five weeks each time, and weekly Bible studies are available for teen boys and girls.
New clubs, including a sports club and robotics club, are planned to begin in April 2026.
Pro-family
NLIS teachers and staff partner with parents to support students' growth and learning. Parents are encouraged to reinforce training and discipline at home, model strong morals and social skills, and maintain open communication with their children about school and relationships.
Christian teaching
Bible instruction and prayer are part of daily school life at NLIS, with a weekly chapel led by the chaplain. All full-time teachers are Christians. Students are expected to participate in Bible classes, prayer, and chapel, but are not required to adopt the Christian faith. NLIS welcomes families of all religious backgrounds. Currently, the families of New Life International School are Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and people of no religion.
Student Grade Reports and Parent-Teacher Meetings
Grade reports are emailed through the school system three times a year for Grades 1–6 and twice a year for Grades 7–12. Parent-teacher conferences are held in July (parent–teacher) and November (student-led).
Grades
NLIS values balanced assessment and does not emphasize any single grade or skill. Grades are based on classwork, projects, presentations, portfolios, quizzes, and tests, with no single test counting for more than 20% of a semester grade. A 60% average is required to pass.
With small class sizes, teachers closely support each student's progress and work with parents when additional support is needed.
Lateness
School begins at 8:50 a.m. for grades 7-12 and 9:00 a.m. for grades 1-6. Students who arrive after class has started are considered late to class. Students late to class 5 times in 6 weeks must stay after school or inside for recess to compensate for the lost time.
Attendance
Students should attend all classes and be on time to learn and get high grades. However, sickness and emergencies can occur, and if students have a doctor's note, a parent's excuse for illness, or a family bereavement, the school will work with them to help maintain their grades on track.
Students may not exceed 18 unexcused absences, which is 10% of the year. If they do, they risk not passing their classes and may have to repeat the grade.
Standardized tests & exams
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Students in Grades 1–8 take standardized reading and math tests three times a year.
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Grades 9–10 students take the online PreSAT practice test several times per year.
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Grade 11 students are encouraged to take the SAT, and Grades 11–12 students are prepared for and encouraged to take the TOEFL.
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Secondary students (Grades 7–12) also take end-of-term exams in most subjects.
School Uniform Guidelines
Grades 1–6 (Elementary)
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Daily Wear: NLIS school T-shirt or polo shirt (various colors) and black, navy, tan, or gray trousers or plain or plaid skirts.
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Winter: Navy or gray sweater and navy jacket
Grades 7–12 (Secondary)
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Daily Uniform: (school uniform)
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Navy blazer
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White shirt or polo shirt
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Trousers or a plaid skirt
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Approved tie for males, bowtie for females
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Winter: Approved sweater or sweater vest
Physical Education & Field Trips
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Grades 7–12: NLIS school T-shirt required
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Winter PE: School jacket required
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Students should keep PE clothing clean and change in designated areas
Free Days
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Occasional free days may be announced
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Clothing must be modest, clean, and appropriate
Important Notes
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Uniform expectations support school identity, safety, and readiness to learn
Shoes
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NLIS does not require indoor shoes.
Student Fashion Guidelines
While school uniforms are required, reasonable flexibility is permitted in hairstyles and personal appearance, subject to parental discretion. Students must dress and present themselves in a manner that is modest, safe, age-appropriate, and not distracting to learning, in keeping with Christian values. Extreme hairstyles or colors, visible tattoos, distracting face paint, offensive images or messages, and clothing that exposes the body are not permitted. Hair must be kept out of the eyes. Hair must not be bleached. Hats and head coverings are not worn in classrooms. Jewelry should be minimal and age-appropriate; limited makeup and simple earrings may be allowed depending on age. Pierced earrings may be restricted for safety, particularly during physical education.
Students are encouraged not to bring expensive personal items to school. NLIS is not responsible for lost or damaged personal belongings.
NLIS encourages a modest approach to appearance consistent with 1 Peter 3:3–4, which emphasizes inner character over outward adornment: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… but from your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (NIV)
School rules for student behavior
Students are expected to approach school with a positive attitude by adhering to school rules, completing assignments, attending classes on time, respecting others, participating in learning, and following dress guidelines, while enjoying school and having fun.
Students must not do the following:
The following behaviors are not permitted at NLIS:
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Academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, or submitting AI-generated work as one's own
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Inappropriate language or behavior, including vulgar, sexual, or harassing conduct
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Dress code violations or items that are unsafe, immoral, or promote alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
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Unauthorized use of phones or devices during school hours
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Bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind
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Sexually inappropriate behavior or public displays of affection
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Theft, vandalism, or damage to property
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Illegal activity, including drugs, alcohol, or smoking
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Violence, weapons, or threats toward others
NLIS bullying policy
NLIS does not tolerate bullying of any kind. Students may not tease, insult, or mistreat others for any reason, including differences in appearance, beliefs, culture, language, or background. All bullying is addressed promptly and firmly. Parents should report concerns to a teacher, the principal, or a staff member.
Bullying is defined as repeated mistreatment, not a single disagreement or careless remark.
Christian discipline
NLIS approaches discipline through a Biblical model that emphasizes growth and restoration. When rules are broken, the process includes loving correction, acknowledgment of wrongdoing, making things right, and reconciliation. This approach helps students learn from mistakes and grow in Christian character.
Consequences
NLIS practices Biblical, restorative discipline that emphasizes loving correction, confession, restitution, and reconciliation. When students break rules or cause harm, consequences are designed to repair damage, restore relationships, and support growth. These may include apologies, restitution, loss of privileges, or temporary removal from class. Ongoing or serious concerns are addressed in partnership with parents.
Approved disciplinary measures
The school establishes clear classroom expectations and communicates them to students and parents at the beginning of each academic year. Teachers implement consistent, school-approved classroom management strategies, including visual reminders of expectations, to support positive student behavior. If expectations are repeatedly or seriously violated, the school applies progressive disciplinary measures. These may include student reflection or written apologies, parent communication, probation, suspension, or other appropriate actions, depending on the nature and severity of the behavior.
Permanent withdrawal is considered only as a last resort, after all reasonable interventions have been exhausted, and only when necessary to protect student safety and the integrity of the learning environment.
Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited. Reasonable physical restraint may be used only when necessary to prevent immediate harm to students or property and must align with school safety procedures.
Parent-teacher conferences and explanation of multi-age classes
Open communication between parents and teachers is vital at NLIS. Scheduled conferences and observation days are held each year, and parents may request meetings by contacting the school office. Parents are valued partners at NLIS.
Class Organization (2026–27)
Elementary classes are grouped as Grades 1–2, 3–4, 5, and 6.
Secondary students are organized into homerooms for Grades 7–8, 9–10, and 11–12, with instruction provided by subject-specialist teachers during the day.
Multi-Age Classrooms
As the school grows and we acquire another building, NLIS plans to transition to single-grade classes. Currently, multi-age classes support balanced enrollment, peer learning, and strong teacher-student relationships. Older students often mentor younger ones, strengthening education and community.
Core subjects such as math, reading, spelling, handwriting, and Japanese are taught by grade level. Other subjects are taught together on a rotating curriculum to ensure all standards are met. Native instructors teach Japanese.
Prayer
Families are encouraged to pray for the students, staff, and community of NLIS, asking for God’s guidance, protection, and peace. Please pray that God blesses your child and this school every day. Pray that God will guide us, give us wisdom, and bring peace to the students, teachers, staff, and parents of NLIS. Pray for your child each day that God will bless them on the way to school and in the halls with physical protection, learning, friendships, healthy emotional development, and, most of all, love and faith in God. Thank you for your support and prayers!