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.
All students can apply biblical principles, such as honoring parents and leaders, caring for the poor, and living moral lives, helping society become better.
Outreaching
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Love our neighbors as ourselves.
Learn to show respect for ourselves and others in our actions and expressions by taking ownership of ourselves, making positive life choices, and considering the impact of our decisions on ourselves, others, and the world around us. We want to help others, knowing that they can make a difference.
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Show respect and responsibility, and warmly welcome everyone around us.
Be respectful to all teachers and students. Develop an understanding and open-minded approach towards other cultures and backgrounds, and appreciate and understand our own cultures and backgrounds. Want to help others, knowing that we can make a difference.
Actively Expressive
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Actively participate in classes.
Engage in active learning by taking risks with our knowledge to gain a deeper understanding.
Ask questions to help you synthesize (put together) meaning and offer ideas in discussions.
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Express ideas clearly in English and Japanese through oral, written, and digital communication.
Communicate ideas and feelings clearly through all forms of communication, both in Japanese and English.
Love Learning
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Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Use facts and ideas to build understanding and assimilate information, generating new ideas or supporting existing ones.
Constructively challenge existing ideas to deepen understanding.
Reflect on prior learning to inform future learning.
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Use 21st-century skills effectively.
Integrate the "4 Cs" with critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration by seeking input from many sources and perspectives.
Use information literacy and media literacy to critically evaluate our surroundings.
Be flexible and adaptable.
Understand and use technology effectively to research and report your learning.
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Pursue lifelong learning skills.
Develop academic skills that support lifelong learning. Ask questions, read extensively, and research online.
School policies, procedures, and the American curriculum:
NLIS is a Christian school, so we strive to impart a worldview that is reflected in the Bible. Teachers teach morals in many lessons. NLIS uses the American curriculum. NLIS is English-based. The curriculum is carefully researched and selected for each grade through a collaborative process with the principal and teachers.
The American curriculum throughout our school, from first through high school, uses the following standards:
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Common Core Curriculum in America for Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies
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National Arts Standards for Fine Arts
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Shape America Standards for Physical Education
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Christian Schools International Curriculum for Bible
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Next Generation Science Standards
Subjects taught at NLIS in grades 1 - 6 include the following:
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Mathematics: Singapore Math, a world-renowned and high-level math curriculum
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Science and Health in Grades 1-3: McRuffy hands-on experiments, including the use of STEM projects and research from grade 3, and a personal safety week with a study on stranger danger and safety.
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Science and Health in Grades 4- 6: BJU Science textbooks, labs, and unit tests, projects, research, and personal safety week with a study on puberty, stranger danger, and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
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Bible: Positive Action Curriculum, NIV Bibles used daily (chapel on Fridays)
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Language Arts: English grammar, writing, reading, vocabulary, spelling, literature, and poetry in grades 1-6; phonics in grades 1-2
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Social Studies: community, history, economics, geography, Japanese studies, other country studies
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Japanese literature: Students study grade-level kanji from trained, native Japanese teachers using the National textbook and other texts
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Japanese for Foreigners for Grades from 3 to 6: Students study with a bilingual teacher and take the international Japanese Language Proficiency Tests, ranging from N5 to N1.
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Art: History, crafts, painting, sculpture, drawing
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Drama: Students usually perform mini-skits and at least one bigger drama every other year
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Music: songs and dances in grades 1-4, ukuleles in grades 5 through 6; all students participate in the annual Christmas Program.
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Physical Education twice a week for 30 minutes. Students participate in various team games and sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, pickleball, and kickball.
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30-minute daily recess
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Computer Skills in all grades from grade one
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Keyboarding in all grades from grade three and up
Subjects taught at NLIS in Junior High School, grades 7-8, include the following:
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Bible: Route 66, a survey of the Bible; chapel on Fridays
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Singapore Math, a world-known and high-level math curriculum
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Kesler Earth Science
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Language Arts: English and grammar with interactive notebooks, several novel studies a year, short stories, including O Henry and other famous writers worldwide, newspaper studies, and current events. Required reading includes Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, The Hiding Place, The Cay, The Giver, The Mysterious Benedict Society, and more.
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Asian history, geography, culture, politics, and government
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ELECTIVES: Physical Education, Technology, Drama, Art, Home Economics, etc.
Subjects taught at NLIS in both Junior High and High School include the following:
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Bible: a study on Proverbs, the book of John, the book of Romans; chapel on Fridays
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Japanese four days a week: Grade-level Japanese National Textbook, kanji workbooks
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Japanese for foreigners four days a week: Focus on passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Tests, N5-N1
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Health: including personal safety week, focused on puberty, abuse, cyberbullying, a study of the Endocrine system, a survey of drugs and their harm
ELECTIVES: (Subjects are not all taught every year.)
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Home Economics: Cooking, Cross-stitching, and Knitting.
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Introduction to Photography: Using a cell phone, learning how best to use lighting, subject matter, and composition to create successful photos.
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Physical Education: Fitness testing, four-square, basketball, jump rope, soccer, volleyball, badminton, pickleball, and table tennis
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Introduction to Psychology: A study of the history of psychology and the various approaches.
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Technology Information: Keyboard, coding, Google Drive, Word Processing using Google Docs, Slideshow presentations (Google Slides), Online Surveys (Google Forms), Spreadsheets (Google Sheets), Excel, and coding
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Drama: Students learn drama techniques and perform in front of an audience.
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Choir: Students sing in groups, learn to harmonize, and perform in front of an audience.
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Introduction to Art: Drawing and sketching with lines, contour, shading, perspective, elements of art, principles of design, painting, and mixed media
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Introduction to Sculpture
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And more!
Subjects taught at NLIS in the High School include the following:
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English: British Literature, American Literature, World Literature, and Literary Criticism
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Mathematics: Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry 1 and 2, and Trigonometry, depending on the program chosen.
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Science: Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics, depending on the program chosen
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Social Studies: World Geography, World History, and Student Assistant, depending on the program chosen
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*Advanced Placement Courses and Honors classes: Students are encouraged to take Advanced Placement courses. AP is recognized for credit and placement worldwide. Qualifying AP Exam scores earn credit, advanced placement, or both in nearly all universities in the United States and Canada and are recognized in over 100 other countries worldwide, including Japan. Advanced Placement is similar to the IB program, but AP students can earn college credit. All AP courses are done online in the classroom. Students must take the test for college credit in Tokyo.
*extra fees required
NLIS High School programs
There are 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
Non-Course Requirement for Graduation: Students volunteer 50 hours in the community. Students can engage in a variety of activities. Students have worked at an organic farm, volunteered at a supermarket, a bakery, a restaurant, a hospital, and a museum. They helped with a local festival by deciding and purchasing Bingo prizes, and leading the game on a festival day. They can tutor students or help with summer school.
NLIS has two semesters a year.
Transferring seniors must complete at least five full-credit courses from NLIS to meet graduation requirements.
Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available online for an additional charge.
Program 1: Minimum High School graduation program
To graduate from NLIS with the minimum 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 3 credits
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Algebra 1
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Geometry
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Math course of choice
Science 2 credits
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Biology
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Physical Science or Chemistry
Social Studies 2 credits
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World Geography
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World History
Physical Education 1 credit
Japanese 4 credits
Computer 1 credit
Fine Arts 1 credit
Bible 2 credits (0.5 a year)
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:
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 for every elementary school student. Students are encouraged to use the computers for research and presentations, improve their keyboard and computer skills several days a week, and play computer games occasionally. Computers are never allowed to leave the school.
The classrooms of grades 1 and 2 also have computers.
Students in grades 1 through 8 take standardized tests online using computers.
Students in grades nine and up are asked to buy computers because they will use them daily for essay writing, research, projects, computer technology, online testing, and the Newspaper Club.
School language:
The school language is English, so Japanese is not used in regular classrooms. The students learn much more quickly by focusing on English in school. Immersion is a fantastic tool for language learning. Japanese is studied four days a week in grades 1 through 12. All languages are used and encouraged during playtime and lunch. The goal at NLIS is for the students to be bilingual since both languages are equally important.
LANGUAGE POLICY
English is the language used in all classrooms except Japanese classes. Students should (a) be encouraged to use English positively and (b) be given ample models of appropriate English usage. Any use of other languages in the classroom should be addressed by prompting them to find an English equivalent, e.g., "How would you say that in English?" Emphasizing to the students that only English is used in the classrooms.
Japanese is used in Japanese classes, except for the minimal use of English in the bilingual Japanese class.
Students are permitted to use other languages in social situations outside the classroom, such as recess, in the halls, or at lunchtime, as long as no one is excluded. In all social conditions, every student should have at least one partner with whom they can communicate readily. When one student is isolated, everyone should use the common language. Staff are expected to promote this approach actively.
Calendar:
NLIS follows the Japanese calendar by starting the school year in early April and finishing early to mid-March. NLIS observes all Japanese national holidays. Students meet for 183 class days a year, plus one day for a student-led conference with the parents and one day for a teacher/parent meeting without the student. Parents receive a detailed yearly calendar with exact dates of class days and holidays each year. Important school dates are posted monthly in the front lobby and on the calendar page on the school website.
Since we use American textbooks, which NLIS must purchase from America, New Life International School follows the American tradition of lending all books to students. This saves parents a tremendous amount of money, as textbooks typically cost 10,000 to 15,000 yen per subject, including math, English, science, and social studies.
At the beginning of every year, the school loans the books to the students for each course. Students may bring their borrowed textbooks home for homework, but they must treat them with care, just like library books. At the end of each year, the students must return the books. No student may write in the books; they must do their best to keep them nice for the next student.
Weather Policy for Early Dismissal, Postponing School, or Canceling
If bad weather is deemed dangerous for driving, the school must take all necessary steps to prevent accidents by implementing early dismissal, postponing, or canceling school.
In case of heavy snow, dangerous typhoons, or other emergencies, the principal and the board will decide if the school is to be closed. If the Chuo line cancels, the school will automatically close. If the school must change the school’s regular hours or cancel, the principal will post the news on the school’s Facebook page and the “Letters to Parents” page on the school website. We ask all parents to check either site if the weather turns bad. The staff will also call or send the parents a text.
If the school is canceled a whole day during a given school year, the students will not have to make up that day of cancellation. However, if more than one whole day is canceled within the school year, the second day and all the following canceled days must be made up to five days. For example, if only one day is canceled, no makeup day is necessary for that year. If two days are canceled, one day of makeup classes is necessary. And if six days are canceled, five makeup classes are required. However, if more than six days are canceled due to snow or any other emergency, only five days of makeup classes are necessary. Half-days are not made up.
School hours and parking rules:
Monday through Friday:
1st - 2nd grade: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
3rd - 6th grade: 9:00 am to 3:15 pm
7th - 12th grade: 8:50 am to 3:30 pm
Parents with large cars or vans should use the side gravel parking lot only. Large vehicles have trouble getting in and out, slowing traffic.
If you have children with different school hours, please drop off and pick up your children at the time of your oldest child's class. The younger sibling will wait in their classroom in the mornings and afternoons. For example, if you have a child in 7th grade and 1st grade, please arrive at 8:45 and 3:30. Your 1st-grade child will wait with their teacher until you pick them up at 3:30.
Children must never play in the parking lot. Parents must come into the classroom to pick up their children upon arrival and should keep them from playing in the parking lot. If a parent wants to speak with another parent, please arrange to arrive ten minutes early and discuss the matter before coming in to pick up your child.
The maximum time parked cars can be in the parking lot is fifteen minutes unless the parent has an appointment with a teacher or staff member.
Parents are asked to take turns with flag duty, watching the children come and leave. Safety for every student is vital at NLIS.
Arrival and departure times
For the safety of the children, all children should remain on school grounds only when faculty and staff are present to watch and protect them. As a result, children should arrive at the school grounds no earlier than 8:40 and leave within 35 minutes of dismissal, unless the parent has paid for after-school care or the student is involved in an extracurricular activity. If students commute independently, the school cannot guarantee their safety; therefore, NLIS asks parents to be aware of when and where their child travels. If a child remains on the school grounds 35 minutes after class has been dismissed, please pay 300 yen per hour to the teacher in charge.. The teachers need the time after school to grade papers, visit with parents, prepare for the next day's lessons, and attend school meetings. Please inform your child's teacher if you will be late by calling the school office at 287-9577.
Lunches
Students have three choices for lunch.
One, they may bring their own obento. Parents should provide balanced meals that include a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, grains, and healthy drinks. Parents may also include a dessert. The lunches can be simple leftovers from the night before or something from a convenience store. There are no comments about each other's lunches, so parents do not have to prepare fancy obento daily.
NLIS also has two lunch services that deliver healthy lunches daily to the school:
Bear Café delivers warm Hong Kong-style Obento box lunches. The price is 350 yen for a small lunch and 400 yen for a bigger lunch. To order, use Line 080-7806-9021. You may pay once a week via PayPay or cash to the owner, Tony Konishi.
At Hanazen Bento, you can order a lunch box of the day from 350 to 400 yen and have it delivered to the school. Parents order and pay online through PayPay. Please see the homepage of "Hanazen Bento" for details. http://hanazen.co.jp/yoyaku/
Field trips, special days, class parties, and special speakers
NLIS has three class parties each year: fall, Christmas, and Valentine's. Some parent volunteers are asked to bring snacks for the class parties and activities.
All grades participate together in four school-wide fun activities: a school field trip to explore the community, Sports Day at Midorigaoka Gym, a celebration of the last day before summer doing water relays and games, and end-of-the-year minute-to-win-it relays.
Elementary NLIS students have special days throughout the year that focus on themes: Beach Day, Camp Literacy Day, 100 Days, and Opposite Day. The 6th graders have a school trip, usually to Yomiuri Land in Tokyo.
Secondary students celebrate"Spirit Week," Camp Literacy Day, and participate in the Student Council. The 9th and 12th graders have an annual school trip, usually overnight.
All grades participate in Spiritual Emphasis Week, which features special guests.
1st -3rd graders have an annual trip to the police headquarters or the fire department.
Special speakers come and share their talents several times a year. Police officers, dentists, train conductors, ventriloquists, artists, world travelers, musicians, and others have come to speak. English or Japanese can be used with our bilingual students. Parents are welcome and encouraged to come and share their talents and teach the students about their jobs or interests. The students learn a lot from the community and families.
These events reward the students for their diligent work and help increase their motivation for school learning.
Recess and physical education
All students at NLIS enjoy a daily 30-minute recess, usually outside.
In grades 3 through 12, students play outside in the front parking area (a gate is used to block off cars), the local park, or the gym.
Grades 1 and 2 do not use the parking lot but use the local park or the gym daily.
All elementary students take physical education classes twice a week for 30 minutes. They learn the rules of cooperation with teams in sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, table tennis, and kickball and learn about fitness and health through various exercises.
All 7th and 8th-grade secondary students must take a physical education class annually and meet for 50 minutes two and three days every other week.
All high school students, grades 9 through 12, must choose at least two physical education credits as an elective and meet for 50 minutes two and three days every other week.
Transportation
NLIS is only 800 meters from Kofu station, and many students take the train or bus and can walk together to and from school. Students may walk, ride a bicycle, or take a bus or train, or parents may drive the student directly to the school by car. Students may choose any bike they wish to use but must always wear a helmet when going to and from school.
Clubs and extracurricular activities
The following are available Monday through Friday after school:
ESL (English as a second language)
JSL (Japanese as a second language)
Eiken classes
After-school care is provided by several teachers until 5:00.
Non-contact karate classes are offered on Thursdays.
Separate Teen Girls' and Boys' Bible Studies are offered once a week.
We will start a sports club and a robotics club in April 2026.
Most NLIS students are involved in local after-school and weekend clubs and activities, including gymnastics, gospel choir, piano, violin, taiko, sculpture, art, ballet, swimming, tennis, and soccer, outside of our school. Please see the school for more information on these activities.
Pro-family
New Life International School's policy is that the teachers and staff are here to support parents in raising their children. Teachers ask parents to help by supporting their children's training and discipline, as we work together to educate the students. NLIS encourages parents to spend quality time with their children, teach them morals and social skills at home, and communicate freely and frequently with the children about their feelings and experiences at school and with friends.
Christian teaching
The teachers teach Bible classes in the classrooms daily, and a chaplain teaches a Bible story and plays games with the students every Friday. All full-time teachers are Christians. Every class prays in the mornings and before lunch each day. Students are not required or coerced to follow the Christian religion. Still, they must agree to participate in the chapel, prayers, and Bible teaching. All religions are accepted at New Life International School. Currently, the families of New Life International School are Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and people of no religion.
Student Grade Reports and Parent-Teacher Meetings
Parents with children in grades 1 through 6 will receive a grade report three times a year in July, November, and March.
Parents with children in grades 7 through 12 will receive a grade report twice a year in October and March.
Parents will receive the grade reports in an email through the school's student information and grading system.
Parent/teacher conference days are in July and in November. In July, the parents come without the students to meet with their child's teacher to discuss the child's achievements. In November, the students lead the conferences and share their strengths and weaknesses with their parents.
Use of heaters and air-conditioners
Students focus better when they are comfortable and not stressed by heat or cold. Therefore, every classroom will have an average temperature of 20-23 degrees in cold months. The moderate temperature setting for hot months is 24 to 28 degrees.
Grades
NLIS recognizes that grades are important, but doesn't overemphasize one grade or skill above another. NLIS teachers encourage students to strive for their best and celebrate their unique talents. Students' grades are based on daily work, both written and verbal, projects, presentations, portfolios, quizzes, and tests. No test makes up more than 20% of a student's semester grade. A passing grade is considered to be 60%, and students must achieve an average of 60% on their assignments and test grades to pass. Due to the school's small teacher-student ratio, teachers are keenly aware of each student's abilities and work diligently to ensure every student's success. If there is a problem, the teachers call the parents and ask for their assistance with homework. The teachers are all invested in the students and want them to succeed.
For more information, please see "What is a Christian, Western-Style Education" on this website.
Retaining students
NLIS does not encourage retaining students because research shows that students who continue to the next grade level do as well as those who are retained. Rare retention cases are generally only implemented in the early grades, rather than in later grades. However, for developmentally slow, very young students or delayed English learning, students may need to repeat an early grade level to succeed in school. If necessary, the parents would be involved in this decision. After learning English, students usually jump to the next grade.
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 miss more than 18 days of unexcused absences, which is 10% of the year. If they do, they risk not passing their classes and may have to repeat the grade.
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 the class starts 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.
Standardized tests
Grades 1-8 take a standardized test three times a year. The students are tested in reading and math skills.
Grades 9 & 10 take the practice PRESAT test online three to four times a year.
Grade 11 students are encouraged to take the SAT. This test helps students apply to universities in America, Canada, and more than 800 universities worldwide, including some universities in Japan.
Grades 11 and 12 students study the TOEFL and are encouraged to take the test since many colleges in Japan require students to submit a test score.
Uniforms
All elementary students are required to wear the NLIS school t-shirt every day. At the time of this printing, the short-sleeved t-shirts are 1,600 yen, and the long-sleeved shirts are 2,000 yen. We have school t-shirts available in black, white, and blue. Please see any office staff if you are interested in purchasing a shirt. In winter, students wear navy or gray sweaters.
Junior high and high school students wear Uniqlo school uniforms. They wear a navy blazer, trousers, a white shirt, a tie for the boys, a bow tie for the girls, and sweater vests in the winter. The girls can also wear a plaid skirt. Badges must be worn on the blazers at all times.
Junior high and high school students must wear a school t-shirt during PE and field trips. They also wear a school jacket for PE during the winter.
Occasionally, the school will call a "free day." On these days, the students can wear anything they want as long as it is modest and clean. Note: Every Friday will no longer be a "free day."
Physical Education: All children in grades 7-12 are required to wear the school t-shirt during physical education classes. Students should wash their P.E. clothes every week. There is a designated place for the students to change.
Badges
All NLIS students are required to wear a school badge on any day they are not wearing a school shirt. In the winter, the badge should be on the coat or jacket the child wears to school. The first badge is free. If a child needs more, they are 300 yen each.
Shoes
Students use outdoor shoes in school. Students are free to wear shoes, boots, sandals, and other footwear as long as it is safe. Students in grades 1 to 3 are required to bring one pair of indoor shoes to keep at school in case of rainy weather, as their outdoor shoes may get muddy or wet while playing at the park during recess.
Junior High and High School students must wear indoor shoes in their building at all times.
Free Days
Occasionally, the school will call a "free day." On these days, the students can wear anything they would like as long as it is modest and clean.
Physical education uniform
All children in Grades 7 through 12 must wear the school t-shirt during physical education classes. Students will be given a time and a place to change. Students should take their P.E. clothes home every week to wash.
Other fashions
Though NLIS requires uniforms, students are given some freedom in their hair length and body fashion; therefore, things such as perms, dyed hair, nail polish, etc., are left to the parents' choice as long as they are not so extreme as to distract from learning. Students should not bleach their hair white, green, yellow, or other extreme colors. It is distracting. Elementary girls may wear lip gloss and small, post-earrings, and girls in secondary school from 8th grade may wear light makeup and wire earrings. However, the Biblical teaching in 1 Peter 3:3-4 is encouraged: Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as braided hair, gold jewelry, and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. (NIV)
Fashion rules
Students should not wear clothing or fashion that distracts them or others from learning, that appears immoral, or that is unsafe. The word immoral implies something that might cause sexual temptation or encourage sin, according to Christian teachings. A distracting fashion would be so noticeable or shocking as to distract students from focusing on learning in the classroom. In line with our policy regarding learning, morality, and safety, NLIS clothing and fashion rules at school or even on the way to and from school are:
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Students should refrain from dyeing their hair brightly colored, such as green, pink, or yellow, or wearing distracting face paint. However, students may wear face paint during parties with the teacher's permission. Henna is allowed. Dyed hair in natural colors (brown, natural shades of red, black) is permitted. Bleached hair is not allowed since it is not culturally accepted in Japan.
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Boys and girls must keep their hair out of their faces. They must cut the hair above the eyes or keep it away from the face by putting it behind the ears or fastening it. Hair over the eyes can distract the student from studying and cause them to hide their emotions from others. We want the students to have every advantage in mental and emotional learning.
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No bags, jewelry, or clothing with a wrong message: foul language, offensive pictures, immoral themes in images or words, or pro-alcohol, pro-tobacco, or pro-drug messages.
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Head coverings (such as hats, hoodies, and scarves) should not be worn inside the classroom.
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Students must not roll up, unbutton, or loosen their clothes so that their stomach, back, shoulders, mid-chest, or upper thighs are visible, or show any part of their underpants or underclothes.
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No tattoo should be visible on the school grounds or on the way to and from school.
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Boys may not wear earrings, as they are often considered controversial for males. For safety, elementary girls must only wear small earrings, such as small studs or tiny hoops. Girls from grade 7 and above may wear dangling earrings and wire earrings. For safety reasons, teachers may ask students to remove their earrings during physical education.
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Boys must dress like boys, and girls must dress like girls. Boys may not wear dresses, and girls may not wear men's suits. Deuteronomy 22:5 says, "A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing…"
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Students should not bring expensive jewelry or bags to school. NLIS is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items.
School rules for student behavior
Students should take a positive view of school in the following ways:
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Follow the instructions of all teachers and school leaders.
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Complete all homework and class assignments with a positive attitude.
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Attend classes daily and arrive on time for school and class events.
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Follow NLIS dress regulations.
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Show respect to all classmates, teachers, and school staff.
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Engage in the discussions and strive to learn as much as you can.
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Have fun in school! We laugh a lot!
Students must not do the following:
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Cheat on tests, copy others' homework, have someone else do the homework, or turn in a written essay or research paper done with AI, copied from books, or other sources.
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Use bad words or vulgar language (including talking about sex or obscene things) in any language.
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Break the school clothing regulations or wear clothing or other body fashion that disrupts learning, appears immoral, promotes alcohol, smoking, or drugs, or is unsafe.
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Use cell phones or computers without the school's permission. All cell phones must be on manner mode during class. If a student uses a cell phone without permission, the teacher may confiscate the phone. The teacher will give the phone back to the student after school. NLIS will not be responsible for the loss or damage of any cell phone brought from home.
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Damage things that belong to other students, teachers, or the school. Examples: drawing pictures on the wall, breaking a student's pen, hurting someone's clothes, etc. Students will be asked to restore or replace any damaged items.
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Harass and bully: gossiping, teasing, making threatening gestures, touching, hitting, pushing, kicking, taking items from a child, sending hurtful computer messages, telling lies about a child, etc. We will not allow one student to lead others to refuse to play with or communicate with another child or guide others to reject a child in any way—no jokes or insults about race, religion, culture, family, etc. Please see NLIS's bullying policy below.
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Be involved in sexually related behaviors, including talking about or writing notes about sex, carrying or looking at pornography, drawing pictures containing naked bodies, or being sexually suggestive. Also, no sexual harassment: teasing about the body, sexual jokes, inappropriate touching, pointing, talking, sexually suggestive actions, etc. Students are not allowed to hug, hold hands, or kiss at school, on the way to school, or on the way home from school. NLIS advises that students refrain from dating until the age of 17 and only with their parents' permission.
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Take or "borrow" anything without the owner's permission.
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Take part in any illegal activity, including underage participation with alcohol or illicit use of drugs, possession of drugs, or smoking cigarettes.
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Attempt to encourage others to use alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs, or encourage others to break the law in any way.
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Commit violence: Hit or kick a teacher or student. Carry or use weapons.
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Threaten to harm another student or teacher in any way—physically, socially, or emotionally.
NLIS bullying policy
NLIS strives to empower students through quality English Christian education in a safe, loving, and family-like environment. Therefore, NLIS will allow no child to bully, tease, or insult another student, regardless of how differently that child may dress, talk, act, or think, or their religion, race, culture, language background, family, or any other characteristic that makes them seem different. We do not condone or support bullying from any child or parent, and all instances of bullying will be dealt with firmly. If you believe your child is a target, please notify their teacher, the principal, or a staff member immediately.
Note: To be bullied is to be mistreated by one or more people on a repeated basis. It is not a one-time disagreement or a careless word from a student.
Christian discipline
The following was taken from the school handbook of the Christian Academy of Japan in Tokyo. It is appropriate, so we have adopted this stance regarding our punishment and discipline policy:
Because of sin in our lives, there are times when the law of love and mutual respect is broken, school rules are violated, and disputes arise among students, teachers, staff, and parents. We all have sinful inclinations, but how we deal with sin and its effects must differ from those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. The Bible is our guide for dealing with sin. The Biblical process for dealing with sin includes:
-Admonition in love ("Did you have permission to take that from Yuko's locker?")
-Confession of wrong ("I'm sorry. It was wrong of me to do that.")
-Restitution ("I'll put it back right now.")
-Reconciliation ("I forgive you; let's be friends.")
When we follow this pattern, we can grow toward Christian maturity through our mistakes.
Consequences
NLIS students are exceptional. They all try hard to get along and follow the rules. However, when a student hurts another person or damages their property, there are consequences. Because growth and change are the goals, the consequences of wrongdoing should be corrected or repaired to mitigate the harm. Reconciliation requires personal confession, apology, and forgiveness. Abuse of property may demand restitution. For example, if a student makes a mess, they may have to spend extra time at school cleaning; if they waste time in class or are frequently late, they may have to skip recess; if a student abuses a privilege, that privilege may be removed for a period. If doing wrong seems to be a habit or a pattern, or if the deed appears especially willful or severe, the school will contact the parents to arrange a conference to discuss the problem and possible solutions. Proactive communication between parents and teachers is encouraged. A teacher might find it necessary to punish a child to strengthen their sense of sorrow and willingness to change. In addition to this process of warning, confession, restitution, and reconciliation, each teacher might also have a system of rewards, warnings, and punishments to train the children.
The following consequences may be used for any child at NLIS who breaks the rules:
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The student may have to pull a tag. (Explanation follows in the next column.)
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The student may be removed from the class, primarily to help them concentrate on the lesson or to give the student a little space.
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The student may write a letter of apology.
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The student may have to eat alone.
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The student may need to visit the principal's office.
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The teacher or principal may contact the parent if a student has a severe or recurring behavioral or academic problem.
Approved disciplinary measures
Every teacher at NLIS is free to use a different teaching style and establish their own classroom rules. At the beginning of the school year, teachers explain their rules to every student and provide a letter of explanation to parents.
One approved method used in some classes is "pulling tags." The teacher discusses the class rules and consequences with the students and gives a written explanation to the parents. If a child breaks a classroom rule, they must pull a cardboard tag with their name from a designated area on the classroom wall. This visual reminds the children to be careful to follow the rules.
Teachers will ask students to write an apology letter each time a student willingly and repeatedly breaks a rule. The letter of apology is a handwritten note from the student acknowledging that they understand they disrupted learning and that they will try not to repeat the offense.
The teachers may keep the notes until the end of the year. If the child has many letters, the teacher may show the parent and discuss ways to help the student improve their behavior. If the child doesn't have many, the teacher will dispose of them. Other disciplinary measures may include student disciplinary or behavioral probation and suspension of student attendance. These would be used in cases involving repeated fighting, stealing, or cheating. Corporal punishment shall never be used; however, reasonable physical restraint to protect persons and property shall be permitted. For instance, a teacher can separate individuals to protect them if a fight occurs.
Expulsion from school
When all other attempts have failed, a child may be permanently removed from school and no longer enrolled. English schools in Kofu are limited, so this would be a last resort. NLIS will not allow one distraught child to destroy the school. However, NLIS will deal with troubled children with love, decisive action, and patience.
Open door policy
All parents may come and observe the classes at any time. However, it will help the teachers if the parent calls the school ahead of time so the teacher can prepare a seat and so that the parent can be sure that a regular lesson will be taught at that time.
We love parent volunteers! Please ask your child's teacher if you could volunteer to read to the children, laminate, or cut items for the teacher. NLIS loves having parents get involved by helping in the classes.
Parent-teacher conferences and explanation of multi-age classes
NLIS invites parent-teacher dialogue. NLIS has at least one or two scheduled conferences and several observation days during the year. The parents may request a meeting at any time during the year. Please write or call the office and make an appointment to meet with the teacher after school hours or the principal during school hours. Parents are valued and appreciated at NLIS.
NLIS classes are combined as follows:
2026-27
Elementary: Grade 1-2, Grades 3-4, Grade 5, and Grade 6
Secondary: Grades 7 & 8, 9 & 10, and 11 & 12 are divided into three homerooms. During the day, secondary classes are divided into subject areas, such as math, science, English, social studies, and Japanese.
As NLIS grows, the school plans to have separate classes for all grades. The following are the advantages of Multi-Aged Classrooms:
1. Gender
By having combined classes, there is a better chance of maintaining a balance of genders.
2. Students learning from students
Every teacher who teaches a multi-age class notes the value of students learning from the teacher and from one another. Older children commonly mentor younger ones, which helps both the older and younger students reinforce their learning. It can also boost students' self-esteem, encourage responsible behavior, and foster a healthy class atmosphere. NLIS is very proud of its family atmosphere. The mixed classes help the students interact with everyone in the school.
3. Teacher continues
Having multi-age classes at NLIS allows teachers to get to know their students better, as they are with them for a two-year period. The students and teachers get to know each other well and develop a close relationship.
Are all subjects taught together?
No. All math classes are taught separately for each grade. Each teacher teaches two separate math courses. While one group works independently, the teacher instructs the other grade.
Reading, spelling, and handwriting are also taught separately in all elementary grades. The teacher teaches one group while the other group works independently.
All subjects, including writing, grammar, novel units, Bible, social studies, science, art, music, computer, and physical education, are covered together in class. For example, for the 5th and 6th-grade multi-age group, the 5th-grade level science is taught one year, and the 6th-grade level is taught the following year. This way, all the learning objectives are reached.
Japanese is taught separately in all grades by trained, native Japanese teachers. Track 2 is taught in a combined class with two teachers for students in grades three and up—track 2 students study for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Many students have passed several levels of the test.
Are "multi-age" classes found only in smaller schools?
No. Schools and educational authorities have adopted multi-age classes due to their advantages.
Is there a disadvantage for children moving from a multi-age to a single-grade system?
No, because in terms of paperwork, all students at NLIS are enrolled within a given grade. There are no complications if they transfer to another school.
Pray for the School
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!