About Us

- About Us -

Unique 1 International Kids Academy (U1IKA) is a unique learning world where guardians, teachers, and staff work together to contribute and support the children's education no matter what the challenges your child may have. It is a new and unique international pre-school near Zama station on the Odakyu Line and is also accessible from Ebina, Sobudaimae and Sagamino stations by bus.

We strive to serve families both working and nonworking mothers to provide the best education for their children. I firmly believe it is very important for children to experience a multicultural environment which widens their knowledge about the world that they live in.
As an educator for over 15 years with multiple licenses in childhood education, I strongly believe that it is our mission as educators and a school to accept every child as unique with great personal skills and to cultivate the seeds of wisdom and knowledge in every child no matter where his/her background is. Hand in hand, we sow the seed of knowledge, watch them bloom, build and nourish the nutrient rich soil of confidence, creativity, curiosity, and compassion from which our children will grow into responsible adults with the heart of global citizenship.

We strive to serve families both working and nonworking mothers to provide the best education for their children. I firmly believe it is very important for children to experience a multicultural environment which widens their knowledge about the world that they live in.
As an educator for over 15 years with multiple licenses in childhood education, I strongly believe that it is our mission as educators and a school to accept every child as unique with great personal skills and to cultivate the seeds of wisdom and knowledge in every child no matter where his/her background is. Hand in hand, we sow the seed of knowledge, watch them bloom, build and nourish the nutrient rich soil of confidence, creativity, curiosity, and compassion from which our children will grow into responsible adults with the heart of global citizenship.

One of our beliefs is children are young adults, capable of thinking deeply and reflectively.
Our teachers guide the children as they develop and refine their knowledge and understanding through the exploration of their ideas and experiences. We make sure the children experience a multi active classroom and the creative power of learning together in small and large groups where teachers guide and encourage them while pursuing their own individual learning styles and pathways.

U1IKA's curriculum has been created and revised based on close observation, creativity, direct and hands-on research in early childhood education, best practices and our cumulative experience working with young children and families from various backgrounds. Our goal is to stimulate and challenge each child to thrive socially, emotionally, intellectually, and academically.

　

We encourage you to visit our school to see our mission and goals in action.










Mission Statement

- Mission -

We offer programs focusing on raising positive social skills, encouraging healthy growth of emotional strength, physical body strength, strong mind and cultivating the natural ability in children to think logically and communicate, to be creative and independent.
The Unique 1 curriculum allows each child to develop positive self - esteem and build the happy foundation for learning. In accordance with the interests of children, our approach is to allow each child to learn as an individual to improve his/her ability and we create a place for learning where children can actively participate, gain knowledge through hand-on activities and to know the world around them. We guide children to expand their learning world as they gain knowledge and self-esteem.
Unique 1's mission is to cultivate children's ability to help them solve problems, learn through mistakes, help them develop curiosity throughout their life time, and to guide children to become more confident.


We primarily look forward to give children endless learning opportunities for a better growth. Our teachers are licensed or experienced to guide the children in accordance with the curriculum, observe, guide and support their development.

Unique 1’s original curriculum help children develop their rich inner abilities, encourage them to acquire good problem-solving, communication skills, comprehend, and concentrate.
In addition, we help children develop the skills for academic success and the freedom of using the acquired knowledge and skills.

Health and Safety Environment

  • Health and Cleanliness

    Encouraging healthy habit is our priority. We also work together with the children to help them understand and know the importance of hygiene. Our trained teachers participate and encourage the children as their role models whilst they do basic task together with them.

    The classrooms are cleaned 3 times a day

    Tables are wiped after each activity

    Children wash their hands quite often

    We clean the toilet 2-3 times a day

    We also sanitize and clean the sink and toilet areas, toys, etc.

    Shoe area, floors and windows are sanitized daily.

    We believe that instilling a healthy lifestyle, with plenty of exercise, is of the utmost importance to children. Establishing good habits from an early age brings a lifetime of benefits.
    We are dedicated to promoting positive lifestyle habits for the children in our care, through education and practice.

  • Safety First

    Classrooms are well equipped with toxic-free and child safety educational materials, fire extinguisher, security alarm and smoke detectors.
    Doors are locked by 9:10am and kept closed throughout the day; the whole building is checked before the doors are closed.

    Classrooms are well equipped with toxic-free and child safety educational materials, fire extinguisher, security alarm and smoke detectors.
    Doors are locked by 9:10am and kept closed throughout the day; the whole building is checked before the doors are closed.

  • Positive environment

    U1IKA employs consistent and fair application of disciplinary measures, exercised in a positive fashion and atmosphere. The Principal, teachers, and parents have the same high expectations of the student. The child must be free to express his/her feelings without fear or shame in a private or open manner. All staff members work together to support and help the children.

Our teaching staff

- OUR TEACHING STAFF -

It is our school’s policy to employ teachers with outstanding professional credentials and with relevant experience delivering a broad, unique all English and bilingual curriculum.
Our teachers are well qualified and experienced early childhood and elementary educators who have experience working with children.
All our head teachers are certified and licensed Early Childhood and Elementary Educators plus child psychologist, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, phonics, and High-scope trained.
All the staff members are dedicated, experienced and energetic; they work with the children as mentors and facilitators who follow the philosophy and concept of U1IKA.
They focus on learning through play, try and error, experiment and discover various things as they learn. Our teachers are mentors who work as a team to ensure that every child’s need is carefully supported. They observe and reflect as they firmly focus on the whole child at the pace that will let each child feel comfortable to explore, move freely, learn, and play without pressure. Our role as providers in early childhood education is to complement the primary role of a positive parental care with an active and a functional educational program.
We make sure to share the events of your child’s day with you during pick up time.
From normal conversations, daily information, and parent-teacher conferences to a standing invitation to drop-in at any time of the day, we actively encourage communication between children, parents, and teachers. We consider it is a great honor and respect when you entrust your child to us, and we take our commitment very seriously to have a significant and positive influence on the child’s life in our school.
Our teachers are committed in playing an important role in each child’s growth.
Our loving, hardworking and exceptional teachers are the cornerstone of Unique 1, and we therefore require that our entire faculty have prior experience in early childhood education. They are either natives or teachers who speak very fluent English, also with bilingual or trilingual language skills who represent a variety of countries, creating a truly international atmosphere.

OUR Events

Preschool Open Day

9am - Noon

Come and visit us at Unique 1
We are opening our doors for parents to come around and see our school and our unique program.
A great day of exploration and fun activities for the kids:

 Learn about the programs available for 2, 3 and 4 year olds
 Also, our Extra Curricular Program
 Tour our school and see what we offer
 Meet the caring educators
 Connect with other families in your area.

It is possible to know the programs used by elementary school children and the extra curriculum program.
In the school tour, you can see the contents provided by Unique 1.
We will introduce our enthusiastic teachers.
You can connect with other families in the same area.

※ The date and time will differ depending on the program, please be careful.
※ If you wish to participate, please make a reservation in advance by e-mail or telephone(046-240-8388).

FUN TIME AT UNIQUE 1

We are inviting all children to our fun day program.
This is a program that will introduce your child to the various activities in English without boundaries.
We are accepting children from 2 years old to elementary age.
Please call for reservation.

 Class Observation
 Fun Time Music Program
 Story fun time for kids
 Phonics workshop for Kids
 English yoga, English game
 First Learning Game
 Action dance time

Let's have fun in English!

※ The date and time will differ depending on the program, please be careful.
※ If you wish to participate, please make a reservation in advance by e-mail or telephone (046-240-8388).

HALLOWEEN PARTY

It’s Halloween Time We’re Having a Bash
Wear Your Best Costume
To Our Fun Monster Mash
Unique 1 International Kids will celebrate their first Halloween party in Zama All kids up to grade 3 are invited.
Please book your reservation ahead of time.

Please join us for a wonderful and fun Christmas party. Let's have fun in English!

※ If you wish to participate, please make a reservation in advance by e-mail or telephone(046-240-8388).

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year where, children enjoy the international tradition.
Not only that, they have the chance to learn and sing various songs by listening and singing on their own. At Unique 1, we will celebrate our first Christmas party in a fun way with Santa Claus coming around. Please join us in our wonderful and joyous Christmas celebration.

We are inviting all children up to the third grade of elementary school. LET'S TRY English!

※ If you wish to participate, please make a reservation in advance by e-mail or telephone (046-240-8388).