日本語サイトへFrequently asked questions
- Q. Can I visit and observe the class?
- A. Yes, We accept visits and class observation. Please make a reservation by telephone directly to the facility.
- Q. When do you accept students?
- A. We accept students at any time of the school year, but the class has a capacity.For availability, please contact the office.
- Q. Do you use the Japanese language or culture in your curriculum?
- A. We basically use English as a primary language and Japanese culture in our curriculum, however, we support children who do not understand English or Our students are exposed to Japanese in interesting ways such as through songs, books, drama and crafts. We also enjoy learning about other languages and cultures, particularly the cultures of the children attending our school.
- Q. Do all children learn together in one class?
- A. The class is divided into age groups for age appropriate learning. However, during our social time, children play and work together to improve, build, positive socials and responsibility skills.
- Q. Do you have after school classes at U1IKA?
- A. Yes, we have After Preschool, After School and Saturday classes. For more Information about our current after school programs are available from our administration office.
- Q. Can I switch courses in case of absence?
- A. We do not allow that. Each class has a different program and a system so, we do not accept switching of classes
- Q. Do you go to the playground every day?
- A. Yes, weather permitting we go to the park every day. Our school is conveniently located within walking distance of 3 parks equipped with slides, swings, climbing equipment and sand-pits.
- Q. Do you have nap time at Unique 1?
- A. We only have nap time for the 2 year olds. However, whenever a child needs to sleep, we will make a quiet comfortable bed for him/her to rest.
- Q. Do you toilet train the children?
- A. Yes, when an individual child is ready to be toilet trained, the teachers will help them achieve this goal. All of the children are reminded to use the toilet and each class has easy access to the toilet.
- Q. What happens when my child is sick at school?
- A. We first perform the first aid and we take the child to the hospital using both the school and the individual insurance.
- Q. Do you have extended hours?
- A. Yes, we do. We offer afternoon classes and extended hours for all of our students until 5pm or 6pm. Please contact the office for more information
- Q. What do you do in the case of emergencies?5
- A. We perform frequent emergency drills. This ensures that all children are familiar with the procedure and are aware of how to safely exit the building and go to the secured area until the emergency is over.
- Q. Q. How do you discipline children?
- A. Unique 1 School believes in a positive approach to discipline while helping children build their problem solving skills. Our low student/teacher ratio allows us to spend time with each child when they are facing difficulties.Needless to say, there is no physical punishment at our school.
- Q. Do you introduce reading and writing at your school?
- A. Language and literacy is an integral part of each class. The classroom is filled with words, letters, numbers and symbols creating a literacy rich environment. For our younger students the alphabet is introduced. As the children grow, we begin to familiarize them with phonetic awareness and pre-writing skills. In the kindergarten class, we begin simple sentence writing and reading.
- Q. Please tell me about the tuition.
- A. The tuition differs from class to class and we believe it is important to visit the school for more details.
- Q. Do you have parent/teacher conferences?
- A. Yes. During the school, year there are scheduled conferences. However, you may request to speak with our teachers at any time.
- Q. Do you issue progress reports?
- A. Yes, our school issues detailed reports for each student, twice a year.
Our Parent's Voice
With our individual learning program tailored to each child's ability, we received a lot of feedback from the parents and students. They carefully observed their children’s education and what they have accomplished at u1ika’s happy learning environment.
When I was looking for a preschool where I wanted to create opportunities for my child to be in an English environment and other developmental programs, I accidentally met a teacher named Francisca at the park with her preschool kids. As I listened to her thoughts on the growth of children, and how the children were taken care of at u1ika, I decided to enroll my hild.
I learned that u1ika does not value only English, but also individuality and the developmental growth of each child. My child joined the Jiyugaoka branch of u1ika when she was 2 years old, knowing that the school focuses on the importance of hands-on activities and using one’s own hands. She happily worked a lot on various activities and the hands-on projects. Within a short time, I realized that their English input was combined with the movement of the body, which is very important. Well, what the teacher predicted about how my child will develop and the ability to start communicating in English by 3, did happen. When my child turned 3, she began to speak English naturally at home – she spoke simple English and counted numbers in English. I am really glad I contacted Unique 1 International Kids Academy and enrolled my child as I carefully observed and enjoyed their English teaching style.
Thank you very much.
3years old parent ( Unique 1 Pre-approach Program participant ) — M. S., parent
To begin with, I was moved by the love, zeal and the enthusiasm of the teachers at u1ika, as well as their way of thinking. I had the same views as the director’s educational philosophy, ideas and her way of thinking. When my child was two years old, he started Unique 1. That fact that he did not cry for the first time at school was a big surprise to me. This is because, at that time, he was going through separation anxiety; however, she came home satisfied and happy as she had had lots of fun. He said, “I love preschool and I always want to see my teachers”. Unique 1 International Kids Academy is not just for native English education; they create various challenges for the children. They have various programs such as Montessori, art work using colors, tools, manipulatives, outdoor activities, music, instruments and dance. Also, the teachers have very good educational background and we sincerely appreciate their efforts. u1ika is a school where the older students support the younger children, and the younger children also learn from the older ones. In addition to good manners and politeness, the healthy and positive greetings exchanged among students are great. I have never met teachers who have such love and enthusiasm for teaching children. It was really nice to have an opportunity to enroll my child at Unique 1 International Kids Academy.
3years old parent ( u1ika Pre and Kindergarten Program participant ) — M.F., parent
First of all, I was surprised about what u1ika kids do in general. They were so polite and considerate, and enjoyed communicating with each other in English. At the preschool, the children deeply considered one thing: positive thinking. They freely expressed their opinions from various angles and when I saw the liveliness and active learning environment, I wanted my son to learn at u1ika. Currently, my child is 3 years old; anytime he returns from Unique 1, he always tells me happily that he enjoyed the preschool. My sons’ English ability has also improved and he continues to speak English. Through a variety of activities such as work and outdoor activities, dancing and singing, reading, mathematics, Montessori, etc., I feel that my son has grown so quick and he is learning many things at the preschool. I am very happy that the director has passion and affection, and she has direct connection with each child whilst respecting their individuality and each child’s learning style. It was really nice that I found u1ika.
3years old parent ( u1ika Pre and Kindergarten Program participant ) — K.H., parent
When my child joined u1ika, I clearly saw the positive changes in him in the first month. My child used to observe what his friends do from behind and does not participate in any activity. However, he became more confident about himself and what he does had changed positively in various ways. Getting the great love from teachers who accept each individual child, he developed great intellectual skills, ability to concentrate and work on math, science and other subjects. My child gained early intellectual stimulation and the ability to absorb whatever he learns. The teachers did not focus on teaching only English; they were mentors who helped my child understand how to read and write. With a positive guidance on various developmental areas, my child gained confidence, acceptance and love. My son enjoyed going to Unique 1 International Kids Academy.
5years old parent ( u1ika Pre and Kindergarten Program participant ) — T.U., parent
When my child joined u1ika, I clearly saw the positive changes in him in the first month. My child used to observe what his friends do from behind and does not participate in any activity. However, he became more confident about himself and what he does had changed positively in various ways. Getting the great love from teachers who accept each individual child, he developed great intellectual skills, ability to concentrate and work on math, science and other subjects. My child gained early intellectual stimulation and the ability to absorb whatever he learns. The teachers did not focus on teaching only English; they were mentors who helped my child understand how to read and write. With a positive guidance on various developmental areas, my child gained confidence, acceptance and love. My son enjoyed going to Unique 1 International Kids Academy.
5years old parent ( u1ika Pre and Kindergarten Program participant ) — Y.M., parent
After entering u1ika, I clearly saw the growth of my child on a daily basis. He really enjoyed going to school very happily on a daily basis. I have a personality that I cannot talk about my opinion, but I could not resist sharing my opinion on my child’s education. To my surprise, my child started speaking English three to four months after joining Unique 1. She was able to read and write step by step on her own. She became interested in numbers, and her speed in calculation became faster and faster each day. The number of the kids is perfect and a very reliable point as a parent, to see each child’s individual personality and the teachers taught the children according to their individual learning style.
5years old parent ( u1ika Pre and Kindergarten Program participant ) — K.Y., parent
My teacher, Francisca, is the one who changed my life.
During my kindergarten days, I was very individualistic but a very quiet child. Francisca accepted me, and made sure she helped me boost my inner strength and skills. This is the story that I heard from my mom... After all the teachers in the pre-school, including the principal, tried to stop me from continuing the preschool, because they thought I was a special needs child, only one person stood by my side. She was the only teacher who was interested in me, who I am and what I liked to do. It was Francisca who saved me by being on my side and supporting me with things that I liked to do and with things that I only concentrated on. I am a special student of a private Senior High School pursuing the interest that I had from my preschool age – the talent that Francisca discovered and helped me to sustain and set me on a designer’s path. Without my happenstance with Francisca, I think I wouldn’t have such a life and a future dream. I really appreciate Francisca!
S (F) 17 years old