Guided by the motto “Step Beyond Wonder”, Global Leap International School shapes young minds to thrive in a more connected, inclusive future.

For foreign and globally-minded families in Japan, choosing the right school is a big decision. Parents who opt for an international school do so to expand their child’s horizons in ways that go beyond English-language education. But in a world where technology is transforming the way children learn, think and create, how can you set your little one on a path to success? Global Leap International School aims to guide your child on that journey. Their uniquely global environment fosters open-minded engagement with both technology and the wider world. Plus, as an IB Primary Years Program candidate school, they are committed to the highest quality in international education.

Global Leap International School

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2026/05/NZ96613.jpg)Founding Head of School, Tomohiro Nakata, came to value the cross-cultural approach through his own experience living and working abroad.

Located in Toyosu Sail Park, Tokyo, Global Leap is a truly international school. Colorful displays of objects and picture books from around the world are the first thing you notice about the space. These books and decorations spark students’ curiosity, making them an organic way to introduce the richness of new cultures. 

Founding Head of School, Tomohiro Nakata, came to value the cross-cultural approach through his own experience living and working abroad. After spending his formative years in the U.S., he studied at Keio University in Japan and at UCL in the U.K. He believes the merit of an international education lies in the diversity it provides. 

The school’s teachers hail from countries as varied as Kenya, Nepal, Indonesia and the Philippines. Many have previously lived and worked in the U.S. or the U.K. and all are experienced in English-language education. By bringing diverse cultural perspectives into the classroom, Global Leap immerses children in a vibrant multicultural environment from the moment they walk in. 

Co-Creating the Future

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](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2026/05/NZ94240.jpg)The students are taught how to thrive in a future co-created by AI.

Global Leap’s curriculum empowers children to thrive in a future co-created by AI. While parents may be anxious about the role of AI in education, Global Leap believes it is a tool to be embraced. As Nakata points out, artificial intelligence isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. What matters is familiarising students with both its potential and limitations. The goal is for children to think critically, recognizing how to use AI appropriately and ethically—and when to think for themselves.  

Global Leap is already using AI technology to enhance teaching and assessment capabilities. The school has developed a proprietary chatbot app that objectively measures students’ vocabulary growth. Children engage in conversation with a cute on-screen character while the app assesses their vocabulary in both English and Japanese. 

When working directly with AI, students can practice setting goals and giving instructions. For example, a child might describe an image they want to create, refining the details as they go. This process helps children develop the ability to explain ideas and learn how communication leads to results. By nurturing this proactive relationship with AI, Global Leap offers children a head start in a rapidly evolving world.  

A Spirit of Inquiry

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2026/05/NZ94010.jpg)The curriculum is driven by core pillars that ensure all-around development.

Global Leap International School has founded its curriculum on four core pillars that support children’s all-around development.

• Expression Activities: Nurturing children’s imagination and self-expression.

• **Physical Activities: Engaging mind and body through movement. **

• **Co-Creation Skills: **Cultivating the ethics and intelligence to coexist with others and with technology. 

• **Beauty Appreciation: **Teaching children to value the beauty of nature and culture. 

A key feature of the curriculum is inquiry-based learning—a student-led approach that taps into children’s innate curiosity and eagerness to learn. These sessions invite children to investigate topics that inspire them, cultivating excitement and deepening their knowledge. 

Teachers center additional lessons on STEAM education subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics, with an extra focus on Languages and Social Skills. When the weather is good, older children can enjoy outdoor activities in nearby Toyosu Park. Students also have the opportunity to engage in the following extracurricular activities:

• Dance

• Coordination (physical development training)

• Pygmalion (critical thinking and reasoning skills)

• Swimming (available for K3 and above) 

Things to Know

School Hours 

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2026/05/NZ94461.jpg)Extended childcare hours are available until 7:30 p.m. daily.

Global Leap International School supports busy working parents with extended childcare hours available from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day. They also operate a school bus service for pick-ups and drop-offs. 

• **Full day course: **9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

• **Half-day course: **9 a.m. to 3 p.m

• **Extended nursery hours: **7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Subject to change). 

Sample Daily Schedule

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2026/05/NZ96957.jpg)A sample of the lunch offerings.

The daily schedule at Global Leap International School emphasizes a balance between STEAM and language lessons, inquiry-based learning activities and play. 

**9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.**Circle Time – English songs, dancing, etc.

**9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.**Morning Activities – 2–3 rotating themes each day, including inquiry-based learning, outdoor play, STEAM activities, and language learning in English and Japanese.

**12 p.m. – 1 p.m.**Lunch Time

**1 p.m. – 3 p.m.**K2 & K3 → Nap Time & Snack Time.K4 → Free Play, continuation of inquiry-based learning, and snack time.(Half-day course ends here).

**3 p.m. – 6 p.m.**Afternoon Activities – Rotating daily activities such as continuation of inquiry-based learning, mixed-age group activities, dance, and extracurricular classes. 

Admission and Enrollment

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](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2026/05/NZ94541.jpg)The school welcomes mid-year admissions.

Global Leap International School welcomes new students throughout the year, including mid-year admissions. They currently accept students aged two to four years old. Parents keen to learn more are invited to book a tour. Global Leap also plans to offer a Summer School program — details to be announced.

Beyond the Early Years

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2026/05/NZ93950.jpg)Global Leap is ready to help children grow into confident, creative citizens of the world.

Building on the foundation of their early years of education, Global Leap plans to open a primary school in 2028. This means that children who begin their academic journey at Global Leap can continue to flourish under the same philosophy. 

Whatever their background, Global Leap is ready to help children grow into confident, creative citizens of the world.