Yamawaki Academy

Mrs. Yamawaki, a prominent female activist, and her lawyer husband embarked on a remarkable endeavor. In 1903, they founded Yamawaki Gakuen. This prestigious girls’ school stands proudly in Akasaka, at the heart of Tokyo. Yamawaki Academy boasts a rich history of over 120 years. The campus is surprisingly large, about 1.5 times bigger than a typical school. Yamawaki Academy focuses on three core educational pillars: English, science, and liberal arts. The school’s educational philosophy centers on fostering independence, nurturing ambition, and promoting a collaborative spirit. The academy caters to students from junior high to senior high. They follow a rigorous six-year curriculum geared toward university entrance exams. The academic year is divided into three semesters: 16 weeks, 15 weeks, and 12 weeks. Classes run from Monday to Saturday, with five periods each day, except for Saturdays which have four. Each class period lasts 50 minutes. Beyond academics, students engage in extracurricular activities like sports and cultural pursuits. Yamawaki Academy has a diverse student body of around 1600 students. While 98% are Japanese nationals, the school cherishes its multicultural environment. The faculty comprises dedicated educators across various disciplines. There are 18 Japanese teachers, 15 social studies teachers, 18 mathematics teachers, 17 science teachers, 30 English teachers, 4 home economics teachers, and 2 counselors. The academy offers a unique “Cross Culture Class” for returnee students. This class leverages their overseas experience and cultural diversity. It provides support in Japanese, science, and social studies to ease their transition back into the Japanese education system. Yamawaki Academy truly embodies a holistic approach to education. It combines academic excellence with character development.