We first opened our doors in Omotesando, Tokyo in 2016 with the unique vision to offer discerning families access to a culturally rich international education. Working closely with the prestigious British royal founding charity — Children & The Arts (CATA) in the United Kingdom, founded by HRH the Prince of Wales in 2006 — we wanted to play our part in exposing children to the arts in Japan.
From our very beginnings, our mission as a school has been to nurture imagination through the power of the arts. Our curriculum exposes children to a rich variety of art forms including music, theatre, poetry, dance and storytelling. The arts give children three gifts: a connection to the golden grains of the past, an appreciation of the everlasting present, and an inspiring torch to light the path towards the future through imagination, a search for meaning, and a sense of purpose.
The Early Years is a crucially important, and very special time in a child’s life. Our dedicated staff team goes above and beyond to ensure that every child has the best possible start to their education career. At Clarence, we believe it is a pleasure and a privilege to be part of your child’s life at this pivotal moment.
Welcome to Clarence International School, I am delighted that you are interested in becoming part of our growing community! At CIS, we believe passionately in the importance of high quality preschool education and understand the incredible impact that this can have on a child’s future.
The Early Years is a truly special time where discoveries are made daily and every experience is new and exciting. We pride ourselves in being able to support children on every step of this journey. Our dedicated team provides exceptional care alongside a curriculum that is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and expression.
To learn more about our unique approach to learning, join us for a school tour. I look forward to meeting you and your family soon.
In the classroom, our staff provide pupils with the guidance, care and direction they require to grow and develop, not just academically and physically, but also emotionally. Our team of teachers and assistant teachers provide a positive and nurturing learning environment to foster the best growth in our pupils. When children feel safe, happy and cared for, they are willing to take the risks required to learn in the best ways possible!
At Clarence, we also believe that within a school community, learning is not limited to pupils. As part of a holistic learning community, our teachers are provided with ongoing professional training which further enhances their knowledge, teaching and assessment skills.
Head of School
School Manager
Senior Administrator
Originally from the U.K. Ms Goddard graduated from the University of Glasgow with a Masters degree in Theatre Studies before going on to complete her PGCE in Primary Education at University College London. After beginning her teaching career in rural primary schools near her hometown in England, she moved to South Korea to work at a large International School on Jeju Island. Miss Goddard is passionate about the importance of Early Childhood Education and has over ten years experience working in this sector. She is currently studying for her Masters in Education at the University of Buckingham and in her spare time she is learning to sail.
Ms Kawasaki went to Kent College (UK) to study abroad while in High School. She graduated from the Department of English Language at the University of Sacred Heart. After her marriage, she retired from a major publishing company and worked as an English teacher at an International School before becoming a mother of two. She has experience teaching Eurhythmics to children and has earnt a qualification for English and Japanese eurhythmics at the National Conservatory. Here at Clarence, she will also be leading Japanese classes. Recently, Ms Kawasaki has gained qualifications as a Developmental Disability Support Worker, Social Skills Trainer and Instructor of General First Aid Training.
Ms Yamane is from Japan and studied Visual Art at Temple University Japan. She is happy to be involved and help our pupils flourish and enjoy their school life here at Clarence.
Teacher - Rainbow
Assistant Teacher - Rainbow
Assistant Teacher - Rainbow
Teacher - Blue Sky
Assistant Teacher - Blue Sky
Teacher - Little Stars
Assistant Teacher - Little Stars
Assistant Teacher - Little Stars
Assistant Teacher - Little Stars
Assistant Teacher - Little Stars
Ms. Clarke originally comes from England, where she graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Economics but soon after discovered her love for teaching children. With a wide variety of interests, she has experience in musical theatre, gymnastics, and dance, but also has a strong interest in science and maths. As a teacher she believes in creating a warm and inclusive learning environment where all students feel comfortable and excited to come to class, and strives to instill confidence in every child she teaches.
Growing up in Malaysia, Ms Ramlan attended Management and Science University, where she focused on Early Childhood Education. Through her decade-long experience in preschool settings, she has gained invaluable insights into the development of young children during their crucial early years. Her belief that children who receive abundant love and positive energy from society are truly blessed fuels her passion to create a safe and welcoming space for all children to learn and grow in a nurturing and stimulating environment. With her love for photography, she can capture and preserve beautiful moments with the children, making her work even more special and meaningful.
Ms. Memije, from the Philippines, is an educator with a Business Administration degree. Rather than a typical business career, she chose to inspire young minds through art. Her passion lies in helping students explore their artistic potential, cultivating their creativity and curiosity. Making education not just a process, but a transformative journey, shaping the future of the students.
Ms. Ziarkowska is originally from Poland and has spent a long time living and working in the UK and Japan. Back in Poland, she benefitted from a bilingual education both in secondary school and high school. Later, she studied English philology with a Japanese translation and interpretation module at Silesian University and then became an English language instructor. She is a very keen and capable linguist and English tutor who is very familiar with the fundamentals of language learning. Ms Ziarkowska is an experienced preschool teacher who is looking forward to encouraging children to become truly bilingual.
Miss Sayson is an accomplished educator with an educational background in English who began her teaching career in the Philippines. She excels in creating an empowering and positive atmosphere for her pupils. Her ability to build strong relationships with her students and encourage a sense of teamwork among her fellow teachers displays her skill and commitment to educational excellence.
Alice was born in Tokyo and schooled in both England and an International School in Yokohama. She attended university in Oxford, England where she received her BSc in Anthropology. As a true bilingual she has a real passion for helping students to become true bilinguals themselves.
Miss Robinson grew up in Zimbabwe where she developed a love of the outdoors. She always wanted to be a teacher and studied Education at university. After graduating, she combined her love of teaching and travelling, working in Italy, Spain, Zimbabwe and Japan. She has experience in English and primary education, and special needs support.
Ms Takahashi has a great deal of experience with young children and an innate nurturing manner. She can usually be found in the roleplay area of our Little Star classroom where she excels in drawing children into “real world” learning experiences, encouraging them to apply their new learning in interesting and imaginative ways.
Ms. Lovitos is from the Philippines. Her entire schooling was done in the University of Cebu where she completed a Bachelor in Secondary Education, majoring in Physical Education, Health, Music and Art. Having a passion for singing and experience working with students with a range of learning disabilities. She chose to be a teacher because teaching is not just a profession, it is a mission and being with children is like being endowed with perpetual youth. She finds the love, laughter, mischief, creativity and imagination of children are like an eternal fountain of joy and vitality.
Mr. John, originally from the Philippines, completed his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology at De La Salle University. His enthusiasm and passion for nurturing children are brilliantly showcased through his positive energy, which has quickly endeared him to students. He actively encourages creativity, leading to a noticeable improvement in the students’ performance.
Bus Driver
Yanai-san has been the bus driver for Clarence International School for over five years. He loves the time he gets to spend with the children each day and ensures that our bus arrives at school safely and on time!
A Clarence education is designed to provide your child with excellent foundations to prepare them for any future path they may take. As a school we offer guidance and support to all parents, helping our families through the process of selecting and applying for Primary school.
See supported schools below.
Phoenix House International school
Learn more about our support for prep school transfer.
British School Tokyo
Malvern College Tokyo
American School In Japan (ASIJ)
St Mary’s International School
International School of Scared Heart
St Joseph Elementary School
Jinseki International School (JINIS)
Westminster Cathedral School
Toyoeiwa Kindergarten