About Harbourfront
Educational Philosophy
Providing education that adapts to the changing world and fostering global human resources with an international perspective who can thrive in a global society.
Such a true global human resource is not just someone who can speak English. Harborfront offers a curriculum that aims to foster not only reliable communication skills in English, but also self-confidence, compassion, independence, self-expression, an open mind, and an inquiring spirit.
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Message from our Senior Director
It is my honor to introduce myself as Yukiko Kawasaki Kristoferson, the newly appointed Senior Advisor at Harbourfront International School. I am deeply grateful for this fantastic opportunity.
Leveraging my years of experience in the field of education, I am committed to working sincerely and in close collaboration with all the faculty members and parents to benefit the school’s administration, curriculum development, and, most importantly, the healthy growth of our children.
Especially in this modern era where the importance of nurturing individuals with a global perspective is increasingly paramount, education that deepens the understanding of different cultures and fosters a respect for diversity is indispensable. I will dedicate myself to ensuring that this school becomes a place where children can build the foundation to thrive on the world stage.
I am looking forward to working together with all of you to create a warm and vibrant community filled with the smiles of our children.
See you soon! -
Message from the PYP Coordinator
Welcome to Harbourfront International School. My name is Janice Valenzuela, and I am proud to serve as the school’s IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning. My experiences working in IB World Schools in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Japan have strengthened my belief in the power of inquiry-based learning and the importance of fostering student voice, agency, and international-mindedness. These values strongly align with our Harbourfront pillars of Respect, Responsibility, Curiosity, and Community, which guide our approach to helping every learner grow with confidence and purpose.
At Harbourfront International School, we are committed to nurturing globally minded learners who understand their place in an interconnected world. Through inquiry, reflection, and real-life exploration, we anchor our students to the global community—encouraging them to think critically, act with compassion, and develop the skills needed to engage meaningfully with the world around them.
We believe that learning should be joyful, purposeful, and connected to authentic experiences. I look forward to working collaboratively with our students, families, and educators to uphold our shared values and inspire lifelong learning.
I am excited for the journey ahead and look forward to celebrating growth, discovery, and success with our Harbourfront community.
Message from the Director
Welcome to Harbourfront International School
It all started with a simple hope of creating a place where young children receive exceptional early childhood education and care. As a mother, the time I spent in an international preschool in Osaka, in addition to conversations with many families, really made me reflect deeply on the strengths and challenges of different learning environments.
Japanese preschools pride themselves on thoughtful care, detailed observation, strong values, manners, and well-structured developmental guidance. International schools bring creativity, global perspectives, and rich language environments. At Harbourfront, we are proud to take these strengths and intertwine them into an environment where children experience both the warmth of Japanese early childhood care and the global outlook of international education.
We want to develop children who are independent thinkers, confident communicators, team players, and life-long learners who apply their learning in the real world. Learning at HFIS is joyful, meaningful, and inquiry-driven-never for memorization's sake. The intention is to awaken critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning. These are the skills that prepare children to flourish in a changing, interconnected world.
While vocabulary in English and other languages is an essential tool, we believe that true communication means much more. We treasure the fact that children learn to listen with empathy, speak clearly, share their ideas with pride, and converse meaningfully. These universal means of communication will stay with them and continue to support them as they travel their life's path.
We believe great education starts with empowered teachers. Creating a supportive environment where teachers can grow with energy, purpose, and pride is the core of our school philosophy here at Harbourfront. When teachers thrive, children flourish.
A New Chapter: Becoming an IB PYP School
This year begins with an inspiring new chapter: Harbourfront International School officially embarks on its journey to become an IB PYP Candidate school.
The IB Primary Years Programme aligns beautifully with our vision. It celebrates curiosity, encourages children to explore big ideas, and nurtures them as confident thinkers, caring friends, and active members of their community. Through inquiry, children learn to ask questions, make connections, and take action-all essential skills for global citizenship.
It has been a dream to bring the PYP into our preschool, and I am excited to share this opportunity for growth and transformation with our whole HFIS community. Let us move forward together in a spirit of wonder, discovery, and joy in learning as we continue to grow into the globally-minded school we envision for our children.
School Information
| Name | Harbourfront International School |
|---|---|
| Facility Type | Unlicensed Nursery School(認可外保育所) (Since opening, we have received a Certificate of Compliance according to the "Guidelines for Non-licensed Daycare Facilities" (認可外保育施設指導監督基準 under Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) in a row without any written or verbal censure on any point. In the annual on-site inspection, a wide range of checks are carried out, from facility safety standards, disaster prevention, fire prevention, and evacuation drills, health and hygiene management, to the assignment of qualified personnel, guidance plans, childcare records, etc.) |
| Location | 3F, 1-18-6 Utsubohonmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka |
| Capacity | 1 year olds: Approx. 16, 2 year olds: Approx. 18, 3 year olds: Approx. 20, 4 year olds: Approx. 20, 5 year olds: Approx. 20 *Ages as of April 1st *Please note that the number of the capacity is subject to change. |
| School Days | Monday to Friday |
| School Hours | 8:00-18:30 (Regular school hours 9:00-18:00) |
| School Holidays | Saturdays, Sundays, National holidays, Golden Week, Summer holidays, Winter holidays, Spring holidays |
| Access | 2 minutes walk from Exit 28 (elevator exit) of Hommachi Station on Midosuji Line, Chuo Line and Yotsubashi Line |
| Other | Uniforms, school lunches, snacks |
| Map |
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