Welcome to Friends of VIS
Friends of Valor International School, a registered 501(c)(3) organization,
was founded in 2024 to support the vision and growth of Valor International School
and help bring that vision to life in Yokohama, Japan.
Valor exists to build a learning community where students grow in global awareness, English fluency, and purposeful service.
"Raising up lionhearted people who lead with compassion to impact cultures and nations."
Why a school?
Because education shapes more than what a child knows. It shapes who they become.
In Japan, families are seeking educational communities where children can grow academically while developing global awareness, English fluency, character, and a deep sense of purpose.
Valor International School was created to meet that need: a place where students are known and loved, challenged to grow, and encouraged to lead with compassion.
We believe a school can be more than a place where children learn. It can be a place where young people discover their gifts, develop courage and compassion, and learn to use their lives to serve others.
WHY INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION?
Mrs. Ishikawa
Parent of International School Student
"Choosing this path for our kids has been the best decision. Not only are they receiving an education in English, but they are learning about different cultures and being exposed to a wide range of traditions they wouldn't otherwise experience. The diverse student body fosters open-mindedness and encourages inclusivity- qualities that are so important in today's world. Plus, this environment can give them a valuable edge when applying to universities abroad."
Mrs. Takagi
International School Graduate
"I attended an international school from preschool through middle school, then transferred to a Japanese high school and later studied at a university in the U.S. At international school, you gain more than just language skills—you develop a mindset that naturally accepts people of different races and cultures. When I studied abroad, I was surprised by how common unconscious bias was, even in diverse environments. It made me realize how deeply my values had been shaped by my school experience. In today’s world, where global perspective and diversity matter more than ever, those values are exactly why I’m considering international school for my child too."
Mr. Kim
Parent of International School Student
"As parents of a third culture child, sending our child to an international school has been one of the most meaningful decisions we've made. Not only is our child becoming fluent in multiple languages, but they are also growing up with a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and worldviews. Most importantly, as Christians, we are grateful for an environment where faith is nurtured alongside academic excellence."
Mrs. Pietrantonio
Prospective International
School Parent
"As missionaries to Japan, we want to prioritize our daughter’s well-being. We've heard too many stories of missionary kids being “sacrificed” for ministry, and we’re mindful of the instability she may face. Our hope is that school can be one steady place in her life—a space where she can build a few meaningful friendships with others who know Jesus and be encouraged in her faith. We long for her to be educated in an environment where the focus isn’t just on following rules or becoming a good person, but on her need for Jesus, surrounded by educators who love her with Christ’s love."
