I have reported on many schools in Japan but Horizon seems to have flown under the radar. Basically Horizon International school has a reputation of being a small school with a good number of it's teachers having teacher licenses or some kind of certification. Horizon also has a reputation of having an abnormally high teacher turn over rate. Some parents report that the number is somewhere between 75% to 100%. Many Japan-bound teacher's have asked about Horizon International School on some of my other blogs with very little response. I hope this blog will help my fellow professionals make educated decisions before accepting a job at Horizon. Perhaps former teachers can help shed some light as to why there seems to be a mass exodus of teachers from Horizon every year. As with my other blogs I expect there to be a civil discussion, and to keep a level of respect for all educational institutions and their employees. The purpose of this blog is to help other teachers make professional decisions before they travel thousands of miles to take a job they know nothing about. I look forward to read every one's stories and comments.
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I know the teachers at Horizon. They are clearly unhappy with things there. They never stay long. It is not a good situation.
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ReplyDeleteCan you tell me why teachers are unhappy with things at Horizon?
ReplyDeleteGreat kids, Great parents but...low salaries and long hours. One weekend a month you'll find yourself at work. They have an adminstration that has no teaching experience whats so ever (they say they do but you figure out the truth pretty quickly). The people that run Horizon will kill your desire to stay there. We all just move on and you will to.
ReplyDeleteI had an interview with Horizon and they seem to want to hire me. I'm really interested in this job but it really weirds me out that all their teachers keep leaving. Anonymous brought up some really good reasons but he also said "The people that run Horizon will kill your desire to stay there. We all just move on and you will to." What goes on there? I need to know. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI taught at Horizon and it was a challenge for all the reasons mentioned above. I survived for one year only. It allowed me to be in Japan and I am grateful for that. I enjoyed the students and most families were enjoyable to work with. Management has a lot of room to grow. Teachers leave in handfuls each year for a reason. It's a demanding job with little support in my opinion. If I had the decision to make again I would absolutely teach in Japan, but I would seek another school.
ReplyDeleteI taught at Horizon for a number of years. It is true that the school is small but I didn't think it was my biggest challenge to teach there. Every school, including the one that I am teaching currently has its own challenges. I just don't want to be unfair! I enjoyed working at Horizon.
ReplyDeleteI have an online interview for this school. Someone mentioned that wages were low....what is the average wage at this school so that I can decide if I can live well when out in Japan. Also, what are the weekly hours and annual holidays?
ReplyDeleteI would also like to know the answer to that question.
ReplyDeleteThings seem to have changed apparently.
ReplyDeleteI have been teaching at Horizon for 2 years now and am very happy about the school. I have renewed my contract for another year. I hope to stay here for a few more years until I head back to my hometown.
I am totally agree with the previous comment.
ReplyDeleteI have been teaching for 2 and half years at Horizon. I am so glad to be here, it is like a big family with the teachers, kids and the parents.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI found out your blog while I am seraching for the appropriated school for my daughter as our family will move to Japan, Hiyoshi next year. Could you kindly share any information which is useful for the parents, please? such as which international school is reputable and well systemed for students nearby Hiyoshi.
thank you so much in advance.
Here is a list of international schools that has been through accreditation process.
DeleteSaint Maur International School
Yokohama International School (not recommended for elementary age students due to their PYP program. Unless the teacher fully aware and comfortable with teaching PYP, students tend to miss the basic skills and only cultivate thinking skills)
Seisen International School
Sacred Heart International School
American International School In Japan (uses US Curriculum)
All the international Schools above are IB curriculum schools Except for American school which uses AP for High School students)
I hope this helps!
Hi there. Does anyone have an update on the teacher turnover at this school more recently? I am potentially interviewing with them and would appreciate any insight/advice..
ReplyDeleteHello. Just curious if you accepted the position? If so, I was curious.about what the school is like and salary.
DeleteAny new information on this school? Kind of salary, staff morale or any other info for people looking at working here?
ReplyDelete