About Us
Sano International School is a unique international school located in Sano, Tochigi catering for children from kindergarten to grade 9.
Sano International School provides an enriching spiritual, moral, academic, artistic, and athletic environment every day and at every grade level.
Teachers provide moral and ethical training consistent with Christian values on a daily basis to help students develop positive self-esteem and respect for one another.
Students are taught to think for themselves and become independent lifelong learners who accept responsibility and work effectively with others.
One of the key strengths of Sano International School is our focus in both the English and Japanese language, allowing wider possibilities for high school and university.
Sano International School also offers a low teacher-student ratio that allows each student to receive close attention and support. High expectations are set and guidance is provided for students to achieve their personal best.
Sano International School is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). www.acsi.org
Raising Leaders to Impact Nations
Sano International School seeks to provide students with the skills they need to thrive in the real world; to stand firm on their own beliefs and opinions; and to be a positive influence in the environments they find themselves in.
This is based on the Biblical foundation "Train a child up in the way he should go and when he is older he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
Core Values
SIS Board of Directors, faculty and staff are committed to the following core values to reach the hearts of the students. These core values define the school in terms of its priorities, decisions, and accountability to its staff, parents and students. These core values are as follows:
Student Outcomes
SIS applies a Biblical approach to life and learning. The curriculum is designed to address the whole person and equips students to stand strong in society and to be a positive influence wherever they are. Sano International School has developed a program designed for students to graduate from SIS Junior High as students who are:
Rooted in Love
● Planted in the love of God
● Joyful in loving and serving others
Growing in Strength
● Becoming lifelong learners
● Growing in strength of character
Flourishing in Excellence
● Effective communicators in both English and Japanese
● Leaders demonstrating critical thinking, communication skills, creativity, and collaboration.
Meet the Team
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Lucas Burhan, Indonesia
Principal
Mr. Burhan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Victory Bible College, Calgary, Canada and a Master’s in Christian Education from Theological School Moriah, Indonesia. He is a certified Cambridge English Teacher, TEFL instructor, Google Educator and Pearson IELTS Expert Trainer. Mr Lucas brings over 12 years of experience in education and leadership experience serving as Vice Principal of a Christian School in Indonesia.
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Maki Yagisawa, Japan
Administrator
Ms. Yagisawa joined the team at Sano International School in 2013. She is a licensed music teacher and has over 10 years experience of teaching music at Elementary. Maki is also takes care of administration in the school.
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Naoko Hirasawa, Japan
School Nurse/Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Naoko is a licensed nurse and also has over ten years experience working in a preschool. Ms. Naoko is bi-lingual and speaks primarily to the students in English throughout the school day.
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Rika Matsumoto, Japan
Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Rika is a licensed preschool teacher who has worked in the field of preschool and nursery education for over twenty three years. She started working for Sano International School at the very beginning and has been with us ever since.
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Wenty Burhan, Indonesia
Pre-K Teacher
With over a decade of experience in homeschooling, Wenty Burhan is a seasoned educator and curriculum specialist. Having served as a Homeschool Teacher for 10 years, a Sunday School Coordinator for 5 years, and a Homeschool Curriculum Coordinator for more than 8 years, Wenty brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for personalized education to every role.
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Yusuke Ishibashi, Japan
Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher
Mr. Ishibashi earned his Bachelor's degree in Counseling from Handong Global University (Korea) and his Master's degree in Divinity from Torch Trinity Graduate University (Korea). He has various experiences in teaching English and the Bible to children and adults. He also helps people for their emotional and spiritual health as a counselor. He joined SIS from September 2021 as a bilingual teacher.
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Philip John Cajote, Philippines
Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher
Mr. Cajote earned his Bachelors Degree in Industrial Education from Laguna State Polytechnic University, Philippines. Mr. Cajote is a licensed professional teacher who has worked in the field of practical arts secondary education for over ten years. He also worked as a school paper adviser and studying Bachelor of Laws before joining Sano International School in 2019.
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Vicki Nelson, United States
Grade 3-4 Homeroom Teacher
Ms. Vicki earned her Bachelors Degree in Recreation and Sport Management from Evangel University. She earned an Associates Degree in Theology from Christ for the Nations. She also earned a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Moreland University. Ms. Vicki has six years of overseas teaching experience. She was teaching fifth and sixth grade students in America before joining Sano International School in 2024. -
Joy Cajote, Philippines
Grade 5-6 Homeroom Teacher
Mrs. Joy Cajote obtained her Bachelor’s degree in a Medical related field at the University of Perpetual Help in the Philippines. She has over 14 years of experience as a licensed front-line medical worker. Additionally, in 2021, she earned her Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)- Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certification, which gives her an opportunity for English teaching positions internationally.
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Hatsuko Nakamura, Japan
Japanese Language Teacher
Ms Nakamura got a licence for teaching Japanese in Junior College of Showa Girls’ University. She joined SIS from September 2020 as a Japanese teacher.
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Kiyoshi Ishihara, Japan
Japanese Language Teacher
Mr Ishihara is a part time Japanese teacher. Mr Ishihara graduated from Abbey Christan English College in UK and Dokkyo University with a degree in Foreign Languages.
Board of Directors
There are 4 members of the Board of Directors of Sano International School including the Principal. The Board of Directors are given the responsibility for the establishment, guidance, and spiritual headship in the operation of the school. The Board is the policy setting body of the school, with the school principal having the responsibility for the implementation of the Board's policies.
Current Board Members:
Rachel Sawka - Chairman of the Board
Kazuyoshi Iijima
Eduard Thayer
Principal - Lucas Burhan