CTIS Launches Winter Exploration Program for Middle School Students Focused on Community Development

CTIS Middle School Winter Exploration Program

The Capital Tokyo International School (CTIS), founded by Takahiro Sato, an entrepreneur and angel investor, is set to hold a special winter program designed specifically for middle school students. This initiative aims to bridge academic learning with real-world application by addressing community challenges through project-based learning (PBL).

Program Details

The winter exploration program will take place over three days, from December 24 to December 26, providing students not only with academic exposure, but also a platform to engage with community issues. Students outside of CTIS, including 5th and 6th graders, are welcome to participate, encouraging a diverse learning environment.

Theme: Community Development PBL: "Let's Plan a Festival in Collaboration with Local Businesses at a Park".
The program will incorporate meaningful questions such as, "What is community development?" and "Who is involved and what efforts are being made for a better community?" Participants will research real estate development case studies to understand practical applications and then utilize the specifics of local parks and their surrounding areas, including demographics and local businesses, to design a vibrant festival aimed at energizing the community.

Students will engage in various stages of inquiry-based learning, including:

- Setting the Festival's Target Audience and Concept: Determining effective collaboration partners.
- Developing Detailed Plans and Sales Ideas: Making specific pitches and marketing strategies.
- Group Discussions: Sharing ideas and fostering collaborative enhancements.
- Creating Presentational Materials: Designing engaging presentation boards to showcase their concepts.

On the final day, experts from relevant sectors will be invited as guests to provide feedback on student presentations, bringing real-world insights into the learning experience. Details on project partners will be announced soon.

Daily Schedule Overview

- Day 1: Understanding challenges, conducting research, and clarifying project frameworks (area, target audience, partner businesses, concepts, etc.)
- Day 2: Group opinion exchanges, sharing ideas, and beginning development of presentation materials.
- Day 3: Final presentations to guest experts.

Ideal Candidates for the Program

The program is well-suited for students who desire more than conventional learning and wish to experience education that connects them with the real world. Students looking for ample opportunities to practice their English through presentations and discussions will find this program particularly beneficial. Additionally, those who seek to advance their confidence in speaking English are encouraged to apply.

Program Overview

- Dates: December 24 (Wednesday) - December 26 (Friday), 2025
- Time: 10 AM - 2 PM on December 24 and 25; 11 AM - 3 PM on December 26
- Eligibility: Middle school students, with options for 5th and 6th graders (

contact required). Applicants should possess adequate English skills to understand instructions and express basic ideas. A speaking video submission will be necessary upon application.

- Location: Held at CTIS Mita Campus
- Capacity: Approximately 10 participants expected
- Fees:

- External Participants: 36,000 JPY (tax included)
- Internal Participants: 30,000 JPY (tax included)

- Optional Lunch Fee: Organic lunch and dessert for 3,000 JPY
- What to Bring:

- Writing supplies (pencil, eraser, black pen, glue, scissors)
- A tablet or laptop for research
- An A4-sized file folder for worksheets
- Water bottle (no sugary drinks, please)
- Cutlery for lunch (needed for anyone bringing lunch or ordering school lunch).
- Packed lunch (only for those not ordering school lunch)

- Application Process: Interested applicants can fill out their information on the registration page here.
- Deadline: Applications close on November 26, at 5 PM, or once the limit is reached.

About CTIS Exploration Program

CTIS aims to equip students with the skills necessary for real-world success by tackling complex societal issues through problem-based learning, drawing from collaboration with professionals and entrepreneurs. Students will investigate, discuss, plan, and present projects, receiving direct feedback from external experts.

About Capital Tokyo International School (CTIS)

Established in 2022 by Takahiro Sato, who is known for investing in around 50 companies as an angel investor, CTIS employs the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum providing seamless education from kindergarten through high school. The school is focused on fostering resources prepared for social engagement in a rapidly evolving world. Today, both the elementary and middle school divisions are IB-accredited, while high school preparations are currently underway for the same accreditation.

Website: CTIS