FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2025
Learning Tree International School
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Learning Tree Students Achieve Milestone at International Debate Tournament
– Advancing from the WSC Korea Global Round to the World Finals at Yale University –
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Students from Learning Tree International School (LTIS), located in Koto Ward, Tokyo, have successfully advanced through both the Japan Round and the Korea Global Round of the international academic tournament World Scholar’s Cup (WSC). They are now set to compete in the Tournament of Champions, to be held in November 2025 at Yale University in the United States.
■ About the World Scholar’s Cup (WSC)
The World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) is a global academic tournament founded in 2007 by educator and activist Daniel Berdichevsky. Designed to celebrate the joy of learning and the power of dialogue, the WSC brings together middle and high school students from around the world to compete in the following four team-based events:
- Scholar’s Challenge (Knowledge Test)
- Collaborative Writing (Team Essay Writing)
- Scholar’s Bowl (Multimedia Quiz)
- Team Debate (Academic Debate)
With more than 15,000 participants from over 70 countries each year, the WSC emphasizes critical thinking, expressive communication, and global perspective.
Official Website: https://www.scholarscup.org/
■ Remarkable Achievement in Our First Year of Middle School
LTIS launched its Middle Division in the 2025 academic year. A total of 18 students from both the elementary and middle school participated in the Tokyo regional round, forming five teams. Among them, a six-member team—comprising current middle school students and LTIS graduates—advanced through the competitive Korea Global Round.
The team included students who have been with LTIS since its founding, demonstrating that the school’s educational philosophy—learning together, debating together, and supporting one another—can thrive on an international stage.
■ Message from the Principal
“At Learning Tree, we place the highest value on nurturing children who can think critically, learn deeply through dialogue with peers, and grow together.
This accomplishment at the WSC is a testament to our students’ ability to engage with joy in learning, embrace diversity, and collaborate effectively. On an international stage, they confidently expressed themselves and gained invaluable experience.
I hope this becomes a formative milestone in their lives—a powerful foundation for lifelong learning.”
– Fumiko Masaki,Ph.D., Principal
Learning Tree International School
【Event Overview】
Event Name: World Scholar’s Cup (WSC)
Target Participants: Middle and High School Students (Junior & Senior Divisions)
Format: International Team-Based Academic Tournament
World Finals: November 2025 (scheduled), Yale University, USA
Official Website: https://www.scholarscup.org/
【School Overview】
School Name: Learning Tree International School (LTIS)
Location: Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 2003 (Middle School launched in 2025; High School planned for 2028)
Website: https://www.learningtree-is.org/
【For Press Inquiries】
Learning Tree International School
Public Relations: Yumiko Nakagawa
Email: info@learningtree-is.org
