INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN JAPAN (Outside
of Kanto)
- Where to send your kids to school in Tokyo from pre-kindergarten to college -
By James Yellowlees, Ph.D.
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As the demand for international education in Japan continues to grow, the need for quality information on international schools has become increasingly important for both students and parents.
In this article, we will look at schools and institutions in three categories: Pre-School, K to 12, and Post Secondary.
The primary focus in this article is on schools in the greater Tokyo area (including Yokohama), but information related to other international schools in Japan is available on the
Weekender Online.
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KANSAI AREA
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The Canadian Academy was established in the port city of Kobe in 1913 by Canadian missionaries.
It has a full-day pre-school and kindergarten to grade 12 programs and offers dormitory accommodation for students in grades 8-12.
The student/teacher ratio is very good at 11:1 and peer counseling programs are available. The Canadian Academy offers the international Baccalaureate diploma and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tel: 078-857-0100
Fax: 078-857-4095
E-mail: admissions@mail.canacad.ac.jp
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Kansai Christian School (KCS) was established in 1970 and provides English language education mainly to the children of missionaries.
It features high academic standards, low teacher/student ratios and a friendly environment.
Tel/Fax: 0743-74-1781
E-mail: kcsjapan@yahoo.com
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Kyoto International School (KIS) was founded in 1957 and covers pre-school to grade 8.
It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and offers a wide range of extra curricular programs including cultural, musical, athletic and artistic activities.
Tel: 075-451-1022
Fax: 075-451-1023
E-mail: hellokis@mbox.kyoto-inet.or.jp
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The Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) is also located in Kobe and is part of a global network of schools operated by the Brothers of the Marist Order.
MBIS accepts students from the age of three into its Montressori pre-school program. The solid academic program in grades 1-12 provides students with good preparation for post-secondary education.
Debate and various sports are part of the range of extra-curricular activities that students can participate in.
Tel: 078-732-6266
Fax: 078-732-6268
E-mail: info@marist.co.jp
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Osaka International School (OIS) is located in the northern part of Osaka and has about 250 students in grades that range from pre-school to grade 12.
OIS offers the international Baccalaureate program as its core curriculum in grades 11 and 12, is coed and non-sectarian, and is the only accredited English language based-school in Osaka Prefecture.
OIS shares its campus and many programs with Senri International
School, a grade 7-12 school that is focused mainly on the education of Japanese students who have lived abroad.
OIS has excellent facilities including two gymnasiums, an indoor swimming pool, a bilingual library, and computer rooms.
Tel: 0727-27-5050
Fax: 0727-27-5055
E-mail: admissions@senri.ed.jp
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CHUBU AREA
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Nagoya International School
is located on a large, abundantly green setting in the suburbs of Nagoya.
It is the only accredited international school in the Chubu area.
The school currently has 300 students in Preschool to Grade 12 and offers an American-based curriculum.
Headmaster Charles Barton noted that most of the students go on to post-secondary education, mainly at overseas institutions.
Nagoya International School provides very pro-active support for students when they explore their post-secondary options.
Tel: 052-736-2025
Fax: 052-736-3883
E-mail: nisdev@nisjapn.net
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HOKKAIDO
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Hokkaido International School is located in Toyohira-ku in Sapporo and currently has 170 students. It covers Preschool to Grade 12 and follows an American-based curriculum. It is spacious, with 15 classrooms, and has a gymnasium, art and music rooms and computer and scientific labs. Headmaster Wayne Rutherford noted that Hokkaido International School has dormitories for students, a unique feature among international schools in Japan.
Tel: 011-816-5000 Fax: 011-816-2500 E-mail: his@his.ac.jp
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The international school community in Japan is rich and varied and it is reassuring that the level of commitment by all of these schools to provide quality education for our children is so strong.
James Yellowlees, Ph.D., is President & CEO of Global Daigaku.com, a Tokyo-based education/training consulting firm.
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