An extended stay in Kyoto can be one of the most memorable and unforgettable experiences of a lifetime. Kyoto is a paradise for Japanese tourists. You can enjoy various centers of Japan’s amazing history and cultural heritage only in Kyoto. Various traditional to modern cultures that are very impressive have always been the main attraction of Kyoto compared to other bustling cities in Japan such as Tokyo and Osaka.
For foreigners who bring their families to settle in Kyoto, sending their children to international schools is the best choice. This is because there is little support available for foreign children if they are to be educated according to the full Japanese curriculum. Especially Japanese. The language of instruction in Japanese public schools is Japanese, which will certainly be a challenge.
Therefore, we present this article to help you find the best and most famous international schools in Kyoto. We hope this article will be useful and help you choose the best place to study for your child!
In addition, please read the recommended articles below to learn more about international schools in Japan:
Read also:
4 Most Popular International Schools in Osaka
High School in Japan: Everything You Need to Know
Contents
Brief Overview about International School in Kyoto
International schools in Japan are educational institutions with standards based on the country of origin. The language of instruction is English. However, Japanese and other foreign languages are also supporting languages for education.
In Japan, international schools can usually be divided into 2 categories: American standard schools or British standard schools. Apart from foreign families, many Japanese families are also interested in sending their children to these international schools.
There are various benefits offered by international schools, such as follows:
(1) Mastery of English
(2) Easy access to the best universities in the world
(3) International network
(4) International standard curriculum
(5) Opportunity to learn other foreign languages
You can also expand your knowledge of how the international education system works. At this school, the curriculum studied is like the IB Diploma or Cambridge International Examinations. This will open up the student’s repertoire to truly understand a new culture and world.
5 Best & Most Famous International Schools in Kyoto
1. Kyoto International School (KIS)
Founded in 1957, Kyoto International School is the school of choice for the people of Kyoto. Kyoto International School, or KIS for short, is an IB and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited school located in the city of Kyoto.
Children between the ages of three and 18 can attend this school. All classes are conducted in English. Intensive Saturday classes are also available for students who need them.
One of the features of KIS is “Bukatsu” and additional after-school classes offered to students. “Bukatsu is free for students to gain more knowledge and experience in areas such as gardening, reading, board games, photography, dance, fitness, and STEM. This free service is not available on Wednesdays, but runs for 12 weeks from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. after school.
Extra-curricular classes are paid classes available to students. For example, piano lessons are offered on a per-hour basis. The classes offered are not limited to simple study classes, but range from art classes to sports classes.
Some classes are private as well. This is a great way to keep students active and engaged in learning. KIS also offers summer camps during the summer vacation, which were introduced to keep students actively learning and exploring through various curricular activities. KIS is home to over 200 students from 14 different nationalities.
Visit the following link to learn more about this prestigious school:
2. Doshisha International School, Kyoto (DISK)
Doshisha International School Kyoto (DISK) is an international school for students in grades 5 to 12 (ages 11 to 18). It is part of the Doshisha family of schools. Founded in 2011, the DISK campus is located between Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, in the same building as the Doshisha International Academy (founded by Doshisha University). DISK is proud of the excellent results its students achieve in the IB program.
With fewer students than other international schools, DISK classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the learning experience for students. Classes are taught primarily in English with one weekly Japanese lesson. More information about Doshisha International School, Kyoto can be found here:
3. Lychee Francais International School
At Lychee Francais International School, in the heart of Kyoto, switch to a different international school environment with a French-based curriculum. This school may be of interest to you if you are interested in sending your children to a French community school.
Founded 20 years ago, Lychee Francais International School or known as “Lycée français international de Kyoto” focuses on bringing together a community of French, French-Japanese and other French-speaking families in Kyoto, and is recognized by the French Ministry of National Education.
Unlike most international schools in Japan, students at Lychee Francais International School master both French and Japanese with weekly Japanese classes. The school also offers Latin language classes, including English.
This school offers students many opportunities to experience growing up in a French cultural environment. It is a prestigious international school that hopes to create a community between families and teachers to provide a learning environment for students. It is home to 170 students of 15 different nationalities. Find out more about the school by clicking the following link:
4. Kyoto International University Academy (KIUA)
Kyoto International University Academy does not discriminate on the basis of religious preference. The school believes in educating children through biblical verses to help them be ready to form their own set of values. The school also hopes to help students work with other peers from different cultural backgrounds.
However, there are no Bible classes offered on campus. Teachers lead by example, living out the principles of the Bible while providing knowledge to help students develop lifelong learning skills. This school may be of interest to parents looking for an international school with such a background.
Graduates go on to pursue further education abroad in the world. The school hopes to help students achieve not only educational excellence, but also quality in social skills.
As a relatively small international school in Kyoto, teachers and students build strong relationships, and students feel motivated and encouraged in their learning journey at KIUA. Home to 200 students from 14 different nationalities. For more information about Kyoto International University Academy, please refer here:
5. Chandra Sekhar Academy International School (CSAIS)
Last on our list is Chandra Sekhar Academy International School, located in Fushimi, Kyoto. Chandra Sekhar Academy International School follows the Indian CBSE English curriculum. Japanese is also taught at the school.
Other than Japanese, CSAIS tries to incorporate other languages into the mix to help build global leaders among the students. The CBSE curriculum is an Indian-style education system that emphasizes on mathematics, science and IT that enables children to develop creativity in creating new ideas. CSAIS implements this curriculum as it is widely considered to be one of the best education systems in the world.
CSAIS was founded by the Chandra Sekhar Academy of India. Chandra Sekhar Academy acts as a bridge between India and Japan. CSAIS is home to a wide variety of nationalities, especially from India, Nepal and Japan. The curriculum is taught in both English and Japanese. Click the button below to learn more about the school:
Additional Important Aspects to Consider
There are many factors to consider when choosing an international school in Kyoto.
(1) Location
Some of the schools are located outside the city of Kyoto. Arranging transportation to and from school can be a problem for many families.
(2) Tuition Fees and Admission
Tuition fees vary from school to school. Most of the international schools in Kyoto have very affordable rates, which is a great option for families! Admissions also vary from school to school. Most international schools start in August with admissions for the school year starting around December of the previous year. Depending on the school, most schools accept applications and admissions throughout the year.
(3) Accreditation
Most international schools in the big cities are IB (International Baccalaureate) accredited, but in Kyoto most schools follow their own curriculum instead, such as a French or Indian curriculum. This exposure varies depending on the desired outcome for graduates.
Summary
Although Kyoto has a smaller list of international schools compared to other cities in Japan, it is still a great city for families seeking an international school education system for their children.
International schools in Kyoto tend to lean more toward the English/Japanese bilingual theme to help students not only be adaptable and flexible in their learning, but also to build a community of international co-students.
It is my hope that this list will give you a better understanding and knowledge of the top international schools in Kyoto.
Leave a Reply