Wisdom begins with wonder
Wisdom Comes from Wonder
by Socrates
High expectations. Strong support.
A school built around children.
Kumamoto lntemational School opened its preschool division in 2003
Today we have a primary school, junior high school, high school (10B Diploma Programme) and a residence for Grades 12-2, offeri ng one continuous
education from age 12 to Grade XNUMX.
KIS aims to give students the skills they need to thrive in the complex, diverse world of the 21st century, and supports them in gaining the knowledge and
skills to do so.
We value students' emotional growth and social skills as well as their academic learning. Our curriculum is delivered in English. and we put real weight on each child's mother tongue, with native-level Japanese (kokugo) and Mandarin classes, so that students can communicate with confidence in more than one
language.
Students thrive when they feel understood, safe, and supported. While KIS sets high academic goals, it also values the holistic growth of children, including their emotional and social development. Teachers strive to get to know each student well. As part of its support system, KIS has a school counselor (certified psychologist) who can provide consultations in Japanese, English, and Chinese, and a school nurse who is responsible for student health management and first aid.
Each stage is designed not as a separate school, but as preparation for the next stage. English proficiency, academic ability, independence, and a habit of continuous learning are built year by year, with learning progressing progressively from the first steps of inquiry in the preschool program to the challenge of the IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12.
Classes are conducted in English, and no Japanese language proficiency is required upon enrollment. Japanese language classes are divided into two categories: a full-fledged Japanese language course for native Japanese speakers and a course in Japanese as a second language for students already learning Japanese. Mandarin Chinese is taught by teachers from Taiwan. The IB Diploma program offers "Language A" courses in English, Japanese, and Chinese, allowing students to study literature at the highest level in their native language.
The IB Diploma is a qualification that opens doors to universities both in Japan and abroad. You don't have to choose between a Japanese university or an overseas university. As of 2026, 84 universities in Japan are using the IB for their entrance examinations. Many universities select applicants based on documents, IB scores, essays, and interviews, and do not require their own written exams. There are also many entrance examinations that do not require the Common University Entrance Examination. The number of programs in which you can earn a degree entirely in English is also increasing. KIS supports students in their university applications both in Japan and abroad, from researching universities and planning applications to writing statements of purpose and preparing for interviews.
In 2026, we opened a student dormitory near Suizenji Station for students in Grades 10-12. It offers a clean and safe environment, with private rooms for all students. Experienced dormitory parents live on-site to provide support. Students from outside Kumamoto can also pursue the IB Diploma at KIS.
The new school building is scheduled for completion in December 2027. It will include expanded science laboratories, art and design classrooms, a cafeteria, a sports field, and dedicated examination rooms, bringing the total campus area to approximately 10,000 square meters (approximately 3,000 tsubo).
#IBDP #KumamotoInternationalSchool #EducationInJapan #Kumamoto #BilingualEducation
We are pleased to announce that Kumamoto International School (KIS) will be participating in the Japan Times School Fair Taipei on October 11.
This is a wonderful opportunity for families in Taiwan to meet our school representatives in person, learn more about studying at KIS in Kumamoto, Japan, and ask questions about our international education and school community.
At KIS, students learn in an international, English-speaking environment with educational pathways from Preschool through High School.
📍 Japan Times School Fair Taipei
📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026
If you are considering an international education in Japan for your child, we would love to meet you in Taipei. Please scan the QR code to register.
We look forward to meeting prospective students and families in Taiwan.
#KumamotoInternationalSchool #KIS #JapanTimesSchoolFair #Taipei #Taiwan #IBWorldSchool
Our Grade 7 students are bringing science to life through “My Living Ecosystem,” a hands-on project in our school garden. 🌿🔬
Students prepared the soil, planted different crops—including daikon, lettuce, and radishes—and are now observing with excitement as their plants germinate and grow.
Throughout the project, students are also completing a Science Journal, where they record their observations, document changes, collect evidence, reflect on their findings, and track the development of their living ecosystem over time. 📓🌱🔍
At the same time, they are strengthening essential MYP Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills: Research Skills through observation and evidence collection; Thinking Skills by analyzing changes and making connections; Communication Skills by recording and explaining their findings; Social Skills through teamwork and shared responsibility; and Self-Management Skills by organizing their journal, monitoring progress, and caring consistently for their plants.
This project is about much more than growing vegetables. It is about growing curiosity, responsibility, collaboration, and scientific thinking. 🌎💚
Plant. Observe. Record. Question. Collaborate. Discover. Grow. 🌱
#KumamotoInternationalSchool #IBMYP #EducationInJapan #KIS #IBScience
#kis #kumamotointernationalschool #ibmyp #ibdp #scienceexperiments
The Dolphin Team observed the texture and features of different seashells, sand, fish teeth, and rocks from the ocean. It was such an amazing experience, seeing the students get excited holding a shark's tooth!
#kumamotointernationalschool #kis #summerschool #ibeducation #educationinjapan
Last Summer Camp, the Whale Team delved into the world of Science! The kids enjoyed looking through the microscope; they also created their own fan using simple materials and tried to fly water rockets!
Thank you to all the students who joined and for their hard work.
#kumamotointernationalschool #kissummerschool #educationinjapan #kis #science
