Q&A

A.

Most current first-year students do not have regular interviews, but if you wish, you can have an interview with a teacher from the original school, so there is nothing to worry about. In addition, regarding receiving handouts from the original school, many parents go to pick up textbooks and handouts (class newsletters, event announcements) from time to time. Most parents do not register for mass communication (emails) from the original school, but since there is a possibility of receiving information about suspicious people, it is a good idea to register if you want to receive safety-related information.

A.

All current first-year students participate in this program. There are many benefits to participating, such as being able to check their health status and getting a feel for the atmosphere at their home school. This is also an opportunity to inform your home school of your intention to attend KIS.

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Except for cases where siblings attend their original school, no parents join the PTA. Furthermore, there are no PTA activities at KIS, so the burden on parents is light.

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At KIS's Hearth Club, students are usually looked after until 18pm. Homework is completed during the hours, which reduces the burden on parents. Students are asked to bring their own snacks. Even during the summer vacation, students are looked after from 8am to 00pm (lunch provided). Summer vacation homework can be done steadily every day according to a plan prepared by the school, so parents and children can have a fulfilling summer vacation without being overwhelmed with homework at home. During the summer vacation, students can study hard in the morning and play to their heart's content in the afternoon, which helps them develop the good habit of studying before playing.　　

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Yes, that is possible. We will teach both English and Japanese from the most basic level of reading and writing. Therefore, it is not necessary for students to have attended an international school kindergarten (nursery school).

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No. We teach both English and Japanese from the most basic level of reading and writing. Therefore, it is not necessary to be able to speak English when you enroll.

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We look at how the child interacts with other children and how they listen to their teachers. We also look at their English ability, but this does not affect the results of the entrance exam, but is used as a reference for guidance after enrollment.

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As mentioned above, we will keep track of each student's English ability in order to provide reference for instruction after enrollment.

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Yes. We accept applications for transfer students at any time. We always welcome transfer students and do our best to support them so that they can get used to our school environment as quickly as possible. We provide support tailored to each student's needs to help them adjust to their new environment and ensure a smooth start to their studies at KIS.

A.

For Picasso Preschool students to progress to the Primary School, entrance exams are held on different days for Picasso students and external students (applicants from outside the school). Although all applicants take the same entrance exam, Picasso is committed to preparing students for success at KIS. Picasso identifies early learning weaknesses of its students and works to improve them through daily support. This ensures that Picasso students are prepared and confident when they move on to Grade 1. This process aims to build a solid foundation for Picasso students to study in the Primary School PYP.

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The progression process for KIS PYP Primary students to MYP Secondary follows a similar approach to that of the progression from Picasso Preschool, our preschool. Specifically, we focus on identifying academic challenges early and strengthening those areas through daily support. This active preparation helps students feel confident when they move from PYP to MYP Secondary. Additionally, 6th graders enrolled in KIS PYP do not have to take an entrance exam to advance to MYP Secondary. Instead, for KIS 6th graders, the PYP Exhibition serves as a key assessment for MYP progression. We are committed to preparing students well to be successful in MYP Secondary.

A.

Students can come to KIS by parent/guardian pick-up, by bus, or on foot. There is also a KIS school bus. If you use the after-school care service (additional fee), your child can receive after-school care at KIS from 7:50am in the morning and until 6pm after school.

A.

At KIS, we teach based on the IB curriculum, and we don't just cram textbook content. We incorporate active learning into all our classes. Through various ways of learning using the five senses, such as experiments, games, discussions, and role-playing, we provide experiences that cannot be learned from textbooks alone. This curriculum is designed to stimulate children's curiosity and naturally encourage them to learn on their own. In addition, after enrollment, we differentiate the curriculum to suit each student's level and provide the necessary support. This ensures that all students receive the support they need within the curriculum.

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For most children, Japanese is their first language, so they need to learn and master Japanese in the same way as local elementary schools, including reading and writing, dictating kanji, and comprehension. Japanese language classes are taught daily by Japanese teachers. In addition to studying textbooks, more advanced learning is also carried out using original teaching materials.

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All of our International Baccalaureate (IB) programs are conducted in English. In addition to English being the primary language of instruction, we also offer rigorous Japanese classes for native and non-native Japanese speakers, as well as Mandarin classes for native Chinese speakers, ensuring that our students develop multilingual skills and cultural understanding.

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No problem. At KIS, we offer daily Japanese language classes for non-native speakers, focusing on developing basic Japanese language skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. Native and non-native Japanese speakers are taught separately, allowing us to cater to the specific needs of each learner group.

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The amount of homework given is roughly the same as that given at local elementary schools.

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Yes, of course. As long as you live in Japan, it is very important to study Japanese history. Of course, you should study Japanese history, geography, and social structure, but you should also study world history.

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Report cards are distributed twice a year, once in the first and once in the second semester. For each subject, students' comprehension is evaluated on an absolute basis (not a relative basis) each semester, allowing teachers and parents to share the support they need.

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Yes. Morality is a very important part of KIS's educational policy. The wonderful thing about inquiry-based learning, which is the core of the KIS curriculum, is that morality can be learned in a variety of situations and units. We learn about morality through various group activities and discussions in class.

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Yes. Greetings and etiquette are things that everyone should learn as a member of society. In particular, manners and etiquette are very important in Japanese society. Since most of the students enrolled in KIS are Japanese, we will thoroughly teach them Japanese customs and etiquette through various activities and everyday school life.

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Yes, at Picasso Preschool, the preschool division, meals are provided by Kamei Lunch, and all children are required to order school lunches. (At the preschool division, children are required to bring their own lunch from home every Thursday.)

Students in the elementary, middle and high school divisions can choose to order school lunches provided by Link Foods or bring their own lunch from home.

A.

Yes, KIS students can join clubs starting in grade 5. As of Fall 2024, KIS has the following clubs:

•Science Club
•Art Club
•Music Club
•Debate Club
• Mathematics Club
• Volleyball Club
• Basketball Club