High School Division - Diploma Program (DP)
KIS High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP). The DP is a two-year university preparation program recognized by leading universities worldwide, and KIS offers it.Accredited school in January 2025Over the course of 11th and 12th grade, students will learn six subjects and three core elements, opening the door to universities around the world that align with their chosen path.
KIS's DP is,"Language and Literature (Language A)" in three languages: English, Japanese, and Chinese.We offer personalized career planning in small classes. For students aspiring to science-related fields, we provide a comprehensive science curriculum, and for students interested in arts and design, we offer Visual Arts SL/HL courses, ensuring that students receive the support they need to develop the most in their chosen field.
Five features of KIS DP
- "Language and Literature (Language A)" in three languages: English, Japanese, and Chinese
- Comprehensive science and engineering programs — offering biology, chemistry, and physics in SL/HL courses.
- Visual Arts SL/HL — Supporting students pursuing higher education in art, design, and architecture.
- Small class sizes and individualized career guidance
- Dormitory for grades 10-12 (opening April 2026)
High School Curriculum High School Curriculum
Core Elements of the IB Diploma Programme
The DP is a two-year program consisting of six subjects and three core elements. It transcends academic boundaries, fostering the critical thinking, communication, and self-management skills necessary for success at universities worldwide.
- All DP students6 subjectsI will take these courses. I will choose 3 courses at the Standard Level (SL) and 3 courses at the High Level (HL).
- Subject and level selection will be determined according to each student's career path and interests. (See KIS below) Course A and Course B below)
The DP consists of two parts:
- 6 DP classes (selected from the six DP subject groups)
- DP Core (3 subjects)
Core Course 1 – Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Over an 18-month period, students engage in practical activities outside of school. Through creativity, physical activity, and community service, they contribute to the community while utilizing their interests and strengths. Each student chooses their own activities, and KIS's CAS coordinators provide individual support.
- Creativity — Art projects, music, theater, design, acquiring new skills, etc.
- Activity — Physical activities such as sports, fitness, and dance
- Service — Volunteer activities such as community service, environmental protection, and educational support
Through CAS activities, leadership, collaboration, and a sense of social responsibility are fostered.
Core Subjects 2 – Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
This program confronts the question, "How do we know?" and fosters critical thinking. Students will understand and analyze different perspectives across various academic disciplines. Evaluation will be based on a 1,600-word essay and a presentation.
Core Subjects 3 – Extended Essay (EE)
Students write independent research papers of up to 4,000 words on topics of their own interest. This is a university-level academic experience that intensively develops research skills, argumentation skills, and writing skills.
DP courses offered by KIS DP Subjects at KIS
At KIS, we offer two learning programs, Course A and Course B, tailored to each student's career path. Both courses follow the basic structure of the DP (6 subjects + 3 core elements), while allowing students to select subjects optimized for their desired field of study.
KIS DP course
- Course A (Science):Primarily for students interested in science and engineering fields. Instead of arts subjects,Choose two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.This course, along with Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, strongly supports students pursuing further studies in fields such as medicine, engineering, natural sciences, information science, and pharmacy.
- Course B (Humanities):Primarily for students interested in humanities and arts.ビジュアルアーツStudents will take courses designed to prepare them for further studies in fields such as fine arts, design, architecture, humanities, social sciences, and linguistics. Visual Arts courses are offered in SL/HL formats, providing opportunities for creating a full-fledged portfolio.
This allows KIS students to choose the curriculum that best suits their career path and the field they wish to study.
DP courses offered by KIS
- Language and Literature (Language A)
- At KIS,English, Japanese, ChineseWe offer "Language and Literature (Language A)" in this program. Students delve deeply into literature, language structure, and cultural background in their strongest language. Only a limited number of IB DP schools in Japan offer all three of these languages as Language A.
- Language Acquisition
- We focus on learning a foreign language as a second language. At KIS,English and JapaneseThis is offered as Language B.
- Individuals and Societies
- At KISBusiness Management (SL/HL)Offers.
- Additionally,Pamoja online course (additional fee applies)is to haveIB Digital Society SL/HL, Economics SL/HL, Psychology SL/HL You can also enroll in this course. You will learn skills to gain a deeper understanding of economic and social trends.
- Experimental Sciences
- At KISBiology, Chemistry, PhysicsAll of these are offered in SL/HL. Students interested in science and engineering should take Course A.Two science subjectsYou can choose this option.
- Mathematics
- At KIS Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA)We offer this in SL/HL courses. It cultivates logical thinking and quantitative analytical skills, fostering the mathematical aptitude necessary for university entrance, regardless of whether students are in science or humanities fields.
- Arts or Subject 6
- At KISVisual ArtsWe offer this course in SL/HL (Course B). It provides students aiming to study art, design, or architecture with the opportunity to gain authentic production experience and build a portfolio.
- Students aspiring to science and engineering fields can choose visual arts instead.Second Science SubjectYou can take this course (Course A).
About the dormitory Boarding for Grades 10-12
In April 2026, KISBoarding facilities for students in grades 10-12.We have opened a new section. This will provide an environment where students can continue attending school with peace of mind, even if their family moves during their enrollment, for families wishing to enroll in KIS from outside Kumamoto Prefecture or from overseas.
Dormitory Overview
- Place:Near Suizenji Station (with transportation options to KIS available)
- Supervisory system:Experienced dorm mothers and fathers live and stay on-site at the dormitory to ensure the safety and well-being of the students.
- Living environment:Private rooms (each room is equipped with a bed, desk, shower, small kitchenette, washing machine, and internet access)
- meal:Breakfast and dinner provided
- Commuting to school:Public bus or KIS school bus (depending on service availability)
- Visa support:We can provide support for residence status applications for students from overseas.
For details about the dormitory,Have a look at this
Regarding university entrance DP — A Pathway to University in Japan and Abroad
The DP program opens doors to universities both domestically and internationally.
Admission to domestic universities (IB entrance examination system)
In Japan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is promoting the spread of International Baccalaureate (IB) education, and many universities have introduced the "IB entrance examination." As of January 2026, more than 80 universities (national, public, and private) are conducting IB entrance examinations, and students can apply primarily based on their DP scores without taking the Common Test for University Admissions.
The Diploma Programme (DP) certificate is officially recognized as a university entrance qualification at universities in Japan and overseas. Upon graduation, students can apply to universities in Japan or abroad, according to their career path and aspirations.
Studying abroad
The Diploma Programme (DP) is an internationally recognized university admission qualification accepted by universities in over 90 countries worldwide. It can be used to apply to major universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia, and directly leads to admission to degree programs taught in English.
Flexible options, both domestic and international.
A key feature of the DP is that you can apply to both Japanese and overseas universities with the same DP completion grades. Students don't have to narrow down their career path to just one upon graduation; they can keep both options open until the very end.
University entrance exam support
At KIS, dedicated college admissions counselors provide personalized support to each student, from researching universities in Japan and overseas to submitting applications.
🎓 The first phase DP cohort of KIS isGraduating in March 2027Welcome.
Consultations and school tours for the senior high school division Plan a Visit
To help you learn more about KIS and experience the school atmosphere firsthand, we are holding school information sessions. When you visit, you can see the actual campus, observe classes, and get a feel for the students and faculty. Please feel free to come.
学校説明会を予約する | Book an Information Session 入学案内 | Admissions
Map to Toshima Nishi Campus
Toshima Nishi Campus
Zip code:861-8043 4-2-61 Toshimanishi, Higashi-Ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto
FAX 096-285-3938