Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
128 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
We represent over 30 nationalities within our school community. |
| Most common nationality |
American/Canadian |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
30 local : 70 international |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Additional language classes offered include Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish (among others). |
| Max. number of students per class |
The maximum class size ranges from 16 to 24 students, depending on grade level. |
| Average number of students per class |
Our average class size is 15 students. |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Yes |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
| External examinations or assessments available |
We are an IB PYP and MYP World School and a candidate school for IB DP. |
| Results in these examinations |
No examination results yet (Summer 2027 for IB DP) |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
20-60 minutes per day |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
N/A at this time |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes we have an EAL and SEN programme that identifies student needs and provides IEP support and liaison with parents |
| Learning support offered |
Special Education Needs identification and support for learning, processing and cognitive needs
|
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
We are in the process of identifying G&T students |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Language and cognitive levels and needs are assessed during the admissions process. We also run the option of a class visit. Tours are offered, and the admissions team, including the Principal, interview every child and family. |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Ongoing |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
School start times are 8:30 for PYP and 8:20 for MYP and DP. |
| School finish time |
3:30 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
After-school childcare is available, along with a wide range of clubs and paid lessons activities. |
| School bus service available |
Not currently, public system used. |
| School provided lunches |
Optional |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
No |
| Uniform required |
Uniforms are not currently required; however, we do offer KIS merchandise which students are encouraged to wear during school trips and events. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Changes per term, 22 clubs & 8 lesson options. |
| Sports activities included |
Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Soccer, Rugby, Health and Fitness, Cricket |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Swim, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, science labs, performing arts rooms, band practice room, Design Technology lab. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Gym and field |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Since 1957, Kyoto International School (KIS) has been a cornerstone of international education in the heart of Kyoto. As the city’s first and only IB Continuum School, we offer a globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) education from the Early Years through to the Diploma Programme. KIS is fully accredited by the International Baccalaureate and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). We are also proud to be the first school accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) through our WASC accreditation. As a not-for-profit school, our mission is to provide high-quality, personalized learning in a nurturing and inclusive environment. We are a diverse international community where every student is known, supported, and empowered to grow with confidence and develop as a thoughtful, globally minded citizen. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Kyoto International School offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, providing a coherent and rigorous educational pathway from the Primary Years through to the Diploma Programme. In the PYP, students learn through inquiry and develop curiosity and conceptual understanding.
Across all programmes, KIS emphasizes inquiry, international-mindedness, and personalized support to ensure every student is known and challenged to reach their full potential. |