I am not affiliated with the school other than my kids go there. We have benefited so much from switching to this school and there are others with similar situations that may also benefit from it, so I’m compelled to write up this description so others know that this alternate exists. Another motivation is that the more kids like mine who are in the program, the more diverse the programs aimed at them will become.The instruction is in both Japanese and English.
Here’s the short version. My kids were unhappy at public Japanese schools and not challenged in English. We found a school that teaches in both Japanese and English with reasonable tuition (around ￥700,000/year, and half price for additional kids). They are happy, and we are happy. If it sounds like your thing, check it out.
Here’s the detailed version.
Our experience prior to KIS
We want our kids to be fluent in both Japanese and English. Also, our kids were not happy in regular Japanese schools and we were not happy with what appeared to be rules that were made just to exercise authority, or create conditions for a learning environment that we found detrimental to positive curiosity and happiness. We both have higher degrees in education and to be extremely diplomatic, we found the education in public schools to be less than ideal and extremely wanting in providing lessons at their English level, and dealing with people of multiple ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. We’ve heard others (usually monolingual) are happy, but our kids were not. They were exposed to bullying, ghosting (everyone ignoring their existence), etc. The teachers were oblivious and in denial when it was pointed out. The yearly approach to teaching about the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was not designed to have members of the culture that dropped the bombs in the classroom and that exacerbated the problem.
What attracted us to KIS and things that we like come to like
KIS’s approach to speakers of other languages
As they were getting near junior high age, we heard about KIS, Korea International School. We have no connection to Korea, so at first, from the name, I assumed it was not something that would meet our needs, but that was wrong. Most of the students are Japanese, followed by those who are of Korean descent in Japan, then students coming from other countries, and then those with English background. The primary curriculum is in Japanese, however, they provide English classes for native speakers that are nicely challenging for our kids. They are extremely flexible, so if your kid’s English or Japanese is not fully native, they accommodate that. They have Japanese classes for foreign students, who live in dorms near campus, that were perfect after we had been abroad for a year and the kids needed catching up in Japanese.
The courses available
There are three “courses”, the Regular Course, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Course, and the K-Pop Course. Those all accommodate native and non-native speakers of English, Japanes, and Korean speakers. An IB course diploma is recognized internationally and accepted at the very best universities. It is challenging and comparable to AP courses, but while AP provides college level courses, the IB is a more wholistic preparation for high level academics. The IB Course is what attracted us to KIS.
The K-Pop Course is a very serious Performing Arts Department preparing students who wish to go into the K-Pop industry professionally. I do not know much about the K-Pop course, but all of the school events are fun, high-energy, and well produced. Here’s a clip from entrance ceremony. The K-Pop students make up over half of the student population.
Social environment
The student’s environment is positive and accepting of difference and diversity. Many have experience as a minority and those who haven’t, would not be there if they had negative attitudes toward other ethnicities. The parent’s groups have also been extremely welcoming and positive towards us. We’ve seen none of the problems that we had previously at public schools and our kids are clearly happy and learning well.
School policies and rules
The dress code is essentially to dress in a manner that is legal and will not disrupt learning. They have uniforms, that they can choose to wear daily, and are requested at special events, but otherwise students wear everyday clothes to class. For example, on a day with a physical education class later in the day, it is not uncommon for the kids to wear their PE gear to school and in the classes preceding PE.
Students can bring phones, tablets, and laptops to school and use them in class. Teachers can collect devices at their discretion during their class time if the activity does not mix well with phones, like testing, etc., but normally, students can have the devices available to them to use as study tools. It is not uncommon for me to receive texts from my kids during class when they have questions regarding my expertise.
In general, the rules are there when there are reasons for them and are they kept up to date. Students and parents are included in the discussions on rules and when decisions appear to be made through sound reasoning. I have never heard the phrases such as “This is how it has always been done.” I actually get the impression that the kids are learning about the importance of contributing their voice and negotiation, rather than being taught to keep quiet and “know their place.”
<Potential deal breakers>
What follows are things that I see as potential deal breakers that may mean that KIS is not what you are looking for.
International and Koreans School acceptance into Japanese universities sometimes require extra steps
Policies among universities differ. Generally the IB is well accepted anywhere including Japanese universities. However, acceptance levels can vary. There may be extra steps in the admission process compared to those who graduate from regular Japanese universities. Internationally, there should be fewer issues, but they may require tests of English proficiency. (If a university sees this as an issue, that could be a red flag anyway.)
Limited IB choices
KIS is small and the IB choices are limited. KIS provides classes in all the subjects that are required for the IB diploma:
- Studies in Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts
However, large schools with bigger programs will offer a wider selection of classes. The KIS IB program is weak on STEM subjects. One of my kids wanted a class in Psychology, so KIS arranged for an external IB psychology course for her, but that is not the norm, nor cheap. Be sure that the IB classes they offer are what you are looking for.
Sports and clubs
KIS is a newish school and small. Currently under 100 students and growing. That means there are no large organized sports. They do try to make up for that by supporting small clubs. If three students can find a teacher to be responsible for a club, they can become an official club, and possibly hire someone outside with expertise in the subject if necessary. Mine are involved in Art, Badminton, Taekwondo, and a movie watching and discussion group.
Cafeteria
Or more accurately, no cafeteria. This means either making or buying bento each day. I was leery about this in the beginning, but for both junior and high school, if we just have the makings of lunches available, they can throw them together in the morning and we are not involved beyond doing the shopping.
Girl/Boy ratio
Currently there there are 3 girls to every boy. I personally think that is a fine thing, but some may not see it that way.
<That’s the end of the potential deal breakers.>
Tuition
I think the tuition is around ￥700,000 per year for high school, and somewhat less for junior high in 2024. A second child pays half. There are scholarships and other tuition assistance programs, but I don’t know about those.
Access
The campus location is here. Korea International School and a cute video on how to get from the station to school.
There’s a program where your child can attend for a day or a week to see how they like the school.
Here is the Korea International School website.
The KIS YouTube Channel. These are mostly of the K-Pop course.
If you are interested in education in both Japanese and English and putting your kids an environment more friendly to those who do not fit the mold, give it a try.
I'll try to answer any questions.
by OsakaWilson