Kyoto International School

Here are some questions and answers to some of our most common inquiries. This is an ever growing list of questions so please let us know if there is a question you would like us to add.

Q: What time does school start and finish?
Early Childhood—- 9:00am – 3:10pm
Grades 1-8 —–8:30am – 3:20pm
Clubs…………. 3:30pm – 4:30pm
You can download a PDF of the school calendar. KIS does not have school on any of the Japanese national holidays. The year is divided into three terms starting from late August or early September.

Q:How many teachers are working at KIS?
Head of School: Annette Levy
Full time staff: 18
Part time staff: 7
The school has an internationally mixed and experienced teaching staff.
All the teachers have teaching degrees and are committed to on-going professional development training required as part of the IBO Primary Years Program. Visit our staff page to meet our team.

Q: How many students are at KIS?
Enrollment in any given year runs from between 60 – 80 students, with at least 10 nationalities represented within the student population.

Q: Who are the students are at KIS? KIS students are mostly: (1) children coming from bi-cultural families who are long term residents of Kyoto, (2) children whose parents are visiting professors, researchers and artists, (3) children of corporate international business families or families involved in the service industry catering for tourism, or (4) Japanese children who have lived overseas and who have special permission to attend KIS as they transition back into Japan.

Q: What is the ASAP – After School Activity Program?
KIS (ASAP) offers KIS students various on-campus activities, along with exciting adventures within walking distance of the campus each afternoon.  This program runs daily from 3:30pm – 6:00pm.

Q:What time is the after school English Language School (ELS)?
The KIS ELS runs from 4:30pm to 6:00pm Monday through Friday
Click here for more information in English. 日本語ご希望な方はこちらにクリックしてください。

Q: What is the structure of KIS?
KIS is an independent, nondenominational, day school. It was founded in 1957. Since 2007 the school has been registered with Kyoto Prefecture as ‘Gakkou Houjin’ ([legally] incorporated educational institution) Kyoto International School. KIS is governed by an Executive Board, with the Head of School leading the school on a daily basis. A Board of Trustees meets at least three times annually and acts as an advisory group for the Executive Board.

Q: Who accredits KIS and what curriculum do we use?
Kyoto International School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It is a member of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) and the East Asian Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS). Our accreditation page has more details about these organizations. KIS is an IB World School, authorized to run the Primary Years Program(PYP). Students take the ACER ISA (International Schools Assessment) standardized tests for math and language each year. The KIS Pegasus Program (for Middle School/High School students) includes integrated study trips. Past trips have been to Cambodia, Thailand, Mongolia, Okinawa & New Zealand.

Q: What next after KIS?
KIS is presently growing a High School and presently offers up until Grade 10. At this stage, after completing schooling at KIS, long-term residents of Kyoto usually go on to attend larger international schools in Kansai or elsewhere in Japan. KIS graduates most frequently attend Canadian Academy, Osaka International School and Marist Brothers International School. Once acclimated to their new school and the necessary commute, KIS students are successful and find that the study habits and basic training they have received at KIS stands them in good stead in their new school environment. Some KIS graduates also attend school abroad or return to their native countries. Such students find that the breadth and knowledge of the education they received at KIS has given them the tools for high achievement back home.

Q: What are the options for financial assistance?
Kyoto International School is one of the least expensive of the major international schools in the Kansai and the only school tailored specifically to the needs of the international community of the greater Kyoto area. KIS works closely with families who need assistance with meeting tuition costs. Depending on our enrollment, a limited amount of tuition assistance is available for families who qualify.

Q: When can students enroll at KIS?
KIS accepts students at anytime throughout the year.  There is an admission process for any student wishing to join KIS.

Q: What is the average class size at KIS?
KIS uses these guidelines for class size:
Preschool – 15 students per class with a maximum 7:1 student/adult ratio
Kindergarten – 15 students per class – 10:1 student/adult ratio
Elementary/Middle School – 20 students – 20:1 student/adult ratio