Edited by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
Kyoto is Japan's cultural capital, with thousands of temples, shrines, and a distinct atmosphere that feels very different from Tokyo or Osaka. The city has a small but dedicated international school scene, primarily serving families connected to Kyoto's universities, research institutions, and tourism industry. Living in Kyoto offers children an immersive cultural experience that few other cities can match, surrounded by world heritage sites and traditional Japanese life.
Compare 4 international schools in Kyoto, Japan. Filter by curriculum, fees (average JPY 1,513,069), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Created in 1997, the Lycée Français International de Kyoto (LFIK) is a French school abroad approved by the French Ministry and under agreement with AEFE. It welcomes children from Petite Section (2–3 years) through Terminale (17–18 years) and teaches the French curriculum. French is the main language of instruction, and families can choose an English or Japanese language course pathway starting as early as kindergarten. For students who don’t yet speak French, LFIK describes a French-as-a-second-language (FLSco) support plan with an adapted weekly schedule. The school calendar includes cultural celebrations such as Tsukimi, Setsubun and Tanabata. Students can also take part in AEFE interzone projects, including Nuit du Code (Coding Night) and sports tournaments.
KIU Academy in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, is a bilingual international school serving Grades 1–12. The Academy combines an American-based curriculum with Japanese curriculum awareness and delivers instruction in both English and Japanese across elementary, middle and high school programs. KIU Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), offering students a pathway that meets international and Japanese educational standards. The school’s admissions pages list a structured fee package for tuition, entrance, and other costs for annual enrollment. KIU Academy emphasizes bilingual fluency, cross-cultural communication and preparation for university study. While specific clubs and class sizes are not detailed on the official site, the Academy positions itself as a place where students gain practical bilingual skills and global perspectives designed to support further education in Japan and abroad.
Doshisha International School Kyoto (DISK) is a Japanese-registered IB World School located in Kansai Science City, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture. Established in 2011 as part of the Doshisha International Academy, the campus sits in a rural setting with mountain views. Facilities include a gym, outdoor grounds, Kizuna Terrace, a Science Lab, a Library with nearly 20,000 books in Japanese and English, plus an Art Room, a Music Room and Kizuna Hall. The school delivers the IB curriculum in English for students aged 11 to 18, with a Middle School Programme (MSP) for ages 11–16 and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework used for grades 9–10, comprising eight subject groups and an inquiry-based, concept-based approach. The IB Diploma Programme (DP) offers six subject groups, requires study in at least two languages, and includes the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS; DP total score up to 45. The motto Learning for Life, Learning for the World, Learning for Love guides principled, internationally minded learners. DISK is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). After-school clubs include Model United Nations and Yearbook Club.
Kyoto International School (KIS) has served Kyoto since 1957 and describes itself as the city’s only IB Continuum School. KIS offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school currently provides learning from Early Years through Grade 10, with plans to expand to Grade 12 by 2026. KIS lists campus spaces that include classrooms, a library, a playground and a gymnasium. Student life includes a House Team system and after-school options such as Bukatsu (clubs) and activities like calligraphy, gardening, board games, dance, sport and STEM, with additional paid lessons such as coding, drama, basketball and piano.
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