Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
LFIK is located at 411 Motoshinmeicho, Tominokojidōri Gojo agaru, Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto 600-8065, Japan. It sits in central Kyoto in the Shimogyō ward, with convenient access to public transport. The school is about a 10-minute walk from Gojo Station on the Karasuma Line or from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan Line, and public bus stops at Horikawa-Marutamachi are two minutes away.
LFIK offers education from Petite Section (nursery) through Terminale (12th grade), covering la maternelle, le9cole, le college and le lyce9e. The curriculum follows the French national program and spans early years to the end of secondary education.
LFIK is a private, co-educational French international school. It is affiliated with the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and operates under contract; the school is run by a parents' association (APEK). There is no boarding facility listed for LFIK.
LFIK serves students from many nationalities; the school states it welcomes students from France and other countries, with more than 30 nationalities represented in recent years. Enrollment figures show hundreds of students (approximately 260–270 in recent years), reflecting a diverse international community.
LFIK provides Aide personnalise9e (personalized help) in small groups for students who need extra support. In maternelle and the early grades, teaching hours include 24 hours per week in nursery and 26 hours per week in elementary, with two 30-minute weekly sessions for targeted assistance (PPRE for more complex cases as needed).
LFIK is affiliated with France s AEFE network, the Agency for French Education Abroad. This places LFIK within the framework of the French education system abroad.
There is no religious affiliation indicated for LFIK; the school presents itself as a secular French international school welcoming students of all backgrounds.
The school day follows French timetables: in maternelle the day typically runs from 8:30 to 11:45, with afternoon sessions for older children; in elementary, mornings are 8:30–11:45 and afternoons 13:30–15:30. Lunchtime break and language pathway options are incorporated into the daily timetable.
LFIK does not operate its own school bus service. Public transit options are available nearby: Horikawa-Marutamachi public bus stops are within a 2-minute walk, and LFIK is about a 10-minute walk from Gojo or Kiyomizu-Gojo stations. Families typically use public transport or walking to reach the campus.
Lunch is provided through a half-board option; students may bring their own lunch or use the Bento service, with the Bento choice depending on the class. Registration covers all days of the week; the school cannot accommodate personalized menus or dietary restrictions. A drink and cutlery are required daily.
The school is AEFE-accredited and part of the AEFE network (580 schools in 139 countries). It is governed by APEK, the parents' association that manages the school.
The Lyce9e Français International de Kyoto (LFIK) is a fully AEFE-affiliated French international school in Kyoto, serving students from Petite Section (2-3 years) to Terminale (17-18 years). The curriculum follows the official French national education program with French as the main language of instruction, set within a multilingual, multicultural environment that emphasizes language learning and international mobility. It prepares students for the Brevet at the end of collège and the Baccalaure9at at the end of lycée, with reported 100% success for both examinations and honours such as first-class distinction or upper-second merit. From the early years, learners follow one of two language tracks—English or Japanese—which supplement the French curriculum, with weekly language hours ranging from 30 minutes to more than four hours. A French as a Second Language (FLSco) program supports non-French speakers, and Japanese is studied as the host-country language; LFIK also offers a broad range of extracurricular activities and after-school programs (APS) and holiday camps. The school year begins in September, with admission possible mid-year if needed, and classes average about 12 students per class.
Class sizes are small, averaging around 12 students per class, which supports individualized attention within the French national curriculum.
LFIK reports 100% success at both the Brevet and the Baccalaure9at, with honours such as first-class distinction or upper-second merit cited for the Bac. The school positions itself as preparing students for internationally recognized state exams and future study in France or other French establishments abroad.
Graduates typically pursue higher education in France or international institutions, leveraging LFIKs AEFE network and recognition of the Brevet and Baccalaure9at to access universities worldwide.
Based on LFIKs dual-language environment and AEFE framework, gifted and talented students have access to the standard curriculum with language tracks (English or Japanese) and enrichment opportunities within the schools APS and project-based activities.
The LFIK Kyoto does not publicly disclose a dedicated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, staff, or initiatives on its site. Student support is centered on the Aide personnalisée (personalized assistance) for learners with difficulties, implemented in primary as two 30-minute sessions per week. The Aide personnalisée is organized by the school and its modalities are validated by the Inspector of the National Education, allowing scheduling flexibility. When multiple supports are needed, a Programme personnalisé de réussite éducative (PPRE) ensures coherence between interventions. The school emphasizes helping students grow and flourish within an international, multilingual community, signaling a wellbeing orientation even though explicit SEL programs are not itemized publicly.
The LFIK Kyoto provides SEN support through the Aide personnalisée (personalized assistance) for learners with learning difficulties. In primary, the additional help consists of 2 sessions of 30 minutes per week, allocated by the school. The modalities of Aide personnalisée are validated by the Inspector of the National Education. Where several aids are needed, a PPRE (personalized program for educational success) coordinates interventions to maintain coherence. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution; support is described as school-based for learners in difficulty rather than a dedicated SEN unit.
The Language Program shows LFIK Kyoto operates three language pathways, including English language progressions for Cycle 2 and Cycle 3, indicating a structured English program. There is also a provision that for students needing support in French, Japanese class time can be used for French support lessons. The site does not publish details about dedicated EAL staff or a distinct EAL department beyond these English progressions. English progressions for Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 are documented on the Language Program page. In short, EAL support is described through English language progressions, with no further publicly disclosed staff or program specifics.
The LFIK Kyoto does not publicly disclose a dedicated mental wellbeing program or on-site mental health staff. The Director's word emphasizes helping every student gain confidence and flourish within an international, multilingual setting, which signals a wellbeing-oriented ethos. The Health care page outlines policies for illness, medical care, and chronic conditions, supporting overall student wellbeing but not mental health services. There is no explicit listing of on-site counselling or psychology provision in public pages. Consequently, mental wellbeing supports beyond general health and welfare policies are not publicly disclosed.
LFIK Kyoto has formal safeguarding and prevention procedures under the Sécurité et prévention section. The procedures cover safety protocols for cycling, typhoons, earthquakes, and confinement in case of hazardous air quality, with communications to parents via email and Twitter. The site notes first aid training and the availability of a defibrillator (DAE) for emergencies. Coronavirus protocols are published as part of the health/safety framework. In the event of any hazard, parents are informed and students may be guided to safe areas or evacuated under supervision.
1. Contacept the LFIK secretariat to begin the admissions process. For families who have never contacted the school before, enrollment will be validated by the principal after this initial contact, so timely outreach is important. If your child does not speak French, you must request a meeting with the principal before enrollment, and the outcome of that meeting will determine whether enrollment can proceed. The LFIK process also welcomes new students throughout the school year, although the regular school year begins in September.
2. Documented admissions steps also include the possibility of applying for school scholarships. The LFIK offers Bourses scolaires (school scholarships) for eligible families, with the first scholarship campaign for 2026-2027 open from January 8 to February 23, 2026, and applications submitted via the SCOLAIDE platform. The application requires completing the digital scholarship form and providing the requested declarations of resources and supporting documents. Kyoto-based families are encouraged to submit their materials early within the window and to create a SCOLAIDE account for the process. The LFIK also provides guidance on how to submit the scholarship dossier through SCOLAIDE, including how to attach required documents if you cannot upload them directly. In addition to LFIK scholarships, families with preschool children may be eligible for Japanese government child-care subsidies (a monthly amount of 37,000 yen for 3–5-year-olds) under conditions set by local authorities. The LFIK page explains the eligibility and submission process, including how to apply through city programs and the potential need for documents from the Kyoto municipal office. If you do not speak Japanese, you should contact the LFIK life-siclo (vie scolaire) team for assistance. The LFIK admissions and fee structure also note that the Droit de Première Inscription (DPI) and annual school fees are fixed annually, with the DPI included in the published fees.
LFIK Kyoto does not publish a formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions are described as contingent on available capacity, with non-French-speaking students also admitted subject to capacity. In practice, this means there is no public waitlist; rather, acceptance depends on whether spaces are available after the initial assessment of each applicant.
Kyoto International School is located in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It operates on two campuses in central Kyoto: Juraku Campus at 317 Kitatawara-cho, Kamigyo-ku 602-8247, and Taiken Campus at 536-1 Waraya-Cho, Kamigyo-ku 602-8144. The school describes itself as being in the heart of Kyoto, reflecting its central city location. The Juraku and Taiken campuses are both in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto.
KIS provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Early Years through Secondary. It currently serves Early Years through Grade 10 and is expanding to complete Grade 12 by 2026, with Grade 11 planned to open in 2025 and Grade 12 in 2026. This makes KIS Kyoto's Rostered K–12 IB school once the expansion is complete.
The school is co-educational and operates as a day school. It is a not-for-profit institution.
Public information indicates approximately 130 students in the school, representing around 20 countries. The exact distribution of nationalities, the most common nationality, and the local-to-international ratio are not publicly published.
KIS provides a dedicated student wellbeing and support team to address student needs. The school also maintains a Child Safeguarding Policy. Specific SEN accommodations are not publicly detailed on the main pages.
There is no formal country affiliation stated for Kyoto International School; it is described as an international IB World School.
Kyoto International School does not indicate any religious affiliation.
The school publishes Saturday session hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. The nearest bus stop is 堀川中立売, served by Kyoto City Bus routes 9, 12, and 50. The campus entrances are on the east side during visits. Weekday start and end times are not publicly published on the main pages.
The school provides bus-access information for international families. The nearest bus stop is 堀川中立売 (Horikawa Nakadachiuri) and bus routes 9, 12, and 50 stop there. There is nearby coin parking around the campus, and visitors are advised to park in nearby facilities if needed.
KIS does not offer boarding facilities. It operates as a day school with no on-site boarding options. The admissions notice confirms that the school does not provide boarding or student visa support.
KIS is currently non-uniform. There is a dress code that allows students to wear their own clothing, provided it is clean and weather-appropriate; KIS-logo gear is encouraged for outdoor activities and easy identification. Uniforms are not required, and branded items are sold through the KIS Store.
Upon entering the school, students are placed in a House team. There are four Houses: Black Turtles (Genbu, guardian of the North), Blue Dragons (Seiryu, guardian of the East), Red Phoenix (Suzaku, guardian of the South), and White Tigers (Byakko, guardian of the West). The House system runs weekly point-earning activities and a champion House is announced at the end of each school year.
KIS is a not-for-profit school governed by an Executive Board that provides strategic vision and financial oversight; the Principal sits on the board. There is also a Board of Trustees that offers external advice but does not hold voting authority.
Kyoto International School is an IB Continuum World School in Kyoto, delivering the IB framework from Early Years through Upper Secondary and planning to complete the full K-12 continuum by 2026, with Grade 11 launched in August 2025 and Grade 12 expected in 2026. Instruction is conducted in English, and the school operates an English-immersion program, including a Saturday English class for ages 3–12. Early Years (ages 4–6) use the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with a play-based, constructivist approach designed to develop learners' thinking and learning skills. Primary School implements the IB PYP as its curriculum framework, emphasizing inquiry-based, meaningful learning across subjects. Lower Secondary follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) with a broad, structured subject set (Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical Health Education) and a well-being and social-emotional learning component. Upper Secondary offers the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for 16–19 year-olds, including the DP core (Creativity, Action, Service; Extended Essay; Theory of Knowledge) and six subject options typically arranged as three Standard Level and three Higher Level subjects, with the DP hours specified (150 SL, 240 HL).
Kyoto International School emphasizes holistic development within the IB framework, nurturing students cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially. The school's mission and vision describe fostering a supportive, internationally minded community that develops compassionate global citizens. The Student Life section highlights a strong emphasis on student well-being and a safe, supportive environment designed to guide students through challenges. A dedicated wellbeing support team exists to ensure every student's needs are met. Social-emotional development is reinforced through the House system and a broad range of co-curricular activities that promote belonging, teamwork, and healthy choices.
KIS describes its safeguarding-oriented approach to supporting at-risk students, including those with health issues, social or academic difficulties. The KIS Child Safeguarding Policy and Handbook sets reporting procedures for suspected abuse and states that any employee who suspects abuse must report, with self-reporting for students. Staff, faculty, and administrators are required to report safeguarding concerns, and reports are handled with confidentiality and prompt action. The policy describes a Child Safeguarding Committee and an action plan to coordinate safeguarding across the school. It also indicates safeguarding education is part of the educational programs, including an Online Safety Guideline. The policy notes that safeguarding standards align with international conventions and central rights of the child. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding any specialist SEN provision or in-house SEN program.
The school publicly discloses a strategic partnership with New Horizons Education to support English language development. New Horizons provides English language development opportunities and supports a tri-lingual learning environment for students in Japan. The partnership includes governance and international partnership activities as part of the collaboration. Public information does not detail a stand-alone in-house EAL program or EAL staffing at KIS. The collaboration highlights English language development as a component of KIS's international education approach.
Mental wellbeing is a core element of Kyoto International School's approach to student welfare within the IB framework. The Student Life section signals a strong emphasis on student well-being and a safe, supportive environment. A dedicated wellbeing support team exists to address student needs. Safeguarding policies provide education and resources to protect mental health and respond to concerns, including a designated counselor and reporting processes. Counseling or pastoral support is part of safeguarding, with procedures for notifying appropriate staff and addressing concerns.
The KIS Child Safeguarding Policy and Handbook has been adopted and approved by the Executive Board and Board of Trustees. Safeguarding is embedded in school life and aims to prevent abuse, protect health and development, and ensure safe environments. All staff and regular visitors are mandated to report safeguarding concerns, and staff must report to the counselor within 48 hours for immediate response; all reports are confidential. There is a dedicated Child Safeguarding Committee and an Action Plan to coordinate safeguarding across the school. An Online Safety Guideline is part of the safeguarding framework, and safeguarding education is integrated into wellbeing and advisory programs.
1. Step 1 – Student Details: Complete the main application form to be considered for admission. Upload a recent passport‑size profile photo and a copy of identification (passport, birth certificate, or health insurance card) to verify date of birth. Enter the student's legal name in English/Roman characters and select the Campus—Juraku Campus or Taiken Campus—and the Enrollment Year (2025‑2026 or 2026‑2027). The general recommendation is to submit this application at least two months before the intended enrollment date; for an August start, the application should be submitted by May 15 of the starting year. Note that KIS does not offer boarding facilities and cannot support student visa applications.
2. Step 2 – Family & Emergency Details: Provide up‑to‑date family contact information and emergency contacts. Include primary contact details, relationships, and any special instructions in case of an emergency. Ensure that all phone numbers and email addresses are active and accessible to the school, and update information promptly if circumstances change. This step is completed within the OpenApply form, which prompts for Family & Emergency details as part of the application flow.
3. Step 3 – Education History: Enter the applicant's education history, listing prior schools and grade levels completed or currently enrolled. If the student is entering after early years, include transcripts or academic records from previous schools. The Education History section is part of the OpenApply process and helps the admissions team assess prior academic coursework.
4. Step 4 – Submit & Pay Application Fee: Review all entered information and submit the application, then pay the online application fee. The system directs applicants to complete payment as part of the submission flow. This step ensures the application is officially submitted for consideration.
5. Step 5 – Provide Supporting Documents: After submitting the form and payment, upload or provide any required supporting documents as requested by the admissions team. Supporting documents may include transcripts, recommendations, or other school records requested by KIS. The OpenApply form specifies this step as part of the application process.
6. You can also find the campus contact numbers on the admissions pages.
KIS offers an IBDP Scholarship for Diploma Programme entrants. The scholarship opportunity is open to students currently in Grade 10 (the first year of Japanese high school). Successful applicants may enter Grade 11 at Kyoto International School and begin the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in August 2025. Application Deadline: May 12, 2025 at 23:59 JST. Application Process: (1) Submit your application online via kyoto.openapply.com and pay the application fee; (2) the admissions team will schedule an interview on May 16, 2025; (3) if you pass the interview, you will receive detailed information about the scholarship exam; (4) take the scholarship exam on May 31, 2025 (online, 17:00 JST); (5) scholarship results will be announced in early June. Exam format is online and no additional exam fee is required. Scholarship details indicate a potential award of up to 100% tuition discount, based on scholarship exam performance, with conditions applied. Scholarships are limited and awarded on a competitive basis. The DP scholarship information is provided on the KIS IBDP Scholarship page and is reflected in the OpenApply scholarship field during the application process.
Waitlist / pool: Public admissions materials do not publish a formal waitlist or pool policy for Kyoto International School. The application process is conducted through OpenApply with explicit campus (Juraku or Taiken) and enrollment year options, and there is no publicly documented waitlist workflow in the available materials. The OpenApply steps and campus/year options support applicants being considered as spaces allow, but no formal waitlist procedure is described.
KIU Academy Kyoto is located at 63-1 Yuden Tanabe, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0331. It is centrally positioned between Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. The campus is in Kyotanabe and accessible by rail, with a train map and the option to inquire or schedule a visit.
KIUA serves Grades 1 through 12, with elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Private international school. It provides bilingual instruction in English and Japanese and serves both Japanese and foreign students within a Christian worldview.
The student body includes students from around 23 countries/regions; KIUA describes a diverse community of Japanese and international students. About 42% of KIUA graduates go on to overseas universities.
Public information on Additional Learning Needs (SEN) provisions is not published. The facilities include an elevator, accessible parking and an ostomate-friendly multi-purpose restroom.
KIUA follows an American-based curriculum and is accredited by WASC and ACSI, reflecting U.S.-based standards for international schools.
KIUA is Christ-centered and Christian in its worldview.
Daily start and end times are not published publicly; current schedules are provided to enrolling families through admissions. For concrete times, contact the school staff.
KIU Academy is governed by Kyoto International University, which is the academy's governing body. KIU Academy is part of Kyoto International University, the organization that operatesKIU Academy.
KIU Academy offers a 12-year bilingual global curriculum for Grades 1–12, with Elementary (1–5), Middle (6–8), and High School (9–12). The classes are conducted in English and Japanese, reflecting a bilingual approach that blends Western self-directed learning with the Japanese curriculum framework. The school is fully accredited from Grade 1–12 by WASC and ACSI, and High School Grades 10–12 are recognized as a Gakko Hojin by Kyoto Prefecture, making students eligible for Japanese college admission and related tuition support. A Dual Enrollment option enables high school students to take university division courses to earn credits toward graduation and for transfer to overseas colleges; sample offerings have included Economics, Government, Biology, Calculus, and related courses. The curriculum emphasizes language development and global university readiness through bilingual instruction and cross-cultural learning.
KIU Academy supports social and emotional learning through a caring, Christ-centered learning community and small-class dynamics, with homeroom teachers monitoring each student's growth and well-being within a 9:1 student–teacher ratio.
KIU Academy does not publicly disclose information regarding specialized SEN provision or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution; however, it notes flexible admissions for families with special education needs related to moving into or out of Japan.
The school supports English as an Additional Language by tailoring class schedules to each student's language ability and providing online admissions interviews for overseas applicants, with language needs accommodated in scheduling.
Mental wellbeing is supported by a safe educational environment and strong teacher–student relationships within a caring community and small class sizes.
KIU Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), which require safeguarding and child-protection standards; a standalone safeguarding policy is not publicly disclosed.
KIU Academy (Kyoto International University Academy) offers a bilingual (English and Japanese) program and accepts students into Grade 1 and Grades 2–12. Admissions are conducted with a clear, grade‑based process and, for some applicants, flexible entry points (including overseas and returnee families). The information below follows the official admissions steps and timelines published for KIU Academy.
Grade 1 Admissions Process
1. Application Period. Applications are accepted in two periods this year: Period 1 from July 1 to July 31, 2025, and Period 2 from October 1 to November 28, 2025. The school recommends applying during Period 1 when possible, regardless of location, with Period 2 remaining open mainly for returnee students and overseas families. Plan ahead for the period you choose and confirm any required documentation early.
2. How to Apply. Submit the following items by registered mail: (1) Application form with a 2.4 cm × 3 cm photo attached, (2) Academic documents (transcripts) from the last school attended, (3) Any existing academic test results (optional), (4) an application fee of ¥25,000. Use the Bank of Kyoto Osumi branch for the transfer to the Kyoto International University account. If you don't receive a receipt within a week, contact the admissions office.
3. Examination Schedule. There are two possible periods for examinations: Period 1 in late August 2025 and Period 2 in late November 2025. The exact date and arrival time for a school visit are communicated individually. Applications are reviewed across documents and interviews.
4. Test Method. The admissions review includes evaluation of the submitted documents and interviews involving the student and their parent/guardian. The school does not discuss admission decisions in advance.
5. Placement Tests. Placement tests cover English and Japanese. The tests are administered during the interview and help determine the class placement after enrollment based on demonstrated ability.
6. Notification of Results. For Period 1, results are dispatched on September 12, 2025; for Period 2, results are dispatched on December 12, 2025. The dispatch dates are fixed once the period is selected.
7. Enrollment Process. Accepted applicants must transfer the entrance fee by the specified date: September 26, 2025 (Period 1) or December 26, 2025 (Period 2). Delays in payment may result in denial of admission if seats are no longer available.
Tuition and Fees (Grade 1) — First Year Totals
- First Year Total: 1,453,000 yen, comprising Entrance Fee of 300,000 yen, Course Registration Fee of 50,000 yen, Facilities Fee of 150,000 yen, and Tuition of 953,000 yen. All fees are subject to change.
- Notes: Tuition is stated as 953,000 yen (tuition per trimester is noted as 370,000 yen, with three trimesters per year). Other miscellaneous items include optional summer programs, clubs, and school supplies. Application/entrance fees are non‑refundable. Sibling discounts and government enrollment support may apply in appropriate cases. Financial aid may be available for those who need it, with documents requested through the admissions office.
Grade 2–12 Admissions Process
1. Application Period. Applications for Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 enrollment begin July 1, 2025 and continue onward. Availability is grade‑dependent, so applicants should check with the admissions office about current capacity in their target grade. The form used for Grade 1 is the same as that used for Grade 2–12.
2. How to Apply. Submit the same set of materials as Grade 1 by registered mail: (1) Application form with a 2.4 cm × 3 cm photo attached, (2) Academic documents (transcripts from the last school attended), (3) Any existing academic test results (optional), (4) an application fee of ¥25,000. Bank transfer details are the same as for Grade 1. If you do not receive a receipt within a week, contact the admissions office.
3. Examination Schedule. Details of the examination schedule for Grades 2–12 are provided by the admissions office; applicants should contact the office for the current timetable.
4. Test Method. The process includes document review and interviews with students and their parents/guardians. The school notes that admission decisions cannot be discussed in advance.
5. Placement Tests. Placement tests cover English, Japanese, and Math. These tests are administered at the interview, and results help place students into the appropriate class after enrollment.
6. Notification of Results. Results are provided within two weeks after the interview.
7. Enrollment Process. Bank transfer of the designated fees is due within two weeks of notification of acceptance.
Fees (Grade 2–12) — First Year Totals
- First Year Total (Grade 2–12): Entrance Fee 300,000 yen; Course Registration 50,000 yen; Facilities 150,000 yen; Tuition 953,000 yen; Total 1,453,000 yen. All fees are subject to change.
- Notes: Miscellaneous fees include optional summer programs, clubs, and school supplies. Annual payment options are available for Spring entrants; Fall/Winter entrants use by‑term or by‑month options. A sibling discount may apply; 10th–12th graders are eligible for government enrollment support; financial aid may be available for families needing assistance.
Returnees & Overseas Students Admissions (Additional Path)
KIU Academy provides a flexible admissions path for returnees and overseas students. Enrollment is available in Spring, Fall, and Winter, and the school year runs from April to March. Online interviews are available for overseas applicants, reducing the need to travel to Japan for the interview, though in‑person interviews may be requested after arrival for specific needs. Classes are scheduled to align with each student's English and Japanese proficiency, and alumni have progressed to universities both in Japan and abroad.
Language of Instruction and General Considerations
KIU Academy operates bilingual instruction in English and Japanese, with a curriculum designed to support students as they develop proficiency in both languages. This bilingual approach is highlighted as part of the school's mission to provide education that goes beyond mere language proficiency.
KIU Academy does not publish detailed, school‑level scholarship programs on its admissions pages. There is a note that financial aid may be available for families with difficulty affording tuition, and families are advised to contact the admissions officer for application documents. In addition, 10th–12th graders are eligible for government‑sponsored enrollment support. These government/support options are mentioned as part of the general fees section for Grades 2–12 and Grade 1, but no specific KIU Academy scholarship program is described. Prospective families should discuss financial aid options with the admissions office and consider government enrollment support where applicable.
KIU Academy does not publish a formal waitlist or applicant pool system. Enrollment is described as dependent on seat availability by grade, with applications accepted on a rolling basis starting July 1, 2025 (and onward). Families should check current grade availability with the admissions office, and note that admissions are processed as seats remain open rather than through a centralized waitlist.
The school is located at 7-31-1 Kizugawadai, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture, 619-0225, Japan. The campus sits in the Keihanna Hills within the Kansai Science City region, conveniently nestled between Kyoto, Osaka and Nara Prefectures. It is connected to nearby train lines via DISK's scheduled bus service from Shin-Hosono/Hosono and Nara-Tomigaoka stations.
Middle School Programme; IB Diploma Programme
IB World School offering a comprehensive international curriculum delivered in English
The health office is located on the 2nd floor of DIA; the bilingual school nurse is on duty from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. A part-time bilingual counselor (clinical psychologist) provides psychological support to parents and students. A University Advisor supports tertiary education planning, and a School Chaplain leads weekly worship services focused on Christian values.
Japan
Christian
There are two bus routes for commuting students. Route 1 (Shin-Hosono / Hosono) departs Hosono at 7:35am, 7:55am, 8:10am and 8:15am; departs DIA at 3:40pm and 4:00pm. Route 2 (Nara-Tomigaoka) departs Tomigaoka at 7:25am, 7:40am and 8:05am; departs DIA at 3:40pm and 4:00pm. The buses are green city buses operated by Seika Town; ICOCA is accepted; each bus has 30 seats with space for up to 50 standing; routes run to and from DIA with designated pickup/drop-off locations.
The school is not a boarding school.
The school does not wear a uniform to school; students dress conservatively and neatly. All middle school students must purchase a full PE uniform set.
DISK is part of the Doshisha International Academy in Kizugawa City and is a member of the Doshisha family of schools. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework used for grades 9–10; Middle School Programme (MSP) for ages 11–16; eight subject groups; inquiry-based, concept-based learning; Personal Project in grade 10; develops approaches to learning and prepares students for further education. The school offers the IB Diploma Programme (DP) with six subject groups, language study of at least two languages, and core components including the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity and Service; DP can lead to the IB Diploma, IB Certificate, or a High School Certificate; maximum DP total score is 45.
University Advisor provides a part-time service to prepare students for tertiary education, evaluate options, assist with applications, and answer questions for students and their parents.
The school provides a part-time bilingual counselor (clinical psychologist) to offer psychological support to parents and students. The counseling room is on the 4th floor and is open every Thursday and once a month on Monday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The School Chaplain leads worship services weekly and Christian values are explored through chapel and related activities.
The Health Office includes a bilingual school nurse on duty from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. A part-time bilingual counselor provides psychological support to students and parents, coordinating with health staff to support student wellbeing.
The school has a Child Protection Policy with zero tolerance for abuse or neglect. Abuse is defined to include physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect, inappropriate peer-to-peer behavior, and online harassment. A designated Child Protection Officer handles concerns, and staff are mandated reporters with regular training. Confidential reporting is available, including an anonymous report form; the policy is reviewed annually. The designated Child Protection Officer is Gavin Storey.
DISK provides an internationally oriented education, with English as the medium of instruction in all classes except for foreign language courses. It is not an English language school and does not teach English as a foreign language. A level of English proficiency is a requirement for admission, and while some English language support is available, the admissions procedures aim to balance English language ability in each grade without compromising English being the language of instruction in all classes. The school is not a boarding school; students must live with their parent(s) or legal guardian throughout the academic year and must have their own devices.
Admission criteria require: all students meet minimal English language requirements; age-grade eligibility is met; students live with their parent(s) in Japan; and if admitted, Grade 11 will be enrolled in the IB Diploma Program. The enrollment system is age-based as outlined in the chart, with specific age ranges mapping to grades (e.g., DOB 9/1/2009–8/31/2010 corresponds to age 13–14 for Grade 9; DOB 9/1/2008–8/31/2009 corresponds to age 14–15 for Grade 10; DOB 9/1/2007–8/31/2008 corresponds to age 15–16 for Grade 11).
Enrollment is accepted throughout the school year, and current admissions are limited to new enrollments for grades 9–10 at present. Applications are considered on the date of application, with the earliest start date determined accordingly, and the school will close in 2029 after all current students have graduated.
Admission steps (1–7):
1. Request an Admissions & Enrollment Application Form link by emailing the Admissions Office to receive the digital form.
2. Complete the digital Admissions & Enrollment Application Form, including personal details, identification (passport information page), documentation (academic transcripts from the last two years in English, English-language enrollment certificate), and additional information about educational history and needs, plus a medical disclosure form.
3. Review: after submission is checked, you receive an email with entrance test fee payment details; if not approved, you are notified and application materials are not returned.
4. Entrance Test Fee Payment: pay a non-refundable entrance test fee of 20,000 yen per child before testing; ensure remittance details specify exactly 20,000 yen and include the required reference number.
5. Entrance Test & Interview: the test and interview are conducted in person on campus and take about 4–5 hours; there is no online remote testing option. All applicants take a language and math test; non-native English speakers must be able to read, speak and write English; MAP practice links are provided for practice.
6. Admissions Panel Decision: the final admission decision is communicated by email.
7. Registration Fee Payment: a one-time non-refundable registration fee of 250,000 yen per child is due within seven days of admission notification, with remittance details provided.
Bank transfer details and other administrative information are provided in the admission materials.
