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Japan, Kyoto
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Kyoto International School offers After School Activities (ASA) that include Bukatsu (clubs) and paid lessons. Bukatsu, offered free by KIS teachers, covers calligraphy, gardening, reading, board games, photography, dance, fitness, sports, and STEM, aligned with the Approaches to Learning of the PYP and MYP. ASA runs from 3:30 to 4:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for 12 weeks each semester. Paid lessons are available year-round and include aikido, dance, coding, drama, basketball, ikebana, and piano.
Arts and creativity are fostered through KIS's Co-Curricular Activities, including events such as the Summer Concert and the KIS Festival organized by the PTA, which feature art displays, performances, and international food. The KIS Festival is a major community celebration with PTA involvement. LEGO Six Bricks is also offered as a hands-on, creativity-driven learning tool used by teachers to support artistic and design-thinking skills.
KIS runs Saturday School, an English-literacy focused program for ages 3–12 that emphasizes international perspective, reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The program follows Fall, Winter, and Spring terms with a defined schedule and per-term tuition. World Studies and inquiry-based themes are core components of the curriculum, supporting global awareness. The school also hosts multicultural events such as the KIS Festival, organized with PTA involvement to celebrate diversity.
In addition to Bukatsu, students participate in social, recreational activities and house-based events. The House Teams provide weekly, friendly competitions that foster teamwork and social leadership. LEGO Six Bricks and other co-curricular offerings support collaborative, interest-based activities beyond academics.
KIS operates as a not-for-profit school, reinvesting resources into the community and student programs. The KIS Community section notes ongoing alumni engagement and regular reunions, reflecting a strong sense of community beyond the classroom. The PTA coordinates major community events such as the KIS Festival, reinforcing family and local involvement in school life.
Student leadership is supported through the KIS House Teams, where students participate in leadership and teamwork within house activities. The University Counseling program begins in Grade 10 and expands through Grades 11–12, offering visits from universities, group and individual counseling, and guidance on applications, scholarships, and career pathways. The school maintains an active alumni network and a strong PTA, providing leadership opportunities for families and former students to stay engaged.
Co-Curricular Activities balance academics with sports, arts, and leadership, with a focus on student well-being in a safe, supportive environment. ASA includes 3:30–4:30 PM activities for 12 weeks each semester, including fitness, sports, and mindfulness-related activities. Saturday School's Waku-Doki time incorporates physical education, library activities, water play, and kids yoga, contributing to physical and mental health.
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.
