Why join for free?
Already have an account? Log In
Japan, Nagoya
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
Languages taught at Sunnyside are Japanese (primary language of instruction) and English (second language). The school operates a dual-language program in English and Japanese, with collaboration between Japanese homeroom teachers and English specialists to weave English into the curriculum and Units of Inquiry. English instruction uses the THRASS approach to support reading, spelling, and handwriting, and is designed to connect language learning to students' daily life and inquiry. The language policy recognises home languages and multilingualism and aligns language learning with the Primary Years Programme, which begins at age 3.
Sunnyside International School runs a dual-language program in English and Japanese. Japanese is the primary language of instruction, while English is taught as a second language with exposure that varies across the school. In Kindergarten and beyond, Japanese homeroom teachers collaborate with English specialist teachers to plan and deliver lessons, integrating English into units of inquiry. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) used by the school begins at age 3 and continues through age 12.
Sunnyside International School is located in Gifu City, about a 20-minute train ride from Nagoya, in an area known for the Nagara River and surrounding mountains. The school’s programmes span early childcare (from 6 months) through elementary Grade 6, with kindergarten and a primary department. Sunnyside became Japan’s first PYP authorized “Article one” school in 2016, and its primary programme is underpinned by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The school’s language policy places Japanese as the first language of schooling while increasing English use step-by-step, supported by English specialist teachers. A distinctive feature highlighted on the site is its collaboration with educator James Nottingham’s “Challenging Learning,” including use of the “Learning Pit” model to help students understand what learning feels like.
