Nagoya International School

NIS follows the International Baccalaureate from start to finish. The Early Learning Center and Elementary School use the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme runs from Grade 6 to Grade 10, and Grades 11 and 12 follow the IB Diploma Programme, which the school keeps open to all students prepared for its demands. Diploma courses include English and Japanese literature and language options, and students can add accredited online IB courses or study their mother tongue through school-supported self-taught literature.

NIS is organised into the Early Learning Center, for preschool and kindergarten children, the Elementary School from Grade 1 to Grade 5, the Middle School from Grade 6 to Grade 8 and the High School from Grade 9 to Grade 12. Learning in the early years is play-based and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Grade 5 students have their own transition annex, and the final two years lead to the IB Diploma.

NIS aims to empower students to think creatively and critically, to keep learning throughout their lives and to contribute positively to the global community, summarised in its motto of inquire, inspire and impact. The school describes itself as inclusive, welcoming students with diverse talents and backgrounds, and places importance on belonging, well-being and a restorative approach to relationships.

The 7.5-acre campus combines five buildings connected by gardens and covered walkways. Facilities include early years classrooms with an outdoor play area, an elementary playground, a library and media centre, a design and fabrication lab used for robotics, science laboratories with greenhouse space, art rooms with a kiln, music classrooms and practice rooms, a black box drama room and a multi-purpose hall. Sports take place on the Keith Dixon Field, in a gym used for basketball, volleyball and badminton, and in a fitness centre. The Commons serves as cafeteria and performance space, and there are a community garden and a chicken coop.

An extensive bus network with eight routes serves stops across Nagoya and the surrounding area, and a shuttle runs from Kozoji station. The Commons cafeteria serves freshly prepared meals with an allergy-friendly table. The Little Dolphins programme provides after-school childcare, and a two-week summer programme is offered for children aged 5 to 14. Learning support and English language support are available, college counsellors guide university applications, and need-based financial aid is offered.

Co-curricular activities run in three rotations during the year across arts, athletics, service, leadership and academic interests. Middle and high school teams compete in basketball, football, volleyball, badminton and cross country against international schools in Japan through the AJAA and across East Asia through EAISAC. Club options include band, choir, dance, art, crafts, robotics, coding, STEAM, LEGO, chess and traditional board games, debate, Model United Nations, cooking, yoga, karate and touch rugby, and elementary pupils have their own programme.