We are a small but growing International Baccalaureate school providing outstanding education to the Kyoto community. We are very excited about our plans to develop a full high school, and this year, we will expand and improve our facilities, adding a second campus close to the existing school. In 2025, we will open a Grade 11 class, followed by Grade 12 in 2026. We are the only IB Continuum school in Kyoto offering an IB education across IB PYP, IB MYP and IBDP from Early Years to Grade 12.
At KIS, we are committed to providing the highest quality education for all age groups. We aim to ensure that all students and their abilities are inspired, engaged, and challenged at their level. Our school is an inclusive and progressive international school where we believe every child can be successful every single day. Our curriculum and lessons are internationally-minded, child-centred and academically rigorous. We aim to set high standards for all our students and staff as we prepare children and young people to be successful at school and in life. We believe in developing children and young people academically and holistically and equipping them with the skills they need to be responsible global citizens.
To do this, we have an experienced team of creative and enthusiastic teachers and leaders who strive to implement the most effective, research-based educational practices. We are also committed to ensuring the highest levels of well-being for all students by making every day an enjoyable experience and being there to listen and support them when they face challenges in their lives.
Kyoto International School is more than just a school. It is a community that has a significant responsibility to prepare children and young people as they move through school and out into the world. That preparation is not solely centred on academic development but also on how they grow into responsible young people, how they conduct themselves, and how they interact with other people around them.
We are proud of our community at Kyoto International School. In our school, students, teachers, and parents work together to create a safe environment and an inspiring education. The small, intimate size of our classes enables us to know our students and families very well. Our school is also special in that it is overseen by a committed volunteer board, some of whom are parents. Together, their role is to oversee the direction and development of the school.
I would like to welcome our local and wider community to visit the school and learn about the opportunities we create daily to allow students to develop creativity, resilience, and integrity. These opportunities can be found within curricular and extracurricular activities.
I am incredibly proud to be leading Kyoto International School into its next chapter. I relish the opportunity to build on the school’s excellent reputation in Kyoto and Japan, embrace the Japanese and expatriate cultures within the school, and connect with the local, regional and global community.
Matt Topliss, MA, NPQH, FCCT
Principal