ABOUT 

KIS

Since 1957, Kyoto International School (KIS) has been a cornerstone of international education in the heart of Kyoto. As the city’s first and only IB Continuum School, we offer a globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) education from the Early Years through to the Diploma Programme.


KIS is fully accredited by both the International Baccalaureate and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). We are also proud to be the first school accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) through our WASC accreditation. As a not-for-profit school, our mission is to deliver high-quality, personalized learning. We are a diverse and inclusive community where every student is empowered to grow with confidence and become a thoughtful, globally minded citizen.

About 

KIS

Since 1957, Kyoto International School (KIS) has been a cornerstone of international education in the heart of Kyoto. As the city’s first and only IB Continuum School, we offer a globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) education from the Early Years through to the Diploma Programme.


KIS is fully accredited by both the International Baccalaureate and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). We are also proud to be the first school accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) through our WASC accreditation. As a not-for-profit school, our mission is to deliver high-quality, personalized learning. We are a diverse and inclusive community where every student is empowered to grow with confidence and become a thoughtful, globally minded citizen.

Matt Topliss, MA, NPQH, FCCT Principal, Kyoto International School

WELCOME

MESSAGE

Welcome to Kyoto International School


Since 1957, Kyoto International School (KIS) has proudly served the Kyoto community, delivering high-quality international education in the heart of one of Japan’s most historic cities. As the first and only IB Continuum School in Kyoto, KIS offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) programme from Early Years to Grade 12. 


We are a small but growing school, committed to excellence and innovation. In August 2025, we will open our first Grade 11 class, followed by Grade 12 in 2026, completing our Upper Secondary programme. To support this exciting expansion, we are enhancing our facilities and opening a second campus near our current location.


At KIS, we believe that every student has the ability to thrive. Our inclusive and progressive environment ensures that all learners are inspired, engaged, and challenged at their own level. Our internationally minded, academically rigorous curriculum is designed to help students succeed both in school and in life. We focus on developing students holistically—academically, socially, and emotionally—to become compassionate and responsible global citizens. 


Our team of creative, enthusiastic educators and leaders are dedicated to implementing research-based teaching practices. We also place a strong emphasis on student well-being, ensuring that every day at school is both meaningful and joyful. We are here to listen, support, and guide our students through every challenge.


KIS is more than a school—it is a community. Students, teachers, and parents collaborate to create a safe, supportive, and enriching learning environment. Our small class sizes allow us to truly know each student and family, and our school is guided by a dedicated volunteer board, many of whom are also parents.


I warmly invite families from both our local and international communities to visit us and experience the many opportunities KIS offers opportunities that build creativity, resilience, and integrity in our students, both inside and outside the classroom.


Warm regards,


Matt Topliss, MA, NPQH, FCCT

Principal

Our Mission

In our community we foster passionate, collaborative, and internationally minded individuals through an engaging and supportive education.


Our Vision

Inspiring active learners, developing global citizens.

Our Mission 

& Vision

The Mission and Vision of Kyoto International School

OUR MISSION

In our community we foster passionate, collaborative, and internationally minded individuals through an engaging and supportive education.

Inspiring active learners, developing global citizens.

OUR VISION

Meet Our 

Teachers

At Kyoto International School (KIS), our dedicated and qualified teachers are the heart of our community. Recruited worldwide for their expertise, they nurture students cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially within the IB framework. They encourage students to take action based on their learning, fostering responsibility. Meet our teaching staff to discover their diverse backgrounds and passion for providing a meaningful curriculum

Student 

Wellbeing

Kyoto International School’s mission, in accordance with and in support of the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1990), along with the recommendations based on the International Task Force on Child Protection (2015), and also in conjunction with Japanese laws regarding Child Protection, defines the term “child” as people under the age of 18.


KIS Child Safeguarding Policy has been adopted and approved by the KIS Executive Board.

KIS 

News

Connect with Kyoto International School's vibrant community. Our News Blog highlights student achievements, innovative projects, activities, and global initiatives. Discover how KIS shapes tomorrow's leaders. Explore our latest stories here.

KIS 

Upcoming Events

At Kyoto International School (KIS), our dedicated and qualified teachers are the heart of our community. Recruited worldwide for their expertise, they nurture students cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially within the IB framework.

MEET OUR 

TEACHERS

At Kyoto International School (KIS), our dedicated and qualified teachers are the heart of our community. Recruited worldwide for their expertise, they nurture students cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially within the IB framework. They encourage students to take action based on their learning, fostering responsibility. Meet our teaching staff to discover their diverse backgrounds and passion for providing a meaningful curriculum

OUR 

STORY

The KIS Story comes with a great legacy dating back to 1957.  


Our story continues as we grow and develop our offerings to our students, parents, staff, and the wider Kyoto community.

STUDENT 

WELLBEING

Kyoto International School’s mission, in accordance with and in support of the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1990), along with the recommendations based on the International Task Force on Child Protection (2015), and also in conjunction with Japanese laws regarding Child Protection, defines the term “child” as people under the age of 18.

KIS Child Safeguarding Policy has been adopted and approved by the KIS Executive Board.

KIS 

NEWS

CALENDAR & EVENTS

EXPLORE 

KIS

Explore more

Admissions

Envelope

Council Of British International Schools Accreditation - Kyoto International School

Juraku Campus

Phone

075-451-1022

Phone

075-451-1023

602−8247 京都市上京区北俵町317. 317 Kitatawara-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 602-8247

602-8144 京都府京都市上京区藁屋町536-1.  536-1 Waraya-Cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 602-8144

Phone

Taiken Campus

075-334-8208

Phone

075-334-8209

Copyright Kyoto International School 2025 | All Rights Reserved

Kyoto International School is an accredited school by the Council of British International Schools.
Kyoto International School - three programme IB Continuum World School in Japan.

Copyright Kyoto International School 2025

Phone

075-451-1022

Phone

075-451-1023

Juraku Campus

602−8247 京都市上京区北俵町317.  317 Kitatawara-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 602-8247

Phone

075-334-8209

Taiken Campus

075-334-8208

602-8144 京都府京都市上京区藁屋町536-1.  536-1 Waraya-Cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 602-8144

Phone