| What grades are offered? |
The school offers a full educational program from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.
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| What curriculum and textbooks are used? |
OIS is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) school and is the first and only IB Continuum School in Okinawa. The curriculum is student-centered, cross-curricular, inquiry-based, and problem-based (PBL), rather than traditional teacher-led, textbook-based, and paper-based examinations. English is the primary language of instruction, with Japanese language and literature for Japanese speakers and a Japanese language acquisition program for speakers of other languages. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered from age 3 through grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) from grades 6 through 10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) from grades 11 through 12. In addition to the IBDP course, the Upper Secondary School (grades 10-12) offers the International Liberal Arts (ILA) program. Both the IBDP and the ILA courses are designed to qualify students to enter universities in Japan and abroad. We have IB-trained and subject-specific teachers who bring diverse multicultural perspectives that reflect our school community. We foster a positive and inclusive learning environment. |
| What is the admissions process like? |
The success of IB education at OIS lies in the understanding and implementation of the IB philosophy and principles by the school, parents, and students to achieve those goals. While traditional education measures achievement of acquired knowledge through paper-based examinations, IB education requires an understanding of the nature of learning. Students are encouraged to think and act in ways that lead to answers to their own questions of "why" and "what" through various types of inquiry. We use a variety of methods to test students' non-cognitive abilities in the admission screening process. Admission screening is conducted in November and January, and monthly for those who wish to transfer. For more information, please contact our office. |
| What kind of afterschool programs are available? |
We have a belly dance club and a karate club. For Secondary School (Grade 6 - Grade 12), we offer a variety of in-school club activities where students can explore their interests. These include clubs such as Dance Club, Craft Club, Racket Sports Club, and many others. In these clubs, students take a leading role in planning and organizing activities, while teachers support and guide their learning and development. All of these activities are organized within the school timetable and take place during school hours.
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| What nationalities are represented in your students? |
85% of the students are Japanese nationals, and 15% are foreign nationals or have more than one nationality. |
| Are school trips available? |
Before the pandemic, we had a sleepover for kindergarteners.
Elementary School Grade 5 students participate in an annual two-day, one-night school trip within Okinawa Prefecture.
Last school year (2025), the Middle School and High School students participated in a five-day, four-night school trip to the Tokyo and Chubu regions of Japan. Students had the opportunity to explore different locations, including a university, helping them gain new experiences and perspectives.
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| What activities are currently taking place at the school? |
From Elementary to High School, we organize a House System where students actively participate and build a strong sense of community and school spirit. These events provide opportunities for teamwork, collaboration, and healthy competition while creating meaningful connections within the school community.
In addition, we have a strong Student Council body in the Middle and High School that is elected through a structured election process, empowering students to take leadership roles and contribute positively to school culture and student life.
In addition, beginning this year, our High School has established a sister-school partnership with a high school in New Zealand. Through this partnership, we will offer reciprocal student exchange programs twice a year, lasting between three weeks and one month. Students from both schools will have the opportunity to participate in these exchanges at no cost, with both program fees and homestay accommodation provided free of charge. This initiative offers students a valuable opportunity to develop global perspectives, strengthen their intercultural understanding, and build meaningful international relationships.
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What additional support is provided for students?
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In the Elementary School, for students whose native language is Japanese, we provide support to improve their English language skills. For students whose native language is other than Japanese and who need support in Japanese, we provide pull-out, in-class language support, and online individual support (English only: for a fee). The school also provides extensive guidance on lifestyle and manners in Japanese society as support for acquiring social skills, which we believe will lead to an understanding of global society and the ability to play an active role in the world in the future. We assign experienced teachers to the academic guidance team, starting from grade 8, and work with homeroom teachers and subject teachers over several years to ensure that students successfully enter the Japanese and overseas universities of their choice. |
| What are the student numbers for each section? |
PreK and Kindergarten – 65, Elementary School – 100, Middle School – 41, High School – 34 |
