Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Kyoto

Kyoto, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful temples, is also a city that caters to the international community, including expats and digital nomads with families. While Kyoto may not have the extensive selection of international or bilingual schools found in larger metropolises like Tokyo, it does offer a handful of reputable institutions that provide quality education for expat children. Among the most popular are the Kyoto International School and the Doshisha International School, which are known for their diverse student bodies and international curricula.

Kyoto International School (KIS)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Website: www.kis.ac.jp

Kyoto International School offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme for students from preschool to grade 8. With a focus on fostering a multicultural environment, KIS provides a diverse community where students from various backgrounds can thrive. The school boasts modern facilities, including a library, gymnasium, and computer labs, and offers a range of extracurricular activities to complement its academic programs.

Doshisha International School, Kyoto (DISK)

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture
Website: www.doshisha.ac.jp/en/information/school/k_international.html

Doshisha International School, Kyoto, is part of the prestigious Doshisha School Corporation and offers an international education from kindergarten through high school. DISK follows the Cambridge Curriculum and prepares students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A-Levels. The school's facilities include science labs, art studios, and sports fields, and it supports a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports teams to music and drama clubs.

Marist Brothers International School (MBIS)

Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Suma Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Website: www.marist.ac.jp

Located in Kobe, a short distance from Kyoto, Marist Brothers International School offers a comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school follows an American-style curriculum and offers the Advanced Placement (AP) program for high school students. MBIS prides itself on its global outlook, with students representing over 30 nationalities, and provides a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, auditorium, and technology-integrated classrooms.

Canadian Academy

Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Higashinada Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Website: www.canacad.ac.jp

Another excellent option within commuting distance from Kyoto is the Canadian Academy, an international school located in Kobe. The school offers the IB Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes, catering to students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. Canadian Academy features state-of-the-art facilities, including a performing arts center, design technology labs, and extensive sports facilities. The school's extracurricular program is robust, with opportunities in athletics, arts, and service learning.

Deutsche Schule Kobe/European School

Grades: Age 1 through Grade 12
Location(s): Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Website: www.dskobe.org

For families seeking a European-style education, the Deutsche Schule Kobe/European School offers a bilingual (German/English) education from age 1 through grade 12. The school follows the German state curriculum and the European Baccalaureate program. With a focus on intercultural learning and multilingualism, the school provides a unique educational experience with facilities that include a library, science labs, and a multipurpose hall for various events and activities.