Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Okinawa

Okinawa, is a unique and culturally rich destination for expats and digital nomads, offering a subtropical climate and a laid-back island lifestyle. While Okinawa is not as large as some of the world's major cities, it does provide a selection of international and bilingual schools catering to the expatriate community. Among the most popular are the Okinawa International School and the Amicus International School, which offer comprehensive educational programs for children of expat families. Here is a list of international and bilingual schools within a 40-minute drive from Okinawa, suitable for expat kids.

Okinawa International School (OIS)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Okinawa City
Website: www.okinawa-is.org

Okinawa International School offers a multicultural learning environment with a curriculum designed to foster international mindedness. The school provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and is a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme. With state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities, OIS aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people.

Amicus International School

Grades: Age 1 through Grade 12
Location(s): Uruma City
Website: www.amicus.ed.jp/english/

Amicus International School provides a bilingual education in Japanese and English, with a curriculum that blends the best of both Japanese educational guidelines and international standards. The school offers the Cambridge Curriculum for its high school program and boasts a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and cultural exchanges.

Kadena Middle School

Grades: 6 through 8
Location(s): Kadena Air Base
Website: www.dodea.edu/KadenaMS/

Kadena Middle School is part of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and serves the children of U.S. military and civilian personnel stationed in Okinawa. The school offers a standard American curriculum and a variety of after-school programs and clubs. It is equipped with modern facilities and emphasizes a supportive learning environment.

Kubasaki High School

Grades: 9 through 12
Location(s): Camp Foster
Website: www.dodea.edu/KubasakiHS/

Kubasaki High School, also part of DoDEA, provides an American-style education with Advanced Placement (AP) courses available for students seeking college-level study opportunities. The school has a diverse student body and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and clubs.

Okinawa Christian School International (OCSI)

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Yomitan Village
Website: www.ocsi.org

Okinawa Christian School International offers a Christian education with an American-style curriculum. OCSI is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and offers a variety of AP courses. The school's facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and sports fields, and it has a strong emphasis on community service and character development.

Santa Monica International School

Grades: Preschool through Grade 9
Location(s): Ginowan City
Website: www.smis-okinawa.org

Santa Monica International School provides a bilingual education in English and Japanese, with an emphasis on developing global citizens. The school offers a nurturing environment with small class sizes and a curriculum that encourages creativity and critical thinking. Extracurricular activities include cultural arts, sports, and language clubs.