Welcome to a School Like No Other in Nagoya

What if your child could thrive socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically, while receiving an accredited and challenging internationally-recognized education?

At NIS, they can!

We believe a great education should do more than prepare students for the next step; it should shape who they become.

For more than 60 years, NIS has built a reputation for combining strong academics with a deeply supportive community. Our students are challenged to think critically, encouraged to take ownership of their learning, and guided by educators who know them well.

At NIS, your child will:

Be known and supported as an individual
Be challenged through a rigorous, inquiry-based education
Grow in confidence, responsibility, and global understanding

If you are looking for a school that will prepare your child for a global future, we invite you to explore NIS.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

BROWSE ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Book a tour

Submit an application

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Imagine What Is Possible

Every student brings their own strengths, interests, experiences, and aspirations to NIS. Meet some of our students and discover the many different ways they learn, grow, belong, and make their mark on the NIS community.

Welcome from our Director of Admissions & Development

What does it mean to belong at NIS?

Hear from Director of Admissions & Development Erik Olson-Kikuchi as he shares how Nagoya International School brings together outstanding educators, a diverse international community, and a commitment to helping every student grow with purpose.

Learn how NIS creates an environment where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to make a positive impact in their local and global communities.

Our Difference: Why Choose NIS

At NIS, academic rigor and real-world relevance go hand in hand. Students are challenged through a globally respected curriculum that builds deep understanding, strong communication skills, and the ability to think critically and apply learning in meaningful ways.

This experience is shaped by the following four defining elements.

Our Teachers

Exceptional teachers are at the heart of an exceptional education. Our internationally experienced educators combine deep professional expertise with a genuine commitment to helping every student learn, grow, and thrive.

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Our History

For more than 60 years, NIS has been educating internationally minded students in Nagoya. Founded by families and built as a non-profit school, our commitment to exceptional education and community remains as strong today as it was in 1964.

A teacher in a white coat stands with a group of young girls in pleated skirts outside the Nagoya International School.

Our Purpose

Our mission shapes every aspect of life at NIS, from the way we teach and support students to the opportunities we create beyond the classroom. It reflects our commitment to developing curious learners, compassionate individuals, and confident contributors to the world around them.

Two young children are focused on a table covered in sticky notes and writing utensils, with a blurred classroom background.

Our Campus

Every space on our campus has been thoughtfully designed to support learning, creativity, collaboration, and well-being. From specialist learning environments to welcoming community spaces, our campus provides students with the environment they need to flourish.

Lush green trees in the foreground frame a modern university campus with white buildings and a sports field in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

What is an International Education?

An international education prepares students to thrive in a world that is increasingly interconnected, complex, and constantly changing.

At NIS, this means more than learning in English or studying alongside students from different countries. It means developing the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to understand the world, think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute positively to diverse communities.

Through the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, students engage in rigorous academics while learning to ask questions, solve problems, collaborate with others, and make meaningful connections across subjects and cultures. They are encouraged to become confident learners, compassionate individuals, and active contributors to the world around them.

An international education at NIS prepares students not only for university, but for life beyond it.

Academics with Purpose

Learning at NIS goes beyond academic achievement.

Discover how our programs develop knowledge, skills, character, and a sense of purpose from Preschool through Grade 12.

Start Your Application Today!

Meet Our Admissions Team

Behind every inquiry is a family with unique questions, hopes, and goals for their child. Our Admissions Team takes the time to get to know each family, providing guidance, support, and a personal connection throughout the admissions journey. We look forward to welcoming you, answering your questions, and helping you discover what makes NIS a special place to learn and grow.

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Erik Olson-Kikuchi, Director of Admission & Development
Kayoko Wantanabe, Admissions Coordinator
Freya Yang, Admissions & Marketing Officer
Madoka Suzuki, Communications & Operations Specialist

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Admissions FAQs

Applying to a new school naturally comes with questions. Below you'll find answers to some of the questions families ask most often throughout the admissions process.

When is the application deadline?

Is an interview required during the admissions process?

Does NIS offer financial aid?

How long is the admissions process?

The school requires ample time to review the application and the transcripts submitted, and we ask for a minimum of two weeks from between receipt of the application and an interview. Typically applications will require 4-6 weeks to process in the event of any testing or other assessments that may be required.

To ensure a smooth transition for both the student and the class they will enter, the school requires some preparation time after the interview as well. Since many students enter the school at mid-year, we have found that it is important to not only properly inform any and all involved staff but also the applicant’s peers – their classmates. Typically the applicant will start 2-5 days after the family interview.

Do I need to provide official transcripts?

Yes, for high school, official transcripts are required and should be sent directly from the applicant’s school. Certified transcripts can be submitted with the admissions materials but must be in an unopened envelope. We request elementary and middle school applicants to submit original documents either directly from the school or in a sealed envelope. The admissions decision may be delayed if the appropriate documents are not submitted in a timely manner.

Is there a required health check?

All applicants are required to submit an Admissions Health Form completed by their parents as part of the application process. While a physical examination is not required, NIS strongly recommends that families relocating from abroad obtain a comprehensive health check before arriving in Japan and share any relevant information with the school.

NIS follows immunization recommendations from leading international health organizations. Families are asked to provide immunization records and explain any recommended vaccinations that have not been received. In certain circumstances, non-immunized students may be temporarily excluded from campus to protect the health and safety of the school community.

Curious About International Education in Nagoya?

WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP