What were your reasons for entering the elementary school?

Having lived abroad myself, I thought it was important to learn not only English but also Japanese and to develop a Japanese identity. Kansai International Academy Elementary School was the place where this was possible. We saw in kindergarten that the school values each child's individuality, and we wanted our children to continue attending the same school.  

 

What were your reasons for entering the secondary school?

Through my children's nine years in kindergarten and elementary school, I've learned the importance of understanding yourself, using critical lenses to see things from multiple perspectives, the ability to think logically, and the willingness to take action. I wanted junior high and high school to be the place to learn those skills before they go out into the real world so we chose the Kansai International Academy Secondary School. 
Because this is a small school, each student is cared for and that each student's talent can shine in different ways. I feel that no one is overlooked. 

 

 

What curriculum is particularly attractive at KIA?

The KIA production is a big family event for us every year. The production can help students not only with their language skills, communications skills, cooperation skills and planning skills. Most of all, it is a precious experience to create something together by themselves.

Participating in the production is not mandatory at the secondary school but students during kindergarten to elementary school have had many opportunities to express themselves through the Winter Celebration, Show and Tell and Speech Contest. These experiences have helped them gain skills beyond what I expected. 

The skills they learned will be useful for their DP and will guide them through their adult lives.  
 

 

Please share an episode that made you realize your child is a KIA student.

It is a unique approach at Kansai International Academy that rules in the classrooms are discussed and created in each class and agreed upon by everyone and we decided to introduce a similar process inside the family.

There were minor issues inside the family and I suggested that we have a family meeting instead of complaining and my children have created a system for our family meetings on their own.

①Document meeting rules and manners and share with everyone to reach a consensus
②Create a place for where we can post our frustrations on Google forms
③Based on the posts, we will hold a periodic meeting, identity the root of the problem and find a solution that everyone can agree on

When I see them organizing the meeting and paperwork efficiently, I think to myself “they really are KIA kids”.
 

What is the best way to recommend your KIA?

It is constantly evolving.

What is KIA to you?

The school has not only helped my children grow, but myself as well, and I feel like it is my alma mater.