Academics at OWIS
From Early Childhood to Grade 12, our inquiry based curriculum is designed to nurture confident, curious, and internationally minded learners.
Grounded in the International Bachelorette (IB) methodology and best practices from the Global Schools Group, our programme encourages critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful real-world connections.
We place equal emphasis on academic excellence, personal development, and well-being, ensuring that every student is supported to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
Through a balanced, student-centred approach, OWIS Japan prepares learners to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment while developing a strong sense of responsibility, agency, and purpose.
What Makes the OWIS Curriculum World-Class?
Inquiry-Based
Our learning approach encourages curiosity, questioning, and exploration, empowering students to think independently at an early age. By engaging with ideas deeply and meaningfully, students develop a lifelong love of learning and the confidence to seek understanding.
Student-Driven
Learning at OWIS places students at the centre, encouraging them to take ownership of their educational journey. Through choice, voice, and agency, students build motivation, self-direction, and a strong sense of purpose.
Personalised
Every learner is unique, and our approach recognises the importance of individual needs, strengths, and learning styles. Teaching is thoughtfully adapted, so students can progress at a pace that supports both confidence and growth.
Holistic
Education at OWIS extends beyond academics to nurture the whole child. We place equal emphasis on character, well-being, creativity, and life skills, supporting balanced development in and beyond the classroom.
Rigorous
Applicants must pass an assessment test to be admitted, and our students are guided so that they can receive a passing score before advancing to the next grade.
Value-Driven
Strong values are woven into everyday learning and school life. Students are guided to act with empathy, respect, responsibility, and integrity as members of a global community.
Expertly Delivered
High-quality teaching underpins every aspect of the OWIS learning experience. Educators are committed to reflective practice, continuous improvement, and delivering engaging, meaningful learning for every student.
Internationally Recognised
Our curriculum takes the best from the UK, Australia, & North American schools, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) is recognised by top universities around the world.
Personalised
Every learner is unique, and our approach recognises the importance of individual needs, strengths, and learning styles. Teaching is thoughtfully adapted, so students can progress at a pace that supports both confidence and growth.

Student Driven
Learning at OWIS places students at the centre, encouraging them to take ownership of their educational journey. Through choice, voice, and agency, students build motivation, self-direction, and a strong sense of purpose.

Inquiry-Based Approach
Our learning approach encourages curiosity, questioning, and exploration, empowering students to think independently at an early age. By engaging with ideas deeply and meaningfully, students develop a lifelong love of learning and the confidence to seek understanding.
Holistic
Education at OWIS extends beyond academics to nurture the whole child. We place equal emphasis on character, wellbeing, creativity, and life skills, supporting balanced development in and beyond the classroom.
Extensive English Support
Our Academic English Preparation (AEP) Programme supports non-native English speakers in building the essential language skills for active participation in school, so your child will be able to fully engage in classroom activities and succeed in their studies.
Rigourous
Applicants must pass an assessment test to be admitted, and our students are guided so that they can receive a passing score before advancing to the next grade.
Values-Driven
Strong values are woven into everyday learning and school life. Students are guided to act with empathy, respect, responsibility, and integrity as members of a global community.

Expertly Delivered
High-quality teaching underpins every aspect of the OWIS learning experience. Educators are committed to reflective practice, continuous improvement, and delivering engaging, meaningful learning for every student.
Internationally Recognised
Our curriculum takes the best from the UK, Australia, & North American schools, and the International-Bachelorette (IB) is recognised by top universities around the world.
OWIS Grades, Ages, & International Standards
| Grade in US, Canada, Australia | Grade in UK | Grade in Japan | Age of Student (on Sept. 1st) | Grade at OWIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Preschool/Pre-K
|
Reception
|
保育園 / 幼稚園
Hoikuen / Yōchien
|
3 Year Old
|
Early Childhood Education (EC) 2
|
|
Preschool/Pre-K
|
Reception
|
保育園 / 幼稚園
Hoikuen / Yōchien
|
4 Year Old
|
Early Childhood Education (EC) 1
|
|
Kindergarten
|
Year 1
|
幼稚園 Yōchien
|
5 Year Old
|
Kindergarten
|
|
Grade 1
|
Year 2
|
小学1年生 Grade 1
|
6 Year Old
|
Grade 1
|
|
Grade 2
|
Year 3
|
二年生 Grade 2
|
7 Year Old
|
Grade 2
|
|
Grade 3
|
Year 4
|
三年生 Grade 3
|
8 Year Old
|
Grade 3
|
|
Grade 4
|
Year 5
|
四年生 Grade 4
|
9 Year Old
|
Grade 4
|
|
Grade 5
|
Year 6
|
五年生 Grade 5
|
10 Year Old
|
Grade 5
|
|
Grade 6
|
Year 7
|
六年生 Grade 6
|
11 Year Old
|
Grade 6
|
|
Grade 7
|
Year 8
|
中学1年生 Grade 7
|
12 Year Old
|
Grade 7
|
|
Grade 8
|
Year 9
|
中学2年生 Grade 8
|
13 Year Old
|
Grade 8
|
|
Grade 9
|
Year 10
|
中学3年生 Grade 9
|
14 Year Old
|
Grade 9
|
|
Grade 10
|
Year 11
|
高校1年生 Grade 10
|
15 Year Old
|
Grade 10
|
|
Grade 11
|
Year 12
|
高校2年生 Grade 11
|
16 Year Old
|
Grade 11
|
|
Grade 12
|
Year 13
|
高校3年生 Grade 12
|
17 Year Old
|
Grade 12
|
| Early Childhood / Pre-school / アーリーチャイルドフッド / 幼稚園 | Primary / Elementary / プライマリー / 小学1年生 | Secondary / High School / 中学校 / 高等学校 | Junior Secondary / ジュニアセカンダリー / 小学6年生~高校1年生 | Senior Secondary / College / Sixth Form / シニアセカンダリー / 高校2年生~3年生 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Have questions about which grade your child will be placed in?
An all-inclusive and truly diverse school where children can safely nurture who they are and what they want to be
We promote cultural integration through field trips and service projects that encourage students to bring what they’re learning to the larger community.
Exhibitions and other special events at school allow students to showcase their talents and skills.
Co-curricular activities enable students to explore their talents further and learn something new, without the pressure of formal assessments.