Inquiry-Based Primary School in Osaka
OWIS Osaka Primary School ranges from ages 6 – 11 (Kindergarten to Grade 5, aka Elementary School)
One World. Infinite Possibilities
We believe in nurturing happy, healthy learners who thrive by asking questions and solving problems. Our classrooms are spaces where students are encouraged to explore deep questions and seek their own answers through practical and guided problem-solving. Learning is dynamic, engaging, and memorable, resulting in happier students who achieve better learning outcomes. We develop students’ confidence, creativity, and love of learning so that they can succeed anywhere in the world academically, socially, and professionally.
The first year of OWIS primary school is our most in-demand grade level. Spaces fill up quickly every year, so if you are interested in sending your child to our primary school, then we recommend you apply early to save your spot.
Discover the Joy of Learning through Inquiry, With OWIS
Comprehensive, Inquiry-based Curriculum
Our student-centred, inquiry-based curriculum instils a sense of engagement and joy in our students, creating love for lifelong learning. By allowing students to explore their passions and interests, students get to focus on their strengths, which achieves better learning and developmental outcomes. As part of the Units of Inquiry, students learn how to find solutions and solve problems, becoming mindful, independent thinkers. They develop critical thinking, which further encourages student agency and responsibility over their educational journey.
In addition, we are currently an IB candidate school seeking full accreditation for IB-PYP. The IB curriculum is widely recognised internationally by universities and maintains strong academic rigour, with students needing to pass academic standards in order to progress through grades.
Kind & Inclusive Environment
We nurture our students in a friendly environment, teaching them the value of compassion, care, and politeness in all their interactions with others. Our teachers are dedicated to bringing out the best in every child and help them bloom to their full potential.
As a school built on diversity, inclusivity is our strength and we do our best to inculcate the values of compassion, tolerance, and kindness in our students at every level of the curriculum. We also have full-time student support services and guidance counsellors on-hand to support children with their overall wellbeing.
Certified & Experienced Teachers
Our experienced teachers are fully trained in the IB programme every year in-house. They work in close collaboration with our students and parents, ensuring that they meet the unique learning needs of every student. Our passionate teachers make sure that students get the best opportunity to excel academically and develop key skills needed to thrive both personally & academically.
Holistic Development
We provide well-rounded education through a perfect balance of student-centred projects, core math, science, and language, specialised classes such as performative and creative arts, and a variety of after-school sports, clubs, and activities.
Teachers are also trained to focus on the overall emotional, social, and physical well-being of students. We instil strong values of kindness, compassion, international mindedness, and digital citizenship that build the social awareness to flourish later in life. This not only makes school enjoyable and varied but also opens up more opportunities for them to succeed in the future.
Promoting Personal Development
The personal and pro-social development of our students remains as one of the core objectives behind whatever we do at OWIS Osaka. Our students learn crucial skills that not only allow them to achieve success in academics but also help them deal with real-world scenarios and grow into well-rounded adults.
Collaboration
We organise creative group projects that help our students learn teamwork and leadership skills.
Communication
Our Citizenship presentation classes, group work, and Inquiry-based learning methodology develop public speaking and language learning ability, as well pro-social language learning
Empowerment
Students are encouraged to set their learning path through research on topics that interest them the most, which goes a long way to promote a sense of responsibility.
Inquiry for Learning
Students get the opportunity to ask questions, satisfy their curiosities, and find answers that help them solve real-world problems. This increases engagement and memorisation.
Compassion
Our culture of kindness and our kindness-led learning methodology role-model positive values in our students, such as compassion, empathy, and commitment. Our students take part in community service projects, which further contributes to their holistic development.
Multicultural Mindset
We celebrate all cultures at OWIS and our staff training days, group project work, and house system ensure that we have an environment where students of all nationalities feel valued, respected, and belonging.
What You Need To Know About the OWIS Primary School & Kindergarten in Osaka
- Kindergarten is considered the first year of Primary School in many schools around the Western world and is for children aged 5-6. Check out our curriculum page to learn more about the different age brackets and academic stages of our School compared to other schools around the world.
- This transitional year combines the nurturing elements of the Early Childhood Programme with the more rigorous academic schedule they will be expected to follow in the following years of Primary School.
See What Parents Have to Say About Our Campus
“I really like the teachers here, they are always smiling and are really kind, and it's great to see that they hold a lot of our family’s values. My kids also seem to really enjoy their teacher’s mentorship style. My children have started the PYP curriculum and are learning lots of things that I wish I had learned as a kid. My child loves the gardening classes, the school pet and anything to do with nature. We love to see that the education is very tangible and hands-on.”
Jeremy Carlson
Parent of Students in Early Childhood and Primary School“OWIS’s legacy and big brand presence were a focal point for us. Our son has really enjoyed the strong exposure to science, and today, I saw his presentation on economics. He knows so much more about economics than even I do, and he is just 10 years old!“
Rahul Kaushik
Parent of Students in Early Childhood and Primary School“Each day we have been greeted by teachers with warm smiles and genuine kindness - this left a deep impression on us. What touched us even more is how many teachers already remembered my son Eric & Ethan's names. Their homeroom teacher, Ms Mariko & Ms Michelle, have offered consistent encouragement and recognition, which has deeply reassured both our children and us as parents. We truly believe th111ey will continue to thrive with this kind of support”
Arrow Xia
Parent of Students in Early Childhood and Primary School“You guys ROCK! Thank you so much for supporting Food Bank Kansai and spreading the word.”
Keizo Yamada
Executive Director of the American Chamber Of Commerce Japan (ACCJ)Strong Student Protections
Every child deserves a healthy, open and safe school environment to develop their confidence and independent thinking skills. At OWIS Japan, Pastoral Care is carefully incorporated into our curriculum to look after our students’ well-being.
Pastoral Care at OWIS:
- Policy based restorative practices For conflict resolution and resolving bullying
- Modelling Positive Behaviour
- Inquiry-based project work helps students form strong interpersonal connections with others
- Teaching kindness at every level, and empowering students to build healthy relationships with themselves and others,
- Practice of Mindfulness
- Encouraging students to see the fun in learning and not feel judged for their mistakes
Enquire now to find out how your child will thrive in our nurturing school environment.
FAQ
OWIS Tsukuba’s Early Childhood Education Program (Preschool) is an international preschool education program for preschool-age children ages 3 to 5.
Early Childhood Education Program Structure:
EC2 Class: 3-4 year olds (equivalent to Preschool/Pre-K)
EC1 Class: 4-5 year olds (equivalent to Reception/Nursery)
OWIS employs an inquiry-based curriculum that emphasizes role-playing, real-life learning, and a playful approach to learning. Our certified and experienced teachers support your child’s social and emotional development and confidence, providing optimal preparation for OWIS Elementary School.
OWIS’s early childhood education program (preschool) offers unique features tailored to international education:
Language Environment:
- 8 hours of full English immersion per day
- Providing an optimal English learning environment for early childhood, the golden age of language acquisition
- Japanese kindergartens and daycare centers: Childcare primarily conducted in Japanese
Educational Approach:
- International inquiry-based learning
- Small class sizes: 16 students or less per class, emphasizing individualized attention
- Japanese facilities: Group-centered approach
Academic Preparation:
- Priority admission to OWIS Elementary School
- Acclimatization to an international learning environment
- Government subsidy: Up to ¥37,000 per month
OWIS Tsukuba Preschool is for children ages 3 to 5.
Preschool Age Class Structure:
EC2 (Early Childhood 2): For children ages 3-4
EC1 (Early Childhood 1): For children ages 4-5
Key Points for Preschool Enrollment:
- Priority admission to Elementary
- Elementary is the most popular grade, ensuring progression from Preschool
- Preschool age classifications based on international school systems
- The same preschool curriculum structure as OWIS campuses worldwide
Early childhood is a crucial time for linguistic absorption. Preschool allows children to enjoyably build a foundation for future learning and growth.
OWIS Tsukuba offers high-quality preschool education at a reasonable cost.
Tuition: ¥36,000 per semester (before discounts)
Facility Fee: ¥50,000 per semester
Total: ¥410,000 per semester (tuition + construction fee)
*Since there are three semesters in a school year, the total annual cost is ¥1,230,000.
Other Fees
Textbook and Excursion Fees: ¥50,000 per year (non-refundable)
Application Fee (at enrollment only): ¥30,000 (one-time, non-refundable)
Registration Fee (at enrollment only): ¥50,000 (one-time, non-refundable). Waived for the 2025-2026 academic year.
For more information, please see the OWIS Tsukuba tuition page.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us using the form below.
Contact Us
Yes, absolutely not! Many children enter our preschool with no prior experience of English and experience incredible growth.
OWIS’s unique support system:
8 hours of immersion per day ensures natural English acquisition in preschool.
Personalized learning with certified teachers.
A fun, playful approach to preschool English learning.
Basic English activities ensure optimal preparation for OWIS elementary school.
OWIS Preschool’s learning environment features:
- Small class sizes (16 students or less) ensure focused, individualized instruction.
- A safe, fun, and immersive learning environment.
- Daily health checks.
- Teacher training to teach kindness and compassion.
The early years are the prime time for language acquisition. OWIS Preschool’s expert instruction helps children become confident English communicators.
Yes, we welcome campus tours at any time! You can see our educational environment in action.
What you’ll experience:
Spacious classrooms and a wide range of learning resources
Experience natural environments like outdoor gardens, sandboxes, and ponds
Interact with IB-certified teachers
Observe actual preschool classes using our inquiry-based curriculum
What parents say:
“The teachers are always smiling, kind, and value our family’s values. Our children really enjoy their teaching style.”
– Jeremy Carlson, Preschool & Elementary Parent
How to request a preschool tour:
- Contact us through our school tour page
- Fill out the registration form on this page.
- We’ll contact you within one business day.
At our school, children attending preschool (kindergarten and nursery school) can also use the school bus service. However, please note that the buses are not equipped with child seats.
プリスクール以外に関するご質問は、当校のよくある質問ページにて詳しくご案内しております。あわせてご覧ください。
Our Primary School Programme Teachers
Jason Endfield
Nadia Gundarsuriya
Amber Vega
Arada Panichayatrum
Victor Castro
Hallen Sumingwa
Clarence “C.C.” Haydel
Riaan Van der Walt
Amila Endeno
