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Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Taught languages English, Japanese
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
KIU Academy in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, is a bilingual international school serving Grades 1–12. The Academy combines an American-based curriculum with Japanese curriculum awareness and delivers instruction in both English and Japanese across elementary, middle and high school programs. KIU Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), offering students a pathway that meets international and Japanese educational standards. The school’s admissions pages list a structured fee package for tuition, entrance, and other costs for annual enrollment. KIU Academy emphasizes bilingual fluency, cross-cultural communication and preparation for university study. While specific clubs and class sizes are not detailed on the official site, the Academy positions itself as a place where students gain practical bilingual skills and global perspectives designed to support further education in Japan and abroad.
63-1 Tanabeyuden, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0331, Japan
The Essentials
KIU Academy - Kyoto International University Academy has 235 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English, Japanese.
Location
KIU Academy Kyoto is located at 63-1 Yuden Tanabe, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0331. It is centrally positioned between Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. The campus is in Kyotanabe and accessible by rail, with a train map and the option to inquire or schedule a visit.
Stages
KIUA serves Grades 1 through 12, with elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Type
Private international school. It provides bilingual instruction in English and Japanese and serves both Japanese and foreign students within a Christian worldview.
Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body includes students from around 23 countries/regions; KIUA describes a diverse community of Japanese and international students. About 42% of KIUA graduates go on to overseas universities.
Additional learning support
Public information on Additional Learning Needs (SEN) provisions is not published. The facilities include an elevator, accessible parking and an ostomate-friendly multi-purpose restroom.
Country affiliation
KIUA follows an American-based curriculum and is accredited by WASC and ACSI, reflecting U.S.-based standards for international schools.
Religious affiliation
KIUA is Christ-centered and Christian in its worldview.
School day structure
Daily start and end times are not published publicly; current schedules are provided to enrolling families through admissions. For concrete times, contact the school staff.
Fees
Annual tuition at KIU Academy - Kyoto International University Academy ranges from JPY 1,453,000 for 2026/27.
Application fee - Application (submission) fee: JPY 25,000. Payment is required by bank transfer to the school's designated account at the time of application.
Entrance and one-off initial fees (charged at enrollment) - Entrance fee (入学金): JPY 300,000, payable in a single sum at the time of enrollment. - Course registration fee (科目登録費): JPY 50,000, charged once per academic year at first tuition billing. - Facilities fee (設備費): JPY 150,000 per year.
Tuition by year group and payment options - Tuition (授業料) for Grades 1–12: JPY 953,000 per academic year (same amount for all year groups 1–12). - Initial-year total for a newly enrolled student (Entrance fee + Course registration fee + Facilities fee + Tuition): JPY 1,453,000.
Payment frequency options and amounts - Annual payment: One payment of JPY 953,000 (available for students enrolling in the spring term). Due date listed as February 25 for annual billing. - Term (semester) payments (approx. 5% surcharge applies): - Spring term: JPY 334,000 (due dates: Feb 25, Jul 25, Nov 25 depending on enrollment timing). - Autumn term: payment dates include Jul 25 and Nov 25 as shown in the billing schedule. - Winter term: payment dates include Nov 25 as shown in the billing schedule. - Monthly payments (approx. 10% surcharge applies). Monthly amounts are calculated by dividing the term tuition by the number of months in that term, so monthly amounts vary depending on enrollment timing; example monthly amounts shown are: - Spring (example): JPY 87,000 (initial monthly payment date shown as Feb 25) - Autumn (example): JPY 100,000 (initial monthly payment date shown as Jul 25, then every month on the 25th) - Winter (example): JPY 116,000 (initial monthly payment date shown as Nov 25). - Notes on timing: Annual payment is available only to students who enroll in the spring. Students enrolling in autumn or winter must use term or monthly payment options until the next academic year. New Grade 1 entrants have specific initial payment deadlines (different dates shown for first- and second‑round admissions).
Billing schedule and payment terms - The school issues tuition invoices and displays clear due dates for each payment option. Example due dates shown in the billing schedule are Feb 25, Jul 25 and Nov 25 for term payments; monthly payments are due on the 25th of the month. The school requires timely payment by the stated due dates; failure to pay can lead to withholding of grades, transcripts, and certificates, and may lead to suspension or removal from the student register if overdue beyond the school's stated limits. - Bank transfer is used for application and entrance fee payments; tuition billing refers to payment by transfer to the school's designated account. The school's published materials instruct payment by transfer to the designated account.
Boarding / accommodation fees - The Kyoto (Kyōtanabe) campus does not list boarding or dormitory fees for KIU Academy; no school-operated dormitory fees are published for the Kyoto Academy campus. (KIU's broader organization has stated that KIU does not provide accommodation and assists students to find housing when needed.)
Other costs and optional fees - Optional program and incidental costs that may be charged separately include: - Summer program participation fees (optional). - Club/activity fees (optional). - School supplies, workbook and materials costs. - Any externally provided services (for example extracurricular vendor fees). - Sibling discount: A partial tuition reduction is available for the second (and subsequent) child; details are handled by the school office. - Government support: Students in grades equivalent to Years 10–12 are eligible for the national schooling support system regardless of nationality (as noted in the school's fee and admissions materials).
Refund information - Application fee and entrance fee are non-refundable. Course registration fee and facilities fee are non-refundable. Only prepaid tuition may be eligible for refund under the school's refund policy. - Tuition refund timing rule: If a formal withdrawal notice is submitted to the school office at least six weeks before the start date of a term, prepaid tuition for that term will be refunded. If the withdrawal notice is submitted later than six weeks before the term start date, that term's tuition is not refundable. - Administrative fees for refunds: Domestic refund processing fee: JPY 5,000; international refund processing fee: JPY 10,000. Bank remittance fees are also deducted from any refund. For a tuition amount paid in full and later refunded, the school recalculates refund on a term-payment basis (the one-time full payment is re-settled at the term rate, which includes the term surcharge).
Accepted payment methods and practical notes - Bank transfer to the school's designated account is the explicitly stated payment method for application and enrollment payments; tuition billing and enrollment materials reference transfers to the designated account. No public listing of credit-card payment or online card‑processing for tuition is published in the school's fee documents. Families should plan for bank transfer payments and the related bank fees for domestic and international remittances.
Late payment consequences and enforcement - If tuition is overdue, the school's policy permits withholding of grades, transcripts, recommendation letters, and diplomas. Overdue status beyond 30 days can lead to withholding of exams or suspension; beyond 60 days may lead to removal from the school register. These consequences apply until outstanding amounts are settled.
Summary of the principal fee amounts (all amounts in JPY) - Application fee: JPY 25,000. - Entrance fee: JPY 300,000. - Course registration fee: JPY 50,000 (annual). - Facilities fee: JPY 150,000 (annual). - Tuition: JPY 953,000 per year (Grades 1–12).
Academics
KIU Academy - Kyoto International University Academy teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum for students aged 6 to 18.
Curriculum
KIU Academy offers a 12-year bilingual global curriculum for Grades 1–12, with Elementary (1–5), Middle (6–8), and High School (9–12). The classes are conducted in English and Japanese, reflecting a bilingual approach that blends Western self-directed learning with the Japanese curriculum framework. The school is fully accredited from Grade 1–12 by WASC and ACSI, and High School Grades 10–12 are recognized as a Gakko Hojin by Kyoto Prefecture, making students eligible for Japanese college admission and related tuition support. A Dual Enrollment option enables high school students to take university division courses to earn credits toward graduation and for transfer to overseas colleges; sample offerings have included Economics, Government, Biology, Calculus, and related courses. The curriculum emphasizes language development and global university readiness through bilingual instruction and cross-cultural learning.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
KIU Academy supports social and emotional learning through a caring, Christ-centered learning community and small-class dynamics, with homeroom teachers monitoring each student's growth and well-being within a 9:1 student–teacher ratio.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
KIU Academy does not publicly disclose information regarding specialized SEN provision or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution; however, it notes flexible admissions for families with special education needs related to moving into or out of Japan.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school supports English as an Additional Language by tailoring class schedules to each student's language ability and providing online admissions interviews for overseas applicants, with language needs accommodated in scheduling.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by a safe educational environment and strong teacher–student relationships within a caring community and small class sizes.
Safeguarding
KIU Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), which require safeguarding and child-protection standards; a standalone safeguarding policy is not publicly disclosed.
Admissions
Admissions
KIU Academy (Kyoto International University Academy) offers a bilingual (English and Japanese) program and accepts students into Grade 1 and Grades 2–12. Admissions are conducted with a clear, grade‑based process and, for some applicants, flexible entry points (including overseas and returnee families). The information below follows the official admissions steps and timelines published for KIU Academy.
Grade 1 Admissions Process
1. Application Period. Applications are accepted in two periods this year: Period 1 from July 1 to July 31, 2025, and Period 2 from October 1 to November 28, 2025. The school recommends applying during Period 1 when possible, regardless of location, with Period 2 remaining open mainly for returnee students and overseas families. Plan ahead for the period you choose and confirm any required documentation early.
2. How to Apply. Submit the following items by registered mail: (1) Application form with a 2.4 cm × 3 cm photo attached, (2) Academic documents (transcripts) from the last school attended, (3) Any existing academic test results (optional), (4) an application fee of ¥25,000. Use the Bank of Kyoto Osumi branch for the transfer to the Kyoto International University account. If you don't receive a receipt within a week, contact the admissions office.
3. Examination Schedule. There are two possible periods for examinations: Period 1 in late August 2025 and Period 2 in late November 2025. The exact date and arrival time for a school visit are communicated individually. Applications are reviewed across documents and interviews.
4. Test Method. The admissions review includes evaluation of the submitted documents and interviews involving the student and their parent/guardian. The school does not discuss admission decisions in advance.
5. Placement Tests. Placement tests cover English and Japanese. The tests are administered during the interview and help determine the class placement after enrollment based on demonstrated ability.
6. Notification of Results. For Period 1, results are dispatched on September 12, 2025; for Period 2, results are dispatched on December 12, 2025. The dispatch dates are fixed once the period is selected.
7. Enrollment Process. Accepted applicants must transfer the entrance fee by the specified date: September 26, 2025 (Period 1) or December 26, 2025 (Period 2). Delays in payment may result in denial of admission if seats are no longer available.
Tuition and Fees (Grade 1) — First Year Totals
- First Year Total: 1,453,000 yen, comprising Entrance Fee of 300,000 yen, Course Registration Fee of 50,000 yen, Facilities Fee of 150,000 yen, and Tuition of 953,000 yen. All fees are subject to change. - Notes: Tuition is stated as 953,000 yen (tuition per trimester is noted as 370,000 yen, with three trimesters per year). Other miscellaneous items include optional summer programs, clubs, and school supplies. Application/entrance fees are non‑refundable. Sibling discounts and government enrollment support may apply in appropriate cases. Financial aid may be available for those who need it, with documents requested through the admissions office.
Grade 2–12 Admissions Process
1. Application Period. Applications for Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 enrollment begin July 1, 2025 and continue onward. Availability is grade‑dependent, so applicants should check with the admissions office about current capacity in their target grade. The form used for Grade 1 is the same as that used for Grade 2–12.
2. How to Apply. Submit the same set of materials as Grade 1 by registered mail: (1) Application form with a 2.4 cm × 3 cm photo attached, (2) Academic documents (transcripts from the last school attended), (3) Any existing academic test results (optional), (4) an application fee of ¥25,000. Bank transfer details are the same as for Grade 1. If you do not receive a receipt within a week, contact the admissions office.
3. Examination Schedule. Details of the examination schedule for Grades 2–12 are provided by the admissions office; applicants should contact the office for the current timetable.
4. Test Method. The process includes document review and interviews with students and their parents/guardians. The school notes that admission decisions cannot be discussed in advance.
5. Placement Tests. Placement tests cover English, Japanese, and Math. These tests are administered at the interview, and results help place students into the appropriate class after enrollment.
6. Notification of Results. Results are provided within two weeks after the interview.
7. Enrollment Process. Bank transfer of the designated fees is due within two weeks of notification of acceptance.
Fees (Grade 2–12) — First Year Totals
- First Year Total (Grade 2–12): Entrance Fee 300,000 yen; Course Registration 50,000 yen; Facilities 150,000 yen; Tuition 953,000 yen; Total 1,453,000 yen. All fees are subject to change. - Notes: Miscellaneous fees include optional summer programs, clubs, and school supplies. Annual payment options are available for Spring entrants; Fall/Winter entrants use by‑term or by‑month options. A sibling discount may apply; 10th–12th graders are eligible for government enrollment support; financial aid may be available for families needing assistance.
Returnees & Overseas Students Admissions (Additional Path)
KIU Academy provides a flexible admissions path for returnees and overseas students. Enrollment is available in Spring, Fall, and Winter, and the school year runs from April to March. Online interviews are available for overseas applicants, reducing the need to travel to Japan for the interview, though in‑person interviews may be requested after arrival for specific needs. Classes are scheduled to align with each student's English and Japanese proficiency, and alumni have progressed to universities both in Japan and abroad.
Language of Instruction and General Considerations
KIU Academy operates bilingual instruction in English and Japanese, with a curriculum designed to support students as they develop proficiency in both languages. This bilingual approach is highlighted as part of the school's mission to provide education that goes beyond mere language proficiency.
Scholarships
KIU Academy does not publish detailed, school‑level scholarship programs on its admissions pages. There is a note that financial aid may be available for families with difficulty affording tuition, and families are advised to contact the admissions officer for application documents. In addition, 10th–12th graders are eligible for government‑sponsored enrollment support. These government/support options are mentioned as part of the general fees section for Grades 2–12 and Grade 1, but no specific KIU Academy scholarship program is described. Prospective families should discuss financial aid options with the admissions office and consider government enrollment support where applicable.
Waitlist
KIU Academy does not publish a formal waitlist or applicant pool system. Enrollment is described as dependent on seat availability by grade, with applications accepted on a rolling basis starting July 1, 2025 (and onward). Families should check current grade availability with the admissions office, and note that admissions are processed as seats remain open rather than through a centralized waitlist.
FAQs
What curriculum does KIU Academy follow?
KIU Academy offers a 12-year bilingual global curriculum for Grades 1-12 in both English and Japanese. The programme combines American-based instruction with Japanese curriculum awareness.
What age range does the school serve?
KIU Academy serves students in Grades 1 through 12 (ages approximately 6 to 18) across Elementary, Middle, and High School.
What are the tuition fees?
Annual tuition is approximately JPY 1,453,000 for all grade levels.
How large is the school?
Approximately 235 students, providing a mid-sized bilingual community in the Kyoto area.
Where is the school located?
In Kyotanabe, Kyoto, centrally positioned between Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. Accessible from multiple cities in the Kansai region.
Is the school accredited?
Yes. KIU Academy is WASC accredited for Grades 1 through 12, reflecting recognised educational quality standards.
What languages are taught?
English and Japanese are both languages of instruction in a fully bilingual programme from Grade 1 through Grade 12.
When was the school founded?
KIU Academy was founded in 1999 and is connected to Kyoto International University.
What makes KIU distinctive?
A truly bilingual programme where classes are conducted in both English and Japanese throughout the school, developing genuine dual-language proficiency.
Who leads the school?
Haroldo Simoes serves as Head of School at the Kyotanabe campus.
