K. International School Tokyo (KIST, ケイ・インターナショナルスクール東京 Kei Intānashonaru Sukūru Tōkyō) is a private, non-denominational international school located in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1997 by Yoshishige and Takako Komaki.[1] the school caters to over 600 students representing a wide range of different nationalities. KIST was the first school in Tokyo and the Kanto region, and the second school in Japan authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the three inquiry-based learning programmes for grades 9 and 10. The language of instruction is English. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools.[2]
The campus has several of the original buildings but opened a new section in August 2009. The elementary school was featured on ABC News where KIST students were interviewed about the UK Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, to show Japanese school children's impressions, on March 28, 2011.[3]
History
April 1997
ECE program began at Higashi-suna, Koto-ku It was a kindergarten for non-Japanese children[4]
September 1998
Elementary School program began, Grades 1 and 2
September 1999
Elementary School program expanded to Grade 5
July 2000
Recognized as a school foundation by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
September 2000
Secondary School program began, Grades 6 to 9
January 2002
IB Primary Years Programme authorization received
June 2003
IB Middle Years Programme authorization received, Affiliated with CIS as regular member
September 2003
Grade 10 began
June 2004
IB Diploma Programme authorization received
September 2004
Grade 11 began
September 2005
Grade 12 began
January 2006
PYP re-authorization received
June 2006
Inaugural Grade 12 graduation held
September 2006
Campus relocated to Shirakawa, Koto-ku
April 2007
10th anniversary celebration held
October 2008
IB PYP, MYP and DP Workshops in Tokyo held at KIST
November 2008
Construction of West Building began
August 2009
West Building opened
January 2010
Artificial turf installed on main playground
September 2010
LEAP[5] (Learning Enhancement Academic Program) began
October 2011
MYP-DP re-authorization received
April 2012
EIC (English Intensive Class) began for Grades 6 to 8
June 2012
Inaugural performance of the school song, 'For Tomorrow'
May 2013
Edexcel International GCSE examinations recognition received
August 2014
K. International Preschool (KIPS) opened at Nihonbashi-Hamacho, Chuo-ku
January 2015
Granted candidate status for accreditation by CIS
January 2017
Attained full accreditation by the Council of International Schools (CIS)
January 2018
Joined East Asia Regional Council of International Schools (EARCOS)
The school adheres to the Key Stage 1 and 2 curriculum at the elementary level and the Key Stage 3 curriculum along with the Edexcel International GCSE. Additionally, the school provides an academic support program called the Learning Enhancement Academic Program (LEAP)[1] that is geared toward assisting elementary students with English and Math.
The school provides free Wi-Fi for enrolled students. Laptops are available on each floor of the Elementary School and from the library center in the Secondary School Building. From 9th grade, students are required to bring their own personal laptop to school.
