#Japan #Tokyo #Global Step Academy #Kikokushijo Academy #Japan Education

The Merger of Two Educational Giants: A New Era for Global Education in Japan

In a significant move that promises to reshape the landscape of education in Japan, Kikokushijo Academy (KA) and Global Step Academy (GSA) have come together to form a new entity—Global KA Holdings Inc. This merger highlights the commitment of both institutions to meet the evolving needs of returnee families, bilingual students, and households connected internationally. The newly established holding company allows both academies to retain their unique brand identities while working towards a shared vision of providing high-quality, flexible, and globally minded education.

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 2004, Kikokushijo Academy is recognized for its exceptional support for bilingual students, particularly returnees. The school's innovative blended curriculum intertwines international best practices with rigorous Japanese educational standards, enabling students to excel in both local and global contexts. With thousands of students having successfully advanced their academic English skills through KA's engaging discussion-based classes, the institution has proven itself as a leader in placing returnee students into Japan's prestigious junior high schools.

Charles M. Knudsen, CEO and Founder of Kikokushijo Academy, reflects on the merger, stating, “For over 20 years, we’ve built a place where bilingual students, especially returnees, feel supported and challenged. This merger gives us a new platform to deepen that vision and reach more families from early on.”

Meanwhile, Global Step Academy, founded in 2006, has made waves as a pioneer in hybrid and digital education. With a robust online curriculum and a network of bilingual international preschools, GSA caters to students from early childhood through adolescence. Their educational focus spans English fluency, STEAM education, and fostering global competencies, all while pushing the envelope with innovative programs and partnerships that aim to connect and empower students.

Michio Montgomery, CEO of Global Step Academy, emphasizes the importance of this merger: “Joining forces with KA allows us to rethink how we support internationally connected, globally-minded Japanese families. This is the beginning of something much bigger than what we could have achieved alone.”

The Significance of This Merger

The formation of Global KA Holdings Inc. combines two institutions with complementary strengths to form a comprehensive educational ecosystem. Some notable advantages include:

Integrated Educational Pathways

A seamless academic journey spanning from early childhood education through university entrance, bridging both international and Japanese education systems.

Expanded Learning Ecosystem

Ongoing development of affiliated programs, international schools, and extracurricular initiatives that enhance learning beyond traditional classrooms.

Collaborative Partnerships

Building strategic collaborations with schools, publishers, and education technology providers to enhance educational offerings.

Celebrating Student Success

Creating shared platforms to highlight student achievements and foster pride in their academic journeys.

Ongoing Sector Leadership

Continued leadership in the educational sector through signature events like the International Education Expo and the Voices of Tomorrow Speech Contest, aimed at promoting global citizenship.

Importantly, this merger aligns perfectly with current national trends in Japan's education system, where there is an increasing impetus towards strengthening English education from earlier grades. Global KA Holdings Inc. is poised to support families pursuing international education that dovetails with these national shifts toward enhancing global competency.

“The formation of Global KA Holdings Inc. sets a new benchmark for educational partnerships in Japan,” notes Manabu Murata, Editor-in-Chief of The International School Times, acknowledging the merger's timely relevance in the context of Japan’s evolving educational landscape.

The Road Ahead for Global KA Holdings Inc.

Looking towards the future, Global KA Holdings Inc. aims to serve as both an operational and strategic platform for the sustained growth of both KA and GSA. Initiatives on the horizon include:

• - Integrated Educational Pathways: Crafting a cohesive academic journey for students from early education to university.
• - Expanding Learning Opportunities: The continued evolution of affiliated programs and international schools.
• - Nationwide Access: Ensuring that families across Japan can access programs that support English learning and international education, facilitated through central Tokyo locations and an extensive online platform.
• - Collaborative Partnerships: Enhancing strategic alliances to empower educational innovation.
• - Celebrating Student Success: Developing dedicated platforms for recognizing the milestones and achievements of students.
• - Persistent Leadership: Solidifying its role in shaping the future of international education through vital initiatives like The International School Times and the International Education Expo.

In conclusion, the merger of Kikokushijo Academy and Global Step Academy into Global KA Holdings Inc. marks a pivotal moment in Japan’s education sector, promising not only to enrich local communities but also to set a high standard for educational partnerships globally. Through this alliance, both institutions are committed to fostering a new generation of globally-minded learners who are well-equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

About the Institutions

Kikokushijo Academy specializes in English-language education for returnee and bilingual students, aiming to merge academic success with global awareness through innovative programs across its Tokyo campuses.

Global Step Academy offers a breadth of international education opportunities, leveraging decades of experience to prepare students for a globally interconnected future.

With this merger, both entities are not only enhancing their own educational prowess but also collectively fostering a robust platform for future generations.