#Japan #Tokyo #Education Solutions #project-based learning #a.school

a.school Expands to Enhance Educational Experiences

a.school, headquartered in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is on a mission to cultivate a society where everyone can lead rich lives through creative and inquiry-based learning. Under the leadership of President Takuma Iwata, the company is expanding its inquiry-based learning solutions specifically targeting schools, education committees, municipalities, and corporations.

With a vision to solve various challenges in educational environments, a.school is set to participate in the "Inquiry and School Administration Reform Support Service Experience Sessions" hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on August 19 and 21, 2025, in Osaka and Tokyo respectively. Attendees will have the chance to experience various demonstrations and interact with representatives and staff from a.school, encouraging active participation and engagement in the foundation of their educational frameworks.

Comprehensive Solutions for Schools

For educational professionals, a.school offers an extensive range of services designed to resolve challenges in inquiry learning. This includes a variety of teaching materials and programs for lessons, extracurricular activities, teacher training, and school consulting. Whether a school is beginning its journey into inquiry-based learning or looking to enhance its quality, a.school supports school development (structure, organization, culture) in a strong yet flexible manner.

Having collaborated with central ministries, local governments, educational foundations, and numerous companies, a.school brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. This includes facilitating effective external collaborations aimed at making school education more socially accessible.

Innovative Learning Programs

Custom Inquiry Learning Programs

a.school has developed over 60 unique inquiry-based programs tailored for students from elementary through high school. One of the standout offerings includes the "Narikiri Lab®" and "Shigoto Sansuu®", centered around project-based learning with an emphasis on over 30 different professions. Each theme is delved into in-depth over the course of about two months, allowing students to engage in project-based learning (PBL) that encourages profound learning experiences rather than mere knowledge acquisition.

Target Grades: Elementary to middle school (some programs available for high school students)
Session Counts: Ranging from 4 to 16 classes (project format series)
Learn more about the programs here

Inquiry Skills Development Program

The "Inquiry Dojo" program guides students through the acquisition of eight essential skills for inquiry learning, including questioning, observation, brainstorming, discussion, and expression. This modular program allows schools to flexibly incorporate into various inquiry curricula to meet specific student needs.

Target Grades: Elementary to high school
Session Counts: Flexible from 2 sessions
Explore the program details here

Online Inquiry Department: Project Club

The project club enables middle and high school students to connect online and explore their interests nationwide. Projects include architecture, music, radio, picture books, video, and food, with collaborative projects involving large companies like Nikkei, Gakken, and Lotte. As of July 2025, over 250 members participate, fostering exploration beyond school settings and enhancing the practice of inquiry learning.

Target Grades: Middle to high school
Implementation Format: After-school activities (mainly through weekly online sessions via ZOOM)
More details on the club here

Facilitator Training Program

The "Inquiry PLAYers!" program is an online training course taken by over 300 educators and education professionals. It focuses not only on acquiring skills for lesson design and implementation but also on fostering educators as inquirers. Participants engage with top faculty in video lectures, learning to create inquiry-based classrooms and schools in a systematic and practical manner.

Target Audience: Educators and education professionals
Course Options: "Introduction Course" (2 days) and "Practical Course" (8 sessions)
Learn about the courses here

Consulting Services for Educational Institutions

a.school provides regular consulting for educational institutions focusing on comprehensive support for building inquiry-centric learning environments (resolving management and organizational challenges) and aiding in the design and operation of three-year inquiry learning curriculums. Institutions can also utilize grants from entities like the Mitsubishi Mirai Development Foundation and budgets based on national and local government designations.

Submit your inquiries for individual consultations here

Co-Creation with Corporations and Municipalities

a.school has engaged in numerous collaborations with businesses and municipalities to develop inquiry-based learning materials and programs, contributing significantly to school education. The company welcomes partners interested in co-creating innovative content leveraging their expertise.

Examples of past partnerships include:

• - Recruit Marketing Partners: Study-Supplement Inquiry Course
• - Kawai Juku: Future Inquiry Program “Time of Tomorrow”
• - Sharp: Hands-On Inquiry Programs Based on Technology and Products
• - TBS: Inquiry Program “Learn and Create World Heritage” utilizing TV show content

Through these initiatives and many others, a.school strives to bring transformative educational experiences to students across Japan.

Upcoming Event

a.school will showcase its services and programs at the "Inquiry and School Administration Reform Support Service Experience Sessions" on August 19 and 21, 2025, in Tokyo and Osaka. The event aims to support educators in reducing workload and enhancing inquiry learning experiences.

Event Details:

• - Osaka: August 19, 2025 (MyDome Osaka)
• - Tokyo: August 21, 2025 (Bellesalle Shinjuku Grand)

Participation Information

Staff will be available at the booth from 13:00 to 17:00; attendees are encouraged to drop by for demonstrations and discussions about the materials and programs. Private meetings can also be pre-booked.

If attending the event poses a challenge, online consultations are available to discuss inquiries about implementing and promoting project-based learning or collaboration opportunities with a.school.

To learn more about a.school and how their educational solutions can contribute to inquiry learning, visit their official website.