#Japan #Kanazawa #Aoba-Japan #Kanazawa School #IB Curriculum

A New Educational Venture Ahead of 2027 Opening

Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS), part of Aoba-BBT, is gearing up to open its Kanazawa campus in the summer of 2027. But before the official start, the school has already made a significant impact on the local community through a special two-week summer program targeting young learners aged three to grade three. This pilot initiative is designed to immerse children in international education, fostering an engaging environment that promotes creative expression and collaboration.

The summer program aims to introduce children to essential themes related to global challenges, such as ocean pollution, while nurturing their ability to ask pivotal questions like "Why?" and "How?" Through hands-on activities such as slime-making, 3D art projects, and water games, participants were encouraged to think critically and work together. This program saw overwhelming interest, with nearly double the anticipated applications, leading to the participation of 69 children over two sessions, highlighting the community's excitement and support for A-JIS.

To enrich the experience, the program enlisted three alumni who have graduated from A-JIS and obtained the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) to assist in the classes. These graduates eagerly volunteered their time to give back to their alma mater, using their IB educational training to guide and inspire current students in expressing themselves confidently in English.

High Satisfaction Among Parents

The positive feedback from parents has been another highlight of this initiative. Daily reports featuring photographs of children actively participating were shared with families, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the curriculum. Parents expressed their delight, stating that they witnessed their children thrive in an environment where they felt secure to express themselves and develop empathy and independent thinking.

One kindergarten parent commented, “I was moved to see how lively my child was, conveying his thoughts in English and collaborating with friends.” Another remarked, “I feel a great sense of security and excitement knowing that A-JIS promotes a culture of inquiry and caring for others.” Such sentiments reinforce the school's commitment to fostering a nurturing educational atmosphere.

Media Coverage and Local Engagement

To further engage the community and share the vibrant learning atmosphere with local residents, A-JIS organized a 'Media Day' during which representatives from two local television stations and two newspaper outlets visited the school. They captured captivating moments of students engaged in learning and interviewing parents, resulting in positive media coverage that drew numerous inquiries about the school.

A-JIS aims not only to provide English instruction but also to respect and celebrate the cultural and historical richness of Kanazawa. They are committed to collaborating with local educators and residents to nurture globally-minded individuals who will contribute to the community’s internationalization and future. As they work towards a successful opening in 2027, A-JIS will continue to provide opportunities for community involvement, creating a transparent and high-quality education environment.

Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

In addition to the summer program, A-JIS is enthusiastic about further interactions with the local community leading up to its opening. This fall, the school plans to participate in several local events in Kanazawa and will host booths at these gatherings to allow parents and community members to experience A-JIS education firsthand. The school will also take part in the Hokuriku Gakuin University Cultural Festival in mid-October and at the Ishikawa Parenting Support Fair on November 8, 2026.

Parents interested in the 2027 admission process are encouraged to visit and engage with the school at these events for more information.

Aoba-Japan International School Overview

• - Scheduled Opening: Summer 2027
• - Location: Kanazawa, Ishikawa, within the grounds of Hokuriku Gakuin University
• - Target Age Group: K3 (age 3) to 3rd grade, with plans to expand to middle and high school in phases
• - Educational Focus: Inquiry-based international education reflecting the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy from the Tokyo campus
• - Application Status: Enrollment for students entering in 2027 is currently open

Aoba-Japan continues to build on its rich 50-year legacy of providing high-quality education, affirming its commitment to shaping the next generation of global citizens in Kanazawa and beyond.

For more details, visit A-JIS Kanazawa's official website: Aoba-Japan International School Kanazawa.