OIS FAQs
OIST School Information
Okinawa International School
OIS FAQs
What grades are offered?
The school offers PreK/Kindergarten through High School.
What Curriculum and textbooks are used?
OIS adopts the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which is an inquiry-based, project-based learning (PBL) centered curriculum. Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered from Grades 1 to 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) from Grades 6 to 10, and Diploma Programme (DP) from Grades 11 to 12. In addition to the IB, the upper secondary school (from Grades 10 to 12) offers the International Liberal Arts (ILA) course, which is designed for students who have graduated from local Japanese secondary schools and wish to apply to overseas university after graduating our intensive English language training program with the application of inquiry-based learning.
What entrance examinations are there?
IB education is not a knowledge-first education but a holistic education in which the balanced growth of the mind, body, and soul is a vital factor. Admission decisions are based on the application form and academic performance of previous education, as well as trial admission and interview (with the student and parents). Good understanding of our school’s philosophy and mission, the most important thing in the early years is not so much the English language ability, but the parent's view of education and their sense of responsibility for their child's future. As the school years progress, the level of English language proficiency becomes a greater proportion of the entry requirements. In the case of a transfer, the child's performance and attitude at that previous school will also be considered in the admission process.
What afterschool options are available?
OIS offer several afterschool activities, including swimming, football and karate in partnership with local clubs. They are looking to expand the available options.
What are the different nationalities of students represented?
85% Japanese, 15% foreign or mixed nationality.
What big school trips are available during the year?
Kindergarten students do an overnight stay in Naha. PYP students also do an overnight stay in Okinawa. MYP students have an overseas trip each year. OIS have partner schools in other countries, providing the potential for DP students to travel further and for a longer period of time. The availability of these options is currently restricted due to Covid-19. Each department is considering whether school trips and other activities can be resumed in 2023.
What is currently being developed at the school?
We will be taking the IBDP main exam in 2022, with our first graduates in March 2023. We are working to ensure that their results are highly indicative of OIS, which has led to high levels of teamwork between teachers. At the same time, the need to improve English language skills in the lower grades is greater than ever, and English teachers from kindergarten to upper secondary are taking the lead in developing short, medium, and long-term plans with teachers in charge of admissions and further education.
What additional support is provided for students?
There is support for the development of language skills. We offer support in both English and Japanese, but particularly in English, with Pull-Out, in-class language support, and individual online support (for a fee). In addition, we also offer a full range of academic counseling services.
What are the student numbers for each section?
There is support for the development of language skills. We offer support in both English and Japanese, but particularly in English, with Pull-Out, in-class language support, and individual online support (for a fee). In addition, we also offer a full range of academic counseling services. What are the student numbers for each section? PreK and Kindergarten – 65, Primary Years Program – 94, Middle Years Program – 42 High School Program – 17
Accurate as of October 2022