Compare International Schools in Okinawa, Japan

OCSI is located at 1835 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0301, Japan. The campus sits on the coast with an ocean view overlooking the East China Sea. It is located in Yomitan on central Okinawa Island. The address is publicly listed for campus visits and tours.

OCSI provides a K–12 program. The school is organized into Elementary (K–5), Middle School (6–8), and High School (9–12).

OCSI is a private, co-educational day school.

OCSI serves around 583 students in the K–12 program. The school notes an international focus with students from across the globe; exact nationality numbers and local/international ratios are not publicly published.

OCSI offers counseling services (personal matters and college/career). The non-discrimination policy includes disability. A dedicated Special Educational Needs program is not publicly described.

OCSI does not have a formal country affiliation; it serves families from Japan and overseas and uses an American-based English curriculum.

OCSI is a Christian school with a mission to equip students to walk with Jesus and impact the world for Him, and it presents a Christian Statement of Faith; it is affiliated with the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.

The academic year has 180 instructional days and is divided into two semesters (August–January and January–June). Middle School and High School use a modified block schedule.

OCSI offers a bus service with several routes across central and southern Okinawa. Bus route details and seat availability are managed via the Veracross portal; routes and stop times are not published publicly.

OCSI enforces a dress code. Clothing should be modest and cover the shoulders to mid-thigh.

OCSI provides an on-site lunch service prepared by Caesar's Kitchen. Menu options are published monthly (e.g., January 2026 and February 2026), and enrollment or cancellations are handled through the Veracross parent portal. The service includes opportunities for special items, such as a birthday classroom service, and dietary requests can be addressed with Caesar's Kitchen.

OCSI is governed by a Board of Directors using a policy governance model. The board sets the mission and vision, and the Leadership Team implements it. The school is incorporated in Japan as an educational institution (Gakkou Houjin) under Japanese law.

OCSI delivers a K–12 American-style curriculum taught in English that is Biblically based and Bible-integrated across all subjects. In Elementary (Kindergarten–Grade 5), the program combines Bible instruction with core academics and specialist offerings in art, computer applications, Japanese, music, physical education, and library skills, with regular chapel and hands-on activities. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), students study Bible and core subjects while exploring electives such as art, digital tools, Japanese, music, and woodshop. In High School (Grades 9–12), the program is college-preparatory, featuring AP courses and honors options (notably English and math), with core classes in English, Social Studies, Science, Math, and Bible, plus electives in PE, Japanese, Digital Tools, Music, Art, and Woodshop; a 1:1 Chromebook program supports learning. The academic year comprises 180 instructional days split into two semesters, with Middle and High School operating on a modified block schedule.

OCSI's School Counseling Team supports all students' academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development by providing guidance, college and career counseling, and pastoral support. Counselors meet individually with students, lead developmentally appropriate lessons in classrooms and small groups, and partner with families and staff to help every student thrive in mind, body, and spirit. Counseling is rooted in biblical faith and community and aligns with OCSI's mission and values. Counseling programs are organized by grade level with focus areas including executive functioning, peer relationships, transition support, personal resilience, and collaborative planning with educators and parents. The aim is to help students discover their God-given identity and purpose and to guide them toward excellence in character, informed decision-making, and compassionate service.

OCSI does not provide IEPs or 504 plans and does not have Special Education teachers who can work one-on-one with students. Acceptance of students with ADD/ADHD depends on whether the school can provide accommodations, with examples including seating arrangements or extra time on assignments. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution and does not list a broader range of SEN categories it supports. Publicly described SEN provisions are limited to the accommodations noted above, and more intensive supports would not be available within the school.

OCSI classes are taught in English, using an American-style curriculum. ESL/Literacy support is available for English learners. If a student is identified as needing ESL support, a literacy/ESL fee may apply starting the next school year. Identification and delivery of EAL services are discussed in admissions-related resources. This indicates that EAL support exists within the school's student services framework.

OCSI supports student mental wellbeing through the School Counseling program, which addresses personal, social, academic, and spiritual growth. The counseling team works with students individually, in groups, and in classrooms, and collaborates with families and staff to foster well-being and resilience. The program is framed by biblical values and the school's mission to Excel, Grow, and Serve, emphasizing belonging, character, and healthy decision-making. Focus areas by grade level include executive functioning, peer relationships, transitions, and personal resilience.

OCSI maintains a Child Safeguarding Policy & Procedures (Public) and related documents, including a Student Code of Conduct, a Computer and Technology Acceptable Usage Policy, and a Staff Code of Conduct. The school is committed to making the environment a safe place for children to learn. These policies detail safeguarding measures, expected behaviors, and reporting procedures to protect students. The Student Code of Conduct and related policies form the core safeguarding framework for the school.

1. Admissions Process
1. Start with the online application and inquiry. Begin by creating an admissions account and submitting the online application form. An inquiry is included in the process, and you'll find that an application fee is required at the time of submission. The school reviews the submission to determine eligibility for an interview and assessment, and you'll be informed of the next steps if eligible. Important dates for the 2026–2027 cycle include two seasons: Season 1 with a January 31, 2026 deadline for February interviews (results by March 10), and Season 2 with a April 30, 2026 deadline for May interviews (results by June 10). If space is available, enrollment can begin in April or August.

2. Prepare and submit required documents. All applicants must provide the standard set of materials, including the completed application form, a record release form, a copy of the child's passport page, a recent photo, and several years of school records as applicable. Grade 7–12 applicants should also supply prior school records and current year progress reports; behavior/discipline records may be required. After acceptance, additional documents such as immunization records and a physical exam are requested. This documentation is reviewed in the admissions process to determine qualification for the next step.

3. Complete the document verification and schedule an interview/assessment. Once the completed packet is received, it is reviewed by the divisional principal to determine eligibility for an interview and testing. If eligible, families may be contacted to schedule an interview and assessment; note that interview/testing may not be granted for all applicants due to factors like language proficiency and space.

4. Receive admissions results by email and follow enrollment instructions. Admissions decisions are communicated by email and may be categorized as acceptance, denial, or waitlist. If accepted, families follow the instructions in the enrollment email to confirm enrollment and make the required payments. The process emphasizes multiple factors beyond test results, such as class size, English proficiency, and overall fit.

5. Begin enrollment and complete any remaining steps. Upon acceptance, you will complete enrollment by paying the specified fees and submitting any remaining documents requested by the admissions team. If you are enrolling in Season 2 or in mid-year, space availability may apply, and there are specific deadlines for enrollment depending on the season.

2. Waitlist/Pool
- The school uses a waitlist when spaces are not available. Admission results can indicate a waitlist status, and families may be placed on the waiting list while spaces become available. There is no guaranteed space for waitlisted applicants. In practice, spaces often open up later in the year (for example, late June/July), but availability is not guaranteed and varies by grade and capacity. Families on the waitlist are typically informed by email as spaces become available.

3. Scholarships
- OCSI offers several financial-aid-oriented funds to support access to education. The OCSI Fund for the Future includes a Tuition Assistance Fund to help eligible families, funded through donations and school fundraising. There is also a College Scholarship Fund to assist qualifying students with college costs, and a University Scholarship Award as part of donor-supported programs. The school notes that gifts and funds may be tax-deductible in Japan and the USA depending on the donor program.

Notes and sources used in this overview: The admissions process is documented in Apply to OCSI and the Admissions Guidelines, including timelines, required documents, and the sequence of steps from application through enrollment. Required documents detail what all applicants must submit and what follows after acceptance. Tuition & Fees are published with the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 data showing one-time and ongoing costs, with notes about payment plans and discounts for certain families. Information about waitlists and admissions results is included in the admissions FAQs and the specific waitlist article. Details about scholarships and financial-assistance funds are found in the donor and support pages on OCSI's site.

Scholarships and financial aid: OCSI maintains a Tuition Assistance Fund to help ensure access for qualifying students and a College Scholarship Fund to assist with college costs. There is also a University Scholarship Award as part of donor-funded programs. These funds are supported by donations and fundraising and are described in the school's donor materials.

Waitlist/Pool information: The school does not guarantee a space for waitlisted applicants; admission results may designate a waitlist, and spaces often become available later in the season or in late spring/summer, but nothing is guaranteed. Families on the waitlist are typically notified by email as spaces open up. To the extent possible, the school communicates about the likelihood of openings, but there is no fixed timeline for when a space will become available.

AMICUS is located in Uruma City on Okinawa's main island, set in a natural hillside environment. The campus is accessed via the nearby Okinawa Expressway (Okinawa-Kita IC) and is convenient for families commuting from across the island. The school offers a bus network with stops such as the Izumi Hospital entrance, and it operates buses to support student travel around Okinawa. The address is 1212-1 Enobi, Uruma City, Okinawa, Japan 904-2205.

The school comprises Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Junior High School on a single campus. It provides an integrated, sequential program from early years through junior high. AMICUS presents these three levels as part of an 11-year continuum.

AMICUS is a private school on Okinawa's main island. It operates as a day school serving K1 through Junior High; there is no boarding facility noted on the school's materials.

The school describes itself as international and hosts both local Okinawan students and international families. Public data on the exact nationality mix is not published, but there is documented involvement of international populations, including OIST members' children (12 students in SY2023–2024).

AMICUS maintains a Special Education section and designs an English-immersion curriculum from Kindergarten through Junior High, with a Japanese homeroom teacher supported by a non-Japanese assistant to assist language development. The curriculum is structured to accommodate foreign nationalities and non-Japanese students as part of its special curriculum.

The school is located in Japan and has no formal country affiliation noted beyond its status as a private school in Okinawa. Address and foundation information confirm its Japan location.

AMICUS has no religious affiliation indicated in its official materials.

Elementary daily schedule typically starts at 8:15 (arrival) with morning work and homeroom, followed by periods through the day, lunch from 12:30 to 13:40, and dismissal around 15:35. Junior High follows a similar structure with a 8:15–15:25 (approx.) daily timetable.

AMICUS operates a school bus system that covers the Okinawa main island. Inbound and outbound routes have multiple stops across Nago, Kin, Yomitan, Chatan, Okinawa City, Naha, and other areas, with stops listed on the bus page. The service is arranged to keep boarding times short and to support travel across the island.

The formal uniform is a denim-wool blend with bougainvillea as the main color. It is designed for flexibility and everyday practicality; it can be washed at home and ironing is not required. A second uniform (t‑shirt) and a hoodie are available for daily wear, and the PE uniform is designed for ease of movement.

The school encourages students to bring their own lunch. If bringing lunch is difficult for personal reasons, a support lunch is provided and delivered by Syoku no Kakehashhi before lunchtime. Lunch options include M-size and S-size portions, and ordering details are provided monthly.

Okinawa AMICUS International is governed by the AMICUS International School Educational Foundation, established in 2011. The foundation lists its chairperson as Ms. Chiaki Maehara. The foundation serves as the school's corporate governance body.

Immersion education uses a second language as the language of instruction. The school emphasizes high English proficiency while maintaining students' Japanese ability. The educational philosophy focuses on independent thought, self-directed learning, and preparing students to navigate a diverse linguistic and cultural environment.

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Okinawa International School operates across two campuses in Okinawa, Japan: the Nanjo Campus on a hilltop in Tamagusuku and the Naha Campus in central Naha City. The Nanjo Campus sits on elevated ground with views toward the East China Sea. The Nanjo address is 143 Fusato, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa 901-0695, Japan, and the Naha Campus is located at 2-13-26, Tsubogawa, Naha City, 4F, Okinawa 900-0025, Japan.

OIS offers education from early childhood through high school. The IB continuum is implemented across Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), with the High School also offering an International Liberal Arts (ILA) track. The school provides preschool/kindergarten through elementary, middle, and high school, with IB accreditation for the PYP, MYP, and DP levels.

The school is co-educational and operates as a day school. It does not offer on-site boarding; accommodation for international students is available through a homestay option. The second campuses and bilingual, cross-cultural approach reflect its international profile.

OIS has a notable international student presence. In 2025, more than 60% of the student body was reported to be from outside Okinawa Prefecture, with many families relocating from the Tokyo area. The school's IB World School status and international programs reflect a diverse, globally oriented student community.

OIS describes its learning environment as bilingual (English and Japanese) and emphasizes team teaching by international and Japanese teachers. Specific formal SEN provisions are not publicly listed on the main materials, but the school highlights inquiry-based, inclusive education and language development as core features.

No formal country affiliation is stated. OIS operates as an international IB World School located in Okinawa, Japan.

There is no religious affiliation publicly stated for Okinawa International School. The school presents an international, values-driven approach without a formal religious mandate.

Open Campus materials indicate a typical school day structure with start times around 8:30–9:00 and a midday break, followed by afternoon sessions; schedules vary by program (PYP, MYP, DP). On Open Campus days, class observations and information sessions run in the morning, with lunch around midday.

OIS operates a school bus system with multiple routes, including Okinawa City Middle Area Route, Ginowan/Urasoe Route, North of Naha City (Shuri Route), South of Naha City (Oroku Route), and Tomigusuku/Itoman Route. The bus service connects key areas to the Nanjo and Naha campuses.

The school does not have dormitories or boarding facilities. Students relocating from overseas or other prefectures relocate with their families and commute to campus. The school supports families in finding suitable accommodation through partnerships with Okinawa's top real estate agencies, and some students use the school bus service to commute to and from campus.

The school requires a uniform. The on-site shop sells PE kit items (PE Shirt, PE Pants, Socks) as part of the uniform offerings. The total cost for the standard school uniform is around 42,000–45,000 yen. The uniform was renewed in 2016.

The school is governed by the School Corporation PST Academy, established in 2020. PST Academy operates multiple educational programs in Okinawa, including a high-school program, and the school sits within this organizational group.

Okinawa International School offers an IB continuum from early childhood through high school, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP); PYP was certified in July 2011, MYP in July 2016, and DP in December 2020. The Elementary division delivers PYP from the pre‑primary Owlet (3 years) and Eaglet (4–5) through Grade 5, organized around six transdisciplinary themes (Theme 1: Who We Are; Theme 2: Where We Are in Place and Time; Theme 3: How We Express Ourselves; Theme 4: How the World Works; Theme 5: How We Organize Ourselves; Theme 6: Sharing the Planet) and concludes with a Grade 5 Exhibition; teaching is bilingual, combining English and Japanese instruction with language targets across both languages. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) runs from Grade 6 to Grade 10, emphasizing holistic, cross‑disciplinary learning and intercultural understanding, and includes Community Project and Personal Project as capstones; there is strong English language support and ongoing language development as students prepare for the Diploma Programme. The Diploma Programme (DP) is taught in DP1–DP2, organized around six subject groups (Language and Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; The Arts) plus the DP Core of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS; the DP is graded on a 45‑point scale, with 24 points needed for the DP certificate and higher scores supporting admission to top universities. The Upper School also offers the International Liberal Arts (ILA) track, a three‑year program that meets university entry requirements and targets study at domestic or international universities.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The school's mission emphasizes human rights and peace, harmony with nature, and multicultural understanding, which underpin an approach that supports students' social and emotional development through inquiry-based learning and global citizenship. Okinawa International School is an IB World School offering PYP, MYP, and DP, with the DP including an International Liberal Arts course to broaden post-secondary options; these IB frameworks promote collaboration and inquiry, contributing to SEL-oriented outcomes. The Parents Association runs IB workshops and other events to engage families and support student learning and well-being in partnership with the school. There are community structures named NEST (preschool), FOREST (elementary), and CLOUD (middle) that connect students and parents across divisions, signaling a school-wide community framework that supports belonging and engagement.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN). The About/Organization sections show a general IB framework and parent/community activities but do not list a dedicated SEN department or explicit SEN services. In the early years, the program includes ELL within daily activities (ELL is integrated into preschool schedules), indicating emphasis on language support within regular programs rather than a separate SEN unit. A transfer program page notes there is no special English training for newcomers; English language development is integrated into regular classes rather than a stand-alone SEN program. The IB framework and broad school mission suggest an inclusive, global approach, but specific SEN provisions are not publicly detailed on the site.

OIS is a bilingual English–Japanese school with explicit emphasis on developing English language proficiency through an English-four-skills program. The OIS environment for study states that the school has a structured program to develop the four skills of English and to support bilingual learning. In kindergarten and early years, schedules show explicit ELL components (for example, Owlet classes include ELL sessions). A transfer program page notes that there are no special English-language classes for new entrants; language development occurs within the regular IB-program framework rather than via separate EAL instruction. The bilingual program is described as a core feature, with progression aims and English-language development embedded across grade levels. Overall, EAL support is described as integrated into regular classes and activities rather than as a standalone EAL department.

The school publicly discloses limited explicit mental wellbeing programming beyond its general emphasis on a holistic, inquiry-based IB education. In preschool, the program includes a focus on social-emotional development through a play-based curriculum (the "Waku-Waku Program"), which targets emotional stability and foundational social skills in the Cygnet class. The preschool daily schedule includes extended care and structured activities that support social interaction and emotional development. The content also indicates emphasis on safe, supportive learning environments and age-appropriate social development within the early years. Beyond these preschool provisions, explicit mental wellbeing programs for older students are not publicly described on the site; involvement with families via the Parents Association and community activities may contribute to a supportive school culture. The preschool environment also notes health checks and family involvement as part of student care.

The site does not publicly disclose a formal safeguarding policy or child-protection framework. The preschool page shows routine health checks and a family-inclusive approach as part of student care, but no dedicated safeguarding policy is described in detail. The IB framework and school mission emphasize global citizenship and intercultural understanding, which support safe, respectful learning communities, though explicit safeguarding policies are not listed on the site. The campus environment mentions accommodations such as homestay as an optional living arrangement for some students, which implies consideration of student safety and well-being in extended arrangements. OIS does, however, publish regular announcements and information for families through open campuses and newsletters, indicating ongoing communications with guardians about school life and safety-related matters. For safeguarding specifics, publicly available information is not detailed on the site.

Admissions process

1. Observe/Trial: Families are encouraged to observe a class or participate in a trial enrollment to gauge how well Okinawa International School's IB DP or International Liberal Arts (ILA) tracks fit their child's learning needs. You can arrange this through the Open Campus or Information Session offerings, which provide a window into daily class life and teaching approaches. The Nanjo Campus is the location for many on-site experiences, and you'll have opportunities to meet teachers and current students during these events. This step helps you assess fit before beginning the formal application.

2. Read examination guideline and prepare application documents: Review the examination guidelines for both the IB Course (IBDP) and ILA Course. The guidelines are provided as attachments and outline what will be tested and how to prepare. Prepare the required documents, including the Application for admission, the Examination Voucher, the Student Reference Form, and a Statement of Purpose. Having these documents ready in advance helps ensure the application proceeds smoothly.

3. Submit application documents and Payment of Examination Fees: Submit the completed application documents through the designated channels and pay the examination fees as part of the submission. The process requires you to attach or upload the Application for admission, the Student Reference Form, and the Statement of Purpose, among other items. A payment of the examination fees is required at this stage to process the application.

4. Examination: The school conducts examinations as part of the admissions process. There are separate examination guidelines for IB and ILA tracks to help families prepare. Examinations assess readiness for the chosen program and align with the corresponding curriculum track.

5. Notifications of the test result: After the examinations, test results and admissions decisions are communicated to applicants. This notification indicates whether the student has gained admission or if further steps are required. You'll typically receive a formal decision following the assessment period.

6. Enrollment procedure: For students who are offered admission, enrollment procedures must be completed to finalize enrollment. This includes completing enrollment forms and submitting any required documentation, as directed by the admissions team. Upon completion, the student is officially enrolled and can begin the next steps toward start date and orientation.

Scholarship-related guidance within admissions: There are separate examination guidelines for scholarship students, reflecting additional considerations during the admissions process.

Fees related to admissions (at a glance): See the Tuition and Fees section for the current published amounts and what they cover, including enrollment-related fees and the costs tied to curriculum options.

Open Campus / Information Session availability and details are published separately and can be used as part of Step 1 to observe or trial the school experience.

Scholarships: A High School Tuition Support Fund is available and may be applied. The fund can provide up to 396,000 yen, depending on the guardians' annual income. This financial aid is described as applicable to High School tuition, and its applicability is noted as of the 2021 fiscal year. No other scholarships are listed in the published tuition and fees information.

Waitlist/Pool: There is no publicly disclosed waitlist or pool process described in the school's admissions materials. The Admissions procedure is listed as a six-step flow from Observe/Trial to Enrollment, with no reference to a waiting list or waitpool. Families should plan according to the posted timeline and may contact the admissions team for any clarifications on seat availability.