Academics at OWIS

From Early Childhood to Grade 12, our inquiry based curriculum is designed to nurture confident, curious, and internationally minded learners.

Grounded in the International Bachelorette (IB) methodology and best practices from the Global Schools Group, our programme encourages critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful real-world connections.

We place equal emphasis on academic excellence, personal development, and well-being, ensuring that every student is supported to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

Through a balanced, student-centred approach, OWIS Japan prepares learners to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment while developing a strong sense of responsibility, agency, and purpose. 

One World International School (OWIS) Seperator, divider, baner, stripe
Primary school age Girl student holding book in library at OWIS Osaka

What Makes the OWIS Curriculum World-Class?

Inquiry-Based

Our learning approach encourages curiosity, questioning, and exploration, empowering students to think independently at an early age. By engaging with ideas deeply and meaningfully, students develop a lifelong love of learning and the confidence to seek understanding.

Student-Driven

Learning at OWIS places students at the centre, encouraging them to take ownership of their educational journey. Through choice, voice, and agency, students build motivation, self-direction, and a strong sense of purpose.

Personalized

Every learner is unique, and our approach recognizes the importance of individual needs, strengths, and learning styles. Teaching is thoughtfully adapted, so students can progress at a pace that supports both confidence and growth.

Holistic

Education at OWIS extends beyond academics to nurture the whole child. We place equal emphasis on character, wellbeing, creativity, and life skills, supporting balanced development in and beyond the classroom.

Rigorous

Applicants must pass an assessment test to be admitted, and our students are guided so that they can receive a passing score before advancing to the next grade. 

Value-Driven

Strong values are woven into everyday learning and school life. Students are guided to act with empathy, respect, responsibility, and integrity as members of a global community.

Expertly Delivered

High-quality teaching underpins every aspect of the OWIS learning experience. Educators are committed to reflective practice, continuous improvement, and delivering engaging, meaningful learning for every student.

Internationally Recognized

Our curriculum takes the best from the UK, Australia, & North American schools, and the International-Bachelorette (IB) is recognized by top universities around the world.

Personalized icon

Personalized

Every learner is unique, and our approach recognizes the importance of individual needs, strengths, and learning styles. Teaching is thoughtfully adapted, so students can progress at a pace that supports both confidence and growth.

Student Driven

Learning at OWIS places students at the centre, encouraging them to take ownership of their educational journey. Through choice, voice, and agency, students build motivation, self-direction, and a strong sense of purpose.

Inquiry-Based Approach

Our learning approach encourages curiosity, questioning, and exploration, empowering students to think independently at an early age. By engaging with ideas deeply and meaningfully, students develop a lifelong love of learning and the confidence to seek understanding.

holistic - Tech enabled

Holistic

Education at OWIS extends beyond academics to nurture the whole child. We place equal emphasis on character, wellbeing, creativity, and life skills, supporting balanced development in and beyond the classroom.

Extensive English Support

Our Academic English Preparation (AEP) Programme supports non-native English speakers in building the essential language skills for active participation in school, so your child will be able to fully engage in classroom activities and succeed in their studies.

Rigour, Inquiry Based

Rigourous

Applicants must pass an assessment test to be admitted, and our students are guided so that they can receive a passing score before advancing to the next grade. 

Heart in hands Icon, values

Values-Driven

Strong values are woven into everyday learning and school life. Students are guided to act with empathy, respect, responsibility, and integrity as members of a global community.

Teaching / learning icon

Expertly Delivered

High-quality teaching underpins every aspect of the OWIS learning experience. Educators are committed to reflective practice, continuous improvement, and delivering engaging, meaningful learning for every student.

Global perspective / internationally recognized icon

Internationally Recognized

Our curriculum takes the best from the UK, Australia, & North American schools, and the International-Bachelorette (IB) is recognized by top universities around the world.

OWIS Grades, Ages, & International Standards

Grade in US, Canada, Australia Grade in UK Grade in Japan Age of Student (on Sept. 1st) Grade at OWIS
Preschool/Pre-K
Reception
保育園 / 幼稚園 Hoikuen / Yōchien
3 Year Old
Early Childhood Education (EC) 2
Preschool/Pre-K
Reception
保育園 / 幼稚園 Hoikuen / Yōchien
4 Year Old
Early Childhood Education (EC) 1
Kindergarten
Year 1
幼稚園 Yōchien
5 Year Old
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Year 2
小学1年生 Grade 1
6 Year Old
Grade 1
Grade 2
Year 3
二年生 Grade 2
7 Year Old
Grade 2
Grade 3
Year 4
三年生 Grade 3
8 Year Old
Grade 3
Grade 4
Year 5
四年生 Grade 4
9 Year Old
Grade 4
Grade 5
Year 6
五年生 Grade 5
10 Year Old
Grade 5
Grade 6
Year 7
六年生 Grade 6
11 Year Old
Grade 6
Grade 7
Year 8
中学1年生 Grade 7
12 Year Old
Grade 7
Grade 8
Year 9
中学2年生 Grade 8
13 Year Old
Grade 8
Grade 9
Year 10
中学3年生 Grade 9
14 Year Old
Grade 9
Grade 10
Year 11
高校1年生 Grade 10
15 Year Old
Grade 10
Grade 11
Year 12
高校2年生 Grade 11
16 Year Old
Grade 11
Grade 12
Year 13
高校3年生 Grade 12
17 Year Old
Grade 12
Early Childhood / Pre-school / アーリーチャイルドフッド / 幼稚園 Primary / Elementary / プライマリー / 小学1年生 Secondary / High School / 中学校 / 高等学校 Junior Secondary / ジュニアセカンダリー / 小学6年生~高校1年生 Senior Secondary / College / Sixth Form / シニアセカンダリー / 高校2年生~3年生
holistic - Tech enabled
Have questions about which grade your child will be placed in?

An all-inclusive and truly diverse school where children can safely nurture who they are and what they want to be

We promote cultural integration through field trips and service projects that encourage students to bring what they’re learning to the larger community.

Exhibitions and other special events at school allow students to showcase their talents and skills.

Co-curricular activities enable students to explore their talents further and learn something new, without the pressure of formal assessments.

Contact us to learn more about our holistic curriculum, development, our teachers, our child-centred teaching methodology