Fukuoka International School

The Fukuoka International School offers a high quality international educational experience for students from ages 3 to 18+. We offer both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in grades 11 and 12 and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP). Starting in August 2018, FIS will become the only school in Kyushu to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP). FIS is accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education as a School Juridical Body, "Gakko Hojin" and also by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

FIS values the connection between its host country of Japan and the numerous other nationalities within our community. FIS serves diplomatic families, mobile expatriate families and local families who are seeking a world class international education. We pride ourselves on preparing students to be successful in the ever-changing world. FIS graduates go on to earn places at universities all around the world.

FIS offers a vibrant and varied After School Activities programme. Students regularly go on field and cultural trips that extend their learning outside the classroom as part of the inquiry-based learning approach.

Fukuoka International School is a private, non-sectarian, co-educational day school which offers a comprehensive educational program for students of all nationalities.

In 1972, the Fukuoka International School was established upon the closure of the U.S. Air Force Base School in Itazuke. It is the only accredited Pre-K to 12 international school on Kyushu. The original school building and land were owned and supplied by the Japan Baptist Mission, but the growth of the foreign population and demands of education compelled the school to expand.

The mission of Fukuoka International School is to create a dynamic learning environment in which students can be educated to high international academic standards. We strive to be a model of unity in diversity in which the individual is respected and each student is challenged at his/her own level.

FIS consists of three science labs, two music rooms, two art rooms, a makerspace, and a gymnasium in addition to the classrooms. The school also contains a library, student lunch areas in the foyer, a dispensary, a kitchen, and an administrative block. The M.A.D.(Music/ Art/ Design) building (Annex) is located one block from the main campus. The building has a music room, fine arts room, design laboratory, performance area and a martial arts dojo. Wi-Fi is available throughout the school buildings. The school is located in Momochi, a pleasant residential area at the mouth of the Muromi River, in the western part of Fukuoka. It is a 10 to 15 minute walk from Fujisaki subway station and has excellent access to public transportation.

Fukuoka International School has chosen to implement the PYP in the elementary school. Therefore, the IB learner profile is used as the standard to exemplify a truly educated child.Elementary teachers lead children to become inquisitive and seek new answers to ongoing questions. Students are expected to become knowledgeable, principled in their lives, and communicate effectively with peers.

Young learners are encouraged to become open minded about the world around them, and embrace meaningful challenges in life. Overall, children should mature into caring individuals, balanced in thought, and with the ability to reflect on their actions.

In order to educate children to this standard, the elementary faculty believes that one of the most important components of a good school is the partnership between school and parents. The important contributions parents make toward a child's success in school is recognized and valued. The elementary staff cherishes excellent relationships with parents as all work together for the best interests of children.

The secondary division at FIS is organized into two divisions: the middle school (grades 6-8) and the high school (grades 9-12). To bridge the elementary division’s IB PYP curriculum and the G11 and 12 IB DP, FIS has adopted the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Particular attention is paid to character and skill development, intercultural understanding and respect, and how we manage a healthy balance between our responsibilities and passions.

We have three libraries, for both Elementary and Secondary students that support the IB programs. Our libraries have collections, which support the curriculum, facilitate research, and promote an interest of reading. They also provide library services to faculty, parents, and others in the school community.

Students from Prek 3 to grade 5 visit the library once a week to checkout and return books. We have activities such as read aloud, read to yourself, making crafts, and unit collaboration with homeroom teachers. The upper elementary students learned how to use our online catalog, differentiate between websites and doing researches on projects. We also have summer reading programs. For Secondary students they get to check out books and work on their research projects.

Our purpose at FIS is to serve mobile international families and international Japanese. We understand that families will have children with many different needs, different strengths and academic aptitudes. We are an inclusive school that does not have a pass/fail admissions test. As long as we believe that a student can be successful within our programmes, then we will offer admission!