NIS is more than just a school—it’s a global community that celebrates the richness of diversity and the power of inclusion. As we embark on our 60th anniversary, we are proud to showcase the unique blend of cultures, languages, and experiences that make us who we are. With a total enrollment of 498 students, from our Early Learning Center (ELC) through High School, our school continues to grow and evolve while remaining true to our core values.
We Are From...
At NIS, our students represent a remarkable 37 countries. Our international community reflects a true mosaic of global cultures from the United States, Australia, and Brazil to China, Kenya, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Among our diverse student body, we also have students from nations like Great Britain, Cambodia, Canada, France, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, and more. This dynamic mix enriches our learning environment and allows us to develop a broader understanding of the world.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW THE PHOTO GALLERY OF OUR PARADE OF NATIONS
With the start of the 2024-2025 school year, NIS welcomed 86 new students who represent 19 countries and 17 home languages. And speaking of home languages…amongst all our students, 34 home languages are spoken, ranging from Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), English, and Japanese to Bengali, German, Hindi, Swahili, and Vietnamese. Our school’s diversity creates a vibrant community where students learn from each other, share traditions, and build lasting friendships.
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Our Growing Community
- Early Learning Center (ELC): 40 students
- Elementary School: 187 students
- Middle School: 111 students
- High School: 160 students
Our school is a blend of young learners taking their first steps in education and students preparing for the next stages of their academic and personal growth. Regardless of where they are in their journey, all our students benefit from being part of this inclusive and nurturing environment.
Our Staff Reflect Our Students
Not only do our students come from many corners of the globe, but our staff reflects the school’s commitment to international education. With passports hailing from 20 different countries, our students are assured of learning from many different perspectives. NIS has always prided itself on selecting the best teachers who represent a truly global point of view while being at the top in their field. It is an arduous process, often starting in the fall semester for the following year, but the work pays off when our students can learn firsthand more than just the subject at hand, but also the global context of what is being presented. We are very proud of the staff that leads our young learners to take into consideration different points of view.
Why Families Choose NIS
Families come to NIS for various reasons. For some, it’s part of an expat work assignment that brings them to Japan. Others are local Japanese families looking for a more diverse and globally-focused learning experience. We also have many bi- or multi-cultural families in the Nagoya community who value the unique environment we offer. Additionally, some families come from overseas specifically seeking a high-quality international education that prepares their children to thrive in a global society. Presently this creates a mix of about 40% coming from overseas and 60% of local families, though this historically has changed due to a variety of situations. Whatever their circumstances we value the stories and experiences that our students and families bring with them to NIS as everyone has a place and an opportunity to shape our community!
We Are Inclusive
At NIS, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We believe every student is a valuable puzzle piece to our broad community. Our support systems are designed to help all students, including those facing learning or language challenges, to reach their highest potential. Though our school was founded 60 years ago by local missionaries, we are inclusive of all religions and beliefs. We are also committed to supporting students and families in the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that everyone feels safe, accepted, and empowered to be themselves.
Looking Forward as a Global Family
As we celebrate six decades of educational excellence, we remain committed to being a school where every student is valued and respected. We believe that our diversity is our strength and that by learning from one another, we build a more compassionate, understanding, and connected world.
At NIS, we are more than just a school—we are a family. We are dreamers, doers, and changemakers. We are NIS!
