The NIS campus has been growing and evolving here in Nakashidami ever since the school moved to Moriyama in 1967. As enrollment grew, so too did the campus footprint. The construction of the Raymond Building at that early stage was an incredible triumph for a young community school, but the Wing Building, completed 30 years later in 1999, soon became the school’s crowning achievement. With its sleek design and wing-like roof reaching toward the sky, the building symbolized confidence in our future and our commitment to the city of Nagoya.
Now, over 25 years later, the Wing Building is once again at the center of attention—this time for renewal. With Phase 1 of the multi-year renovation project now complete, students and families are already seeing and experiencing the benefits of a refreshed and reimagined learning space.
Climate-Controlled Gym for Our Dolphins
This summer, the Wing Building gym underwent a major transformation with safety and comfort at the forefront. New safety padding now lines the walls, and the addition of air conditioning ensures that students are protected not only during sporting activities but also from Japan’s increasingly hot summers and chilly winters.
Beyond safety, the gym is now a vibrant and comfortable space to learn, play, and connect. When the final touches to the walls and ceiling are completed next summer, the gym will truly feel like the home of the NIS Dolphins—a place of pride and belonging where students can grow as athletes and as members of our community.
Bathrooms, Showers, and Changing Areas
Equally impactful are the redesigned bathrooms and showers, created with student input and designed for safety, dignity, and inclusion. Each facility is now a private, single-use space off a shared public corridor, ensuring that every community member can feel comfortable and respected.
This shift represents a significant step forward in creating facilities that reflect NIS values of belonging and safety for all. While change can bring questions, the community dialogue around this project was meaningful and reaffirmed the importance of spaces that prioritize respect and care.
Community Engagement
Construction continued throughout the summer, finishing just in time for the start of school. Students had the chance to tour the renovated gym during homeroom time, while parents first saw the new spaces during Head of School Mr. Parr’s August 25 Coffee. Their excitement and positive feedback confirmed the impact these new facilities will have on student learning and well-being.
Looking Ahead
Phase 1 is only the beginning. With the completion of the gym and bathroom renovations, we now turn our eyes to Phase 2, scheduled for summer 2026, which will include ceiling work in the gym, updates to the first-floor corridor, and improvements to the hallways adjacent to the Japanese classrooms.
We are grateful to our families for making this transformation possible, as together we continue to build learning environments that reflect our mission to inquire, inspire, impact, and include.
