--- title: "Growing with Purpose: The IB Journey at NIS" description: Discover how the IB continuum at NIS builds confidence, independence, and purpose from ELC through Grade 12 in one connected journey. image: https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/2025-26%20Blog%20Photos/IBPYP_at_NIS.jpg --- [Contact US](https://www.nis.ac.jp/contact-us-utility/contact-us) [Apply](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/apply) [Support](https://www.nis.ac.jp/support/support-nis) [Support NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/support/support-nis) Search ![logo2](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/logo1.svg) GO × [ABOUT](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about) [About Us](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about) [Our Governance](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-governance) [Our connections:CIS,WASC,IB and JCIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/the-accreditation-process) [Our Staff](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-staff) [Our Campus](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/campus-map) [Our History](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-history) [Our Alumni](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-alumni) [Class of 2023](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-alumni/class-of-2023) [Class of 2016-2022](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-alumni/college-acceptances-past) [Our Guiding Statements](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements) [Our Mission](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/mission) [Inquire, Inspire, Impact](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/3is) [Definition Of Learning](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/definition-of-learning) [Who We Serve](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/who-we-serve) [International Mindedness](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/international-mindedness) [Well Being](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/well-being) [Our Belief About Language](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/belief-about-language) [Safeguarding Policy](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/safeguarding-policy) [School Development Plan(SDP)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/school-development-plan) [Strategic Planning 2022](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/strategic-planning) [COVID-19](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/covid19/nis-covid-level-responses) [NIS COVID Level Responses](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/covid19/nis-covid-level-responses) [NIS at a Glance](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/nis-at-a-glance) [Welcome from the Head](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/welcome-from-the-head) [Head of School Weekley Notes](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/welcome-from-the-head/latest) [Head of School Weekley Notes(Archives)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/welcome-from-the-head/archives) [School Calendar](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/school-calendar) [NIS Full Online Calendar](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/school-calendar/full-calendar) [NIS Stories](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/en) [NIS News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/nis-news-posts) [Photo Galleries](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/photo-gallery) [2022-23](https://nagoyais.smugmug.com/2022-23-Events-Activities) [2021-22](https://nagoyais.smugmug.com/2021-22-Events-Activities) [2020-21](https://nagoyais.smugmug.com/2020-21-Events-and-Activities) [2019-20](https://nagoyais.smugmug.com/2019-20-Events-and-Activities) [NIS Live Streaming](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/nis-live) [ADMISSION](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions) [Greetings](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions) [Why Choose NIS?](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/why-choose-nis) [Admissions Policy & Process](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/guidelines) [Learning Challenges & Language Expectations](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/learning-challenges-language-expectations) [Tuition, Fees & Registration](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/tuition-fees) [Scholorship At NIS?](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/scholarships) [Scholorship Application Process(New Families)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/scholarships/applicationprocessnewfamilies) [Scholorship Application Process(Current Families)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/scholarships/applicationprocesscurrentfamilies) [Transitions Support: Admissions & Withdrawal](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/transitions-support) [Admissions FAQs](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/transitions-support/withdrawal-form) [Open Houses](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/open-houses) [Apply](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/apply) [Request For Information](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/en/request-for-information) [Admissions Tour](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/en/admissions-tour) [Our Location](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/visiting-our-campus) [City Bus Options](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/visiting-our-campus/city-bus-options) [LEARNING](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/learning-at-nis) [Learning at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/the-ib-at-nis) [The IB at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/the-ib-at-nis) [Preschool & Kindergarten](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten) [Reggio Emilia](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/reggio-emilia) [A Day in the Life of the ELC](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/a-day) [ELC Facilities](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/facilities) [Preparing Your Child For the ELC](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/preparing) [ELC Admissions](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/elc-admissions) [ELC FAQs](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/elc-faqs) [ELC News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/elc-news) [ELC Books](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/books) [Elementary School](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school) [The PYP Programme at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school/the-pyp-programme) [Elementary Curriculum](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school/elementary-curriculum) [Assesment in the PYP](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school/assessment-in-the-pyp) [After School Activities](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school/after-school-activities) [Middle School](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/middle-school) [The MYP Programme](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/middle-school/the-myp-programme) [Middle School Curriculum Overview](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/middle-school/middle-school-curriculum-overview) [Middle School News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/middle-school/middle-school-news) [High School](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/high-school) [High School Curriculum Overview](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/high-school/high-school-curriculum-overview) [IB Diploma Programme Details](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/high-school/ib-diploma-programme-details) [High School News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/high-school/high-school-news) [Student Services: Personalized Learning, EAL, Counseling & Health](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/student-services) [Level of Provision](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/student-services/levels-of-provision) [Language Learners at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/student-services/language-learners-at-nis) [Personalized Learning](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/student-services/personalized-learning) [Counselling and Health](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/student-services/health-and-counselling) [Our Inquiry Questions](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/our-inquiry-questions) [Inquiring in the ELC](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/our-inquiry-questions) [Inquiring in the Elementary](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/our-inquiry-questions/elc-inquiry) [Inquiring in the Secondary](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/our-inquiry-questions/inquiring-in-secondary) [STUDENT LIFE](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/student-life) [Student Life at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/student-life) [Academic & Service Activities](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/academic-service-activities) [Service Activities News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/academic-service-activities/news) [Dolphin Sports](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/dolphin-athletics) [Dolphin Sports Calendar](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/dolphin-athletics/dolphin-sports-calendar) [Visual & Performing Arts](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/visual-performing-arts) [Food Service](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/food-service) [Cezars Kitchen Menu](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/food-service/cezars-kitchen-menu) [Bus Service](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/bus-service) [NIS Bus Route Information](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/bus-service/maps) [Technology & BYOD](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/technology-byod) [Safeguarding Policy (Child Protection)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/safeguarding-policy-child-protection) [Emergency Preparedness](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/emergency-preparedness) [Typhoon Information](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/emergency-preparedness/typhoon-information) [Campus Access During the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/covid19/nis-covid-level-responses) [COMMUNITY](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community) [Our Community](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community) [Parent Partners: Outreach, Transition & PTA Volunteers](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/parent-partners) [Parent Partner News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/parent-partners/parent-partner-news) [Parent Partner Events Calendar](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/parent-partners/parent-partner-events-calendar) [Parent Partner/PTA FAQs](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/parent-partners/pppta-faqs) [Request Transition Partner Match-Up](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/nis-transitions-partner-match-up-form) [Life Dolphins After School Childcare Program](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/little-dolphins-after-school-program) [Summer Program](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram) [Activities/Schedule](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/activitiesschedule) [Fees](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/fees) [Application](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/application) [Lunch Service](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/lunch-service) [Summer FAQs](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/summer-faqs) [Partner Preschools](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/our-partner-preschools) [ACCJ/NIS Walkathon](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/accjnis-walkathon) [2022 Walkathon Organizations](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/accjnis-walkathon/2022-walkathon-organizations) [Walkathon History](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/accjnis-walkathon/walkathon-history) [SAT Testing](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/sat-testing) [Chubu Perspectives Discussion Series II](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/chubu-perspectives) [ALUMNI](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni) [Alumni Home](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni) [Alumni Spotlight](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/alumni-spotlight) [Alumni Pathways](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/alumni-pathways) [Dolphin Tales](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/dolphin-tales) [Reflections](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/reflections) [Connections](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/connections) [Yearbook Archives](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/yearbook-archives) [EMPLOYMENT](https://www.nis.ac.jp/employment) [Working at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/employment) [Is NIS the Right Fit?](https://www.nis.ac.jp/employment/is-nis-the-right-fit) [Attributes of an NIS Teacher](https://www.nis.ac.jp/employment/attributes-of-an-nis-teacher) [Vacancies](https://www.nis.ac.jp/employment/vacancies) [日本語ページ](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/welcome) [日本語](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/welcome) [お知らせ](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/news) [NIS Stories](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/ja) [NISについて](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/2) [歴史・沿革](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/2/history) [理念・NISの使命](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/2/nismission) [認可](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/2/accreditation) [アクセス](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/2/access) [フォトギャラリー](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/photo-gallery) [NISの教育プログラム](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3) [IBプログラム](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/ib) [ELC(幼児教育部）](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/elc) [小学部（１−５年生）](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/es) [中等部（６−８年生）](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/ms) [高等部（９−１２年生）](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/hs) [卒業後の進路](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/postnis) [大学合格実績](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/postnis/college/2021) [入学案内](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions) [学校説明会 (Open House)](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/ja/open-houses) [学校見学](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/ja/admissions-tour) [学校見学 clone](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/ja/admissions-tour) [ELC（幼児教育部）入学情報](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/elc) [ELCプログラム](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/elc/elcprogram) [ELC入学申請](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/apply/elc) [帰国生入学情報](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/returnee) [入学審査要項](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/application) [入学申請](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/apply) [授業料・納付金](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/tuition) [よくあるご質問](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/7/admissions) [お問い合わせフォーム](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/ja/request-for-information?__hstc=104580127.0b96d6261d8df35a8dc7c4f4184963c7.1684824478121.1684907182641.1684910572346.7&__hssc=104580127.169169.1684910572346&__hsfp=50455644) [学校生活](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5) [進路指導](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5/postnis) [課外活動](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5/activities) [スポーツ／クラブ活動](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5/clubs) [ランチサービス](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5/lumch) [スクールバス](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5/bus) [ある生徒の１日](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/ja/a-day-in-the-life-at-nis) [卒業後の進路](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/postnis) [よくあるご質問](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/7) [お問い合わせ](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/contactus) [サマープログラム](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram) [新型コロナウィルス感染予防対策](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/covid19) [参加資格](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/eligibility) [スケジュール](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/summerprogramschedule) [お申し込み](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/apply) [参加費](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/summerprogramfee) [ランチサービス](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/summerprogramlunch) [よくあるご質問](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/summerporgramfaq) [フォトギャラリー](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/photogallery) [Contact US](https://www.nis.ac.jp/contact-us-utility/contact-us) [Apply](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/apply) [Support](https://www.nis.ac.jp/support/support-nis) [Support NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/support/support-nis) ☰ --> - [Home](https://www.nisjapan.net/) > - [NIS Stories](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/en) > - Growing with Purpose: The IB Journey at NIS ## NIS Stories # Growing with Purpose: The IB Journey at NIS [Erin Sakakibara](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/en/author/erin-sakakibara) Feb 18, 2026, 12:30:00 AM ![Screenshot 2025-06-23 at 3.36.34 PM](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/2024-25%20What%20is%20Learning%20Video%20Screenshots/Screenshot%202025-06-23%20at%203.36.34%20PM.png?width=993&height=426&name=Screenshot%202025-06-23%20at%203.36.34%20PM.png) For many parents, the IB can feel complex. There are different programs, new terminology, and important transition points along the way. It’s natural to wonder how it all fits together — and how each year truly [prepares your child for what comes next](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/en/japanese-universities-seek-ib-students). At Nagoya International School, the answer lies in continuity. From the Early Learning Center through Grade 12, learning is intentionally designed as one connected journey. Each year builds on the one before it, deepening understanding, strengthening skills, and gradually increasing independence. That journey begins in our Primary Years Programme.   ## ELC and Elementary: The Primary Years Programme (PYP) A Shared Foundation In the [Primary Years Programme (PYP)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school), continuity begins with a shared foundation that stretches from our Early Learning Center through Grade 5. While classroom experiences evolve as children grow, the underlying framework remains consistent. This consistency allows learning to deepen rather than restart each year. ![IBPYP_at_NIS](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/2025-26%20Blog%20Photos/IBPYP_at_NIS.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=IBPYP_at_NIS.jpg) Throughout the PYP, students explore big ideas such as form, function, causation, change, connection, responsibility, and perspective. These concepts help students make sense of the world around them. A young child might explore “change” by observing how plants grow. A few years later, that same concept may reappear in a study of ecosystems, migration, or historical events. The idea is familiar — but the thinking becomes more sophisticated. This is what we mean by learning spirals. Important ideas return over time at increasing levels of depth and complexity. Students are not simply moving from topic to topic; they are strengthening their understanding of enduring concepts that connect across subjects and years. You may also hear teachers speak about horizontal and vertical alignment. Horizontal continuity happens within a grade level. Teachers collaborate closely so that students across classrooms are building shared understandings and skills. For example, in mathematics, students engage in number talks where they explain strategies, justify reasoning, and learn from one another’s thinking. No matter the classroom, the focus remains consistent: helping students recognize patterns, see relationships, and think flexibly about problem-solving. Vertical continuity happens from one year to the next. It ensures learning builds intentionally over time. A Grade 3 student may first explore multiplication as equal groups using hands-on materials. By Grade 5, that understanding develops into multiplicative reasoning with fractions, volume, and proportional thinking. The content becomes more complex, but it rests on a foundation carefully laid in earlier years. Alongside academic growth, students develop a shared language for who they are becoming as learners. Through the IB Learner Profile, they practice being reflective, principled, open-minded, and balanced. A student who begins learning how to reflect in the Early Learning Center continues strengthening that skill through elementary school and beyond. Because the PYP intentionally builds conceptual understanding, skills, and dispositions over time, the transition into the Middle Years Programme (MYP) feels developmental rather than abrupt. Inquiry does not suddenly begin in Grade 6 — it deepens.   ## The Middle Years Programme (MYP) - Grades 6–1 From Structure to Self-Direction [As students move into the MYP, the structure of learning changes](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/middle-school/the-myp-programme). They work in eight distinct subject areas, each taught by specialist teachers. While this shift feels more grown-up, the foundation remains the same: learning through big ideas, inquiry, and real-world connections. ![IB_MYP_at_NIS](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/2025-26%20Blog%20Photos/IB_MYP_at_NIS.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=IB_MYP_at_NIS.jpg) In science, students may explore how systems interact. In the arts, they examine how meaning is represented. In design, they create solutions to authentic problems. Across subjects, they are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions and connect their learning to the world beyond the classroom. But probably the most significant shift during these years is that of independence. Early adolescence is a time of rapid development academically, socially, and emotionally. The MYP is designed with this growth in mind. Students gradually learn to manage longer-term assignments, conduct deeper research, collaborate more effectively, and reflect critically on their progress. The skills introduced in the PYP — organization, communication, collaboration, critical thinking — are strengthened and applied with greater ownership. Independence is not simply expected; it is modeled and supported. Teachers provide structure while helping students build confidence in their ability to take responsibility for their work. The Grade 10 Personal Project represents the powerful culminating experience in this journey. Each student designs and completes a sustained independent project based on a personal interest. They plan, research, create, and reflect over an extended period of time, supported by a faculty mentor. It is often the first time students manage a project of this scope from start to finish. Parents frequently notice a meaningful shift: students begin to see themselves not just as learners completing assigned tasks, but as capable, self-directed individuals who can pursue complex work with focus and purpose. The Personal Project is more than an academic milestone; it is a confidence-building experience that captures the essence of the middle years. By the end of Grade 10, students are ready to make thoughtful decisions about their future pathways. Because learning has steadily spiralled in depth and complexity, and because they have practiced balancing responsibility with support, they approach these choices with self-awareness and resilience. Continuity across the IB continuum ensures that this moment feels empowering rather than overwhelming.   ## Grades 11 & 12 Multiple Pathways, Shared Purpose The final two years of high school are a time of focus and direction. At NIS, we recognize that growth is personal. Students have different strengths, aspirations, and goals. For this reason, we offer three aligned pathways in Grades 11 and 12, all leading to the NIS High School Diploma and supported by our college counselling team. ![IBDP_at_NIS](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/2025-26%20Blog%20Photos/IBDP_at_NIS.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=IBDP_at_NIS.jpg) While these pathways differ in structure, they share the same foundation built over the years: inquiry, conceptual understanding, reflection, and responsibility. ### The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) [The IBDP is the most academically comprehensive pathway.](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/high-school/ib-diploma-programme-details) Students study six subjects across disciplines while also completing three core components: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. Students strengthen analytical writing skills, conduct sustained independent research through a 4,000-word essay, and learn to examine how knowledge itself is constructed. Through service and extracurricular engagement, they develop empathy and global awareness. The IBDP is internationally recognized and respected by universities worldwide. It is rigorous and demanding — and for students ready for that challenge, deeply rewarding. ### The Credit-Based Pathway Not every student thrives within the full Diploma structure — and that is completely appropriate. The Credit-Based pathway allows students to combine IB courses with high school courses, tailoring their program to their strengths and post-secondary goals. Students may sit IB examinations in selected subjects while balancing other coursework. The emphasis on inquiry, responsibility, and reflection remains central. This pathway offers flexibility while maintaining meaningful academic challenge, allowing students to excel while pursuing passions in athletics, the arts, leadership, or language development. ### The Global Competency Pathway The Global Competency Pathway is designed for students who thrive in applied, interdisciplinary, and project-based learning environments. Students develop and demonstrate growth in areas such as communication, inquiry, creative problem-solving, social impact, and personal responsibility. Learning culminates in sustained projects and a capstone experience that emphasizes authentic application. For families, this pathway offers a purposeful and intentional route to graduation that honors diverse learning styles while maintaining high expectations.   ### Support Every Step of the Way Choosing a pathway is an important decision, and families are not expected to navigate it alone. Our Grade 11 & 12 Coordinator, college counselors, teachers, and Student Development Team work closely with students and parents to ensure choices are realistic, sustainable, and aligned with future goals. These conversations are thoughtful and personalized, helping students move forward with clarity and confidence.   ## One Continuum. Many Futures From the earliest inquiries in the Early Learning Center to the research papers and capstone projects of Grade 12, the IB continuum at NIS is designed as a coherent journey. In the PYP, students build conceptual understanding and a shared language of reflection. In the MYP, they deepen independence and academic maturity. In Grades 11 and 12, they choose the pathway that supports who they are becoming. Continuity at NIS does not mean every student follows the same road. It means every student builds from the same strong foundation — and moves forward with purpose. The IB is respected worldwide. At NIS, we bring that framework to life through relationships, intentional design, and a shared commitment to helping students grow with confidence. And in the end, what matters most is not simply the diploma a student earns, but the capable, reflective young adult they become through the process.   [Back to Top](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/en/the-ib-journey#top) [![NIS Japan](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/footer-logo.svg "NIS Japan")](https://www.nis.ac.jp/) Nagoya International School 2686 Minamihara, Nakashidami, Moriyama-ku, Nagoya, Japan 463-0002 T: +81-52-736-2025 admissions@nis.ac.jp    info@nis.ac.jp [NIS Portals](https://nis.openapply.com/) [Apply Now](https://nis.openapply.com/) - [Calendar](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/403) - [Visit](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/329) - [SAT Testing](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/430) - [Portals](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/699) - [Summer Program](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/699) - [Site Map](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/4) - ![CIS](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/cis-logo.svg) - ![WASC](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/wasc-logo.svg) - ![IB World School](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/ib-world-school-logo.svg) - ![jcios](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/jcios.png?width=68&name=jcios.png) - Ⓒ Nagoya International School 2026 - [Privacy Policy](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/7)