At Nagoya International School, learning is not confined to a classroom. It’s not defined by a single moment, subject, or milestone. It’s an ongoing journey — dynamic, reflective, personal, and deeply rooted in our Mission.
When we ask, What is learning at NIS?, we return to the heart of our purpose — to inquire, to inspire, to impact, and also, to include. These four pillars are more than just words; they are the compass that guides every student’s experience, every teacher’s approach, and every moment of growth on campus.
Learning at NIS begins with inquiry — a question, a spark, a curiosity. It emerges through critical thinking, through a genuine desire to understand the world, and through courageous exploration of the unknown. It’s shaped by challenges and setbacks — the kind that test resilience and build confidence. Students learn not just through success, but by making mistakes, trying again, and discovering that growth often comes from struggle.
What is Learning?
NIS Students Discover What Learning Means to Them
But learning here isn’t a solitary act. It thrives in community — in classrooms and on playgrounds, through conversations with teachers and collaboration with peers. Our students learn from one another just as much as they learn with one another. They gain insight not only from books, in science labs, and through creative exploration, but also through shared experiences that reflect our diverse global perspectives.
Learning is also personal. It happens over time, through self-reflection and effort. Our students recognize how each step they take — each challenge they meet, each risk they embrace — gradually shapes who they are becoming. They speak of learning as something that builds character, that feels embodied in motion — whether running across the sports field or performing on stage. They describe it as a process of collecting ideas, acquiring skills, and connecting the dots between what they know and who they are.
Perhaps most importantly, our students understand that learning is not something that ends when the lesson does. It continues through connection — with mentors who guide, friends who support, and the environment that surrounds them.
At NIS, we’ve intentionally created a space where this kind of meaningful, life-long learning can flourish. With an inquiry-based International Baccalaureate curriculum and a globally-minded, nurturing faculty, we support students in discovering what learning means to them. And because our mission is not only to educate but to inspire and empower, we ensure that every learner is given the opportunity to ask bold questions, pursue their passions, and grow into compassionate, thoughtful global citizens.
Because in the end, learning at NIS is not a destination — it’s a way of life. And for those who are part of our community, it’s an invitation to keep learning, long after they’ve left the classroom.
