Why do families choose KCS?
In short, we provide a high-quality, Bible-based education in the English language. Our school community is truly international and we prepare our students well for a wide range of possibilities after KCS. Follow this link for more detailed information on why families choose KCS you can follow this link or contact the office (office@kansaichristianschool.com)
Do students have to be Christian to attend KCS?
KCS accepts students who are not Christians and students who are from non-Christian families. We have had students from families that are Buddhist, Shinto, Muslim, Sikh, and a whole range of other religious and non-religious perspectives.
Students will not be forced to espouse Christian beliefs.
Students are expected to understand and demonstrate Christian values.
Our staff are all Christians and everything at KCS is taught from a biblical Christian perspective
Parents are expected to support the school’s educational philosophy (not theology) and Expected Student Outcomes.
Is KCS a bilingual school?
KCS is the only all-English Christian school in the Kansai area and we're proud of it! We have an all-English campus rule for students and both their academic and social language is English. Almost all of our students speak more than one language but at KCS they learn to speak English at a native level and go to be high-achievers at top colleges and universities around the world.
Can the school communicate with non-English speakers?
Yes! Our administrative staff is fully bilingual (Japanese and English) and many of our teaching staff are also bilingual. We work to ensure that you have no trouble communicating with the school.
Is it hard to switch from Japanese school to KCS?
The academic transition:
KCS is an academically rigorous school. Academic English is different than conversational English, so there is always an adjustment period. However, our students are taught by skilled and qualified teachers and are surrounded by classmates that speak English at a native level. We typically see students coming from the Japanese schools make rapid gains in overall academics and specifically language!
The social transition:
KCS is very different from the Japanese school system. Again, there is an adjustment period, but our school does student care very well. Our staff is dedicated to helping students learn what it means to be part of the "KCS family", our students are warm and welcoming, and we typically see students thrive socially and quickly embrace the new and different learning environment offered by KCS.
Does the KCS school calendar line up with the Japanese school calendar?
Our academic calendar is based on the American school calendar. School starts in late-August/early-September and ends in mid-June. Within the academic year, we recognize almost all Japanese holidays.
Our summer break is quite long in comparison to Japanese schools but we operate an optional summer session until mid-late July but those who do not enroll in the summer session typically take advantage of the school calendar to make travel plans when the rest of the country is in school!
Is there an entrance test?
Yes! We administer an entrance test to all prospective/incoming students regardless of age, language ability, home country, etc. We test language skills such as comprehension, reading, writing, and verbal ability in addition to mathematics.
Please note that our entrance test is just one factor out of several that are considered during the admissions process and is not the only determining factor!
If my child cannot pass the entrance test, what are my options?
If your first attempt at the entrance test is unsuccessful, we always recommend that families pursue the following options:
Tutoring - private tutoring can make a big difference in language acquisition!
Retesting - prospective students may retest as soon as 3 months after the initial test
Language school - many prospective students opt to attend language schools abroad in preparation for entrance
(please note that prospective students may take no more than 1 test in a three month period and no more than 3 tests within one year)
When is the best time for my student to enter KCS?
KCS practices "rolling admissions", which means that students can enroll throughout the year. However, we do find that the academic transition is easiest for students entering at the start of Semester I (late-August/early-September) or Semester II (January). 4th Quarter Auditing is also a great option for students entering any time from April - June.
What is "4th Quarter Auditing"?
4th Quarter Auditing (April - June) is a popular option for students who are entering KCS from Japanese school. It is a fully enrolled but non-graded pathway for admissions established to provide students and families with an fully-emersed adjustment period that helps them adjust to KCS academic and social life. Auditing is an ideal choice for students that have just finished up their Japanese academic year!
Does KCS provide school lunch?
Does KCS offer extracurricular activities?
Yes!
Our athletes compete in the WJAA (Western Japan Athletic Association). Due to fluctuations in student body size and interests, the sports offered can vary from year to year, we focus on basketball, cross country, and ultimate frisbee in the middle and high school and have fielded a futsal team in the elementary school.
We have an outstanding drama program (the Eagle Theater Company) for students in grades 1-8 that prepares production each year.
We have a variety of other afterschool clubs that can change from year to year.
Feel free to contact the office to ask about currently available extracurricular activities!
Our students all bring bentos from home! Once a month a group of volunteer moms makes lunch for the whole school and we eat together in the Hall.
How do students get to and from school?
KCS students primarily use the train for transportation. The Kintetsu Heguri station is located a short 5-minute walk from the school with students commuting from Osaka, Kyoto, and throughout Nara prefecture. Younger students are frequently dropped off by parents or ride the train with older students.