Okinawa International School (preschool to elementary) Naha, Okinawa

OKINAWA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (preschool – elementary)

Website: http://ois-edu.com/oisblog/

3-22-16 Kohagura, Naha, Okinawa 904-0024

Phone: 098-835-1851 Fax. 098-835-1852 Email: office@ois-edu.com

OIS’ preschool for children ages 2 to 6 years old in Naha  emphasizes that its unique blended curriculum which adopts the manipulative and interactive method, and the whole language approach to learning English is why its students, the majority of whom are from Japanese monolingual families, are able to become bilingual. The immersion of English language in the OIS curriculum provides the opportunity for the students to learn a second language at a very early age. The curriculum also gives exposure to Japanese and foreign cultures.

The school also now has a primary International Baccalaureate (IB) program and is now a candidate pursuing authorization for its PYP program as an IB World School. Founded mainly for Japanese children with the goal of developing global citizens who have understanding and appreciation of other cultures, OIS elementary students need to closely coordinate with a public school because OIS offers an English Immersion Program. All of our Elementary students are enrolled in local public school. OIS releases reports twice a year such as Attendance Sheets and Report Cards to the schools where they are enrolled.  Students also receive regular Japanese school textbooks and medical check-ups for free.

OIS has a distinct educational program which separates us from any American school. The school’s Partial Immersion Program of OIS started on April 2006. Half of the class time is spent learning subjects such as Math, Science and English in the English language. While subjects such as Japanese (Kokugo), Social Studies, Music, Values Education, Art and Physical Education are taught in Japanese Language with textbooks approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Currently, the Elementary Department of OIS has Grades 1 to 4 Levels but will eventually add higher grade levels in the years to come.

Exposure to English Language is an advantage but not compulsory in participating in the Partial Immersion Program. The student will learn and develop their language skills through Regular and Tutorial Classes. The first few months will be the adjustment period. With the steady support and encouragement of the teacher and peers, the student will learn to understand and become comfortable with the language as well as the environment gradually.