Canadian Academy: A Top International School in Kobe
- egcisjp
- 2月28日
- 読了時間: 5分
About Canadian Academy
Canadian Academy (CA) is an international school located in Kobe, Japan, founded in 1913. It is a non-profit, coeducational day and boarding school that offers education from Pre-K to Grade 12. The campus is situated on Rokko Island, an artificial island in Higashinada Ward, Kobe, and features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, sports facilities, and student dormitories.
The school has 675 students from 42 different nationalities, with 59% from East and Southeast Asia, 23% from North America, and 9% from Europe. The high school (Grades 9-12) student body consists of 236 students.
CA is accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). In addition, students can earn a U.S. High School Diploma. Known for its strong academics and commitment to international-mindedness and multicultural understanding, CA provides a high-quality education that prepares students for success in a global society.
Location & Facilities
The Canadian Academy campus covers 9 acres (about 36,000㎡) on Rokko Island and features modern learning spaces and top-tier facilities.
Academic Facilities
Classrooms: All classrooms are equipped with high-speed internet and computers.
Library: The Herbert Norman Library & Media Center houses over 42,000 books, with an additional supplementary library in the Early Learning and Activities Center (ELAC).
Performing Arts: The school has a P&G Black Box Theater and a main theater with seating for 400, supporting a vibrant performing arts program.
Cafeteria: The dining hall can accommodate 300 students, offering a comfortable space for meals.
Sports Facilities
Two gymnasiums
A fitness center
Two tennis courts
An artificial turf field with a full-size soccer pitch
Dedicated playgrounds for elementary students
Curriculum Overview
As an IB Continuum School, Canadian Academy offers a comprehensive IB education from early childhood through high school, along with the option to earn a U.S. High School Diploma.
Early Childhood Education
CA's early childhood program is based on the IB PYP (Primary Years Programme). Learning is play-based for 3- and 4-year-olds, incorporating storytelling, science exploration, numeracy practice, and hands-on activities. Kindergarten B introduces structured literacy and numeracy lessons, and all students participate in art, music, PE, Japanese, technology, and library time daily.
Elementary School (Grades 1-5)
The elementary program follows the IB PYP, using six inquiry-based learning units (Units of Inquiry, UOIs). The curriculum integrates AERO, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and ACARA, allowing flexibility based on students' needs.
Literacy: Balanced Literacy approach, focusing on reading, writing, and communication skills.
Mathematics: Bridges Mathematics Program, emphasizing conceptual understanding and skill-building.
Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourages critical thinking and curiosity.
Middle School (Grades 6-10) – IB MYP
Middle school students follow the IB MYP (Middle Years Programme), studying eight subject areas:
Language Acquisition
Language & Literature
Individuals & Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
Arts
Physical & Health Education
Design
Students complete an independent research project (Personal Project), developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
High School (Grades 11-12) – IB DP & U.S. High School Diploma
Students can pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP), choosing from six subject groups:
Language & Literature
Language Acquisition
Individuals & Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
The Arts
The IB DP core includes the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Students who prefer an alternative path can earn a U.S. High School Diploma, expanding their post-graduation options.
IB Courses Offered
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics
CA is a founding member of the Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC), allowing high school students to compete internationally. Middle school students participate in the Western Japan Activities Association (WJAA), competing with other international schools in Japan.
Available sports include:
High School: Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Badminton, Cross Country, Touch Rugby
Middle School: Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Cross Country
Elementary School: Basketball, Soccer, Baseball/Softball, Cross Country
Arts & Clubs
Visual Arts: Students develop creativity and artistic skills, with artwork displayed in the Atrium Gallery.
Theater: Students can participate in school productions, learning acting, stage production, and scriptwriting.
Music: Students can join choir, band, and orchestra, performing in two concerts per year.
Clubs: Options include Model United Nations (MUN), Business Club, Science Club, and Publishing Club.
Community Service
Students engage in volunteer programs, such as Animal rescue (ARK), Children’s hospital support, Eco-club, Orphanage support, etc.
Cultural Activities
Activities like Japanese language classes (available for all grade levels), field trips to museums, parks, and cultural heritage sites, traditional Japanese events (e.g. Mochitsuki, Setsubun, and Hinamatsuri), and tea ceremony lessons.
Boarding School
Canadian Academy’s boarding program accommodates students aged 13-18, helping them develop independence and academic discipline. The dormitory houses 40 students from 18 nationalities, supported by seven full-time staff members. Located just a 2-minute walk from the school, the dorm provides a safe and convenient environment for students.
Academic Results
CA graduates gain admission to top universities worldwide, including:
U.S.: Columbia, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA
Canada: University of Toronto, University of British Columbia
UK: Oxford, Imperial College London, LSE
Japan: University of Tokyo, Waseda, ICU
Asia: Peking University, Hong Kong University, KAIST, NUS
2024 IB Diploma Results:
40 graduates earned the IB Diploma
Average IB score: 33.8 (Global average: 30.32)
Highest score: 45
Pass rate: 91%
Admissions Process
Canadian Academy handles admissions through an online application system. Applications can be submitted one year before enrollment, and each student must apply individually.
Online Application: Applicants must create an account and upload the required documents.
Required Documents: Applicants need to submit academic transcripts (past three years), standardized test scores (ITBS, MAP, TOEFL), a psychological evaluation, a passport copy, and a photo.
Recommendation Letters: Elementary students need one letter, while middle and high school students need two letters from a teacher, principal, or counselor.
Application Fee: A ¥90,000 non-refundable fee must be paid before the application is reviewed.
Interviews & Exams: Applicants take math, reading, and writing tests and an English-speaking interview. An EAL assessment is conducted if needed. Online interviews are available.
Admission Decision: Results are typically announced within one week. Accepted students must confirm their enrollment within one week and pay the registration fee within one month.
Conclusion
Canadian Academy is an international school that provides world-class education in a quiet and peaceful environment in Kobe. It offers an ideal learning setting away from the noise of the city, combined with a high academic standard through the IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). The school has a strong track record of university placements at top institutions worldwide. With its boarding program, students can develop both academic excellence and independence. For families seeking high-quality education and international experience, Canadian Academy is one of the best choices.
If you need admissions preparation or academic support for international schools, EGCIS is here to help. Sign up for a free trial lesson using the link below.
コメント