About Us

KAIS International School

KAIS is dedicated to providing a unique and personalized educational experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom. Founded with a vision to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning, KAIS has grown into a thriving community where students are encouraged to explore their passions and reach their full potential. Our approach combines the best of traditional and progressive education, ensuring that our students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the social and emotional skills needed to succeed in today’s world.

Our History

The KAIS Story

KAIS International School was co-founded in 2006 by Jonathan Yaffe and Charles Knudsen, beginning its journey with a focus on high school education. The school started with humble beginnings in a small house in Tokyo, where the founders aimed to create a nurturing and supportive environment for students. Their vision was to provide an exceptional educational experience that prioritized individual growth and community.

Operating under the umbrella of Kikokushijo Academy, the parent company, KAIS set out to establish a unique educational framework that would serve students’ diverse needs. In 2014, the school expanded its offerings to include the Elementary and Middle School, reflecting a commitment to providing a continuous educational pathway from an early age.

As KAIS grew, it began catering to students from Pre-Kindergarten all the way through Grade 12. This expansion allowed the school to create a cohesive learning environment, where students could develop academically and personally over many years. Today, KAIS is proud to be a vibrant community that emphasizes academic excellence, creativity, and a global perspective, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for their futures.

School Governance

KAIS International Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in shaping the vision, policies, and strategic direction of our school. Their diverse expertise and unwavering dedication ensure that we continue to provide a high-quality education and nurturing environment for all our students.

Board Chair: Charles Knudsen

Co-Founder of KAIS International, Founder and CEO of KA International, a Tokyo-based education company specializing in English education for returnees and international students.

 

Vice Chair: Christopher Colucci

Head of Tech Operations and Communications at Kikokushijo Academy.

 

Board Treasurer: Kester Watters

Business Manager at Kikokushijo Academy

 

Board Member: Mei Takeuchi

Director of Kikokushijo Academy

 

Child Safeguarding Trustee: Aya Ninomiya

Neurodiversity-inclusion consultant and bilingual occupational therapist.

 

Board Member: Richard Nelson

Architect and a partner at Kengo Kuma & Associates.

Meet Our Team

School Leadership

Maha Sadi

School Director

Ruthy Sekine

Early Years Principal

Justin Bethune

Middle Years Principal

Thomas House

High School Principal

key focus areas

Our Strategic Priorities

 

Unity

  • Emphasizing a commitment to the “One School” mindset to create a more cohesive and integrated educational community.

 

  • Promoting organizational alignment and a shared sense of purpose among the school’s three divisions.
 

Stewardship

  • Ensuring fiscal preparedness to accommodate growth, promote sustainability, and adapt to disruptive changes.

 

  • Making strategic investments in the areas that will have the greatest impact on our students’ learning and well-being.
 

Learning

  • Implementing innovative, research-based pedagogical practices that promote academic excellence and support all students in reaching their full potential.

 

  • Leveraging data analysis and evaluation to make informed decisions about curriculum, teaching methods, and student support services.
 

Wellbeing

  • Prioritizing the mental wellness and personal development of each student in the school.

 

  • Fostering a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes the well-being of all stakeholders.

Start Your Journey Today!

Accreditation