Grades 9 – 12

High School Curriculum

At our high school, we are dedicated to fostering both academic excellence and personal growth. Our curriculum, aligned with American Common Core Standards, challenges students to push beyond their limits and achieve new heights. With a focus on building independence and leadership skills, students are empowered to shape their own educational experience, knowing their voices are heard and valued. Offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses and personalized university counseling, we support every student’s individual path to success. Through rigorous academics and a supportive environment, we ensure students are not only prepared for higher education but also equipped to lead and thrive in the world beyond.

 

Language Arts

Crafting Skilled Communicators

Our high school Language Arts program ignites and nurtures a genuine passion for reading, encouraging students to explore the depths of the written word and develop a lasting appreciation for literature. Through engaging texts, students emerge as more discerning readers, equipped with the tools to critically engage with both literature and the world around them. The program deepens their awareness of rhetoric and how language works, while also strengthening the students’ writing skills. With a focus on deductive reasoning and the writing process, our Language Arts program prepares students to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach writing as a craft.

In Grades 9 and 10, students follow the Pre-AP curriculum, which builds a strong foundation in close reading, analytical writing, and critical thinking. As they transition to Grades 11 and 12, students engage in the Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, where they dive into college-level literary analysis and advanced composition. This rigorous coursework challenges them to apply their knowledge and refine their abilities in preparation for post-secondary education. 

 

Mathematics

Mastering Mathematical Thinking

Our High School Math program is designed to meet the needs of all learners, offering two tracks: a standard track and an accelerated track for students eager to take on additional challenges. Both tracks provide a rigorous foundation in essential mathematical concepts, but the accelerated track pushes students to explore advanced topics more deeply and at a faster pace.

Courses offered include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Statistics, Precalculus, and Calculus. These courses are structured to guide students through increasingly complex mathematical ideas, ensuring they not only master the fundamentals but are also able to apply these concepts to real-world problems. Students are challenged to think critically, analyze abstract concepts, and develop advanced reasoning skills, preparing them for the most competitive university programs.

 

Science

Scientific Exploration

Our High School science program is designed to spark curiosity and foster a deep understanding of the natural world. We offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes essential courses in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, each designed to challenge students and develop critical scientific thinking skills. For those seeking an advanced experience, we also provide Advanced Placement (AP) options, allowing students to delve deeper into complex scientific concepts and earn college credit.

In our science courses, students engage in hands-on experiments, collaborative projects, and real-world applications, encouraging them to explore the principles that govern the universe. The Physics curriculum fosters an understanding of fundamental concepts such as motion, energy, and forces, while Chemistry focuses on the composition, properties, and reactions of matter. Biology immerses students in the study of living organisms, their structures, functions, and interactions within ecosystems.

 

Social Studies

Exploring History, Culture, and Society

Our High School Social Studies program is designed to cultivate well-informed and engaged global citizens who understand the complexities of the world around them. We offer a diverse and innovative curriculum that encourages students to engage with historical narratives, societal dynamics, cultural contexts, and fostering a deep understanding of how these elements shape our world today.

Students also delve into major challenges facing societies worldwide. The program empowers them to critically analyze global events and their implications, and equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate and address important issues.

For those seeking an advanced challenge, we also provide Advanced Placement (AP) options that enable students to engage with college-level material. Our AP courses emphasize critical thinking, research skills, and effective communication, preparing students for academic success in higher education and encouraging them to explore their roles as active participants in a global society.

 

Japanese

Connecting with Our Host Culture

Our High School Japanese Language program offers a rich and engaging experience for both native and non-native speakers, allowing students to connect deeply with the language and culture of our host country. For non-native speakers, the program focuses on building essential language skills that enable students to engage meaningfully with the world around them. Students in the non-native track develop their conversational proficiency while also gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and customs.

Native speakers follow a curriculum that rotates through subjects including Civics, Literature, and History. These courses challenge students to explore advanced topics in Japanese, enhancing their language skills and expanding their academic vocabulary. Doing that allows students to develop a nuanced appreciation for Japan’s rich cultural heritage and complex societal dynamics, while also honing their critical thinking and communication skills in their native language.

 

Physical Education

Building Strength, Skill, and Wellbeing

Our High School Physical Education program is designed to promote not only physical fitness but also the development of essential life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and personal well-being. Through a variety of activities—including team sports, individual fitness challenges, and skill-building exercises—students are encouraged to push their physical limits and discover the joy of staying active. The curriculum focuses on building strength, endurance, and coordination, while also fostering a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Students are introduced to a wide range of sports and physical activities, allowing them to develop versatility and confidence in their abilities. The program also emphasizes personal growth, encouraging students to set fitness goals, reflect on their progress, and build resilience through challenge.

 

Social Awareness

Nurturing Emotional Intelligence

Our Social Awareness program is dedicated to fostering social-emotional learning, addressing the personal development of our students, and equipping them with essential interpersonal skills. We provide age-appropriate lessons that explore topics relevant to the students’ growth and development.

Through engaging activities and discussions, students build vital social skills that enable them to interact effectively with peers and adults. Our curriculum promotes self-awareness, helping students recognize their emotions and understand how they impact their behavior. We emphasize self-regulation, encouraging learners to manage their feelings and responses in various situations.

By nurturing these competencies, our Social Awareness program prepares students to navigate their social environments with confidence, empathy, and resilience, laying the groundwork for successful relationships throughout their lives.

 

Art & Design

Creative Expression

Our Art and Design program offers students a dynamic space to explore and develop their creative potential while mastering essential artistic skills. Through hands-on experience with a wide range of media, tools, and materials—including painting, sculpture, and drawing—students are encouraged to experiment and express their unique artistic voices. The curriculum is designed to help students refine their techniques and cultivate an understanding of both the creative process and the elements of design.

Whether students are discovering new ways to express themselves or preparing for higher-level artistic endeavors, our Art and Design program enriches their lives by fostering creativity, innovation, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

 

College Bound

What’s Next for You?

Our university counseling course, offered to Grades 11-12, provides students with comprehensive, individualized support as they navigate the path to higher education. Tailored to each student’s aspirations and strengths, this course helps them explore a wide range of university options, from competitive international institutions to specialized programs that align with their unique goals and interests.

Throughout the course, students work closely with our university counselor to craft a strategic and personalized plan for their future. They receive expert guidance on every aspect of the university application process—researching schools, preparing essays, and mastering interviews—while gaining insight into scholarship opportunities and financial aid resources. In addition, the course emphasizes building self-awareness, empowering students to reflect on their academic journey and future ambitions.

By the end of the course, students emerge with polished application materials, a deeper understanding of their academic direction, and the confidence to step into the next chapter of their educational journey. With the full support of the KAIS community, they are ready to take on the world of higher education and beyond.

 

 

Advanced Placement (AP)

Preparing for Higher Education

Our Advanced Placement (AP) program offers students the opportunity to engage with college-level coursework while still in high school, providing a rigorous academic experience that fosters critical thinking and intellectual growth. Designed for motivated learners, the AP curriculum challenges students to explore subjects in depth, encouraging them to analyze complex concepts and develop sophisticated reasoning skills.

With a diverse range of AP courses available across various disciplines—such as English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and more—students can tailor their educational journey to align with their interests and future aspirations. Each course emphasizes collaborative learning, independent research, and the application of knowledge to real-world scenarios, preparing students for the challenges of higher education.

In addition to academic rigor, the AP program offers students the chance to earn college credit through AP exams, allowing them to potentially save on tuition costs and advance their academic careers. By participating in our AP program, students not only enhance their transcripts but also build essential skills in time management, study habits, and self-discipline—qualities that are vital for success in college and beyond.

Research-Based Pedagogical Approaches

Visible Learning

Following John Hattie’s Visible Learning research and engaging with Corwin in a three-year School Impact process, KAIS has revamped its pedagogical approaches to ensure that they have the highest possible impact on student progress and achievement. KAIS International is on its way to becoming the first Visible Learning School in Japan, employing strategies and tools that have been proven to work in the classroom.

 

Our approach is data-driven, and we engage in a regular process of reflection, evaluation, and feedback to improve performance and allow our students to become independent and assessment-capable learners. At KAIS, we strive to create an environment where mistakes are welcomed and viewed as opportunities for learning, and we believe that our collective teacher efficacy will enhance the learning outcomes of all students. 

 

High quality teaching and learning at KAIS is student-centered and empowers students to take ownership of their learning. It is marked by a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It involves the ongoing evaluation of student progress and the use of evidence to inform future instruction. Overall, high quality teaching and learning at KAIS is engaging, meaningful, relevant, and helps students to develop the skills and competencies they need to succeed in the 21st century world.

Developing a Safe, Caring Learning Environment

A Love and Logic Approach

At KAIS, we focus on creating a safe and caring learning environment where students can thrive. Developing a strong sense of community and a family-like atmosphere allows us to forge meaningful relationships and inspire each other to reach our fullest potential. We do that by using the principles of the Love and Logic system developed by Jim Fay and David Funk.

 

Love and Logic provides an empowering approach to classroom management and student development. This system is built on the principle of giving students the freedom to make choices and experience the natural consequences of their actions, all within a caring and supportive environment. The balance between empathy and accountability fosters personal responsibility and helps students develop essential life skills, such as self-regulation and problem-solving.

 

By offering students choices and encouraging thoughtful decision-making, Love and Logic nurtures independence and emotional resilience. Teachers act as compassionate guides, helping students navigate challenges while reinforcing the importance of ownership over their actions. This approach not only supports a positive and respectful classroom atmosphere but also equips students with the tools they need to confidently handle both academic and personal challenges, preparing them for success in and beyond school.

High School Snapshot

Ready for the Next Chapter