KIS HOUSE TEAMS
Upon entering the school, students are placed in a House team. Friendly, competitive activities are set up each week for the House teams to earn points. A champion House team is announced at the end of each school year.
The House teams are named after the four guardians protecting the city of Kyoto (stemming from the Heian-Kyo days): the Black Turtles (North), the Blue Dragons (East), the Red Phoenix (South), and the White Tigers (West).
WHITE TIGERS
RED PHOENIX
BLUE DRAGONS
BLACK TURTLES
KIS House
Teams
Upon entering the school, students are placed in a House team. Friendly, competitive activities are set up each week for the House teams to earn points. A champion House team is announced at the end of each school year.
The House teams are named after the four guardians protecting the city of Kyoto (stemming from the Heian-Kyo days): the Black Turtles (North), the Blue Dragons (East), the Red Phoenix (South), and the White Tigers (West).
Blue Dragons: Seiryu – Guardian of the East
Seiryu corresponds to the season of spring, the colour blue, and the element water. It is believed to guide the eastern part of Japan, especially Kyoto. In fact, the city’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple has a statue of the dragon at its entrance and holds an annual festival that honors the sacred beast. Seiryu is the symbol of luxury and authority, and it can also be interpreted as unrivaled strength or ferocity.
White Tigers: Byakko – Guardian of the West
Byakko corresponds to the season fall, the colour white, and the element wind. The tiger is a protector, a preserver and is known for its strength and bravery.
Black Turtles: Genbu – Guardian of the North
Genbu is enshrined at the northern part of Kyoto’s Imperial Palace and corresponds to winter, the colour black, and the element of soil or earth. The tortoise is a symbol of purity, long life, versatility, and intelligence.
Red Phoenix: Suzaku – Guardian of the South
Suzaku corresponds to summer, the colour red, and the element of fire. It is considered as a symbol of will and fidelity.
Blue Dragons: Seiryu – Guardian of the East
Seiryu corresponds to the season of spring, the colour blue, and the element water. It is believed to guide the eastern part of Japan, especially Kyoto. In fact, the city’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple has a statue of the dragon at its entrance and holds an annual festival that honors the sacred beast. Seiryu is the symbol of luxury and authority, and it can also be interpreted as unrivaled strength or ferocity.
Black Turtles: Genbu – Guardian of the North
Genbu is enshrined at the northern part of Kyoto’s Imperial Palace and corresponds to winter, the colour black, and the element of soil or earth. The tortoise is a symbol of purity, long life, versatility, and intelligence.
White Tigers: Byakko – Guardian of the West
Byakko corresponds to the season fall, the colour white, and the element wind. The tiger is a protector, a preserver and is known for its strength and bravery.
Red Phoenix: Suzaku – Guardian of the South
Suzaku corresponds to summer, the colour red, and the element of fire. It is considered as a symbol of will and fidelity.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
EXCELLENCE
At KIS, we believe education goes beyond the classroom. Our academic Programmes are enriched by diverse extracurricular and co-curricular activities, helping students explore passions, develop skills, and grow into well-rounded individuals.
We value the importance of balancing academic rigor with engaging opportunities in sports, arts, and leadership, ensuring every student thrives. Prioritizing student well-being, we foster a safe, supportive environment where confidence, health, and positive choices are nurtured.
Through tailored Programmes and activities, KIS inspires students to excel academically, socially, and personally, empowering them to reach their full potential.
CO-CURRICULAR, AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
& BUKATSU
Discover a world of opportunities through Kyoto International School's diverse Co-Curricular Activities, designed to inspire personal growth, nurture talents, and create lasting memories beyond the classroom. Each day, students can participate in a range of After School Activities (ASA), including Bukatsu (clubs) and paid lessons. Bukatsu, offered free by KIS teachers, provides enriching experiences in areas such as calligraphy, gardening, reading, board games, photography, dance, fitness, sports, and STEM. These activities align with the Approaches to Learning of the PYP and MYP programs and run from 3:30 to 4:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for 12 weeks each semester.
For additional specialized learning, paid lessons are available throughout the year and are led by external providers or teachers. These include aikido, dance, coding, drama, basketball, ikebana, and piano lessons. Explore these engaging programs and access the After School Calendar to plan your child’s participation in this vibrant extracurricular environment.
LEGO
SIX BRICKS
Six Bricks is a hands-on tool for learning. It is one of the LEGO® Foundation's most popular tools for introducing learning through play and is experiencing rapid growth in usage by teachers worldwide.
Extra-Curricular
Excellence
At KIS, we believe education goes beyond the classroom. Our academic Programmes are enriched by diverse extracurricular and co-curricular activities, helping students explore passions, develop skills, and grow into well-rounded individuals.
We value the importance of balancing academic rigor with engaging opportunities in sports, arts, and leadership, ensuring every student thrives. Prioritizing student well-being, we foster a safe, supportive environment where confidence, health, and positive choices are nurtured.
Through tailored Programmes and activities, KIS inspires students to excel academically, socially, and personally, empowering them to reach their full potential.
After School Activities
& Bukatsu
At KIS we offer a range of after school activities (ASA) each day for all students.
Bukatsu (clubs) is offered for free by Kyoto International School teachers for enrolled students. These activities provide students with experiences within a range of areas such as calligraphy, gardening, reading, board games, photography, dance, fitness, sports, STEM, and other areas in support of the Approaches to Learning of PYP and MYP.
Bukatsu is available from 3:30 to 4:30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday for 12 weeks each semester.
Lessons are paid activities, which are run by outside providers and teachers. These activities include aikido, dance, coding (run by Kyoto Lesson), drama, (run by Kyoto Lesson), basketball (run by Kyoto Hannaryz), ikebana (run by Ikenobo), and piano lessons.
KIS
Upcoming Events
Co-Curricular
Activities
Discover a world of possibilities through our diverse Co-Curricular Activities. From arts to athletics, these engaging Programmes foster personal growth, cultivate talents, and create lasting memories beyond the classroom. Click below to access our After School Calendar.
Lego
Six Bricks
Six Bricks is a hands-on tool for learning. It is one of the LEGO® Foundation's most popular tools for introducing learning through play and is experiencing rapid growth in usage by teachers worldwide.
Explore more
WHY
CHOOSE
KIS
Kyoto International School (KIS), serving Kyoto since 1957, offers an international education in the Kansai region. Accredited by WASC and IBO, KIS is known for its inclusive community and personalized learning. As a non-profit, KIS focuses on effective learning and developing global citizens who positively influence the world, aligning with its vision of "Inspiring active learners, developing global citizens".