Learning

Nishimachi is known for its innovative international educational excellence in Japan for over sixty years. The language of instruction is English. Additionally, all students study Japanese.

Working with a dedicated faculty and staff, students benefit from the school's rigorous curriculum, close-knit community, and interactions with the vibrant local culture. Students leave Nishimachi thoroughly prepared to continue their education in first-class learning institutions around the world.

As part of a community of learners, students are guided to take personal ownership of their learning,  to make meaningful connections with others, to pursue challenges and persevere, to act ethically and respectfully, and to use multiple processes to think, innovate and reflect. 

Nishimachi leaners are empowered to know, care and take action to bring value to others and make a positive impact in their world.

The academic environment at Nishimachi is both rigorous and nurturing, promoting independence and resourcefulness while touting tolerance, understanding, and respect for self and others. Teachers care about the overall well-being of each child, and they strive to create an environment in which students can foster strong relationships with one another and with their teachers. As students learn how to be part of a group, developing necessary interpersonal skills in the context of the classroom, they also learn about themselves as learners.

Nishimachi’s curriculum is structured to ensure that students receive a rigorous education, relevant to their context and to their experiences in a global community.  Core subjects draw from Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core, and the AERO (American Education Reaches Out) framework.  Specialist subjects are based on American education standards including SHAPE America's National Standards for Physical Education, and the National Coalition for US Arts Standards. 

“Understanding by Design” forms the curricular framework at Nishimachi. This concept of curriculum development, assessment, and instruction is designed to foster deep understanding through stimulating, rewarding learning experiences for students. At Nishimachi, the ultimate goal of learning is student understanding and ability to communicate what they have learned. Students are at the center of the learning process at all grade levels, and they are aided by a supportive and nurturing faculty and by technology tools that are used in meaningful contexts to enhance learning.