NUCB International Junior and Senior High School vs Sunnyside International School

	N NUCB International Junior and Senior High School Nagoya, Japan	S Sunnyside International School Nagoya, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥596,900 - 1,093,900	Fees / year ¥426,600 - 630,000
Age range	Age range 12 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Japanese Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Japanese Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 3,000	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 24
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Japanese	Instruction language English, Japanese
Opened	Opened 2003	Opened 1973
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location NUCB International Junior and Senior High School is located at 1-16 Hirojihonmachi, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-0841, Japan. The campus sits in Showa Ward in Nagoya and is part of the NUCB education group. It is accessible by public transport and sits near other NUCB facilities.	Location Sunnyside International School is located at 4-10-25 Iwai, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, 501-3101, Japan. It sits in central Gifu City, near the Nagara River and surrounded by mountains. Gifu is described as central on Japan's main island and the school is about a 20-minute train ride from Nagoya City, with the area attracting both international and domestic visitors.
Stages	Stages The school operates as a six-year integrated junior-senior high program. It offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for secondary students. The school serves students typically aged 13–18.	Stages The school comprises a Kindergarten division and a Primary School division. The Primary School is based on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework and is aligned with the Japanese national curriculum.
School type	School type Private, co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school. There is no public indication of boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix There is no published count of nationalities or local/international ratios. Admission policy states there is no restriction on nationality or religion, and an International Class exists. Enrollment data shows 688 students in total (353 male / 335 female) as of May 1, 2025.	Pupil nationality mix Most of Sunnyside's students are Japanese. The school emphasises international mindedness and maintains an international community with representation beyond local students. A precise nationality breakdown or local-to-international ratio is not published on public pages.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school runs an English for International Understanding program with ten native English instructors in small classes to develop oral English. Public documentation of dedicated SEN facilities is not listed; language support is a prominent feature.	Additional learning support The school places emphasis on student well-being, with mindfulness practices and a school therapy dog named Milo. It also provides a dual-language program in English and Japanese to support bilingual learning.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliations include UNESCO ASPnet (ASPnet member) and Council of International Schools (CIS). The school is located in Japan.	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with Japan as an IB World School and was the first PYP-Authorized (Article 1) IB school in Japan.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated; admissions policies indicate no restriction on nationality or religion.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated in public materials.
School day structure	School day structure Publicly published start times are not stated; after-school activities end around 17:30–18:00 depending on the season. A timetable exists for class days, and the school provides after-school programs.	School day structure Public pages do not publish exact start and end times for the school day. The school does publish daily lunch and has office hours for inquiries from 9:00 to 17:00. Bus routes are available to students as part of daily arrangements.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus service details are not publicly published; inquiries should be directed to admissions for transport options.	Bus service details A school bus service operates with five routes centered around the campus. The Primary School bus departs from JR Gifu Station. Bus user fees are 5,000 yen round trip or 3,000 yen one way, with service area changes announced each school year.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Entrance fees - Admission (one‑time): JPY 500,000. - No separate, publicly posted ‘‘application only'' fee or separate exam fee schedule is published on the school's publicly available admissions/fees pages; the school's published one‑time charge is presented as the Admission fee above. Tuition fees (by year / per term information) - Published annual tuition (single headline amount for enrolled students): JPY 2,100,000 per year. The school presents this as the annual tuition figure rather than as a per‑grade breakdown. - The school does not publish a public per‑grade fee table or a per‑term numerical breakdown on its publicly accessible tuition and admissions pages; the published figure is given as an annual amount. Installment and loan options are described separately (see Billing schedule and Payment terms below). Boarding and recurring annual charges - Boarding fee (full boarding): JPY 1,550,000 per year. The boarding fee is stated to include utilities and three meals per day; additional charges apply for special menus to meet allergies or dietary restrictions (e.g., Halal, vegetarian). - Education enhancement fee: JPY 450,000 per year. Total example (headline components published together) - One‑time admission + annual charges (headline components published by the school): Admission JPY 500,000; Tuition JPY 2,100,000/year; Boarding JPY 1,550,000/year; Education enhancement fee JPY 450,000/year. These four items are the school's published headline fee components. Other costs and fees (additional, typically billed separately or charged alongside tuition) - Uniforms, study materials and textbooks, health/medical examinations, group insurance, student projects, CAS and extracurricular activity costs, and other consumables or program costs are additional and will be charged in addition to the headline tuition/boarding/education enhancement fees. The school notes these items as separate expected expenses. - The school provides each incoming student with an Apple laptop as part of enrollment (noted in the school materials). Billing schedule and payment terms - The school publishes the annual amounts above but does not publish a detailed public calendar of exact fee due dates or a per‑term invoice schedule on the tuition/fees pages that are publicly available. Where payment splitting and support are described, the school references dedicated payment support plans and partner loan options (see next section). - The school offers a tuition payment support plan run through a third‑party (Orico). That support plan permits分割 (installment) payment of school fees and uses automatic monthly deduction; the plan description specifies monthly automatic debits and a fixed interest rate for the split payment service. Specifics such as minimum/maximum amounts, application process, and the monthly debit date (automatic bank transfer on the 27th) are described in the school's published support plan material. - The school lists partner education‑loan arrangements (for example, a partnered SMBC Finance Service loan and other bank loan options) as available payment pathways; these partner products may include repayment choices such as interest‑only payments while in school or other education‑loan specific terms. These are presented as optional financing routes rather than as changes to the headline tuition figures. Refund information - No detailed, itemized refund schedule (for withdrawal, visa denial, late arrival, or term‑by‑term pro‑rata refunds) is published on the school's publicly available tuition, admissions, download, or scholarships pages. A specific refund policy and precise refund conditions were not located on the public fee pages. Because no public refund schedule appears on those pages, specific refund terms (eligibility, deadlines, or proportional refund percentages) are not available from the school's posted fee materials. Parents should treat refund terms as unspecified in the school's published fee summaries. Fee payment methods and practical options - Installment payment: Available via the school's announced tuition support plan (Orico) with automatic bank debit; the plan documentation sets out automatic debit details and a fixed interest rate for split payments. - Education loans: The school lists partner education‑loan products (e.g., SMBC Finance Service and other local bank options) for families who prefer loan financing; those partner programs describe their own application and repayment terms. - No explicit, detailed list of all accepted instant payment methods (for example, which credit cards the school will accept for school fee payment or whether international wire transfers are accepted) is published on the headline tuition pages. The school's payment support pages indicate bank automatic debit and partner‑loan methods; other payment modalities may be available through Admissions/Finance on request but are not itemized in the publicly posted tuition summary. Discounts / reductions affecting fees - The school publishes scholarship and discount schemes that reduce headline fees for eligible applicants or returning families. Examples include dormitory scholarships, sibling discounts, and affiliation discounts (for graduates of affiliated schools or children of NUCB alumni) that can reduce admission or tuition amounts. These are applied according to the scholarship rules the school publishes. Practical notes and contact - The figures above are the school's published headline amounts for tuition, boarding, admission, and education enhancement fees on the school's fees pages. The school's fee pages also note that some items (special dietary menu charges, uniforms, insurance, materials, extracurricular charges, and similar costs) are additional. - Admissions Office contact (for payment queries and final, binding fee schedules and refund terms): NUCB International College Admissions Office, Sagamine 4‑4, Komenoki‑cho, Nisshin, Aichi 470‑0193; Tel: +81‑561‑73‑8181; Email: info@ic.nucba.ac.jp. Use the Admissions/Download materials for the full admissions guidebook and the school's published scholarship pages for details on reductions and eligibility.	Fee details Application and entrance fees - Application fee (paid when submitting the application): ¥5,000. - Registration / entrance fee (paid on acceptance/entry): Kindergarten: ¥50,000. Primary: ¥50,000 for Sunnyside Kindergarten graduates; ¥100,000 for external entrants. Tuition — Kindergarten (monthly and annual) - Monthly tuition (after government subsidy for 3–5 year olds): ¥34,300. - Monthly equipment / facilities charge: ¥10,000. - Combined monthly charge (tuition + equipment): ¥44,300 (computed as ¥34,300 + ¥10,000). Annualised amount (12 months): ¥531,600 (computed as ¥44,300 × 12). The school sets the monthly amount by dividing the annual fee into 12 equal monthly payments; the monthly amount does not change by month. - Annual learning/materials fee: ¥15,000 (billed annually). - Uniforms and other entry‑time learning resources: approximately ¥120,000. - Note: the listed monthly tuition figure reflects application of the national/municipal childcare subsidy for eligible children. Tuition — Primary School (monthly and annual) - Monthly tuition: ¥55,000. - Monthly equipment / facilities charge: ¥10,000. - Combined monthly charge (tuition + equipment): ¥65,000 (computed as ¥55,000 + ¥10,000). Annualised amount (12 months): ¥780,000 (computed as ¥65,000 × 12). The school sets the monthly amount by dividing the annual fee into 12 equal monthly payments; the monthly amount does not change by month. - Annual education / learning environment fee (billed in two installments): ¥30,000. - Estimated annual text/notebook costs: around ¥10,000. - Estimated school‑trip / external learning costs: lower grades approx. ¥30,000/year; upper grades approx. ¥60,000/year (charged as events occur). - Uniforms and other entry‑time items: approximately ¥10,000. School bus (transport) fees - Bus use fee (if used): Round trip: ¥5,000 per month; One way: ¥3,000 per month. Bus routes/availability vary by area. Primary bus departs from JR Gifu Station; kindergarten bus routes are established for certain service areas. Sibling and other discounts - Sibling discount: 20% discount on the monthly tuition for the second child when two siblings attend concurrently. Additional concessions exist for larger families. Billing schedule and payment terms - Monthly billing model: The school states that the monthly tuition and monthly equipment/facilities charge are calculated by dividing the annual amount by 12; monthly payments do not vary with the number of school days in a month. Annual or other fees that are billed separately (for example learning material fees or education environment fees) are collected according to the schedule noted (annual or in two installments as stated). Application fees are payable at application submission; registration/entrance fees are payable at the time of enrollment. Other one‑time and recurring costs - Kindergarten: entry‑time uniforms and supplies ≈ ¥120,000. Annual教材費 (teaching materials) ¥15,000. Equipment charge ¥10,000/month. - Primary: entry‑time uniforms and supplies ≈ ¥10,000. Annual education environment fee ¥30,000 (two installments). Event/field‑trip costs and occasional charges (e.g., overnight school trips) billed as they occur; estimates given for typical years. Annual/recurring event fees: 行事費 ¥10,000/year (two installments). Refunds and non‑refundable charges - The application (entrance) fee of ¥5,000 is stated as non‑refundable in the school's admissions notices for recent intake cycles. No other explicit general refund policy for tuition or registration is published on the school's publicly available admissions and news pages. Boarding / residential provision - The school operates as a day school; there is no boarding provision described. Payment methods and how payments are accepted - The school's public admissions and fees documentation does not publish specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, direct debit). Parents should use the school contact channels when arranging payment details. Summary of key fee figures (rounded where applicable) - Application fee: ¥5,000 (non‑refundable). Registration/entrance fee: Kindergarten ¥50,000; Primary ¥50,000 (internal) / ¥100,000 (external). - Kindergarten monthly tuition: ¥34,300; equipment fee: ¥10,000; monthly total ¥44,300; annualised ¥531,600. Annual learning material fee: ¥15,000. Uniforms/entry supplies approx. ¥120,000. - Primary monthly tuition: ¥55,000; equipment fee: ¥10,000; monthly total ¥65,000; annualised ¥780,000. Annual education environment fee: ¥30,000 (two installments). Uniforms/entry supplies approx. ¥10,000. Field‑trip and event costs billed as incurred (estimates provided). (Prices are stated in Japanese yen as published in the school's admissions and news materials.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements NUCB International College (NIC) operates a full-boarding IB World School on its Nagoya campus. Boarding life is supervised by House Supervisors (live-in counsellors) and House Mentors, who provide daily life support and regular individual counselling. The school maintains a network of on-site dormitories, including Sagamine I-III Dormitory, Sanbongi Campus Dormitory, Komenoki, Meito, Chiyoda, and Higashiyama Annex, with study and dining facilities on site. The dining hall is available for meals, and dorms include kitchen facilities for resident use.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school uses a navy-based uniform with gold accents to reflect the Frontier Spirit. Details about the uniform are indicated in school communications, noting navy as the base color and gold as an accent.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for Sunnyside International School. The entry guidance lists uniforms and learning resources as part of admission fees: Kindergarten uniforms and learning resources cost about ¥35,000, while Primary uniforms and learning resources cost about ¥10,000. The registration fee is listed separately (¥50,000 for Kindergarten entrants; ¥50,000 for Sunnyside Kindergarten graduates or ¥100,000 for others in Primary). Specific details such as uniform color and where to purchase are not provided on the site.
Food options	Food options On-campus dining is provided via a dining hall located on the NIC campus, with terraces for al fresco meals. Dormitory facilities include in-room kitchens and shared cooking spaces, enabling residents to prepare their meals. No specific dietary options are listed on the pages reviewed.	Food options The school provides a daily school lunch program. A registered dietitian plans menus using seasonal ingredients to ensure balanced meals, and meals are prepared for both the Kindergarten and Primary sections.
House system	House system NIC uses a house system with four houses: Pearl, Jade, Sapphire, and Ruby, with students assigned to a house on entry. Houses compete in sports, academics, and other activities, earning points that contribute to each house's overall standing.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership NUCB International College is part of the Kurimoto Educational Institute (KEI), the parent organization that also operates Nagoya University of Commerce and Business's institutions and Nagoya International Junior and Senior High School. KEI oversees KEI's international schools and universities, promoting international accreditation and global leadership education.	Governance and ownership Sunnyside International School is governed by the board of the Watanabe Gakuen Educational Institution. The board serves as the central decision-making body. Board members include Hisao Watanabe (Chair), Hisayuki Watanabe (Head of School at Sunnyside International School), Tatsuyoshi Yabashi (CEO, YABASHI Holdings Ltd), Yoshihiro Kawamura (CEO, Tranomon Jitsugyo Kaikan Ltd), Naohiko Kishi, Tokushi Nakashima, and Sanefumi Sammy Shoji.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details NUCB International Junior and Senior High School offers a six-year Integrated Junior and Senior High School program, plus two Senior High tracks: International Studies and General Studies. Instruction is primarily in English, with an English-for-International Understanding program and a team of native-English instructors to support language development. In 2021 an International Class was established for upper English-proficiency students, with English courses taught by native instructors and additional Japanese language support as needed. The senior high offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP); the school has been an IB World School since 2014 and is pursuing the Middle Years Programme (MYP) as a candidate. The curriculum is complemented by TOEIC preparation, United Nations General Assembly simulations, and international exchanges with partner schools in multiple countries; the school also holds Article 1 MEXT accreditation and CIS membership.	Curriculum details Sunnyside International School is an IB World School authorized to deliver the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for learners aged 3–12, with PYP accreditation granted in 2016 as Japan's first Article 1 PYP school. The PYP emphasizes concept-based, transdisciplinary learning organized around six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; How we express ourselves; Where we are in place and time; How we organize ourselves; How the world works; Sharing the planet. The curriculum develops learners through Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills—Self-management, Social, Research, Thinking, and Communication—within inquiry-driven units. Language instruction includes Japanese as the primary language and English as an additional language, with the English curriculum using THRASS and integration of language learning with units of inquiry. The program foregrounds Student Agency, Well-being, and ICT Education as integral components of learning as part of the IB framework.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning NUCB International Junior and Senior High School supports SEL through its English for International Understanding program, with ten native-English instructors in small classes to foster oral communication and intercultural understanding. The program promotes humanistic values in a bilingual environment and aims to develop a frontier spirit—independence, critical and creative thinking, and intellectual courage—while preparing students to be compassionate citizens of the world. Students in all programs study English more hours per week and have the chance to travel abroad at least once during their time at NIHS. After-school programs include TOEIC preparation, a United Nations General Assembly debate simulation in English, and student exchange agreements with seven countries, supporting collaboration and intercultural empathy. NIHS became a member of the Council of International Schools in 2022, and CIS identifies wellbeing as one of its four drivers, underscoring a formal emphasis on student wellbeing. The school also provides a School Counseling service with confidential sessions (counseling days on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, about 27 sessions per year), offering support for social and emotional wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning Well-being and social-emotional learning are central to Sunnyside's approach, with emotional stability described as essential for productive learning and careful attention paid to each child's readiness to learn. The IB Learner Profile emphasizes a balanced life, encouraging outdoor play and healthy eating, and teachers aim to avoid excessive workloads to support wellbeing. The school promotes positive relationships by encouraging students to talk to their teachers when they feel unsettled and by inviting parents to discuss student wellbeing. Mindfulness is taught to help students manage emotions, with practices such as deep breathing and short walks, and Milo the school therapy dog provides additional emotional support. In the PYP, wellbeing guidance includes Be healthy, Be curious, Be caring, Be social, Be thoughtful, and Be aware, with SDG awareness integrated into the curriculum.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, including which kinds of SEN it can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. Public materials mainly describe IB/MEXT accreditation, English language support, and general welfare services rather than a formal SEN framework. The existence of health and counseling services indicates a welfare focus, but explicit SEN staff or programs are not described in the publicly available materials. As such, SEN-specific provisions are not listed on NIHS's publicly accessible pages. For those seeking SEN-specific arrangements, direct inquiry to the admissions or welfare staff is advised.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. There is no dedicated SEN policy or SEN support page listed on Sunnyside's English-language site. The Language Acquisition page describes a bilingual program with Japanese as the primary language and English taught as an additional language delivered through collaboration between Japanese homeroom teachers and English specialist teachers, but this does not specify SEN services. The school is an IB World School (PYP), but explicit SEN accommodations or specialist provision are not stated in published materials. Given the absence of publicly disclosed SEN information, families should contact the school directly to inquire about any assessment processes, accommodations, and supports available.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided through the English for International Understanding program, which features ten native-English instructors delivering instruction in small classes to strengthen oral communication and intercultural competence. English is intensified across all study programs, with more English hours per week than in typical schools, and students have opportunities to study abroad during their time at NIHS. The school supports language development through after-school TOEIC preparation and international exchange activities, contributing to an immersive English-language learning environment. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered in English within a bilingual setting, reinforcing language development for EAL students.	English as an additional language Sunnyside provides a dual-language program with English and Japanese. Japanese is the primary language of instruction, with English taught as an additional language in varied exposure across the school. The language policy describes collaboration between Japanese homeroom teachers and English specialist teachers, with joint planning to deepen understanding. English education is framed as important, emphasizing learning English in the context of daily life. The school notes a language portrait tool to capture a learner's language profile, and multilingualism is valued for developing international-mindedness.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through a dedicated School Counseling service, with counseling days on the second and fourth Tuesdays and additional sessions throughout the year, totaling about 27 appointments. Counseling occurs in a dedicated counseling room where students can engage in art, psychological activities, or confidential conversations, with confidentiality emphasized and parental consultations available. The counseling service operates within a broader wellbeing framework highlighted by NIHS's CIS affiliation, which identifies wellbeing as a core driver of student learning. Counseling hours are 10:00–17:00 on designated days, and schedules may vary around events, according to the counselor's and school's arrangements. These provisions reflect a formal approach to supporting student mental health and wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is a core focus of Sunnyside's wellbeing approach, with strategies to support emotional health and resilience embedded in daily practice. Mindfulness techniques are taught to help students regulate emotions, including breathing exercises and short walks. Milo the school therapy dog provides a visible, comforting presence for students and staff. There is emphasis on student voice and agency, including a Primary Student Council that discusses wellbeing and school life, and on maintaining open communication with families. The Well-being framework for the PYP outlines Be healthy, Be curious, Be caring, Be social, Be thoughtful, and Be aware, with SDGs integrated into wellbeing education.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is supported through NIHS's health service, which promotes a healthy and safe school life and provides professional nursing care for students' physical and emotional wellbeing. The health center runs regular health checks, infection prevention measures, and safety procedures (including emergency response with AED training and heat‑stroke prevention measures such as WBGT monitoring and digital signage). The school communicates attendance policies related to infectious diseases and provides confidential counseling as part of safeguarding students' emotional safety. There is a general policy page, but a standalone, publicly disclosed safeguarding or child protection policy is not detailed in the available materials.	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding or child-protection policies on public materials. No dedicated safeguarding page is listed on Sunnyside's English-language site. The site sitemap lists Privacy Policy but does not enumerate safeguarding policies. For safeguarding arrangements, families should contact the school directly to request information about safeguarding procedures, designated safeguarding leads, reporting processes, and training. The lack of publicly available safeguarding information means inquiries must be made directly to obtain official documentation.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview NUCB International Junior and Senior High School sits on a high-function, open-design cluster-dome campus. A bright central atrium acts as a social hub and can host performances, with wireless internet available throughout the building. Classrooms are equipped with large screen displays (150-inch) and a World Online Classroom supports joint lessons with overseas partners, enabled by a robust online learning setup. The academic facilities include a bright science laboratory, an Active Learning Lab, and an electronic library located in the atrium area to support research and study. Outdoor facilities comprise two artificial-turf grounds (East Ground and West Ground) and three lit hard tennis courts, along with a cooking/culinary laboratory used for home economics and language activities.	Facilities overview The Sunnyside International School campus is located at 4-10-25 Iwai, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, 501-3101, Japan. Kindergarten and Primary School are part of Sunnyside. The school operates in English and Japanese through a bilingual program.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities East Ground covers about 7,000 square meters with high-function artificial turf, and East Ground is complemented by a similar West Ground for PE and outdoor activities. Three well-lit hard tennis courts are available for tennis and physical education classes. These outdoor spaces support a range of sports and after-school activities.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus features a central, well-lit atrium and consists of modern classrooms with 150-inch screens to enhance instruction. A World Online Classroom enables interactive, cross-border teaching and learning. The school houses a dedicated science laboratory with bright lighting and ample space for experiments, an Active Learning Lab for collaborative work, and an electronic library on the atrium floor for digital resources. Wireless LAN is available across the campus to support technology-enabled learning.	Academic facilities The school is fully authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School and offers the IB Primary Years Programme. Language Acquisition includes a dual-language program of English and Japanese. English Education is integrated with daily life context to support English language development. KAURI Learners is a sister-school program with a New Zealand partner to support studying abroad. ICT education is emphasised to build IT skills and digital literacy. Most of the students are Japanese, and the school's approach combines inquiry-based learning with student agency within the PYP framework.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The central atrium serves as a multipurpose space for events and gatherings, including performances. A cooking practice room resembling a restaurant kitchen supports home economics and English-language activities. The World Online Classroom and the electronic library support cross-cultural projects and independent research, while the campus hosts various after-school programs and clubs that align with the IB and MEXT initiatives.	Extra curricular facilities KAURI Learners provides study-abroad opportunities through Sunnyside's sister-school arrangement with a New Zealand partner.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Nagoya International Junior and Senior High School opened in 2003, launching a six-year integrated junior-high and high-school program. The largest share of graduates goes on to Nagoya University of Commerce and Business (NUCB), reflecting the school's close connection with NUCB. In 2014 the school earned UNESCO Associated School status and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) authorization, marking a shift toward international standards. The institution was designated a Super Global High School Associate in 2015 and later recognized for the Glocal-type high-school reform project in 2019. It began pursuing IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) candidacy in 2021, joined the Council of International Schools (CIS) in 2022, and became part of the WWL consortium in 2022, reflecting its ongoing international partnerships. The school is noted as the region's only secondary school that is both Article 1 MEXT-accredited and an IB World School.	History The Sunnyside International School's history goes back to Nagara Kindergarten in Gifu, founded by Yone Watanabe almost 100 years ago. The institution grew under the Watanabe family, and Nagara 2nd Kindergarten was renamed Sunnyside International School as English-language education expanded. In 2012 the leadership began pursuing IB education and shifted from a teacher-led model to a student-centered approach. In 2016 Sunnyside became Japan's first IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) authorized school (Article One). In 2017, Head of School Hisayuki Watanabe was appointed to the IB Heads Council for the Asia Pacific region, reflecting the school's growing international role.
Community	Community The school emphasizes an English-forward, bilingual learning environment as part of its English for International Understanding program, with ten native-English instructors and small classes. It offers three course paths—the six-year Integrated program, the International Studies program, and the General Studies program—while maintaining a strong focus on English instruction and opportunities to travel abroad at least once. After-school programs include TOEIC preparation, and the school runs English-language activities such as a United Nations General Assembly debate simulation and multiple international student exchanges with partner schools in seven countries. In 2018, Nagoya International Junior and Senior High School's football program collaborated with AC Milan to adopt Milanese training methods. These elements contribute to a broad, internationally oriented school community.	Community The Sunnyside community includes students, their families and faculty, united around a bilingual, international-minded learning environment. Parents contribute and share experiences through the Parents' Voice section, which includes testimonials about IB implementation and daily school life. The school calendar features events that foster cultural exchange and family participation, reinforcing a sense of community beyond the classroom. Notable events include a Halloween party where the entire kindergarten dresses in costumes, a sports day with active parent–child participation, and Japanese cultural celebrations such as Bon Odori and mikoshi processions.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school maintains an active Parents Association that participates in school events. Open Campus admissions events for both middle and high school include a dedicated segment for interaction with current students and the Parents Association, providing opportunities for questions and engagement with families. The Open Campus entries for 2026 explicitly note participation by current students and the Parents Association during campus activities. The school also runs community programs such as Pioneer Kids English Camp, which engages families and local children in English-language activities. These elements illustrate ongoing parent involvement and collaboration between the school and families. Other international-education activities, such as the International Understanding Lecture series and broader community outreach programs, further involve families and alumni in the school's global-learning mission.	Parent teacher association A distinct Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is not described on the site. Parent involvement is organized through channels such as the Parents' Voice page and the School Board, which together provide avenues for feedback and engagement. The Leadership & Governance page outlines a board with diverse business and educational backgrounds, including Hisao Watanabe as chair and Hisayuki Watanabe as head of school. The Parents' Voice section contains firsthand parent testimonials about the IB program, classroom experiences and school life. School events—such as Halloween, sports day, and cultural activities like Bon Odori and mikoshi celebrations—show ongoing parent participation integrated into the school program. While a formal PTA is not specified, parent engagement is supported through these governance and community channels.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual NIC offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and has achieved IB World School candidacy. The Bridging Programme supports Year 9 entrants with three months of intensive English, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, running from early April to the end of June. Case Method-based learning is integral to NIC's approach, including Harvard-style case method classes such as an Entrepreneurial Leadership session. NIC students have earned medals in international competitions, including nine awards at the PhysicsBowl Asian region in 2025.	Academic & intellectual The Primary School uses the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and an inquiry-based approach to learning. The curriculum emphasizes student agency, with voice, choice, and ownership in learning. The school offers field trips and excursions and overnight external learning experiences to deepen inquiry, with external specialists such as museums providing authentic learning moments. For example, the school conducted a 2-night-3-day hiking camp in Gujo City to develop independent learning.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Engage Programme offers arts and creative options, including Photography, Manga, Creative Writing, Band, and Ikebana. NIC participates in the Sagamine Festival, a campus-wide event with live music and performances, and students may run booths or showcase talents. The Yukata event and other cultural enrichment activities provide cultural experiences for students. The festival and related arts activities highlight student performances and creative presentations on campus.	Arts & creative Arts are integrated into Sunnyside's curriculum through activities in art, drama, and music to foster creativity. The Kindergarten section specifically highlights ‘Be creative through art activities' and notes that art, drama, and music are essential for developing creativity. Annual events include music performances, such as a Christmas concert in December, demonstrating ongoing arts engagement. The arts program spans both Kindergarten and Primary and is visible in regular performances and artistic activities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Cultural Exchange Nights are held during Well-being Programme evenings, featuring culture and language exchange, games, movie nights, seasonal parties, and sports nights. The Language Program offers intensive language courses and intercultural experiences, with destinations at partner universities such as Queen's University, McGill University, the University of Alberta, and the University of Manchester. NIC students participate in cross-cultural events through Sagamine Festival, CAS activities, and IB-related cultural programs. IB-related CAS activities and university festival participation provide formal avenues for cultural engagement and service.	Cultural & language International-mindedness shapes Sunnyside's approach to culture and language. The Primary Education section emphasizes learning Japanese language and traditional culture and includes daily-life elements of ‘Japaneseness' to nurture identity. The curriculum supports global citizenship and cross-cultural communication within its inquiry-based framework. These cultural and language initiatives are embedded in daily school life and events.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The Engage Programme includes a broad range of sports and sedentary activities, such as Football, Photography, Manga, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, Band, Chess, and more. In-house Evening Activities on Saturdays feature Culture Language Exchange Nights, Game Night, Movie Night, Seasonal Party, and Sports Night, fostering social interaction and peer bonding. NIC also participates in social and cultural events such as the Sagamine Festival, with student-led booths and performances. There are additional recreational activities and events, including annual trips and sports programs that contribute to social life on campus.	Social & hobbies A Primary School Student Council provides a formal channel for student voice and leadership. Sunnyside emphasises social and collaboration skills as part of its Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework. Mindfulness and well-being practices, including a school therapy dog named Milo, support social interactions and emotional health. Partnerships with families are encouraged through tools like Class Dojo to maintain home–school connection in daily life.
Community & service	Community & service NUCB's international volunteer program offers Volunteer Projects across 35 countries, with around 800 projects to choose from. The IB Diploma Programme's CAS framework includes Creativity, Activity, and Service, with NIC students engaging in community-oriented projects such as SDG-themed activities at Sagamine Festival. Sagamine Festival activities include charitable donations of profits to charity organizations, and NIC students participate in community-focused events as part of CAS and campus life. NIC also participates in university-level events that include service and community engagement components.	Community & service Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) awareness is embedded in the curriculum to promote social responsibility and a global outlook. The school emphasizes international-mindedness and learning about cultural and societal issues as part of daily life. These elements foster a sense of community responsibility beyond the classroom and guide students to think about their role in the wider world.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Engage Programme provides leadership opportunities and cross-year collaboration, with activities designed to develop leadership and teamwork. Harvard Case Method lectures and sessions, such as the Entrepreneurial Leadership class, build leadership and decision-making skills. Participation in Sagamine Festival and related projects emphasizes leadership and project management across student groups. NIC's open programs and festival activities offer practical leadership experiences in a real-world, multicultural setting.	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities exist through the Primary School Student Council, enabling students to participate in school decision-making. The school's Student Agency framework develops key professional skills, including thinking, communication, research, and collaboration (ATL). Ongoing emphasis on ownership of learning supports students' development as capable, independent leaders.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Well-being Programme for Grades 10–12 includes Saturday workshops, in-house activities, and excursions to support transition, social and self-management skills, and examination preparation. In-house Evening Activities on Saturdays offer Culture Language Exchange, Game Night, Movie Night, Seasonal Party, and Sports Night for social and mental well-being. NIC runs an annual Ski Trip to Furano, combining sports, culture, and environmental learning, and the Summer Camp 2026 includes life-skills development, cross-cultural experiences, team-building, dorm life experiences, and extracurricular activities. These programs collectively support physical and mental health as part of daily life at NIC.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Well-being is a formal focus at Sunnyside, emphasizing emotional stability and a balanced approach to learning. The program includes mindfulness practices and a school therapy dog (Milo) to support students' emotional health. Students are encouraged to be active and healthy, with guidance to engage in outdoor play and maintain a balanced diet. Annual events feature sports activities, such as Sports Day, and other outdoor and cultural activities that promote physical health and wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction. In the IB Diploma Programme, Japanese language courses are offered, including Japanese B and Japanese A language options. The school provides Japanese language support for non-native speakers through after-school or weekend programs to improve proficiency, particularly for students transitioning into English-dominant instruction. Overall, English is taught more hours per week than at ordinary schools, and the program supports bilingual coursework where applicable.	Language provision Languages taught at Sunnyside are Japanese (primary language of instruction) and English (second language). The school operates a dual-language program in English and Japanese, with collaboration between Japanese homeroom teachers and English specialists to weave English into the curriculum and Units of Inquiry. English instruction uses the THRASS approach to support reading, spelling, and handwriting, and is designed to connect language learning to students' daily life and inquiry. The language policy recognises home languages and multilingualism and aligns language learning with the Primary Years Programme, which begins at age 3.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching NUCB International Junior and Senior High School provides a bilingual learning environment focused on English. English is the language of instruction for the school's programs, and ten native English instructors teach in small classes with an emphasis on oral communication. The school offers three tracks—a six-year Integrated Junior-Senior program, an International Studies program, and a General Studies program—each prioritizing English and including international opportunities such as travel abroad. The school is an IB World School, with instruction that includes English and, in some contexts, Japanese as part of the program offerings.	Bilingual teaching Sunnyside International School runs a dual-language program in English and Japanese. Japanese is the primary language of instruction, while English is taught as a second language with exposure that varies across the school. In Kindergarten and beyond, Japanese homeroom teachers collaborate with English specialist teachers to plan and deliver lessons, integrating English into units of inquiry. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) used by the school begins at age 3 and continues through age 12.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs An International Class was established in April 2021 for upper-English-proficiency students; all English courses in this class are taught by native instructors. There is after-school or Saturday Japanese language support for students who need to strengthen Japanese proficiency. The school emphasizes English immersion through its international programs, and students have opportunities to participate in overseas study and exchanges. NUCB International Junior and Senior High School is an IB World School with a global-focused curriculum.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations NUCB International Junior and Senior High School holds several formal accreditations and designations. The school is an official IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) World School, authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme. It is designated as an Article 1 MEXT accredited school in Japan, and it has been a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) since September 2022. The school is currently pursuing accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).	Accreditations - International Baccalaureate World School (PYP) authorization since 2016. Sunnyside was the first school in Japan to be awarded the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) accreditation as a nationally recognized school, allowing it to deliver the PYP curriculum. - Article 1 / Ichijo-kou status under Japan's School Education Act (recognition by the Japanese Ministry of Education). This status identifies Sunnyside as a formally recognized Japanese school, linked to its IB PYP authorization.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: Entry and application fee payment. Submit the online application form and pay the application fee to access the My Page application portal. After payment you will gain access to the My Page portal to manage your submission. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay the review. Step 2: CAT4 Online Examination. Applicants are required to take the CAT4 online examination as part of the admissions process. The exam is completed online and contributes to the overall evaluation of each applicant. Step 3: Submitting application documents. In My Page, upload the listed documents: Personal Information and Declaration form, the Application Form, an English essay (roughly 500 words), academic transcript and attendance record for Grade 7 to 9, a recent portrait photo, and a family photo. For international applicants, provide a photocopy of passport or residence card and a financial statement demonstrating the ability to support the applicant for the duration of the programme. Optional documents include evidence of English proficiency and annual tax statements; two referee references should be submitted directly to the school. Step 4: Interview. After the documents are reviewed, applicants will be contacted to schedule the final interview; if the document review is unsuccessful, no interview will be conducted. Step 5: Application Result. Admissions decisions are based on the submitted documents, CAT4 results, and the interview. The result is communicated within two weeks after the interview. Step 6: Enrolment and capacity. Enrollment is limited to 75 students in Grade 10. Enrollment follows the admission result. Applications for the 2025/2026 cycle opened on October 1, 2025 and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Stage 2 and Stage 3 may not open if full capacity is reached. Enrolment occurs after admission to secure a seat; exact steps may be provided after the offer.	Admissions 1. Determine the target program and verify capacity. Sunnyside International School offers a Kindergarten program (including a 3-year-old class and a 4–5-year-old class) and a Primary program. The 3-year-old Kindergarten class has a published capacity of 72 students, while the 4–5-year-old class capacity is not published and requires direct confirmation. The Primary section lists a 1st Grade capacity of 24 students, with other grades to be confirmed. 2. Prepare and submit the application, and note initial fees. For Kindergarten, the application fee is ¥5,000 at submission and the registration fee is ¥50,000; uniforms and learning resources are roughly ¥35,000. The monthly Kindergarten tuition is ¥34,300, with optional bus service at ¥5,000 round trip or ¥3,000 one-way, and an annual learning material fee of ¥15,000. For Primary, the application fee is ¥5,000 and the registration fee is ¥50,000 for Sunnyside Kindergarten graduates or ¥100,000 for others; uniforms are around ¥10,000; monthly tuition is ¥50,000, bus fees are the same as Kindergarten, and the annual learning material fee is ¥30,000 (in two installments). 3. Review ongoing costs and plan payment, including subsidies and discounts. Kindergarten monthly tuition is ¥34,300, with bus costs as above; an annual learning material fee is ¥15,000. Primary monthly tuition is ¥50,000, with a bus cost of ¥5,000 round trip or ¥3,000 one-way, and an annual learning material fee of ¥30,000 (two installments). A government subsidy is applied to all 3–5-year-old children, and Sunnyside offers a 20% sibling discount when two siblings attend together. 4. Consider transportation and logistics. The school offers a bus service where applicable; the bus fee applies to users only. Bus service areas can change each school year, and you may need to bring your child to the nearest bus stop if you reside outside the service area. The Primary bus departs from JR Gifu Station, which may influence planning for morning drop-off and pickup. 5. Engage with the Open Campus program for an on-site experience. The Admissions section includes an Open Campus option, described as a way to visit the campus and learn about the program; details and sign-up information are communicated via the site and inquiry channels. To arrange visits or obtain the latest dates, contact Sunnyside International School by phone at 058-241-1000 or use the inquiry form. 6. Enrollment and starting procedures after acceptance. Enrollment requires completing the applicable registration and paying the associated fees, along with ongoing tuition, bus, and learning-material charges as outlined above. A 20% sibling discount applies when two siblings attend together. For any questions about timelines, timelines, or specific enrollment steps, reach the school at 058-241-1000 or via the inquiry form.
Scholarships	Scholarships NUCB International College offers several scholarships. The Academic Scholarship provides either 90%, 60%, or 30% of the first-year tuition, renewed annually for recipients who remain in the top 20% of the cohort. The Housing Scholarship provides 360,000 JPY over one year (30,000 JPY per month) toward boarding fees, with a maximum of three new students per year. The Affiliation Scholarship covers 50% of the admission fee for students progressing from the affiliated middle school or who are children of NUCB alumni. The Sibling Discount offers 10% off tuition for siblings of current or former students. Scholarships are awarded automatically based on eligibility; no separate application is required. There are no NUCB loans or grants for this program, and there is no application fee waiver.	Scholarships No scholarship program is described on the admissions or tuition-related pages. The published information covers application and registration fees, uniform and learning-resource costs, monthly tuition, bus charges, and material fees, plus a 20% sibling discount and a government-subsidy note for 3–5-year-olds. There is no separate scholarship section listed.
Waitlist	Waitlist There is no publicly described waitlist or pool system. Admissions operate on a rolling basis with capacity constraints. Stage 2 and Stage 3 may not open if full capacity is reached.	Waitlist There is no published waitlist or pool policy described in the admissions pages. Capacity information is published for each program (e.g., Kindergarten 3-year-old class capacity 72; 1st Grade Primary capacity 24), but no formal waitlist process is outlined. Parents may need to contact the school directly for guidance on spot availability and timing.
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