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Okinawa Christian School International

Japan, Okinawa

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥1,150,000 - 1,250,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 583
Type Co-educational
Opened 1957
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Taught languages Japanese
Typical class size 11
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Okinawa Christian School International (OCSI) is an English-language school in Yomitan, Okinawa, established in 1957. The campus is described as being in a suburban setting overlooking the East China Sea and about 23 km north of Naha, Okinawa’s capital city. OCSI serves students from PreK through Grade 12 and uses an American-based, Biblically integrated program. In high school (Grades 9–12), students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Beyond the school day, OCSI runs After-School Activities and student “Circles,” with examples such as coding, choir, basketball, Young Engineers, debate, chess, student council (STUCO) and NJHS. The athletics program includes competition with local schools and off-island tournaments in Asia.

1835 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0301, Japan

The Essentials

Okinawa Christian School International has 583 pupils, typical class sizes of 11, instruction in English.

Location
OCSI is located at 1835 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0301, Japan. The campus sits on the coast with an ocean view overlooking the East China Sea. It is located in Yomitan on central Okinawa Island. The address is publicly listed for campus visits and tours.

Stages
OCSI provides a K–12 program. The school is organized into Elementary (K–5), Middle School (6–8), and High School (9–12).

Type
OCSI is a private, co-educational day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
OCSI serves around 583 students in the K–12 program. The school notes an international focus with students from across the globe; exact nationality numbers and local/international ratios are not publicly published.

Additional learning support
OCSI offers counseling services (personal matters and college/career). The non-discrimination policy includes disability. A dedicated Special Educational Needs program is not publicly described.

Country affiliation
OCSI does not have a formal country affiliation; it serves families from Japan and overseas and uses an American-based English curriculum.

Religious affiliation
OCSI is a Christian school with a mission to equip students to walk with Jesus and impact the world for Him, and it presents a Christian Statement of Faith; it is affiliated with the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.

School day structure
The academic year has 180 instructional days and is divided into two semesters (August–January and January–June). Middle School and High School use a modified block schedule.

Bus service
OCSI offers a bus service with several routes across central and southern Okinawa. Bus route details and seat availability are managed via the Veracross portal; routes and stop times are not published publicly.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
OCSI enforces a dress code. Clothing should be modest and cover the shoulders to mid-thigh.

Food Options
OCSI provides an on-site lunch service prepared by Caesar's Kitchen. Menu options are published monthly (e.g., January 2026 and February 2026), and enrollment or cancellations are handled through the Veracross parent portal. The service includes opportunities for special items, such as a birthday classroom service, and dietary requests can be addressed with Caesar's Kitchen.

Governance and Ownership
OCSI is governed by a Board of Directors using a policy governance model. The board sets the mission and vision, and the Leadership Team implements it. The school is incorporated in Japan as an educational institution (Gakkou Houjin) under Japanese law.
Fees

Annual tuition at Okinawa Christian School International ranges from JPY 1,150,000 to JPY 1,250,000 for 2026/27.

Application & new‑student fees

- Application fee: ¥20,000 (non‑refundable).
- Interview / testing fee: ¥20,000 (paid prior to the scheduled appointment).
- Enrollment fee (one‑time, due at enrollment): ¥240,000 for the first child; ¥120,000 for each additional child. All new‑student fees are non‑refundable. OIST & SOFA families are eligible for a 50% discount on the enrollment fee.
- ESL fee (if required): ¥140,000 (one‑time, due at enrollment).

Annual tuition — amounts by division (annual total for tuition only)

- Elementary (Kindergarten – Grade 5): ¥1,000,000 per year.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): ¥1,040,000 per year.
- High School (Grades 9–12): ¥1,080,000 per year.

Note on billing format: tuition may be paid either as a single annual payment (1‑pay) or via a 10‑pay plan; the 10‑pay plan spreads the annual tuition amount into 10 equal monthly installments. A 2% discount on the annual tuition is applied for families who pay the full 10 months of tuition by August 10.

Annual / recurring fees (annual amounts unless noted)

- Facility (Building improvement) fee: ¥100,000 (annual).
- Materials (Books & materials) fee: typically ¥50,000 (secondary); ¥50,000 / ¥20,000 amounts are shown by grade bracket (G4–5 exception noted below).
- Technology fee (1:1 Chromebook): ¥50,000 for secondary; ¥20,000 for G4–5. Facility, books & technology fees are due July 10 and are non‑refundable.
- Annual PTF fee: ¥3,000 (per family).
- Annual lunch fee (Cezar's lunch): Elementary ¥121,000; Secondary (G6–12) ¥132,000 (annual). Lunch is included in tuition when the lunch fee is paid.

Bus service fees (by zone; each shown as ROUND‑TRIP and ONE‑WAY annual prices)

- Zone 1: ¥165,000 (round‑trip) / ¥82,500 (one‑way).
- Zone 2: ¥220,000 (round‑trip) / ¥110,000 (one‑way).
- Zone 3: ¥253,000 (round‑trip) / ¥126,500 (one‑way).
- Zone 4: ¥275,000 (round‑trip) / ¥137,500 (one‑way).
- Re‑enrolling for lunch or bus service or changing bus stops after the first day of school carries a change fee of ¥3,000.

Other program and activity fees

- Athletic fee (Grades 6–12): ¥10,000 per season (additional tournament costs may apply).
- After‑school clubs: ¥6,000 per season.
- After‑school program (extended care): ¥220,000 annual.
- Advanced Placement (AP) course fee: ¥20,000 per AP course (note: this includes the AP exam fee).
- PE uniform (Grades 4–12): full set ¥4,400; individual shirt or shorts ¥2,200.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment plans available: single annual payment (1‑pay) or a 10‑pay plan (monthly installments over 10 months). A 2% discount applies when the full 10 months of tuition are paid by August 10.
- Facility, Books & Technology (annual) fees are due by July 10 and are non‑refundable. New student fees and the re‑enrollment fee are non‑refundable. Refunds and withdrawals are handled under the school's Fee Conduct Policy / Withdrawal Policy.
- All fees include tax.

Refunds and withdrawal

- New‑student fees (application, interview/testing, enrollment) are non‑refundable. Re‑enrollment fees confirm enrollment and are non‑refundable. Facility, Books & Technology fees are non‑refundable once billed (due July 10). Refunds for tuition are subject to the Fee Conduct Policy's Withdrawal Policy.

Fee payment options

- Bank transfer (furikomi / bank wire) is an accepted payment method; dedicated bank‑wire information is provided for tuition payments. Cash payments may be made in person at the school office. Online payment options are used for some programs (for example, summer program payments may be taken online or at the school cashier). For applications, payment may be made by bank transfer or cash in person.

Important notes and common extras

- A change fee of ¥3,000 applies for re‑enrolling for lunch or bus service or changing bus stops after the first day of school.
- Additional trip or activity fees may apply (notably for grades 5, 8 and 12), and tournament fees may vary by sport/year.

(Selected fee line items and billing rules above are taken from the school's published Tuition & Fees and related fee documents.)
Academics

Okinawa Christian School International teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
OCSI delivers a K–12 American-style curriculum taught in English that is Biblically based and Bible-integrated across all subjects. In Elementary (Kindergarten–Grade 5), the program combines Bible instruction with core academics and specialist offerings in art, computer applications, Japanese, music, physical education, and library skills, with regular chapel and hands-on activities. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), students study Bible and core subjects while exploring electives such as art, digital tools, Japanese, music, and woodshop. In High School (Grades 9–12), the program is college-preparatory, featuring AP courses and honors options (notably English and math), with core classes in English, Social Studies, Science, Math, and Bible, plus electives in PE, Japanese, Digital Tools, Music, Art, and Woodshop; a 1:1 Chromebook program supports learning. The academic year comprises 180 instructional days split into two semesters, with Middle and High School operating on a modified block schedule.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
OCSI's School Counseling Team supports all students' academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development by providing guidance, college and career counseling, and pastoral support. Counselors meet individually with students, lead developmentally appropriate lessons in classrooms and small groups, and partner with families and staff to help every student thrive in mind, body, and spirit. Counseling is rooted in biblical faith and community and aligns with OCSI's mission and values. Counseling programs are organized by grade level with focus areas including executive functioning, peer relationships, transition support, personal resilience, and collaborative planning with educators and parents. The aim is to help students discover their God-given identity and purpose and to guide them toward excellence in character, informed decision-making, and compassionate service.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
OCSI does not provide IEPs or 504 plans and does not have Special Education teachers who can work one-on-one with students. Acceptance of students with ADD/ADHD depends on whether the school can provide accommodations, with examples including seating arrangements or extra time on assignments. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution and does not list a broader range of SEN categories it supports. Publicly described SEN provisions are limited to the accommodations noted above, and more intensive supports would not be available within the school.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
OCSI classes are taught in English, using an American-style curriculum. ESL/Literacy support is available for English learners. If a student is identified as needing ESL support, a literacy/ESL fee may apply starting the next school year. Identification and delivery of EAL services are discussed in admissions-related resources. This indicates that EAL support exists within the school's student services framework.

Mental Wellbeing
OCSI supports student mental wellbeing through the School Counseling program, which addresses personal, social, academic, and spiritual growth. The counseling team works with students individually, in groups, and in classrooms, and collaborates with families and staff to foster well-being and resilience. The program is framed by biblical values and the school's mission to Excel, Grow, and Serve, emphasizing belonging, character, and healthy decision-making. Focus areas by grade level include executive functioning, peer relationships, transitions, and personal resilience.

Safeguarding
OCSI maintains a Child Safeguarding Policy & Procedures (Public) and related documents, including a Student Code of Conduct, a Computer and Technology Acceptable Usage Policy, and a Staff Code of Conduct. The school is committed to making the environment a safe place for children to learn. These policies detail safeguarding measures, expected behaviors, and reporting procedures to protect students. The Student Code of Conduct and related policies form the core safeguarding framework for the school.
Parent Experience

History
Okinawa Christian School International (OCSI) was established in 1957 to provide Christ-centered education for the children of evangelical missionaries. In its first year, Mrs. Esther Austin taught a class of 11 children in Mashiki, Ginowan. The school moved to a permanent facility on Camp Lester (then Camp Kuwae), consisting of two Quonset huts. Missionary parents who started the school opened it to any child, regardless of religious affiliation, and purchased land on Hacksaw Ridge in Urasoe, moving to a larger campus by 1965, with the first graduating class in 1969. In 1986 the school expanded again and, in 1996–1997, moved to the current Yomitan campus overlooking the East China Sea.

Community
OCSI maintains an active, diverse community that includes an alumni network connected through social media and dedicated alumni pages. The school's Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) fosters fellowship and serves as a vehicle for prayer, relationships, events, and family–school communication. Local churches in Okinawa are part of the extended community, with guidance for families to connect with a church nearby. The school supports student life through after-school activities (ASA) and Circles, and emphasizes school-wide events coordinated by families and staff.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
OCSI's Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) welcomes parent involvement and acts as a catalyst for prayer, relationships, events, and communication between families and the school. Volunteers contribute to a range of activities, including Back to School, Teacher Appreciation Luncheons, Open House, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and a Holiday Market. PTF holds monthly meetings to plan events, discuss volunteer needs, and form committees; meetings may be onsite, offsite, or virtual, and communication occurs via LINE and social media. PTF coordinates with families to plan events and recruit volunteers, helping to connect parents with classroom activities and school initiatives. Through its structured volunteer program and regular communication, PTF strengthens the partnership between home and school and supports OCSI's mission.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
OCSI's campus is located at 1835 Zakimi, Yomitan, Okinawa. The school operates a Koha-based library system with on-site facilities and library hours from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. A Multi-Purpose Center is under development to provide a larger cafeteria, chapel space, a secure entrance, and a K–12 library, with a gym and upgraded athletic fields planned as part of long-term development. The campus includes specialist spaces for arts and technology, including a woodshop, art and design spaces, and digital tools facilities. An on-site cafeteria is operated by Caesar's Kitchen, and there is after-school care and bus service to support families.

Sports Facilities
OCSI offers a season-based athletics program: Cross Country and Volleyball in fall; Basketball and Cheerleading in winter; Soccer and Track and Field in spring. The school participates in off-island tournaments and local clubs as part of its athletics program. Long-term campus plans include a gym and upgraded athletic fields as part of the Multi-Purpose Center project. An elementary playground on campus provides outdoor space for younger students.

Academic Facilities
OCSI provides on-site libraries for elementary, middle, and high school, with a Koha-based catalog and library hours published for student use (Main Library, Elementary Library, Secondary Library). The school runs a 1:1 Chromebook program for high school students and offers a Digital Tools course as part of the curriculum. There are dedicated Woodshop spaces for hands-on learning in both middle school and high school, and specialist offerings in art, music, and design across divisions. Elementary subjects include art, computer applications, music, and library skills, with Librarian staff across levels; middle and high school also list Librarians as part of the student support team. A K–12 library is planned within the Multi-Purpose Center development, expanding access to library resources across the grade levels.

Extra Curricular Facilities
OCSI runs After-School Activities (ASA) & Circles with options such as Elementary Basketball, Choir, Coding, Crafts, Games, Running, and Martial Arts, plus Circles for Worship, Bible Study, Chess, Debate, and related student groups. After-school care is available for Kindergarten through 5th grade from 3:05 to 6:00 pm, with registration through the parent portal; transportation is via school bus for eligible routes. The ASA & Circles program and after-school care are designed to extend learning and community involvement beyond the regular school day.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
OCSI provides structured after-school enrichment through ASA (After-School Activities) & Circles, designed to extend learning beyond class time. ASA Clubs run for 10 to 12 weeks each semester and require at least 10 participants to run; examples include Elementary Basketball, Choir, Coding, Crafts, Games, Running, and Martial Arts. ASA Lessons are offered weekly and include Ballet, French, Programming, Young Engineers, and Scouts. Circles are lunchtime groups for secondary students, covering Worship, Bible Study, Chess, Debate, STUCO, and NJHS, withCircles generally free to join and schedules varying.

Arts & Creative
OCSI supports arts and creative pursuits across grade levels. Elementary provides specialist instruction in art and music, and culture-focused showcases such as Culture Fair (grades 3-5) and Makers Faire (grade 5) highlight student creativity. The ASA program adds arts-oriented options like Choir, Ballet, Crafts, and other creative activities, while Middle School includes Drama as part of its exploratory offerings.

Cultural & Language
Language and cultural activities include Japanese language study in Elementary as part of specialist instruction, and language options such as French are available through ASA Lessons. Culture-focused experiences are built into the program, including the Culture Fair (grades 3-5). Secondary life also features circles like Debate, Chess, and NJHS that foster cultural awareness and dialogue.

Social & Hobbies
SOCIAL AND HOBBIES are supported through a range of after-school clubs and lunchtime circles. ASA Clubs offer activities such as Coding, Crafts, Games, Running, and Martial Arts, while Circles provide opportunities for Chess, Debate, Worship, Bible Study, NJHS, and STUCO.

Community & Service
OCSI emphasizes community involvement through a Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF) that fosters prayer, relationships, events, and communications, and by connecting families with local churches in Okinawa. The counseling team emphasizes community service rooted in Christian values and provides pastoral support to students as part of the school's holistic approach to growth.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and professional-development opportunities are embedded in student life, including Student Government (STUCO) and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). The College and Career Counseling Office assists secondary students with college and career planning, helping students identify interests and paths beyond high school.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
OCSI's athletics program provides seasonal competition: Fall sports include Cross Country and Volleyball; Winter sports include Basketball and Cheer; Spring sports include Soccer and Track, with interschool and off-island tournaments and an athletic calendar (Veracross). The School Counseling team supports mental health and well-being, and the chaplaincy offers pastoral guidance; the Summer Academy (PreK–Grade 5) and Elementary summer offerings include opportunities for arts, coding, sports, and science experiments to promote well-being and ongoing learning.
Languages

Language Provision
All classes are taught in English. Japanese is offered as a language subject across K-12: in elementary as specialist Japanese language instruction; in middle school as part of the exploratories; in high school as a Japanese elective with AP Japanese. Spanish is available as a middle school language option. Students must have sufficient English proficiency to participate in lessons, and all school communications are in English.
Reputation

Accreditations
OCSI is accredited by two international bodies: the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The accreditation process uses a six-year cycle with self-study, reporting, and external visits, and the most recent cycle was completed in Spring 2024. The school is publicly listed as Accredited by both WASC and ACSI, confirming formal recognition of quality standards and biblical integration in its program.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admissions Process
1. Start with the online application and inquiry. Begin by creating an admissions account and submitting the online application form. An inquiry is included in the process, and you'll find that an application fee is required at the time of submission. The school reviews the submission to determine eligibility for an interview and assessment, and you'll be informed of the next steps if eligible. Important dates for the 2026–2027 cycle include two seasons: Season 1 with a January 31, 2026 deadline for February interviews (results by March 10), and Season 2 with a April 30, 2026 deadline for May interviews (results by June 10). If space is available, enrollment can begin in April or August.

2. Prepare and submit required documents. All applicants must provide the standard set of materials, including the completed application form, a record release form, a copy of the child's passport page, a recent photo, and several years of school records as applicable. Grade 7–12 applicants should also supply prior school records and current year progress reports; behavior/discipline records may be required. After acceptance, additional documents such as immunization records and a physical exam are requested. This documentation is reviewed in the admissions process to determine qualification for the next step.

3. Complete the document verification and schedule an interview/assessment. Once the completed packet is received, it is reviewed by the divisional principal to determine eligibility for an interview and testing. If eligible, families may be contacted to schedule an interview and assessment; note that interview/testing may not be granted for all applicants due to factors like language proficiency and space.

4. Receive admissions results by email and follow enrollment instructions. Admissions decisions are communicated by email and may be categorized as acceptance, denial, or waitlist. If accepted, families follow the instructions in the enrollment email to confirm enrollment and make the required payments. The process emphasizes multiple factors beyond test results, such as class size, English proficiency, and overall fit.

5. Begin enrollment and complete any remaining steps. Upon acceptance, you will complete enrollment by paying the specified fees and submitting any remaining documents requested by the admissions team. If you are enrolling in Season 2 or in mid-year, space availability may apply, and there are specific deadlines for enrollment depending on the season.

2. Waitlist/Pool
- The school uses a waitlist when spaces are not available. Admission results can indicate a waitlist status, and families may be placed on the waiting list while spaces become available. There is no guaranteed space for waitlisted applicants. In practice, spaces often open up later in the year (for example, late June/July), but availability is not guaranteed and varies by grade and capacity. Families on the waitlist are typically informed by email as spaces become available.

3. Scholarships
- OCSI offers several financial-aid-oriented funds to support access to education. The OCSI Fund for the Future includes a Tuition Assistance Fund to help eligible families, funded through donations and school fundraising. There is also a College Scholarship Fund to assist qualifying students with college costs, and a University Scholarship Award as part of donor-supported programs. The school notes that gifts and funds may be tax-deductible in Japan and the USA depending on the donor program.

Notes and sources used in this overview: The admissions process is documented in Apply to OCSI and the Admissions Guidelines, including timelines, required documents, and the sequence of steps from application through enrollment. Required documents detail what all applicants must submit and what follows after acceptance. Tuition & Fees are published with the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 data showing one-time and ongoing costs, with notes about payment plans and discounts for certain families. Information about waitlists and admissions results is included in the admissions FAQs and the specific waitlist article. Details about scholarships and financial-assistance funds are found in the donor and support pages on OCSI's site.

Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid: OCSI maintains a Tuition Assistance Fund to help ensure access for qualifying students and a College Scholarship Fund to assist with college costs. There is also a University Scholarship Award as part of donor-funded programs. These funds are supported by donations and fundraising and are described in the school's donor materials.

Waitlist
Waitlist/Pool information: The school does not guarantee a space for waitlisted applicants; admission results may designate a waitlist, and spaces often become available later in the season or in late spring/summer, but nothing is guaranteed. Families on the waitlist are typically notified by email as spaces open up. To the extent possible, the school communicates about the likelihood of openings, but there is no fixed timeline for when a space will become available.
School Events
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