Sunnyside International School
Part of Watanabe Gakuen Educational Institution, Secular
Updated July 2026
IB PYP
Sunnyside International School is an IB-authorized primary and kindergarten institution located in Gifu City, Japan, dedicated to fostering global-minded, independent learners. It is the first school in Japan recognized by the Ministry of Education as an "Article One" school to receive IB PYP authorization.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is committed to educational innovation in Japan, transitioning from teacher-led instruction to a student-centered approach. It strives to foster independent learners who possess the skills and mindset to overcome future challenges, while encouraging students to express themselves as members of the school community.
Programmes
The school offers a dual-language programme in English and Japanese, with a specific focus on integrating English acquisition into daily life contexts. The academic curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), which serves both kindergarten and primary school students. The programme incorporates ICT education and emphasizes student agency and active learning.
Outcomes
In 2016, the school became the first "Article One" school in Japan to be authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) school. The institution aims to nurture independent learners equipped with the life skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in a changing global society.
Student support
Learning support
The school prioritizes student well-being, viewing mental and physical health as essential components of effective learning. It also emphasizes student agency to deepen the learning process and collaborates with James Nottingham on "Challenging Learning" to continuously improve educator quality.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What curriculum does Sunnyside International School offer?
- Sunnyside International School offers IB PYP.
- What accreditations does Sunnyside International School hold?
- Sunnyside International School holds accreditations including IB.
- Where is Sunnyside International School located?
- Sunnyside International School is an international school in Gifu, Japan.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school provides application guidelines and details regarding its fee structure. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open campus events or contact the school directly to arrange visits and interviews.
Calendar
The school operates on weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00. Open campus events are held periodically to provide information to prospective families.
About the campus
Located in Gifu City, the campus is situated in a region known for the Nagara River and surrounding mountains. The school utilizes its facilities to support a modern educational environment, including an emphasis on ICT education.
Co-curriculars
The school offers opportunities for studying abroad through a partnership with its sister school, Kauri Learners in New Zealand. Additionally, the school provides daily nutritious school lunches for students.
Hisayuki WatanabeHead of SchoolHisayuki Watanabe is the Head of School at Sunnyside International School. After spending his 20s in Europe, he returned to Japan to innovate the education system, opening Sunnyside International School in 2002 and achieving the first IB-PYP authorization for a Japanese school in 2016. He serves on the IBO Heads Council and the Japanese Ministry of Education's IB education consortium.