Empowered by Evidence
Research-based teaching leads to visible results at KA International School.
KA International School (KAIS), located in central Tokyo, is redefining international education in Japan.
With its recent Visible Learning certification, KAIS—the first school in the country to earn this recognition—is taking a bold step toward building classrooms where research-backed teaching strategies and student voices drive success.
High-Impact Teaching and Learning
At KAIS, teaching is not based on guesswork. The Visible Learning framework, developed by education expert John Hattie, draws on more than 2,000 global studies and insights from 300 million-plus students to identify the most effective teaching strategies. By working with Corwin, the official partner of Hattie’s research, KAIS underwent a rigorous, three-year certification process.
The intensive workshops were a full-team effort. Teachers collaborated closely to create a consistent yet flexible approach to teaching that made full use of the tried-and-true strategies available from the Visible Learning framework. “The teaching team is deeply committed to doing what works—and through collective efficacy, we refine our practice to help every student grow,” says Maha Sadi, a teacher at KAIS.
With the Visible Learning framework, educators at KAIS emphasize clarity within their classrooms, always making sure to answer two key questions with students: What are we learning and how do we know we’ve learned it? Teachers and students are always in dialogue with each other about which strategies are working and which aren’t, giving students the opportunity to reflect on their own learning and evaluate their progress. Rather than relying on instinct, teachers and students engage in continuous feedback, making learning more transparent and transformative.
Fostering Confidence, Compassion, and Global Mindsets
Academic excellence is just one part of the KAIS experience. With a small school environment and low student-to-teacher ratio, KAIS offers personalized support in a warm, inclusive setting. Students are challenged appropriately and encouraged to reflect on their learning journey every step of the way. “Our goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where students challenge themselves and one another to grow beyond what they thought possible,” explains Maha.
The school also emphasizes character development, guided by nine core culture words such as “welcoming” and “resilient.” These values are embraced by students as young as five and help shape a connected, globally minded community.
If you’re an international family in Japan for the long term or even just a few years, KAIS offers a joyful, forward-thinking education that prepares students to thrive anywhere in the world.
September 2025
