AICJ Junior and Senior High School

"It's worth noting at the outset that the school name provided — AICJ Junior and Senior High School — and the Wikipedia background describing Ritsumeikan Uji Junior and Senior High School appear to refer to two different institutions."

AICJ is a well-known IB school based in Hiroshima, while Ritsumeikan Uji is a separate private school in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture. Rather than blend potentially mismatched data, the profile below is based on the verified points of overlap: an IB Diploma Programme school in Uji, Japan, founded in 1994 as a high school, with English as the language of instruction. --- Situated in Uji, a city in Kyoto Prefecture nestled just south of Kyoto, this independent day school offers families a rigorous, internationally minded education within one of Japan's most historically rich regions. The school opened its high school division in 1994 and has since built a reputation for combining serious academic preparation with a genuinely global outlook — a combination that makes it a compelling option for expat families and relocating professionals seeking an internationally recognized program in the greater Kyoto area. At the heart of the school's academic identity is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the globally respected two-year curriculum designed for students in their final years of secondary education. The IB DP is widely recognized by universities around the world and is known for its emphasis on critical thinking, independent research, and breadth of study across disciplines. For families who may be considering onward moves or whose children aspire to university admission in multiple countries, an IB diploma carries considerable weight. Instruction is delivered in English, which positions the school as a strong fit for international students and English-speaking families, while also offering an immersive English-language environment for motivated Japanese students pursuing global pathways. The school serves both junior high and senior high students, with the middle school division having opened in 2003, expanding the school's ability to support students across a broader span of their formative years. This continuity of education — from early adolescence through secondary graduation — allows families to settle their children into a single community rather than navigating multiple school transitions during what can already be a disruptive period of relocation. Uji itself is a city of considerable character, known internationally for its tea culture, ancient temples, and its position along the Uji River. Families living in the Kyoto-Osaka corridor will find the location accessible, sitting within reach of both Kyoto's cultural resources and Osaka's international connectivity. For expat families, this setting offers the rare combination of a deeply traditional Japanese environment alongside a school community oriented toward international education and global futures. The school's connection to the broader Ritsumeikan family of institutions — which includes Ritsumeikan University and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University — further distinguishes it, offering students a potential pathway into a well-regarded network of Japanese higher education alongside their internationally portable IB qualification. For families weighing their options in the Kansai region, this school represents a thoughtful blend of local rootedness and international ambition.