Canadian Academy

"Canadian Academy, known widely as CA, is one of Asia's most established international schools, with a history stretching back to its founding in 1913 in Kobe, Japan."

More than a century of operation has given this independent, co-educational institution a deep sense of identity and purpose, making it a compelling choice for expat families and relocating professionals seeking continuity and quality in their children's education. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, offering a genuinely integrated educational pathway across its elementary, middle, and high school divisions. Academically, Canadian Academy is distinguished by its commitment to both an American-style curriculum and the full suite of International Baccalaureate programmes. Students progress through the IB Primary Years Programme in the elementary years, the IB Middle Years Programme through the middle school, and the rigorous IB Diploma Programme at the high school level. This coherent, internationally recognized framework ensures that students are well-prepared for university admission and adult life wherever in the world their families may eventually settle. As a not-for-profit school, CA's priorities remain firmly centered on student outcomes rather than commercial interests. The school holds accreditation from both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, a respected U. S. -based accrediting body, and the Council of International Schools, reflecting its commitment to meeting rigorous international standards. It is also approved by the Japanese Ministry of Education and holds U. S. State Department assisted status, which speaks to the trust that diplomatic and international professional communities have placed in the institution over the decades. Canadian Academy is situated on Rokkō Island, a striking man-made island located off the coast of Kobe. The campus setting is distinctive — tucked within a planned, largely residential island community that sits at the intersection of urban convenience and a more contained, neighborhood-like atmosphere. Kobe itself is a cosmopolitan port city long associated with international exchange, historically one of the first Japanese cities to welcome significant foreign communities. The school's roots in this environment have helped shape a genuinely global student body and an institutional culture comfortable with diversity and cross-cultural exchange. The school offers both day and boarding options, making it accessible not only to families based in the greater Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area but also to students from further afield. English serves as the primary language of instruction, as is typical for international schools operating under American and IB frameworks, and the school's international character is reflected throughout its programs and community life. What ultimately sets Canadian Academy apart is the rare combination of longevity, academic breadth, and genuine community. Few international schools anywhere can claim more than a century of unbroken operation, and that history has produced an institution with well-developed traditions, experienced faculty, and alumni networks that span generations. For families navigating a move to Japan and seeking a school that offers both academic rigor and a warm, internationally minded community, Canadian Academy represents one of the region's most trusted options.