A huge preschool on Nakatsuhama Line in Nagata-cho, Nishinomiya, “Kids Duo International Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi”, is apparently holding its first admissions information session for April 2027 enrollment on Saturday, May 23〜
Shachomi also got to tour KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi back in 2024, and I still remember how impressive it was〜The career-experience area was seriously authentic
There are probably quite a few parents in Nishinomiya thinking, “I want my child to attend a school where they can pick up English, but an international school feels like a bit much〜.”
目次
What kind of place is “KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi”?
KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi is Hyogo Prefecture’s first bilingual preschool, opened in April 2024.
In Kansai, it’s apparently the second KDI school after “KDI Toyonaka” in Toyonaka, Osaka.
Here’s Shachomi’s article from back then↓
The key point is that it’s a little different from an international school. At KDI, the curriculum is designed so children can “naturally” acquire both English and Japanese.
Exactly. And it’s not just English. There are three main pillars of education〜
Immersion education for young children, where they spend their preschool day in English with native-speaking teachers.
The career-experience activities in English are apparently super exciting for the kids〜
🧠 Intellectual Development
A program that stimulates cognitive factors using around 100 types of educational materials, including pattern blocks
They apparently have IQ tests too
🏃 Physical Education
A KDI specialty! “Ninja Play”, where children learn nine basic movements through play.
They even have three physical education teachers〜
KDI is a preschool run by Yaruki Switch Group, which operates various schools such as “Kids Duo,” “Child Eyes,” and “Ninja Nine”〜
It makes sense that people say, “You don’t have to send your child to a bunch of separate lessons.”〜Plenty of families are running around from English to abacus to gymnastics and more
So what’s it actually like? We were curious, so…
We asked parents whose children actually attend
We spoke with several parents whose children attend KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi〜
1. What made you choose KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi?
“I thought it would be helpful that they provide not only English education, but Japanese education too.”
“The fact that they offer not just English, but serious intellectual development and physical education as well.”
“The bus service is a big help. I’m glad there was a bus stop in a convenient location.”
“We decided after meeting the teachers at the information session! The atmosphere was really nice.”
2. What are you glad about after enrolling?
“I’m surprised by my child’s English ability. They’re picking it up more than I expected.”
“They’ve learned not only how to switch between English and Japanese, but also to understand cultural differences.”
“The way my child runs has changed! Ninja Play seems to have given them confidence.”
3. What concerns were resolved after enrolling?
“Both children and parents can make good use of their time without being overwhelmed by extra lessons.”
“The bus is convenient, so it’s easy to attend even while working. My child enjoys it, so I feel comfortable leaving them there.”
“The school lunches are also great: handmade, additive-free, and made with domestic ingredients, which matches our family’s approach.”
In this spacious kitchen, they apparently make sweets in English. That has to be fun〜
We also spoke with English Director Nick
KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi’s English Director, Nick
He’s a veteran teacher who has been teaching since the first year of KDI Toyonaka, the first KDI in Kansai, which opened in 2020〜
He’s bright and apparently very popular with the children, and parents who attended the information session also seem to have a great impression of him. Apparently his English pronunciation is very easy to understand
We asked Nick a few questions〜
Q. What’s amazing about KDI?
“While remaining here in Japan, children can immerse themselves in a variety of fun and rewarding activities and grow as global individuals. At the same time, they also acquire the cultural values and behavioral norms needed to live in Japanese society.”
“It is truly moving to see children naturally switch languages depending on who they are speaking to.”
Q. Do you have a message for parents?
“As Japan’s future continues to change, please give your child the chance to succeed. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you!”
Every day here is a lifetime treasure.
(Every day at KDI will become a treasure for life.)
Nick is also scheduled to speak at the information session on Saturday, 5/23, so we recommend meeting him in person and getting a feel for the atmosphere〜.
