Hiroshima International School
Hiroshima International School (HIS) is a co-educational, non-sectarian day school serving students from Early Childhood (EC3) through Grade 12 in Hiroshima, Japan. Founded in 1962, HIS offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum in a warm, inclusive, and globally minded community.
In small classes where every student is known, HIS is committed to high-quality learning that builds community, agency, resilience, and a love of learning. Students are empowered to thrive as responsible global citizens who contribute to society and act for peace in an evolving world.
HIS serves both international and local families. The language of instruction is English, and students represent around twenty nationalities, with roughly one third Japanese, one third bicultural, and one third expatriate.
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At a Glance
- Location: Hiroshima, Japan
- Type: Co-educational day school
- Founded: 1962
- Programmes: IB PYP, MYP, and DP (EC3–Grade 12)
- Enrollment: ~180 students
- Language of Instruction: English
- Student Nationalities: Around 20
IB Programmes and Courses
HIS is an IB World School offering three programmes:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP): EC3 – Grade 5
- Middle Years Programme (MYP): Grades 6 – 10
- Diploma Programme (DP): Grades 11 – 12
- English A Language & Literature (SL / HL)
- Japanese A Literature (SL / HL)
- English/Japanese Language Acquisition
- Global Politics (SL / HL)
- Biology (SL / HL)
- Chemistry (SL / HL)
- Physics (SL / HL)
- Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (SL / HL)
- Visual Arts (SL / HL)
- Music (SL / HL)
Online DP courses (e.g. via Pamoja Education) may be available to extend subject choice where appropriate.
All IB Diploma students also complete:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Grade Distribution and Assessment
HIS uses the IB grading scale of 1 to 7 in Grades 9–12.
- Grades are criterion-referenced and aligned with IB standards.
- HIS does not rank students or calculate GPA.
- HIS does not award academic prizes or class rankings.
Programmes by Grade:
- Grades 9–10: IB Middle Years Programme
- Grades 11–12: IB Diploma Programme (full Diploma or courses) combined with the HIS High School Diploma
Graduation Requirements
To earn the Hiroshima International School High School Diploma, students must:
- Achieve a minimum of 23 credits (IB grade 3 or higher)
- Successfully complete CAS requirements
- Maintain a satisfactory attendance record
Students are encouraged to pursue appropriately challenging IB courses and, where suitable, the full IB Diploma.
IB Diploma Results
HIS has a long and consistent record of success in the IB Diploma Programme.
- IB Diploma pass rate (2007–2024): 92.4%
- Average IB Diploma score (2007–2024): 32.5
- Average IB Diploma score (Class of 2024): 30
These results reflect strong teaching, close pastoral support, and the advantages of a small, student-centered learning environment.