About Us

BUDDY GSA International School (BGIS) is an innovative international preschool and kindergarten specializing in sports and physical education. Our curriculum combines the Global Step Academy global education program with the physical education program by BUDDY, and is built upon years of experience by specialized early-childhood educators.

The primary goal of BUDDY GSA International School is to develop well-rounded individuals by fostering their intellectual, creative, personal, social, and physical abilities, with the goal of “finding a place anywhere in the world where you can be yourself, and cultivate the skills to live a fulfilling life.” The school is committed to educating both local and foreign students to be international and independent thinkers. Also, we focus heavily on academic quality, long-term community development, an understanding of diversity, as well as language learning and communication, ethics, self-awareness, and mindfulness.

We believe that classroom and co-curricular activities are essential for child development. Therefore we put a high focus on sports, music, and extracurricular activities where children can fully use their five senses in the learning process, while learning effectively how to function both as an individual and as part of a group through active learning. Our ultimate goal is for every student to gain the fundamental skill sets and knowledge to become a global citizen and be well-prepared to enter elementary school and continue their educational journey, whether it’s at an international school, a local school in Japan, or overseas.

Greetings

“Fukuoka BUDDY was established in 1992 with the goal of raising “the educators of the future”, nurturing children who can think and act for themselves, change their way of thinking and have confidence in themselves without being afraid of new things. Obviously, our aim is also to train teachers and instructors who share this mindset. As of 2023, we could open licensed childcare facilities and “sports kindergartens” in several areas of Fukuoka and Saga, such as Chikushino, Nogata, Nakagawa, and Koga. Additionally, we developed unique educational programs and sports clubs that offer soccer, gymnastics, classical ballet, golf, cheerleading, dance, basketball, and karate.

It is said that 80% of a child’s nervous system development occurs by age five. During this crucial period, it is essential to stimulate the five senses and nervous system through sports and activities that emphasize outdoor play and foster basic motor skills and mental well-being. That is why we have developed a unique program to engage children in holistic learning and hands-on activities. Additionally, our curriculum focuses on English as a universal communication tool to stimulate the children’s brains during the most sensitive period for language acquisition. We started BUDDY GSA International School with the aim to maximize the children’s possibilities for the future and enable them to live to the fullest anywhere in the world.”

Soichiro Tsurumaru
BUDDY GSA International School

Why Choosing Us

A Wide Variety of Experiences

Our academic curriculum, the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), is used by over 140 nurseries in 47 countries worldwide and is tailored to provide learning to children of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Multiple weekly lessons for all core academic subjects such as Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Japanese are provided. Our child-centered approach encourages learning through discovery and exploration, focusing on fun, hands-on learning relevant to the children and nurturing their natural curiosity about the world they live in.

International Learning Environment

All lessons are taught in English by experienced early-childhood educators and instructors. Children also have plenty of opportunities to experience Japanese culture through seasonal events and weekly language classes. For safe and effective learning, an appropriate number of students are accommodated in each class. Our teachers are carefully selected, passionate Early Childhood educators with experience in Japan and overseas. Our main goal is to have children enjoy every moment at school, and while they are having fun, equip them with all of the tools and knowledge that will make them shine. We are committed to the continuous improvement of our facilities and educational environment to maintain the highest quality in early childhood education.

Exciting Outdoor Activities

Children can enjoy outdoor play and activities daily. During our outdoor time, we visit various parks depending on the season, where children can run around freely, play games, and ball sports, explore rivers and fields during summer, and go mountain climbing. We make dumplings, visit a planetarium, and go on three field trips at least three times per year. Other activities included in the program are vegetable harvesting and exchange events with other preschools. Furthermore, we organize a one-night, two-day camp where children can spend time with teachers without their parents. In addition, as part of our sports curriculum, we offer swimming classes, ice skating practice, grass skiing, and actual skiing on snow mountains depending on the season and the children’s age.

Free Online Services

Students may take up to 8 free lessons (25 minutes each) every month with Global Step Academy. Free school guidance services are also available for students who wish to apply for other international schools in Japan or abroad.

Support After Graduation

Both students and graduates can benefit from a variety of services such as online classes and counseling. We also welcome graduates and returnees to our after-school programs and seasonal programs (Spring School, Summer School, and Winter School).

Additional Services

Lunch and school bus services are available. We also offer morning and afternoon extension for working parents, as well as after school programs and tutoring for an additional price.

Our Facilities