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A 50 year history

Since opening our doors in 1972 to less than 30 students, Fukuoka International School has expanded and evolved into a high-quality educational institution. Today, we are a diverse community of over 380 students and 65 staff; united in our diversity and our commitment to our guiding statement.

In 1972, Fukuoka International School was established upon the closure of the U.S. Air Force Base School in Itazuke. Initially using land and buildings supplied by the Japan Baptist Mission, FIS was established with the purpose of serving foreign residents and dual nationals in Japan.

In 1974, FIS became a member of JCIS (the Japan Council of International Schools).

In 1987, FIS became a member of EARCOS (the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools).

In 1988, due to the growth in Japan's foreign population and increasing education demands, FIS had outgrown its facilities. The Fukuoka International School Founding Committee (comprised of over 60 government and civic groups) was formed, with the view of developing a larger, high quality international school in Kyushu.

In 1990, with the help of donations from the community, FIS opened its new school facilities in Momochi (the same site where it continues to operate from today).

In 2003, FIS further expanded its facilities - opening a Fine Arts/Music Center (plus some additional classrooms) just down the road from its main campus. Today this building remains FIS' second campus and is referred to as "The Annex" due to its quirky architectural design!

In 2007, FIS received an accreditation from WASC (the Western Associations of Schools and Colleges), acknowledging its student-centered approach and high quality education offering. That same year, FIS became authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma - a diploma that has since helped many FIS graduates gain entrance into some of the most highly esteemed universities around the world.

In 2012,  the Language Development team was formed to better support student learning.

In 2014, the school was fully authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP).

In 2020, the school was fully authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) - making FIS the first school in Kyushu to offer three IB programs.

A small FIS class captured many years ago

 


 

2021: A Brand Refresh

In 2021, FIS held a community logo competition as part of a full school rebrand. The rebrand also launched a new guiding statement: "Include, Empower, Impact".

In 2021/2022, FIS is celebrating its 50th birthday, marking 50 years of inspiring global minds. You can read more about our jubilee celebrations here.

 

Celebrating 50 years of inspiring global minds

During the 2021-2022 school year we are celebrated a wonderful milestone. Fukuoka International School celebrated its Golden Anniversary, marking 50 years of inspiring global minds.

Since first opening our doors to just a handful of students in August 1972, Fukuoka International School has grown to an annual roll of over 350 students. We have become an IB world school, with a team of over 40 passionate teachers from all around the world. We have outgrown our original campus - relocating to our current riverside location in Momochi - and even acquired a secondary campus to cater to our expanding roll and increased subject offerings. We have improved our facilities and our extra-curricular sports programs, strengthened our community spirit, and continued to evolve and expand our curriculum to ensure we are consistently providing a high-quality international education. We have proudly watched as hundreds of students have graduated from Fukuoka International School, equipped with the skills necessary for success in an ever-changing world.

Throughout the entire 2021/2022 school year, we celebrated our 50th anniversary. From dress up decade days and a time machine, to a school wide kindness challenge and a formal Gala at the Hilton - there was plenty going on for everyone. You can read more about our 50th anniversary year below.

A glimpse into our 50th Anniversary year...

Introducing the 50th Anniversary Kindness Challenge!

We already know that our community is made up of kind people who do kind things everyday, but - to commemorate our 50th Anniversary - over the next two weeks, we're challenging our community to engage in as many acts of kindness as possible!

A night of reminiscing and toasting the future

On Saturday, 16th April, alongside past and present FIS parents, staff, alumni, friends of the school, and esteemed guests from the Fukuoka community, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Fukuoka International School.

50th Anniversary Art Auction

Thank you to all of the very talented community members who submitted their artwork to our 50th Anniversary Art Auction Competition!

A totally rad day!

Our final decade dress up day was "totally rad"! Students & staff rocked a mixture of grunge, preppy and hip-hop looks in celebration of the decade that brought us Tamagotchis, crimped hair and the Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

80s Spirit Day

Scrunchies, leg warmers and double-denim were on display in force for our 80s Spirit Day! Our Student Council even organised some jazzercise and a tetris tournament for our secondary students!

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