ISN Philosophy

Our Educational Philosophy

Open Mindset +Integrity =Self-Confidence

At ISN, these ideas are the foundation of learning. When children learn to understand different values with an open mind and face each day with honesty, they begin to build steady self-trust from within.

Open Mindset

We help children understand and respect different ways of thinking.

Integrity

We remain true to our authentic selves and the way we genuinely aspire to be.

Building Self-Trust

Through consistent effort, children learn to trust themselves.

Vision — The ideal state we aim for

A world of choice
for all children.

My World

The personal world each child holds within

Earth

The global, physical world we all share

The term “world” holds two meanings: the personal sense of “My world,” and the global sense of “Earth.”

Individual dreams and actions create ripples of energy that influence others — ultimately shaping a better global future.

Mission — Our reason for being

To empower children
through learning.

Guiding Principles

Expected behaviors in pursuit of our philosophy

Connecting with the Fundamentals

Connecting with the fundamentals means understanding the core ideas and values behind things — not just learning basic facts or skills. It’s about discovering what truly matters and applying that understanding in meaningful ways.

Active, Empathic Listening

We embrace an open mindset toward others’ words and feelings, seeking not just surface-level reactions but deeper understanding. At ISN, we emphasize empathy and mindful communication, helping children develop the ability to build trust and authentic connections.

Engaging with Care and Attention

From greetings and cleaning to building relationships and managing time. Approaching each aspect of life with gratitude and care nurtures students’ self-esteem and confidence, while deepening trust with those around them.

At ISN, we value sincere and thoughtful engagement with people and situations. By appreciating each small step, students build the confidence to take on new challenges with a positive mindset.

Proactiveness, Agency, and Ownership

At ISN, we focus on developing students from individual creativity to collaborative co-creation within teams. ISN sees independence and proactivity as follows.

Independence

Operating within set boundaries

Acting within defined roles
Students act proactively within their defined roles and responsibilities, focusing on completing tasks responsibly — yet tend to work independently rather than seeking help from others.

Proactivity

Agency & Ownership — beyond boundaries

Operating beyond boundaries
Students take action with a broader perspective, going beyond their own limits.
Creating rules and involving others
They demonstrate leadership by guiding teams or groups, collaborating with others and actively taking the lead to solve problems.

Design Thinking

“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

— Henry Ford

Design thinking is a creative approach that looks beyond improving what already exists. It begins with empathy — seeking out hidden needs — and leads to bold, innovative solutions.

At ISN, we encourage students to challenge assumptions and reimagine what’s possible, understanding the “real wants” behind people’s surface-level needs through care and empathy.

Messages

Representative’s Message

ISN Representative

Rie Kuribayashi

The world is constantly changing, and the changes ahead of us will be faster and more complex than ever before. Those of you who are actively engaged in society are likely already experiencing this reality firsthand.

Advances in AI and technology, globalization, and increasingly diverse values are reshaping the way we live and work. In the years ahead, simply memorizing the “right” answers will no longer be enough. Children will need to understand the strengths and limitations of AI, think independently, make sound judgments, and create new value.

The children who will shape our future need the ability to learn from the past, understand the present, and imagine and create a better future. To do this, they need critical thinking, collaboration, creative problem-solving, self-awareness and self-management, responsible decision-making, and the ability to develop flexible solutions to complex challenges.

At ISN, we systematically develop these skills through the ISN Program, which is grounded in the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate (IB).

One concept we place particular importance on is Agency.

Agency means taking ownership of one’s own life — the ability to think, make choices, and take action for oneself. In a rapidly changing world, we believe it is essential for children to learn how to draw on their own strengths and the resources around them, and to develop the confidence and ability to shape their own future.

The ISN Program is also strengthened by our connections with IB schools, educators, and learners around the world.

Guided by the IB mission of developing the values, knowledge, and skills young people need to build a better and more peaceful world, our students learn to connect their local communities with the wider world. Through this, they grow into individuals who can make a positive impact not only in their own lives, but also on the people and communities around them.

At ISN, our role is not simply to help children adapt to the future. We support them in becoming people who can actively shape the future — and contribute to greater well-being for themselves, for others, and for the world around them.

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