Liberty International School

I was just on the Liberty International School (LIS) website, and here’s what makes this school stand out. Located in Tsukuba, Japan, LIS serves both the expatriate and local communities, offering a holistic, internationally-focused education. They emphasize that their mission is to empower global learners for college and beyond, stating that “true education extends beyond textbooks.” This philosophy is evident as they integrate academic rigor with personal growth, aiming to nurture students who “think critically, act compassionately, and communicate effectively across cultures.”

One of the key elements that LIS focuses on is social-emotional learning, which they highlight as essential for developing resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of self in their students. They believe in fostering student agency, encouraging learners to take ownership of their educational journey and actively participate in shaping their school community. In their words, “we foster student agency by encouraging learners to take ownership of their education and contribute to the school community.” This approach not only promotes academic achievement but also instills a lifelong commitment to making meaningful contributions toward “a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world.”

The curriculum at Liberty International School is aligned with the U.S. Common Core State Standards (CCSS), providing a rigorous yet flexible program that balances academic excellence with global perspectives and holistic development. They offer a variety of subjects including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and languages, with Japanese being compulsory. They stress the importance of project-based learning, where students engage in multidisciplinary projects to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation in problem-solving. As they articulate, their educational goals include “fostering academic excellence through project-based learning in a multidisciplinary approach” and “developing intercultural understanding, empathy, and respect for diversity.”

In terms of extracurricular activities, LIS believes that exploration outside of academics is crucial for student development. Their offerings include sports, languages, music, innovation, and even farming, which helps cultivate leadership and teamwork among students through roles like the Student Council. This is part of their commitment to providing a dynamic learning community, where every student is inspired to achieve academic excellence while also embracing diversity.

Regarding university and career pathways, LIS graduates have gone on to be accepted into esteemed universities across the globe, including prestigious institutions in Japan, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia. Fields of study that LIS graduates pursue include Business & Economics, STEM disciplines, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences & International Relations. They proudly list institutions such as Northwestern University, Waseda University, and the University of New South Wales as examples of where their alumni have continued their education.

The faculty at Liberty International School plays a critical role in the educational experience, with a diverse and internationally experienced team consisting of highly qualified educators who specialize in their respective subject areas. The school emphasizes that these educators undergo continuous professional training to stay current with the latest teaching methodologies and educational best practices. This commitment ensures that students receive an exceptional education, grounded in both academic and personal growth.

Overall, Liberty International School is about more than just academics; it’s about developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of a complex global society. Their supportive environment celebrates diversity and cultivates an atmosphere where students can thrive both personally and academically. They strive to be a model of innovative, self-directed learning, equipping their students with the knowledge, skills, and emotional intelligence necessary for lifelong success. I came away impressed by their dedication to creating global citizens who are open-minded and flexible, making it clear that education at LIS is about nurturing the whole child.