Skip to content

Opening September 2026 · Founding Family enquiries now open

KITANO INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN · OPENING SEPTEMBER 2026

A full-English-immersion kindergarten in Kitano, Kobe.

Curious minds. Kind hearts. Global futures.

A warm international kindergarten for children ages 3–6, combining Canadian inquiry-based learning with nature, creativity, movement and play.

Ages 3–6 · Monday–Friday, 9:00–2:30 · After-care until 6:30 · Opening September 2026

A teacher gently guides three kindergarten-age children as they draw and explore letters together at a classroom table.
Ages 3–6
By Green Space KitanoLicensed Canadian educatorSmall, nurturing classesFull English immersionKitano, Kobe
WELCOME

A warm beginning to a global education.

At Kitano International Kindergarten, children are encouraged to explore, create, communicate and grow with confidence. Inspired by Canadian early childhood education, our inquiry-based program nurtures curious, kind and globally minded young learners.

A new chapter by Green Space Kitano

WHAT MAKES KIK SPECIAL

Designed for the whole child.

01 / 06

Full English Immersion

English is part of the whole day, giving children natural, meaningful reasons to listen, speak and connect.

02 / 06

Canadian, Inquiry-Based Curriculum

Questions, discovery and hands-on learning help children become active participants in their education.

03 / 06

Nature & Forest School Inspired

Seasonal, sensory and nature-connected experiences encourage wonder, movement and care for the world around us.

04 / 06

Social & Emotional Development

Children practise expressing feelings, building friendships and approaching new experiences with confidence.

05 / 06

Creative Arts & Movement

Art, music, imaginative play and movement give every child different ways to think and communicate.

06 / 06

Small, Intentionally Nurturing Classes

A warm environment where each child can be known, supported and encouraged.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

A calm, considered kindergarten day.

The essentials, at a glance. More detail is shared during school tours and information sessions.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Ages
3–6 years old
Core hours
Monday–Friday, 9:00am–2:30pm
Language
Full English immersion
Optional bento
Available daily
After-care
Monday–Friday until 6:30pm
Opening
September 2026
Location
Kitano, Kobe
Children playing outdoors together during an active-play session at kindergarten.

Movement, music and play are part of every KIK week.

Learning begins with wonder.

Four connected pillars shape the way we plan each day.

01

Wonder & Inquiry

Children's questions lead the learning, guided by attentive teachers.

02

Nature & Movement

Seasons, materials and outdoor time keep bodies and minds engaged.

03

Language & Communication

English immersion supports listening, speaking and self-expression.

04

Feelings & Friendship

Emotional literacy and kindness are practised gently, every day.

OUR TEAM
Ms. Melinda Crites
Head Teacher · Kitano International Kindergarten
OUR TEAM

Led by Head Teacher Ms. Melinda Crites.

A licensed Canadian educator with a warm, creative and child-centred approach to early childhood education.

HOW TO JOIN KIK

Three simple steps.

  1. 01

    Enquire

    Tell us about your family or request a school tour.

  2. 02

    Visit KIK

    Meet the team, see the environment and ask questions.

  3. 03

    Receive enrollment guidance

    We will explain availability, next steps and Founding Family information.

Founding cohort

Be part of KIK from the beginning.

A limited number of Founding Family enrollment spaces are available. Enquire now about school tours, information sessions and opening-year details.

FAQ

Questions parents often ask.

September 2026.
WORDS FROM OUR COMMUNITY

What families say.

From the Green Space Kitano community.

My child loves the friendly teachers — English finally feels simple and fun.
Saturday School parent
Kobe
A different kind of learning experience. Our daughter actually asks to go on Saturdays.
After School Club family
Kobe, Kitano
The Spring Intensive was the highlight of the holidays — new friends and real English progress.
Spring Intensive parent
Spring Intensive 2025

Shared with permission from Green Space Kitano families.

ENQUIRE

Book a tour or ask a question.

Send an enquiry directly to the KIK team. We reply personally, usually within a couple of business days.

All fields marked * are required.

So we can reach you if email doesn't work.

Preferred communication language *

You can also contact the Green Space Kitano team directly. Open the Green Space Kitano contact page