Honest answers to
parents’ real questions.
Here are the questions we hear most about NGA (NIJIN GLOBAL ACADEMY). As we’re still pre-opening (September 2027), some details are “in preparation” — but we’ll share honestly what we know. Please reach out anytime.
First, what to know
Why “beyond the deviation score”?
Inside the race of scores and rankings, many children are made to feel “I’m not good enough” and come to dislike learning — and themselves. What needs to change is the system, not the child. So NGA chose a way of learning that doesn’t rank people by points.
How is this different from other online schools or international schools?
It’s neither “streamed video” nor “1-on-1 cramming” — dialogue with peers across countries is the engine of learning. And we put “beyond the deviation score” at the very center of the school.
Can we try it or talk to you before enrolling?
Yes. Free trial classes are planned monthly from September 2026, and you can request a personal consultation anytime via Contact. There’s no need to decide right away.
For these children too
Can children who’ve struggled to attend school join?
Yes. Children who found school hard are welcome. We draw on the small-group, dialogue-based know-how built at our parent school, NIJIN ACADEMY. Many families with the same concerns come to us.
What about children with developmental traits?
We respect each child’s pace and traits, and prioritize a small-group, psychologically safe environment. Please talk to us in advance about anything you’re concerned about.
Can shy or introverted children settle in?
With classes of eight and a daily morning circle, children build trust at their own pace. It’s a place where children cheer each other on rather than compete.
What if my child doesn’t speak English?
That’s fine. Bilingual mentors walk alongside each child, with Japanese support, easing into English naturally. There is no English requirement.
I’m worried about too much screen time / phone dependence.
Rather than passive video watching, the design centers on dialogue and projects. We also care about screen time and physical, real-world activity.
Can children make friends and find belonging online?
Yes. Children meet the same friends every day and collaborate on projects. There are no “foreign students” here — it’s a place where peers from many countries mix as equals.
What they learn
Can children really build academic ability online?
Yes. The core is dialogue-based live classes of eight (twice a week), and those who wish can take optional Cambridge IGCSE / A-Level to prove world-standard ability. Rather than passively watching, dialogue turns “I think I get it” into ability you can use.
What subjects are covered?
Language, math and science, plus “global inquiry” and project learning that engage with real societies and problems across countries — nurturing the ability to think, express, and collaborate.
What are IGCSE / A-Level? Are they required?
They’re internationally recognized academic qualifications that universities worldwide value. They’re optional, and useful for applying to universities abroad and in Japan (e.g. returnee admissions). Not required for everyone.
Is there homework or testing?
We don’t run standardized tests for ranking. There are reflections to check understanding, and preparation for those who take IGCSE etc. We value “learning for your own growth,” not “studying to compete.”
Will my child’s Japanese literacy develop?
It’s a bilingual (Japanese–English) environment. How we handle Japanese language is being finalized toward opening, and we’ll consult with you based on your family’s situation.
Teachers & how classes work
Who are the teachers / mentors?
Bilingual mentors accompany each small-group class. Hiring criteria and structure are in preparation toward opening, and we’ll share specifics at the information sessions.
What’s the daily flow and frequency?
Morning circle (9:00) → core classes → lunch (12:30) → projects (14:00) → reflection (15:30). Core live classes are twice a week.
What if my child is absent or can’t join due to time zones? Are recordings available?
We operate with Asia & Oceania time zones in mind. Absence follow-up and recording-playback policies are in preparation, and we’ll explain them at the information sessions.
Admissions & eligibility
What ages do you accept?
Ages 6–18. Families living abroad, and families in Japan who want a global education, are both welcome.
When do you open? When can we enroll?
Opening September 2027. Enrollment timing and steps will be shared first with those on our opening-updates list.
Is there an entrance exam or selection?
No. There’s no English requirement either. We start with a conversation (interview). Every child is welcome.
Can we enroll mid-year, or withdraw / get a refund if it’s not a fit?
Enrollment and withdrawal policies are in preparation toward opening. We value the stance that “you don’t have to force it if it doesn’t fit.” Please consult us individually.
Is there a capacity limit?
We plan a first cohort of 100 students.
Fees
How much are the fees?
Because we’re online with no campus, we plan fees far below in-person international schools. We’ll share the exact amount first with those who join our opening-updates list, so we can guide you to what fits your family.
Are there costs beyond tuition?
Learning materials are included in the monthly fee. There are no hidden costs such as enrollment fees, facility fees, or uniforms. Exam fees for optional qualifications (IGCSE etc.) may apply separately.
Are there sibling discounts or scholarships?
A sibling discount is planned. Other support programs are under consideration.
Online setup & safety
What devices and internet do we need?
A PC or tablet with an internet connection is enough. We’ll share recommended specs toward opening.
What times are classes? Can we join from abroad or from Japan?
We operate on Asia & Oceania time zones. Families living abroad and in Japan can both join.
How is personal data and online safety protected?
Personal data is managed appropriately, and classes run in an environment outsiders can’t freely enter. Mentors watch over online interactions.
How much involvement is needed from parents?
Mentors accompany the learning, so you don’t need to sit with your child throughout. No English ability is required of parents.
Pathways & credentials
What about pathways and university after graduation?
Children graduate carrying both world-standard ability (IGCSE etc.) and character (competencies) as proof. Universities abroad and at home (including returnee admissions), specialist routes, entrepreneurship, creative work — the path they choose.
Can my child obtain a Japanese high-school diploma?
NGA is not a Japanese “ichijō” school, so it does not itself issue a Japanese high-school diploma. International qualifications let students apply to universities worldwide. If you need a Japanese diploma, we’ll discuss the options with you.
Who runs it & trust
Who runs NGA? What’s the track record?
NGA is run by NIJIN, Inc. Our parent school, NIJIN ACADEMY — one of Japan’s largest alternative schools (1000+ enrolled / 97% attendance-recognition rate as of April 2026 / JCI JAPAN TOYP 2025 Grand Prix & Prime Minister’s Encouragement Award, Forbes JAPAN selection, Kids Design Award and more) — brings its know-how to the world.
No question is too small —
please reach out.
Join our opening-updates list and we’ll send fees, admissions and free-trial details first.
