Press Release
Kikokushijo Academy to Pre-Open Its First Kansai School in Osaka in January 2027
Bringing KA’s proven track record in returnee and English-language entrance exam preparation for Hiroo Gakuen and Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen to Osaka. Full opening planned for March 2027.
Kikokushijo Academy (KA), which specializes in English education and entrance exam preparation for returnee and bilingual students, will begin welcoming students to its first Kansai campus in Osaka on Saturday, January 9, 2027.
During the pre-opening period, KA will offer in-person English classes on Saturdays and Sundays at a temporary classroom space near Osaka Station, ahead of the full opening at its permanent location in March 2027. In January and February, classes will be available for students in elementary Grades 4 and 5 and junior high Grades 1 and 2 preparing for junior high and high school entrance examinations.
KA classes help students develop the confidence to think and express themselves in English.
Bringing KA's Proven Approach to Entrance Exam Preparation to Kansai
For more than 20 years, KA has helped students prepare for returnee and English-language entrance examinations while developing their ability to read, think critically, discuss, and express themselves in English. Beyond helping students gain admission to their chosen schools, KA emphasizes building skills that will support their continued academic success.
KA's Share of Successful Applicants in 2026 Returnee and English-Language Entrance Examinations
Hiroo Gakuen Junior High School: 76%
Hiroo Gakuen Koishikawa Junior High School: 69%
Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Shibuya Junior High School: 100%
Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Makuhari Junior High School: 85%
Drawing on this experience in English education and entrance exam preparation, KA's Osaka campus will provide a learning environment where students can build on their English proficiency as they work toward admission to their chosen schools.
Note: These figures represent the proportion of successful applicants in the specified entrance examination categories who were KA students, not the acceptance rate among KA students who took the exams. Figures for Hiroo Gakuen and Hiroo Gakuen Koishikawa refer to the International AG entrance examinations. Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number and reflect data as of June 2026. For details on the methodology and examination categories, please see KA's admissions results press release.
Classes Available During the Pre-Opening Period
In January and February, KA's Osaka school will offer the following in-person English classes on Saturdays and Sundays.
Junior High School Entrance Exam Preparation | Elementary Grades 4 and 5 (Advancing to Grades 5 and 6 in April)
Designed for students preparing for junior high school entrance examinations, these classes will strengthen English reading comprehension and expression skills while helping students prepare for returnee and English-language entrance exams.
High School Entrance Exam Preparation | Junior High Grades 1 and 2 (Advancing to Grades 2 and 3 in April)
Designed for students preparing for high school entrance examinations, these classes will develop students' ability to comprehend English texts and express their own ideas as they prepare for entrance exams.
Entrance exam preparation in Japanese, arithmetic, mathematics, and other subjects is also available online. Further details will be announced on the Osaka school information page.
Trial Lessons Begin January 9, with a Special Enrollment Offer
Trial lessons will begin on January 9, 2027, giving families the opportunity to experience KA's teaching approach firsthand and discuss available courses and their children's future learning needs.
To celebrate the opening of its Osaka school, KA is offering a special enrollment promotion.
Offer: ¥25,000 off the enrollment fee
Eligibility: Students who attend a trial lesson during January 2027 and begin regular classes by February 15, 2027
KA Osaka Campus at a Glance
Pre-Opening Date | January 9, 2027 |
Pre-Opening Location | Temporary classroom space near Osaka Station |
Class Days | Saturdays and Sundays |
Primary Students | Returnee and bilingual students in elementary Grades 4 and 5 and junior high Grades 1 and 2 (2026 academic year) |
Main Programs | In-person English classes for junior high and high school entrance exam preparation |
Permanent School Location | Scheduled to open in March 2027 |
Osaka School Information Page |
KA Official Website: https://www.kikokushijoacademy.com
About Global KA Holdings Inc.
Company Name: Global KA Holdings Inc.
Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
President and CEO: Charles Knudsen
Business Activities: English education, operation of international schools, and educational information and media services
Key Group Brands: Kikokushijo Academy (KA), KA International School (KAIS), Global Step Academy (GSA), The International School Times (IST), and others
Official Website: https://globalka.com
Media Inquiries
Global KA Holdings Inc.
Public Relations
Email: media@globalka.com