About KCI
World-class international education in Kumamoto.
Kumamoto Christian International (KCI) seeks to nurture children who grow in faith, academics, and character through education rooted in Christian values. We provide an English-based learning environment that encourages students to gain confidence, develop their abilities, and become individuals who can contribute to both the local community and the wider world.
About KCI
Kumamoto Christian International (KCI) is an English immersion elementary program scheduled to open in April 2026. Building upon nearly 20 years of experience from Hilltop International School—an immersion-based early childhood education facility established in 2006—we continue a proven foundation of cultivating strong English proficiency in children.
While Hilltop has focused primarily on English immersion education, KCI inherits that foundation and sets forth a renewed mission rooted in the Christian faith. Our vision is to support the balanced growth of students in faith, academics, and character, fostering individuals who live with integrity and a clear sense of purpose. KCI seeks to integrate international educational standards with a biblical worldview, valuing both academic development and spiritual growth.
Mission
Our education is founded on biblical values,
nurturing both spiritual formation and academic growth.
- A mission to love others and contribute to society
- A calling to bring light to the world through a righteous heart and actions
- A mission to be fulfilled through compassion for others and service
- A responsibility to live with love and truth
- A way of life that practices God’s love
※ At KCI, being a Christian is not a requirement for admission. However, we ask all families to understand and agree that our educational principles are founded on Christian values—such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Directors' Greeting
Representatives Martin Tomao
Tomao Chika
Welcome to Kumamoto Christian International (KCI).
It is a great joy and honor for us to serve as representatives of KCI. At KCI, we believe that education is more than academic achievement. Children must not only gain wisdom and knowledge, but also learn to value honor, show respect, and develop compassionate character.
In today’s society, values and ideas shift like the wind, yet our foundation remains unchanging. At KCI, our education is built upon the timeless truth of the Bible. Our desire is that each student discovers the gifts given by God and learns to live with integrity and purpose.
Jesus once said,
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
(Matthew 16:26)
Proverbs 22:6 also tells us,
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
And 1 Corinthians 13:13 declares,
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
We sincerely hope that you will walk with us on this journey of faith and learning.
Corporate Profile
Facilities
- ・KCI campus: 240 tsubo (approx. 793 m²)
- ・Security cameras installed on campus and around the facility
- ・On-site parking available
There are two spacious parking areas available (shared parking for HIS and KCI).
Hilltop Studio Hall (used for gatherings, meetings, and indoor physical activities)
Inside Hilltop Studio Hall (Main Hall)
Free play and outdoor activities (including physical education)
There is a nature-rich open field nearby, used for experiential learning, outdoor activities, Bible reading, physical education, and more.
There are two spacious parking areas available (shared parking for HIS and KCI).
Hilltop Studio Hall (used for gatherings, meetings, and indoor physical activities)
Inside Hilltop Studio Hall (Main Hall)
Free play and outdoor activities (including physical education)
There is a nature-rich open field nearby, used for experiential learning, outdoor activities, Bible reading, physical education, and more.
Corporate Profile
Kumamoto Christian International is operated by the following two organizations.
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Hilltop International School, Inc.
- Establishment:
- August 2006
- Representative Director:
- Chika Tomao
- Business Activities:
- Kindergarten, English Language Education, International School Operations
- Location:
- 2-31-18 Tatsuta Jinnai, Kita-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 861-8005, Japan
- Banks:
- Kumamoto Bank, Higo Bank
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Hilltop International School General Incorporated Association
- Establishment:
- August 2023
- Representative Director:
- Marty Tomao
- Business Activities:
- Kindergarten, English Language Education, International School Operations, After-School Programs, Community Activities, Christian Ministry, and Child Welfare Services
- Location:
- 2-31-18 Tatsuta Jinnai, Kita-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 861-8005, Japan
- Banks:
- Kumamoto Bank, Higo Bank
History
- 2006
- Hilltop International School established as an English immersion early childhood education facility.
Built a record of nearly 20 years in English immersion education.
- August 2022
- The vision for KCI began.
Visits to Christian schools across Japan were conducted, forming new relationships and connections.
- August 2025
- KCI became a member of Christian Academy in Japan’s parallel program.
- September 2025
- Joined the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
- April 2026
- Kumamoto Christian International (KCI) elementary division opens.
- September 2026
- Begin preparations toward ACSI accreditation.
KCI Policies
The following policies are provided as an overview to help parents understand KCI’s principles and approach.
Details of each policy will be explained during the orientation for enrolled families.
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Policies .01 Discipline and Conduct
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We value an environment where students honor one another, show respect, and act with compassion. Discipline is carried out with a positive and restorative approach, emphasizing responsibility for one’s actions and learning from mistakes rather than punishment. Our perspective on conduct and character is grounded in the unchanging truth of the Bible, which remains a firm foundation even amidst shifting values in society.
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Policies .02 Language
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English is used as the primary language throughout school life, including during classes, lunchtime, playtime, and all school events. While a completely English-only environment cannot always be guaranteed, using English as the common language removes barriers among students of different national backgrounds and encourages active communication.
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Policies .03 Health and Safety
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We are committed to protecting the health and safety of all children. Daily health checks, responses to illness or injury, and preparedness for emergencies such as earthquakes or fires are carried out according to clear procedures. We believe that valuing one another’s health and safety is part of living together with love and responsibility.
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Policies .04 Privacy Protection
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We value the privacy of all children and their families. Personal information is collected and used solely for educational and operational purposes, and is carefully protected in accordance with legal standards. Records, photographs, and communications are handled with integrity and compassion, as we place great importance on building relationships of trust.
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Policies .05 Community Code of Conduct
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KCI believes that education bears its greatest fruit when families and the school respect and work with one another. Together with parents, we uphold the values of honor, respect, and compassion, and seek to build an environment where children can grow both academically and in character through open and sincere communication.
Access
Kumamoto Christian International (KCI)
2-15-17 Tatsuta Jinnai, Kita-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 861-8005, Japan
TEL: +81-96-274-2050 (provisional)
Email：martytomao@kci-hilltop.com
Contact
If you have any inquiries or questions, please feel free to contact us.
Inquiries by Phone
096-274-2050
Weekdays: 09:00–19:00Email Inquiries
096-274-2050
Weekdays: 09:00–19:00 KCI Admissions Info Session Registration