NLIS High School
NLIS students have many unique opportunities for learning.

These opportunities include the following:

High communication skills and high student achievement
Western education emphasizes the ability of students to learn how to think critically and independently. The classes engage in in-depth conversations daily with the teachers and with one another.

Students lead the monthly assembly and programs such as the Christmas Market, fundraising opportunities, and volunteer their services at various locations, including stores, farms, museums, and schools. Students learn to lead!
Leadership roles in the student council and the volunteer program

We work hard and play hard at NLIS!
After studying hard, there must be time to relax and have fun. Students have opportunities to have fun with field trips, water games, class parties, spirit week, and many other opportunities.
American High School is from Grades 9 through 12. Students are expected to take about 6 to 7 classes a year for 4 years.
High School, Grades 9-12, Curriculum Guide
The American high school program follows a four-year sequence—freshman (Grade 9), sophomore (Grade 10), junior (Grade 11), and senior (Grade 12)—with coursework recorded on an official high school transcript beginning in Grade 9.
Bible (Grades 9–12)
Four years required
All high school students take Bible together and study a different section of Scripture each year. Courses emphasize biblical literacy, historical and cultural context, critical discussion, and application to personal and ethical decision-making.
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Year 1 – Gospel of John: The life and teachings of Jesus, including historical context, purpose of the Gospel, and significance of Jesus' ministry, death, and the early church.
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Year 2 – Romans: Core principles of Christian faith examined through Paul's letter, with attention to historical context, theology, and real-life application.
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Year 3 – Proverbs: Biblical wisdom applied to daily life, relationships, character, speech, decision-making, and personal responsibility through discussion and journaling.
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Year 4 – Genesis & Exodus: Foundations of biblical history, authorship, significant figures, the Ten Commandments, and the relationship between faith, history, and worldview.
Language Arts (Grades 9–12)
Four years required
Students develop strong reading, writing, grammar, and critical-thinking skills through the study of classical and modern literature. Emphasis is placed on analytical writing, research, and college readiness.
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British Literature: Major British authors and texts with structured literary analysis and essay writing.
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World Literature: Global literary traditions from ancient to modern times, focusing on themes, philosophy, and cultural context.
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American Literature: Key American works across genres, developing comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression.
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Literary Criticism: Advanced writing and analysis using multiple critical approaches, including college-level essays and research writing.
Library Program:
Students regularly use classroom libraries and visit the Yamanashi Prefectural Library biweekly to support independent reading in English and Japanese.
Mathematics (Grades 9–12)
Three to four years required, depending on the program
The mathematics program develops conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and prepares students for college-level study. Regular, Honors, and Advanced Placement options are available.
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Algebra I: Linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions; systems of equations; data analysis.
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Geometry: Proof, congruence, similarity, trigonometry, and real-world modeling.
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Algebra II: Advanced algebraic concepts, including functions, logarithms, probability, and trigonometry.
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Upper-Level Options: Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, Statistics, or Geometry II.
Honors and AP courses are offered through SevenStar Academy and taken on campus with teacher supervision. Additional fees apply.
Social Studies (Grades 9–12)
Two to three credits required, depending on program
Social Studies courses develop historical understanding, global awareness, critical thinking, and civic responsibility, with attention to Asia and Japan's regional context.
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World History (1500–Present): A global survey of significant events, ideas, and historical figures, emphasizing cultural interactions and historical connections.
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World Geography: Examination of physical and human geography, global resources, sustainability, poverty, and political-economic systems in an interconnected world.
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Teacher Assistant (Elective option): Students support teachers and staff while developing leadership, responsibility, and workplace skills.
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Special Research (Elective option): An independent, mentored research project culminating in a formal presentation to high school peers.
Science (Grades 9–12)
Two to four credits required, depending on program
The science program emphasizes inquiry, experimentation, and real-world application. Students develop scientific reasoning and data analysis skills. Honors and Advanced Placement options are available through SevenStar Academy.
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Biology: Study of living systems, including ecology, genetics, cellular processes, DNA, energy transfer, and environmental stewardship, with hands-on labs.
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Earth Science: Exploration of Earth systems, geology, astronomy, energy resources, and human impact on the environment using interdisciplinary scientific methods.
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Chemistry: College-preparatory course covering matter, atomic structure, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and equilibrium, with laboratory investigations.
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Physics: Foundations of motion, forces, energy, electricity, magnetism, and optics, emphasizing modeling, problem solving, and data analysis.
Honors and AP science courses are available through SevenStar Academy and taken on campus with teacher supervision. Additional fees apply.
Japanese
Four credits required (year-long). Transfer accommodations may apply.
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Track One (for Japanese): Taught entirely in Japanese, focusing on kanji mastery, reading, writing, speaking, and Japanese culture using national textbooks.
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Track Two (JLPT Focus): Bilingual instruction preparing students for JLPT levels N5–N1; N2 is typically required for Japanese university admission.
Electives (Grades 9–12)
Five to six credits required (0.5 credits per semester)
Electives support student interests, creativity, physical wellness, and practical life skills. Offerings vary by year based on student interest and teacher availability.
Examples include:
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Fine & Performing Arts: Sculpture, Drama, Photography, Introduction to Art, Modern Band
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Physical Education: fitness, sports, teamwork, and lifelong health
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Technology & Computer Science: Digital productivity, coding, web design, and data analysis
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Life Skills: Home Economics (textiles, cooking, nutrition, budgeting) and Life Management Skills Class (college prep, paying taxes, opening a bank account, job and college interviews)
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Social Sciences: Introduction to Psychology
Graduation Requirement: Service Learning
Students complete 50 hours of volunteer service during high school and submit a final reflection. Projects promote leadership, community engagement, and personal growth, with flexible options approved by faculty.
Co-Curricular & Enrichment Opportunities
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Student Council: Student leadership in school events, forums, and service initiatives.
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After-School Clubs: Japanese language support, EIKEN prep, TOEFL, EFL, non-contact karate, Bible clubs, Sports Club, and Shamisen
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Advanced Placement classes
New Life International School High School Requirements
Minimum High School Graduation Program
22 credits required with at least a 65% average
English (4 credits)
Required every year. Includes writing, grammar, and speech as components of every class.
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British Literature
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American Literature
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World Literature
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Literary Criticism
Mathematics (3 credits)
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Algebra 1
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Geometry
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One additional math course
Science (2 credits)
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Biology
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Physical Science
Social Studies (2 credits)
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World Geography
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World History
Other required classes (credits)
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Bible (2 credits)
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Japanese (4 credits)
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Fine Arts (1 credit)
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Technology (1 credit)
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Physical Education (1 credit)
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Electives (2 credits)
Recommended High School Graduation Program
24 credits required with at least a 75% average
English (4 credits)
Required every year. Includes writing, grammar, and speech as components of every class.
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British Literature
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American Literature
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World Literature
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Literary Criticism
Mathematics (3 credits)
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Geometry
Science (3 credits)
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Biology
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Physical Science
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Chemistry
Social Studies (2 credits)
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World Geography
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World History
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Bible (2 credits)
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Japanese (4 credits)
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Fine Arts (1 credit)
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Technology (1 credit)
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Physical Education (1 credit)
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Electives (3 credits)
Distinguished High School Graduation Program
26 credits required with at least an 80% average
English (4 credits)
Required every year. Includes writing, grammar, and speech as components of every class.
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British Literature
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American Literature
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World Literature
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Literary Criticism
Mathematics (4 credits)
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Geometry
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One advanced mathematics course
Science (4 credits)
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Biology
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Physical Science
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Chemistry
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Physics
Social Studies (3 credits)
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World Geography
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World History
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Research or Teacher Assistant
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Bible (2 credits)
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Japanese (4 credits)
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Fine Arts (1 credit)
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Technology (1 credit)
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Physical Education (1 credit)
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Electives (3 credits)
Additional Graduation Information
Credit Information
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Fine Arts, Technology, Physical Education, and many elective courses are typically one-semester classes worth 0.5 credit.
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NLIS operates on a two-semester academic year.
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Bible classes earn 0.5 credit per year.
Transfer Students
Students transferring during their senior year must complete at least five full-credit courses through NLIS to graduate from NLIS.
Digital Learning Requirement
All students are required to complete at least one online course to help prepare them for the digital age. Additional fees apply for online courses.
Social Studies Electives
Students may choose:
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Student Aid (assisting teachers with grading, tutoring, and classroom support)
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Independent Research
Both electives have specific learning objectives and requirements.
Community Service Requirement
All high school students must complete 50 hours of voluntary community service before graduation. Service opportunities may include helping at local businesses, farms, community organizations, churches, or other approved locations. These hours may be completed after school, on weekends, or during school holidays. NLIS can assist students in finding volunteer opportunities.

