What is KISD? The New Keyword in Education

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Every year, new buzzwords appear in the world of education. One of the trending terms right now is “kisd.” But what exactly does it mean, and why is it gaining attention?

The Meaning of KISD

KISD stands for Knowledge, Innovation, Skills, and Development — four essential pillars of modern education:

• Knowledge: Building strong academic foundations and information literacy.
• Innovation: Encouraging creativity and new ideas.
• Skills: Gaining practical abilities that can be applied in real life.
• Development: Growing as an individual and as part of society.

Together, these form the concept of “kisd,” a holistic approach to learning.

Why is KISD Important?

Traditional education has often focused mainly on memorizing knowledge. But in today’s fast-changing world, that’s no longer enough.

• AI and digital society → Creativity and problem-solving skills are crucial.
• Global connections → Communication beyond basic knowledge is required.
• Personal growth → Education should support lifelong development.

This is why schools and educators are starting to use “kisd” as a guiding principle for new curriculums.

How to Apply KISD in Learning

Parents, teachers, and students can all bring “kisd” into everyday learning with simple steps:

1. Connect knowledge to daily life (e.g., using math during shopping).
2. Practice small challenges daily (e.g., asking one new question each day).
3. Learn skills through experiences (e.g., cooking, coding, music).
4. Track personal growth (e.g., keeping a journal or portfolio).

Final Thoughts

“Kisd” is more than just a trend. It’s a vision for the future of education, reminding us that true learning is not only about knowledge, but also about innovation, skills, and personal development.

By integrating kisd into our learning, we can help prepare children — and ourselves — for a brighter, more adaptable future.

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The Prestige of Sacred Heart: New York’s Elite Girls’ School Nurturing Future Leaders

Hello! I’m Maegami, author of the blog “Goddess Bangs”. Today, from the theme of education in New York, I’d like to introduce one of the city’s most prestigious schools: Sacred Heart.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

When choosing an educational environment for your child, balancing academic excellence with character development is essential. Among New York’s many renowned institutions, Sacred Heart Girls’ High School stands out. Did you know Lady Gaga is an alumna?

This article shares the school’s unique appeal, insights from my own visit, and the inspiring history of its founder who pioneered women’s education.

What Is Sacred Heart Girls’ School?

Sacred Heart is a Catholic-based institution that educates future leaders with strong values and a global vision. With schools not only in New York but also across the world, Sacred Heart emphasizes both academics and personal growth.

Admission is open to students of all religions. One of my own students, a Hindu, is happily studying here.

The History of the Founder

Sacred Heart traces its roots back to Madeleine Sophie Barat, a French educator and nun who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in Paris in 1800.

After the French Revolution, Barat believed deeply in the need for women’s education. Her mission was to provide a holistic education based on faith, compassion, and intellectual growth.

Her philosophy—“education of the heart”—remains central today. Students are nurtured not only in academics but also in empathy, service, and leadership.

Education and Curriculum

Sacred Heart provides a well-rounded program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders.

• Diverse Curriculum: Beyond core subjects, students study STEM, arts, and languages. Facilities include science labs, a recording studio, and even fashion-related classes.
• Leadership Development: Programs encourage students to voice opinions confidently and lead with impact.
• Global Perspective: With sister schools in Africa, India, and beyond, international exchanges foster cultural understanding and global awareness.

Student Life and Culture

Sacred Heart is known for its supportive and collaborative environment. Students participate in sports, arts, music, and drama, creating a vibrant school life.

One of my piano students joined the school orchestra and musicals, and her growth was remarkable. Although she once struggled with music theory, her piano playing improved rapidly after entering Sacred Heart. She’s now preparing for the ABRSM Grade 8—the highest level!

Alumni and Future Pathways

Graduates of Sacred Heart move on to top universities such as Harvard, Columbia, and Johns Hopkins. Lady Gaga’s leadership and creativity also reflect the school’s spirit of empowerment.

My own student dreams of pursuing brain research and plans to apply to Johns Hopkins University.

Tuition and Costs

Annual tuition varies by grade. For the 2023–2024 academic year:

• Kindergarten–8th grade: approx. $53,000–$54,000
• High school (Grades 9–12): approx. $60,000

Additional costs include uniforms, books, extracurricular activities, and exchange programs. Financial aid and scholarships are available to support families.

Be sure to check the official school website for the latest tuition details.

Conclusion

Sacred Heart Girls’ School in New York continues to uphold the vision of its founder, Madeleine Sophie Barat: an education that values both intellect and compassion.

While tuition is undeniably high, the school’s rich history, international network, and commitment to developing future leaders make it one of the best options for girls’ education in New York.

Fun fact: The campus neighbors the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, adding even more cultural richness to the learning environment.

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How to Get a U.S. High School Equivalency: The GED Option

Hello everyone! This is Maegami from the blog Goddess Bangs. Many people believe you need to graduate from high school in your home country to study abroad in the U.S., but that’s not necessarily true. Even if you didn’t finish high school in Japan (or elsewhere), you can still pursue education and career opportunities in America. Website

One way to achieve this is by earning the GED (General Educational Development), which is recognized as the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma.

What Is the GED?

The GED is a standardized test that certifies high school-level academic skills in the United States. Passing the exam proves you have the same knowledge as a U.S. high school graduate. For international students, it’s a valuable qualification that opens doors to higher education and employment.

Benefits of Earning a GED

1. Expand Your Education Options
   With a GED, you can apply to community colleges and universities across the U.S.—even top universities if you achieve strong results.
2. Better Job Opportunities
   Many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Having a GED makes job hunting in the U.S. much smoother.
3. A Second Chance to Learn
   Even if you left high school early, the GED gives you another opportunity to continue your education—an important aspect of American education culture.

GED Test Subjects

The GED is divided into four subjects:

• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Reasoning through Language Arts (Reading & Writing)

You must pass all four tests to receive your GED diploma. Good news for Japanese students: the math section is often considered easier, roughly at middle school level in Japan.

Eligibility Requirement

To take the GED, you typically need to:

• Be 16 years or older (some states require 18+)
• Not have a U.S. high school diploma
• Reside in the U.S. (rules vary by state)

How to Prepare for the GED

• Online Study Resources
  Use the official GED website or education platforms offering practice questions, mock exams, and study guides.
• Japanese Resources
  Leverage Japanese-language books or YouTube tutorials to make learning easier.

How to Register for the GED

1. Create an Account on the official GED website
2. Select a Test Center and Date
3. Pay the Fee (about $30–40 per subject, varies by state)
4. Bring Valid ID (such as a passport) on exam day

Can You Take the GED in Japan?

Currently, the GED is not available in Japan. You must travel to the U.S. or Canada to take the test at an official center. However, you can prepare thoroughly online before sitting for the exam abroad.

Important Notes

• State Differences: Each U.S. state may have different fees, rules, and registration steps. Always check local requirements.
• English Proficiency: Since the exam is in English, strong reading and writing skills are crucial—especially for the Language Arts section.

Final Thoughts

Earning a GED in the U.S. is a powerful way to open doors to higher education and career opportunities. While you cannot take the exam in Japan, careful preparation with online resources can make success very achievable.

For many international students, the next step after earning a GED is enrolling in a community college—a pathway that often leads to university and beyond.

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Hunter College Elementary School in New York: A School for Gifted Children?

If you’ve ever wondered where some of New York City’s most talented children go to school, chances are you’ve heard of Hunter College Elementary School (HCES). Often described as the most selective public elementary school in New York—and even harder to get into than Harvard—this school has become a dream for parents raising gifted children.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

As a piano teacher in New York, I’ve had the opportunity to teach two outstanding students who attend Hunter. Their stories shed light on the type of children who thrive in this unique academic environment.

What is Hunter College Elementary School?

Hunter College Elementary School is a public school for intellectually gifted children. According to The New York Times, it’s one of the most elite schools in NYC, with a strong reputation for sending graduates to Ivy League universities.

Each year, about 3,200 applicants compete for only 50 spots (25 boys and 25 girls). That makes it statistically harder to enter than Harvard.

Tuition

One of the most remarkable aspects of Hunter is that tuition is completely free.

The Admission Process

The selection process happens in two stages:

1. First Stage – One-on-one evaluation with a psychologist, including IQ testing.
2. Second Stage – Standardized exams in subjects such as English and Math.

Hunter is also considered a research school for gifted education, which makes it unique compared to other NYC public schools.

Why I’m Writing About Hunte

Recently, I saw a news story in Japan about a boy with an extremely high IQ who felt lost and unchallenged in school. It made me think about how schools like Hunter provide an outlet for gifted children—something I wish existed more in Japan.

Student A: Talented, Disciplined, and Highly Skilled

One of my former piano students, a Taiwanese girl, entered Hunter two years ago. She’s a remarkable child with a wide range of talents:

• Played Chopin’s “Minute Waltz” at age 10
• Won 1st place in Hunter’s annual Spelling Bee
• Excels in swimming and fine arts
• Studies violin in addition to piano

Her mother was initially very strict—even sitting in during piano lessons—but became more relaxed as the child grew older. Her father, by contrast, is mild-mannered and holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University, while her mother works as an anesthesiologist.

Student B: Quiet, Unique, and Naturally Gifted

Another student of mine, a Canadian-British girl, is very different but equally fascinating:

• Recently started piano, learns very quickly
• Loves insects (especially caterpillars!)
• Practices martial arts (Taekwondo) and contemporary dance
• Enjoys singing and is currently practicing Beatles songs

Her parents are both Ph.D. holders and university professors. Unlike Student A’s parents, they are not strict at all. Interestingly, her older sister—also my student—shows extraordinary musical expression.

Common Traits Among Hunter Students

While the two girls are quite different, both share:

• High curiosity and memory skills
• Supportive but academically ambitious parents
• Exposure to arts, sports, and academics from an early age

Parents of Hunter students tend to observe lessons closely, but I always encourage them to give children space for creativity—especially in music.

A Note on Alumni

I also know a professional pianist who graduated from Hunter, went on to Harvard, and is now a brilliant improvisational performer. Truly a testament to how Hunter nurtures gifted minds.

Conclusion

Hunter College Elementary School isn’t just another NYC school—it’s a rare opportunity for gifted children to thrive academically and artistically. While it’s incredibly competitive, parents raising exceptionally bright children may find it worth exploring.

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Want to Get Into the Ivy League? Start with Graduate School

Dreaming of an Ivy League education? For many international students and professionals, applying to graduate school is the most effective path. Learn why graduate-level Ivy League degrees matter for careers in law, medicine, business, and the arts.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Why Graduate School Is the Smart Path to the Ivy League

In the U.S., your final degree matters most when it comes to careers and salary. Statistics show that people with a master’s or doctoral degree tend to earn more. That’s why, if you want a prestigious academic background, applying to the Ivy League at the graduate level is a highly recommended strategy.

Is New York City a Society Obsessed with Credentials?

It depends. In Manhattan, the answer is often yes. Your alma mater can strongly influence how people perceive your skills and potential.

For elite professions such as:

• Law
• Medicine
• Finance and Investment
• Scientific Research
• IT, Arts, and Literature

—an Ivy League degree can be a huge advantage.

For example, an American friend studied Japanese Literature at the University of Pennsylvania and is now working in education in Asia. Graduating from the Ivy League not only builds expertise but also boosts confidence.

Why Ivy League Training Matters in Law

One of my piano students in New York is a Columbia University–educated corporate lawyer. He explained that becoming a top legal advisor requires the intense training, resources, and discipline that only top universities provide.

He emphasized the importance of:

• Strong skills in document preparation
• Organizational abilities
• Rigorous training to avoid errors
• Access to rich legal resources and networks

This confirmed my belief that for law and similar professions, Ivy League training is invaluable.

The Ivy League Circle in Manhattan

Most of my adult piano students in Manhattan are professionals—lawyers, doctors, professors—and many are Ivy League graduates. It’s common in certain New York circles for parents to have graduated from schools like Columbia, Harvard, Yale, or top California universities such as UC Berkeley or UCLA.

The Ivy League often signals a certain level of achievement, especially in elite fields.

Companies That Invest in Graduate Education

Graduate school is not just about personal ambition. In many cases, U.S. companies will sponsor tuition if the degree helps build necessary expertise.

For instance, one of my friends worked at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and later pursued a graduate degree at Columbia University’s Teachers College—with tuition fully covered by the institution.

This shows that Ivy League graduate study isn’t only for the wealthy—it can also be supported by employers who see it as an investment.

Is Graduate School Worth It

From personal experience, I believe the answer is yes. Graduate school deepens your expertise in ways that an undergraduate degree cannot. It allows you to:

• Focus on specialized research
• Build professional networks
• Gain access to resources and mentors at the highest level

For those aiming for elite careers or international opportunities, an Ivy League graduate degree can be transformative.

Final Thoughts

If you want to enter the Ivy League, consider graduate school as your path. While undergraduate admission can be extremely competitive and sometimes linked to wealth or family background, graduate programs focus more on merit, research interests, and professional goals.

With the right preparation, funding opportunities, and career alignment, an Ivy League graduate degree can open doors to careers in law, medicine, business, research, and beyond.

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What is Critical Thinking? – A Key Skill in American Education

Hello, this is Maegami from the blog “Megami no Maegami.” Today, I will be diving into an important concept in American education—Critical Thinking. Have you ever heard of this term before?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the skill of objectively analyzing a problem, evaluating its contents, and deriving conclusions based on logical reasoning. In this post, I’ll explain how critical thinking skill is good to have.

Critical Thinking in Reading Comprehension

In American university lectures, professors frequently ask questions about the readings assigned for that session. They expect students to understand the material thoroughly and explain it in their own words. We call it Summarizing. Summarizing involves condensing the main points of a topic into a concise form, which is usually done during the preparation stage for lectures.

Why is Training in Critical Thinking Important?

The more you practice critical thinking, the better your reading comprehension becomes. It enhances your ability to grasp the key points of any content. For example, summarizing a long article into just five lines is quite challenging. But with repeated practice, writing effective summaries becomes easier.

Critical Thinking in Essay Writing

Thesis Statement Creation

In essay writing, the first step is to develop a Thesis Statement—a single sentence that summarizes the main point of the essay. This task is often difficult because every point may seem important. However, to write a clear thesis statement, you must sift through the material and condense it into one focused idea.

For instance, “Excessive alcohol consumption leads to weight gain, heart disease, and liver complications, making it detrimental to one’s health.”

Proving Your Argument

Once the thesis statement is created, you must provide three reasons to support your argument. Students have to give good evidence, such as experimental data or scholarly references. Properly citing sources ensures the validity of your claims.

Differences Between Japanese and American Education

Challenges Faced

In Japan, much of the writing in high school is subjective. However, in American universities, the focus shifts to writing fact-based essays. American education places significant emphasis on training students to write well-researched and evidence-based arguments.

Importance of Debate and Discussion

Unlike Japanese education, which may not emphasize discussion as much, American classrooms offer abundant opportunities for debates and discussions. In these environments, critical thinking plays a crucial role. In New York schools, for example, debate classes and Rhetoric training are integral parts of the curriculum.

The Benefits of Critical Thinking

Application in Public Speaking (Rhetoric)

Critical thinking also proves beneficial in public speaking. In American universities, speech classes are mandatory, where students learn how to logically present their ideas to an audience.

Changes in Information Intake

When you develop critical thinking skills, your ability to assess and process information improves. You’ll no longer be easily swayed by misinformation, and you’ll start questioning the authenticity of the news and fake information on social media. This, in turn, can address some of the polarization in American society caused by educational divides.

Escaping Superstition and Spiritualism

With critical thinking, your perspective on superstitions and spiritualism also evolves. Understanding the scientific workings of the brain helps you comprehend psychological phenomena, making you less likely to be influenced by unfounded claims.

Conclusion

So, what do you think? Today, we explored the concept of critical thinking and its role in American education. While this skill can be cultivated in the U.S., it’s interesting to consider how it’s currently addressed in Japanese education. This is an area I would like to continue exploring.

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