As a not-for-profit, independent international school, we have no owners or shareholders. Instead, we're guided by volunteer governors — a group of dedicated community members who give their time and expertise because they believe in Canadian Academy and are committed to its purpose, vision, and values. 

CA’s strong governance structure ensures that the school is financially sustainable, stays focused on its strategic goals, and is responsibly led and managed so that students today and for generations to come can benefit from a CA education. Our governance structure operates in compliance with Japanese laws governing private school operation, which set clear requirements for accountability and oversight.

Our primary governance structure is a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. The Board has three core areas of responsibility:

1. Hiring and evaluating the Head of School.
2. Overseeing the school's financial sustainability.
3. Setting the school's strategic direction and monitoring progress toward strategic goals.

The Board's role is strategic and fiduciary, not operational. Trustees set direction, policy, and strategy, while the Head of School and the Leadership Team are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school, including all programs, staffing, and daily school life. This separation ensures that educational decisions are made by school leaders, while the Board maintains focus on the school's long-term goals and sustainability.

According to CA’s Act of Endowment, the Board must include the Head of School. The other members are current and past CA parents and CA alumni, with a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds. You can find more information about our Board members below.