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Curriculum IB (PYP), Cambridge (Secondary), Japanese Curriculum
Taught languages Japanese
Typical class size 25
Strengths Performing Arts, STEM, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Kindergarten
Introduction
The International School of Nagano (ISN) Nagano Campus offers an inquiry-based IB PYP curriculum for young learners, uniquely housing preschool and elementary students under one roof. This distinctive setup naturally fosters mentorship, giving young children older role models to observe while allowing older students to practice responsibility and leadership. Instruction is delivered entirely in English, supported by dedicated Japanese language classes to ensure bilingual development.
A signature element of ISN is its integration with the local environment. Through initiatives like the Biosphere Reserve program, students regularly engage with nature, participating in forest walks, rice planting, and observing seasonal changes in the nearby Japanese Alps to build environmental literacy. The campus itself features outdoor play spaces designed to support physical development and daily exploration. By blending the structured IB framework with hands-on outdoor learning and cross-age collaboration, ISN Nagano Campus provides an active environment where students learn through inquiry, play, and community connection.
International School of Nagano - Nagano Campus has 320 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.
Location
ISN operates across four areas in Nagano Prefecture: Matsumoto City, Nagano City, Nakano City, and Saku City in Japan. The Matsumoto-area campuses include Shimauchi Preschool, Minami Matsumoto Preschool, Gojo Elementary School, and Gojo Middle School. The Nagano/Nakano Area houses Nagano Preschool, Nakano Preschool, Nakano Elementary School, and Nakano Middle School. The Saku Area includes Saku Kirihara Preschool.
Stages
0 years old to Middle School; Preschool, Elementary School, and Middle School.
Type
IB-accredited international school.
Country affiliation
Japan
Bus service
Bus Route: ISN → Sakudaira Station → Miyota Station → Hara Park → Nakagomi Station → ISN. A bus route expansion to Miyota Station was announced for the Saku Kirihara Campus (2026-03-12).
Diving Deeper
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Fees
Annual tuition at International School of Nagano - Nagano Campus ranges from JPY 700,000 to JPY 880,000 for 2026/27.
Application / Registration fees
- Elementary and Middle School (all ISN campus elementary and middle programs): 入学登録料 (enrolment/registration fee) ¥30,000 per student, payable at application/registration.
- Preschools (campus-dependent): - Nagano campus preschool: 入園申込金 ¥35,000 (2‑year‑old class) and ¥150,000 (3‑year‑old class, includes first‑year equipment fee), payable at enrolment. - Other ISN preschools may list an 入園登録料 of ¥20,000 for certain certification categories; check the specific campus admission page for the campus‑specific registration type.
Tuition and recurring fees (by programme / year group)
- Preschool (2025–2026 published amounts; campus and age-group dependent): - 2‑year‑old class: ¥70,000 per month. - 3‑year‑old and above classes: ¥88,000 per month. - Additional preschool items (examples): monthly lunch fee ¥9,000; extension/aftercare options and transport charged separately.
- Elementary School (2025–2026 published amounts; example campus figures): - Monthly tuition (月払い): ¥98,000 per month. - Annual tuition (年払い) option shown on some campus pages: ¥1,176,000 per year (where an annual payment option is listed). - Monthly school lunch fees vary by campus (examples: ¥5,500–¥10,200 per month depending on campus). - Equipment / system maintenance fee (設備維持費 / 設備費): ¥125,000 per year (charged from the 2nd year for preschools; for elementary/middle listed as an annual設備維持/システム管理費). - School bus (送迎バス) fees are charged separately and shown as a monthly amount per campus (examples: ¥9,000–¥10,000 per month); exact route fees are listed on campus bus schedules/annex.
- Middle School (2025–2026 / 2026–2027 published amounts where shown): - Monthly tuition: ¥98,000 per month. - Annual equipment/maintenance fee: ¥125,000 per year. - Uniform at initial enrolment (approx.): ¥40,000 (one‑off at admission, campus‑supplied uniform).
- Additional recurring / per‑service charges that apply across programmes: - EAL / special English support: ¥2,500 per lesson / per session (charged until required level is reached). - After‑school programme fees: typically ¥2,500–¥4,500 per month (campus dependent). - Late pickup / overtime charges: commonly ¥1,000 per 10 minutes for late pickup beyond set times. - One‑off uniform items and small equipment (examples): polo shirts ¥3,800–¥4,000; trainers/jumpers ¥5,500–¥6,000; hats ¥1,600–¥3,000; recorder/Chromebook pricing listed as "please enquire" where provided.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Regular tuition and most recurring charges are collected by automated bank direct debit from the family's bank account (口座からの自動引き落とし). The scheduled withdrawal is the 28th of the preceding month (if the 28th falls on a weekend/holiday, the next business day is used). For a student starting in the month of admission, the first month's fee is required by bank transfer.
- Monthly billing cadence: most campuses list tuition as due monthly ("授業料(月払い)"), billed in advance or collected at the end of the prior month depending on campus wording; some campuses offer an annual payment option with a due date at the end of March of the prior fiscal year. ¥165 per month is shown as a振替手数料 (bank transfer handling fee) where automatic debit is used.
- Specific charge timing examples: monthly tuition and most monthly extras are debited at the end of the previous month; equipment / system maintenance fees are charged annually (commonly around March of the prior year); bus fees are charged monthly and listed separately.
Boarding
- ISN operates preschools, elementary and middle school day programmes across multiple campuses and does not list boarding or residential programmes on its campus programme pages; boarding is not applicable for ISN preschools, elementary or the listed middle school programmes.
Other costs and typical one‑off charges
- Equipment / system maintenance fee: ¥125,000 per year (charged from the second year for some preschool places; shown as an annual設備維持費/設備費 for elementary/middle). This fee is charged annually and is non‑refundable after payment.
- Uniform and initial clothing costs: examples shown by campus include a uniform purchase on admission (middle school approx. ¥40,000) and individual items such as polo shirts (from ¥3,800–¥4,000), trainers/jumpers (¥5,500–¥6,000) and hats (¥1,600–¥3,000). Chromebook and recorder requirements are noted on some campus pages; families are asked to enquire for current pricing or to use an existing family device if available.
- Meals: monthly lunch fees vary by campus (examples: ¥5,500/month at one elementary campus; ¥10,200/month at other campus listings for elementary/preschool). Allergies or bringing a packed lunch may incur a separate lunch‑management fee in some cases.
- Bus / transport: route and distance based; examples on campus pages: ¥9,000–¥10,000 per month. Exact route pricing is provided on the campus bus fee annex or on request to the campus office.
Refunds and cancellation terms
- Registration / enrolment fees and the annual equipment / facilities maintenance fees are stated as non‑refundable once paid (入学登録料・設備維持費等は納入後、返金不可 または 入学取消への返金は致しかねます、と明記されています).
- Other items (for example: event fees, certain seasonal charges, bus fees) are charged as described by each campus and the published notes state that fees are subject to change; specific cancellation/refund terms for those items are addressed in the campus admission or events guidance. Where a campus lists a non‑refund policy for a fee, that fee is retained if enrolment is cancelled after payment.
Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes
- Primary collected method: automated bank account direct debit (口座引落し) for monthly tuition and many recurring charges; the school instructs families to set up automatic debits and cites the monthly debit schedule. Initial month of attendance is expected to be paid by bank transfer when auto‑debit is not yet in place. ¥165/month is shown as a standard振替手数料 where automatic debit is used. No campus page lists credit card payment as a standard tuition method; families should use bank transfer/direct debit as the published primary payment channels and confirm any alternative payment arrangements directly with the campus office.
Notes on variability and campus differences
- ISN operates multiple campuses (preschool and elementary/middle campuses) and some fee items vary by campus (for example: lunch fees, bus routes/fees, certain uniform item pricing and initial registration categories). The figures above are the published campus examples for the 2025–2026 (and where noted 2026–2027) fee listings; confirm the specific campus fee schedule when calculating final cost for a particular campus and programme.
Academics
International School of Nagano - Nagano Campus teaches IB (PYP), Cambridge (Secondary), Japanese Curriculum for students aged 2 to 12.
Curriculum
IB Program overview: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Pre-school through Grade 5 (ages 3–12) with instruction offered in any language, emphasizing inquiry-based learning and social and academic development. IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16 links prior learning to community and society and promotes balanced, capable learners; language of instruction is flexible. IB Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–19 is a two-year curriculum leading to the IB Diploma, typically delivered in English, French or Spanish. IB Career-related Programme (CP) for ages 16–19 focuses on career and professional skills, with some subjects offered in English, French or Spanish. These IB programs provide an internationally recognized path to university study and a globally oriented education.
Higher Education Progression
ISN graduates primarily continue to Japanese middle and high schools, with some pursuing opportunities in English-language or IB-adjacent settings. Examples include Taro, who entered Kaisei Junior High School in Tokyo and then Kaisei High School, and credits ISN with developing English presentation skills and encouraging study abroad experiences. Ryu joined Matsumoto Shuho Secondary School and has achieved high scores on external exams (EIKEN, TOEIC, TOEFL) while engaging in English-related activities. Yuumi attended Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School, a national IB school where entrance exams can be taken in English, and Yuuki progressed from a nearby junior high to F High School, leveraging ISN's English foundation for exams and communications.
Wellbeing
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Parent Experience
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Facilities
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Extra-Curricular Activities
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Languages
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Reputation
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Admissions
Admissions
1) Enrollment policy: ISN Preschool, Elementary and Middle School accepts children aged 2 to 14 for admission without discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or nationality. Children who require special accommodations may be admitted if the school determines it can support their development and ensure integration with other students.
2. Orientation: For admission inquiries, contact each campus directly. Orientation visits are held on weekdays at 9:15 AM or 3:00 PM (reservation required) at the Minami Matsumoto Campus, including a 30‑minute classroom tour and a 30‑minute information/QA session.
3. Capacity: Minami Matsumoto Campus – 2‑year‑olds: two classes of 12 students each (one lead teacher + an assistant); 3‑year‑olds: about 20 in one class; 4‑ and 5‑year‑olds: about 25 per class (one lead teacher + an assistant).
4. Hours: Opening hours are 7:30–19:00 at the Minami Matsumoto Campus and Shimauchi Campus. Category 1 Certification: 9:00–16:00; holidays as listed. Categories 2 and 3 Certification (standard hours): 7:30–18:30; holidays Sundays and New Year. Categories 2 and 3 Certification (short hours): 8:30–16:30; holidays as listed.
5. Enrollment/admission applications: Enrollment period runs September 1–September 15; after that, admissions close when capacity is reached. Preschool admissions (Category 1) require submission of the school's enrollment application form; if applications exceed capacity on the day, later applications may be accepted on a waiting list. After submission, a notice for enrollment/registration fee payment is mailed; payment confirms enrollment and an admission letter is mailed. Admission materials (school handbook and annual schedule) will be mailed around February 2025. For Category 2 and 3 admissions (care portions), submit the city's enrollment form to Matsumoto City.
6. Payment method: Childcare fees, English program fees, and other costs are paid by automatic withdrawal on the 28th of the preceding month (or the next business day).
7. Waiting List: If capacity is reached, space becomes available and families on the waiting list are contacted first.
Scholarships
Scholarships – International School of Nagano (ISN) offers two types of scholarships for prospective students and current students: 1) scholarships for students with at least one parent from an English‑speaking country and where English is the main home language, and 2) scholarships for the children of ISN staff. Applicants meeting the conditions may have partial tuition waivers for their Preschool through Middle School years. The English‑speaking scholarships cover about two students per class; eligible grades span from preschool through Middle School year 3; the recruitment period starts with enrollment applications and ends when the class capacity is reached.
Waitlist
Saku Kirihara Campus Preschool uses a waiting list for Category 1 admissions: if the number of applicants exceeds capacity, applications submitted later are placed on the waiting list, and when spaces become available, families on the waiting list are contacted first.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
Where are International School of Nagano's campuses located, and which areas do they serve?
ISN operates across Nagano Prefecture in Matsumoto, Nagano, Nakano and Saku, with campuses including Shimauchi, Minami-Matsumoto, Nagano Campus, Gojo, Nakano, Ueda and Saku Kirihara. The school serves children from infancy (0 years) through Middle School (up to about 14 years old) and aims to weave international-minded learning with Japanese values across its multiple sites.
What is the language of instruction and which curricula are offered at ISN?
Classes are taught in English across the campuses. ISN offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for preschool to Grade 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, and Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) for older students. DP and CP are delivered in English, French or Spanish, while PYP/MYP can be offered in any language depending on campus.
Who leads ISN, and when was the school founded?
ISN was founded in 2012. The Head of School is Rie Kuribayashi, who oversees the multi-campus IB-enabled program and its integration with local community values.
What are the typical admission and registration fees for ISN?
For Elementary and Middle School, the enrolment/registration fee is 30,000 yen per student. Preschool fees are campus-dependent, for example 35,000 yen for 2-year-olds and 150,000 yen for 3-year-olds (the latter includes first-year equipment). These fees are paid at enrolment and are non-refundable after payment.
What are the ongoing tuition costs and other recurring charges I should expect?
Preschool monthly tuition is about 70,000 yen for 2-year-olds and 88,000 yen for 3-year-olds and up. Elementary and Middle School tuition is around 98,000 yen per month. Additional costs include lunch (varying by campus, e.g., roughly 5,500–10,200 yen/month), an annual equipment/maintenance fee of 125,000 yen, and monthly bus fees of about 9,000–10,000 yen. Payments are typically via direct debit on the 28th of the preceding month, with the first month paid by bank transfer if auto-debit isn't yet set up.
Are there scholarships at ISN, and how can families apply? Is there a waitlist?
ISN offers two scholarship options: English-speaking scholarships for families where English is the main home language and staff-child scholarships for children of ISN employees. Scholarships provide partial tuition support across Preschool through Middle School, with decisions following interviews when capacity allows. Applications begin with the enrollment process; siblings are not eligible for the scholarship, and eligibility includes countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and several others.
What admission process should families expect, and is there a waiting list?
ISN accepts children aged 2–14 across its campuses, with orientation visits available on weekdays. The Minami-Matsumoto Campus outlines capacity by class, and the September intake admissions run from September 1–15, after which enrolment may close if capacity is reached. If capacity for Category 1 preschool admissions is exceeded, a waiting list is used, and families on the list are contacted first when spaces become available.
What IB programs are available at ISN, and at what age ranges are they offered?
ISN offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for preschool through Grade 5 (ages roughly 3–12) and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16. For older students, ISN provides the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) (ages 16–19). The DP is typically delivered in English, French or Spanish, while the CP also uses English, French or Spanish; PYP and MYP can be delivered in any language depending on campus.
How does learning in ISN's IB framework work, and what are possible higher education paths for graduates?
ISN uses inquiry-based learning through Units of Inquiry, field journals, performance arts and cultural exchanges to develop international-mindedness. Graduates commonly continue to Japanese middle/high schools or to English-language/IB-adjacent settings; examples include Kaisei Junior High and Kaisei High School in Tokyo, Matsumoto Shuho Secondary School, and Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School.
Are there class sizes or other academic details publicly available?
ISN emphasizes inquiry-based IB learning across its campuses, with Units of Inquiry and cross-campus collaboration. Specific class size figures aren't published, but the network notes dedicated staff for learner support (PYP Support roles) and a strong focus on multilingual, interdisciplinary learning.
What campuses exist, and what is special about the Shimauchi campus?
ISN operates across Matsumoto, Nagano, Nakano and Saku, including Shimauchi, Minami-Matsumoto and Nagano Campuses, with additional sites at Gojo, Nakano, Ueda and Saku Kirihara. The Shimauchi campus is nestled beside natural surroundings with views of the Nagano Alps, offering a learning environment connected to the landscape.
What learning spaces support inquiry-based learning and English instruction at ISN, such as at Gojo Elementary?
Gojo Elementary School describes inquiry-based learning through Units of Inquiry and instruction conducted in English, reflecting ISN's IB approach. Across campuses, classrooms and spaces are oriented to collaboration, inquiry and performance, complementing English-language instruction.
Do ISN campuses offer arts and performance opportunities?
Yes. ISN integrates arts and performance into student life with musicals, original theatre productions and dance performances. There are music concerts and dedicated performance days, and alumni continue to engage in English-language performance opportunities.
What kinds of clubs and extracurricular activities are available at ISN?
Extracurricular activities include arts, performances, field journals, interviews, presentations and exhibitions. Seasonal programs feature activities such as spring events, farm and zoo visits, science museum trips, and a Summer School, along with continued alumni participation in music and English-language activities.
What study tours or cultural exchange programs does ISN offer?
ISN offers cultural and global experiences such as the Sydney Study Tour and the Study Abroad Experience in Nagano. Environmental and community learning is enriched through programs like the Biosphere Reserve collaboration with Nakano Elementary School and UNESCO Eco Park partnerships.
Are there leadership or career-focused programs for older students?
Yes. The Career-related Programme (CP) focuses on career and professional skills for ages 16–19, emphasizing leadership, project work and real-world applications; alumni highlight public speaking, clubs and leadership roles as part of their ISN journey.
What support is available for English learners and for students needing special education support?
ISN provides EAL support with English-language instruction across its IB campuses. There are dedicated PYP Support roles (e.g., Milky Way Homeroom Teacher) to aid learners within the IB framework, supporting inclusive education and multilingual development.
How does ISN address student wellbeing and mental health?
The school places wellbeing at the center of learning, with Shinshu Well-being discussions and expert viewpoints featured to inform practice. Autumn sports, field trips and family-inclusive events support balance, stress management and social-emotional development.
What safeguarding and privacy measures does ISN have in place?
ISN maintains a privacy policy to protect personal information, with data handling commitments, secure storage and restrictions on third-party disclosures. The policy covers data use for inquiries, services and billing, and contractors handling data are bound by confidentiality agreements.
Is there a school uniform, and what does it cost to obtain one?
A school uniform is required upon admission. For middle school the uniform cost is around 40,000 yen, with additional items such as polo shirts (3,800–4,000 yen), trainers/jumpers (5,500–6,000 yen) and hats (1,600–3,000 yen) depending on campus.
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