Compare International Schools in Matsumoto, Japan

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.

0 years old to Middle School; Preschool, Elementary School, and Middle School.

IB-accredited international school.

Japan

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).

Campuses operated by Limited Liability Company WIP (WIP, LLC); Gojo Campus operated as the International School of Nagano School Corporation; Representative is Rie Kuribayashi.

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.

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.

ISN is IB-accredited and operates English-language campuses (Shimauchi, Minami-Matsumoto, and Nagano Campuses) serving about 320 students from 0 years old to Middle School. As an IB school, ISN offers an environment where students learn about nature, the local community, society, and the world in English, aiming to develop internationally-minded individuals with Japanese values. The IB framework underpins the school's approach to learning, inquiry, and collaboration across campuses. The Gojo and Nagano campuses emphasize living in a way that balances global awareness with local roots, supporting social and emotional growth through inquiry-based learning and community engagement. The school places a strong emphasis on well-being as part of its education, including expert discussions on Shinshu well-being to inform practice. The overall goal is for students to develop confidence, communication skills, and a global perspective while grounded in local culture.

Nagano Campus Preschool lists Head of Campus and PYP Support among staff roles, demonstrating explicit learner-support structures within the IB framework. The school operates the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with dedicated staff to support learners, including a Milky Way Homeroom Teacher and PYP Support at multiple campuses. Across ISN, the IB program provides learner support within its cross-disciplinary, inquiry-based learning model. The presence of PYP Support roles indicates targeted assistance for young learners within the IB curriculum. ISN emphasizes inclusive education within the IB framework through these support structures, enabling learners to engage with the curriculum in English.

Education at ISN is conducted in English, aligned with its status as an IB-accredited school. The English-language environment is a core feature of ISN's IB programs across its Matsumoto, Nagano, and Nakano campuses. Scholarships are available for students whose families are native English speakers or who use English as a primary language at home, reflecting the school's emphasis on English-language continuity within its community. The school highlights English-language instruction and opportunities within the IB framework to foster proficiency and confidence in English. ISN also runs programs and experiences (such as Study Abroad Experience in Nagano) that reinforce English usage in authentic contexts across its campuses.

Well-being is a recurring theme at ISN, with expert discussions on Shinshu Well-being featured on the school's platforms. An interview series with local well-being experts discusses living well and the role of well-being in education, emphasizing world-class standards, balance between self and community, and quality of life. The conversations highlight how living in Shinshu and engaging with the local environment can support mental and emotional health. These dialogues reflect ISN's commitment to holistic education that supports students' well-being as part of their learning journey. The focus on well-being informs practice across campuses, guiding approaches to student support, community engagement, and personal development.

ISN maintains a privacy policy that governs the collection and protection of personal information. The policy describes how personal data is collected in minimal amounts, managed securely, and protected against unauthorized access, tampering, leakage, loss, or destruction. Personal information is used to respond to inquiries, provide services and support, and for statistical processing and billing. It states that information is not disclosed to third parties without consent except as required by law, and that contractors handling data are bound by confidentiality agreements. Cookies are used for statistical analysis and provide mechanisms for users to request corrections, deletions, or suspensions of their personal information.

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 – 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.

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.