Hakuba International School

Hakuba International School is founded on the question, "What kind of education enables people and planet to flourish?" It prioritizes student well-being, sustainability, and the development of empathy and leadership through a "developmental community" model. The school values integrity, curiosity, and a "beginner's mind," encouraging students to take ownership of their learning as a bold adventure.

The curriculum is organized into three areas: Foundational Literacies, Competencies (such as systems thinking and collaboration), and Mindsets. Instruction is primarily in English, with mandatory Japanese language study for all students. The academic program includes core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, alongside AP offerings in subjects such as Calculus, Economics, and Japanese.

The school offers a college-preparatory curriculum and does not provide class rankings. Transcripts feature unweighted, cumulative GPAs, and students may earn credits through accredited outside programs. The school provides university counseling to support students in their post-secondary planning.

The school utilizes a small advisory system, with five students per group, where a dedicated guide meets with students daily to support their academic and social-emotional growth. The curriculum integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) and a "Human Flourishing" framework, which draws on research-based approaches to help students develop self-awareness, collaboration, and resilience.

The school operates on a rolling admissions basis, inviting applications from students for grades 7 through 12. The process includes an inquiry form, submission of transcripts and recommendations, and a Zoom-based interview. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to participate in complex class discussions, with specific benchmarks provided for each grade level.

The academic year runs from late August to mid-June and is divided into three trimesters: Fall, Winter, and Spring. The calendar is structured around six-week "bursts" of activity focused on interdisciplinary projects, interspersed with vacations or week-long outdoor expeditions. Academic classes are held four days a week, with the fifth day dedicated to off-campus projects and applied learning.

Located in the Hakuba Valley in the Japanese Alps, the campus features a 9-acre school forest and is situated 500 meters from world-class skiing facilities. The school provides residential boarding in vibrant dormitory communities designed to foster independence and life skills. The campus is equipped for diverse learning, supporting both traditional classroom instruction and extensive outdoor education.

Students have access to approximately 25 clubs and various extracurricular opportunities. The school emphasizes peer mentoring and student-led initiatives, such as the Town Hall, where students can influence school operations. Outdoor activities are a central component, ranging from daily forest interactions to seasonal expeditions including hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and river travel.