International School of Nagano

The school aims to empower children through learning and provide a world of choice for all students. It focuses on nurturing internationally-minded individuals who retain their Japanese identity while understanding and addressing the complexities of the world. The educational approach emphasizes confidence, potential, and well-being, utilizing the natural environment and community activities of the Shinshu region.

The school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) accredited institution, implementing the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for elementary-aged students and offering a pre-IB curriculum. The academic program focuses on inquiry-based learning, exploration, and discovery, with specific emphasis on environmental studies at the Nakano campus through its partnership with the Shiga Kogen UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The school's educational roadmap spans from early childhood through middle school, with the Nakano Middle School division scheduled to open in the 2028 academic year.

The school provides English-language instruction across its programs, with Japanese language support available upon request. Teachers act as guides to support individual student development, facilitating inquiry-based learning where students set personal goals and conduct self-assessments.

The school offers short-term enrollment options for students aged 2 to 12, ranging from two weeks to three months, designed for families residing overseas or temporarily staying in Japan. Interested families may contact individual campuses directly to inquire about availability, application procedures, and school shuttle bus services. Prospective families are encouraged to request materials or schedule school visits through the official inquiry form.

The school operates throughout the year and offers various seasonal programs, including summer schools at the Gojo, Nagano, and Nakano campuses. The administrative office is open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding weekends, national holidays, and seasonal breaks.

The school operates multiple campuses across the Matsumoto, Nagano, Nakano, and Saku areas. These include preschools in Shimauchi, Minami Matsumoto, Nagano, and Saku Kirihara, as well as elementary and middle school divisions at the Gojo and Nakano campuses. The facilities are designed to support an inquiry-based learning environment that integrates the natural surroundings of the Shinshu region.

Students participate in a variety of activities that extend beyond the classroom, including seasonal summer school programs and international study tours, such as the Sydney Study Tour. The curriculum emphasizes engagement with the local environment, including activities related to the Shiga Kogen UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.