Hokkaido International School

The school is committed to experiential learning tailored to the interests and needs of its students. It emphasizes the development of the whole person, integrating character education, service learning, the arts, and a strong focus on outdoor education. The educational approach is rooted in curiosity and inquiry, aiming to prepare students for their future academic and professional lives.

The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes the Reggio Emilia approach for early years and the International Primary Years Curriculum (IPYC) and International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) for elementary and middle school students. The high school program is centered on rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) courses, core subjects, and a variety of electives. Instruction is delivered through a rotational block schedule, with an emphasis on multi-age groupings to facilitate differentiated learning.

Graduates of the school pursue higher education at institutions across the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. The school maintains a rigorous academic standard, requiring the highest number of credits for graduation among international schools in Japan. Students are prepared for future career and college paths through inquiry-based learning and Advanced Placement courses.

The school utilizes multi-age instruction across all grade levels, organized into two-year bands for K-5 and 9-12, and a three-year band for middle school. This approach allows teachers to create differentiated learning groups, including Honors, Standard, and Developing options in the secondary school, to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of all students.

The school accepts applications for students from pre-school (EY3) through grade 12. The admissions process includes a review of age-appropriate placement, with specific cut-off dates for each grade level. Prospective families are required to pay non-refundable application and entrance fees to secure a spot.

The academic year consists of 180 days divided into two semesters, typically running from mid-August to mid-June. The calendar includes a one-week fall break in October, a three-week winter break spanning December and January, and a one-week spring break in March. The school operates on a rotational A-day/B-day block schedule.

Hokkaido International School operates two campuses, with the main campus located in Sapporo and a secondary campus in Niseko. The Sapporo campus includes a boarding program with a maximum capacity of 40 students, designed to foster independence in a family-like environment. The school provides access to outdoor spaces, artistic venues, and technology-integrated classrooms, supported by a device management fee for younger students and a tech fee for secondary students.

Students participate in a variety of co-curricular activities, including the Art Club, service learning projects, and the Huskies Athletics program. The school also emphasizes outdoor education, offering specific courses and programs that encourage students to engage with the natural environment. Additionally, students can participate in creative writing classes and various community-focused initiatives.