Makuhari International School vs MEES International School - Hakusan Campus

	M Makuhari International School Tokyo, Japan	M MEES International School - Hakusan Campus Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥1,380,000 - 1,740,000	Fees / year ¥1,256,400 - 1,555,938
Age range	Age range 2 - 12 years	Age range 1 - 12 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Japanese Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils	Pupils 385	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Japanese	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2009	Opened 2016
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Makuhari International School campus is at 3-2-9 Wakaba, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba 261-0014, Japan. It sits in the Makuhari area near parks, the waterfront, and the Makuhari Messe Convention Center. The school is easily accessible by public transport, about a 13-minute walk from Kaihin Makuhari Station and roughly 30 minutes by rail from central Tokyo or Narita Airport. MIS operates school buses to surrounding areas such as Chiba, Inage, Funabashi, Motoyawata, Urayasu, Shin-Urayasu, Tsudanuma, Makuharihongo and Baytown.	Location MEES Hakusan Campus is in Bunkyo Ward, central Tokyo, Japan. The address is in Hakusan, Tokyo 112-0001, and the campus is a short walk from Hakusan Station (about 5 minutes). The campus sits in a dense urban area with easy access to Tokyo's public transport network. The school markets its Hakusan site as the Bunkyo campus for Preschool and Elementary.
Stages	Stages MIS delivers programs for K1-G6 (Nursery to Year 7). Kindergarten comprises K1, K2 and K3 (ages 3–6), with a Pre-School for younger children, and Primary/Elementary includes Grades 1–6. The curriculum combines Japanese national objectives with international teaching approaches, taught mainly in English, with Japanese language subjects offered as Japanese studies.	Stages MEES Hakusan Campus comprises two levels: Preschool (ages 1–6) and Elementary School (grades 1–6, roughly ages 6–12). Preschool is organized into Lower Preschool (ages 1–3) and Upper Preschool (ages 3–6). The campus is explicitly described as hosting Preschool and Elementary on its Hakusan site.
School type	School type MIS is a private bilingual day school. The program is delivered in both English and Japanese, and MIS is described in external profiles as a co-educational, day school offering a dual-language programme.	School type MEES Hakusan Campus is a co-educational international day school. English is the primary language of instruction. The school offers afterschool programming but does not list boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Current mix includes about 60% of students from Japanese returnee families, 29% dual nationality students, and 11% foreign nationals. That yields a domestic to international ratio of roughly 60:40. The school's most represented group is Japanese returnees.	Pupil nationality mix MEES reports about 120 students in the Hakusan campus community, with an international, multicultural profile. Publicly published nationality breakdowns are not provided. The school presents itself as an international community with English as the primary language of instruction.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support MIS provides learning support through a dedicated Learning Support/SENCO framework; the school publishes guidance for Learning Support/SENCO roles and has current job postings for a Learning Support/SENCO coordinator. This indicates formal SEN provision within the school.	Additional learning support MEES provides an Elementary English Language Support Program (ES) for students needing language support, with sessions from 15:00–16:00 and monthly fees listed for different weekly cadences. The school also references safeguarding practices aligned with JCIS standards. There is no publicly listed, school-wide SEN program beyond language support on the site.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation for MIS. It operates as a private international school in Japan with Article 1 status and is governed under Japanese education guidelines.	Country affiliation MEES Hakusan is based in Tokyo, Japan, with a Tokyo address and Japanese location. The school does not publish a country-specific affiliation beyond its operation as an international school in Japan.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation MIS has no religious affiliation stated in its materials; it presents itself as a secular, international bilingual school.	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is not indicated in MEES's program or admissions materials. The school presents a secular, project-based, English-language program for ages 1–12.
School day structure	School day structure Kindergarten days begin at 8:50am; K1 finishes at 1:30pm, while K2–K3 finish at 3:20pm, with clubs and activities running until about 4:10pm. In the Elementary program, the school day runs from about 8:50am to 3:20pm, with after-school clubs and activities continuing until around 4:10pm.	School day structure Preschool runs from 9:00 to 14:00 (with Nursery 9:00–18:00; see Preschool page for details). Elementary Full Day is 8:30–15:00, with an English Language Support option and a lunch included. After-school activities run 14:00–18:00, including immersion, PBL/design thinking, MakerSpace, Tasty Lab, Tech, and more. Lunch is included for elementary students in the standard program.
Bus service details	Bus service details MIS operates six school-bus routes to: Chiba, Funabashi, Nishi Funabashi, Shin Urayasu, Tsudanuma, and Urayasu; bus assistants ride on board to support students. Bus routes and timetables are subject to change, and families should contact the school office for current details.	Bus service details MEES offers bus service for both morning/full-day and afternoon programs; for Elementary, bus service is optional with published monthly costs. Preschool/Nursery also offers a bus option with separate fees listed in the Preschool and Afterschool program pages. Routes are provided by the school and details are available upon inquiry.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Assessment Fees - Assessment fee for students invited to testing/interview: ¥20,000, payable when a child is accepted for testing or interview. One‑time (enrolment) Fees - Entrance Fee (paid once on enrollment): ¥200,000. The school does not return the entrance fee for any reason and does not issue a receipt for the entrance fee. - Maintenance Fee (paid once on enrollment): ¥400,000. Annual Tuition and Per‑installment Amounts (by year group) - Kindergarten (K1–K3): Annual tuition ¥1,380,000. Tuition is paid in three equal instalments; per instalment amount ¥460,000. Payments are due at the end of June, October and March. - Elementary (Grades 1–6): Annual tuition ¥1,740,000. Tuition is paid in three equal instalments; per instalment amount ¥580,000. Payments are due at the end of June, October and March. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - An invoice is issued to accepted families; do not pay before receiving the invoice. Entrance Fee, Maintenance Fee and the first tuition payment must be paid into the school's bank account within the period stated on the invoice. Receipt of these payments is taken as confirmation of official enrolment. - Regular ongoing payments are collected by automatic bank withdrawal (口座振替). It typically takes approximately three months from submission of the bank‑withdrawal application form for withdrawals to begin; until withdrawals start the school issues an invoice and families transfer funds to the school's bank account. Once bank withdrawals are active, school fees are withdrawn on the 27th of each month (if the 27th is a weekend or holiday, withdrawal is the next business day). - Tuition instalments are due at the end of June, October and March. Bus fees (if used) are collected on the same schedule as tuition. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; school transport is provided via multiple day‑bus routes and the school operates as a day school with school bus services. Transport (Bus) Fees - School bus fees vary by route. Bus fees fall within a range (examples shown by route): from approximately ¥96,600 per year (about ¥8,050 per month) up to approximately ¥303,600 per year (about ¥25,300 per month), depending on route selected. Bus fees are subject to change. Other Fees and Typical Additional Costs - Disaster‑prevention hood: ¥3,200 (charged at the end of the month following enrollment). - After‑school care (ASC) / short‑term childcare: billed at ¥350 per 30 minutes; ASC charges are withdrawn at the end of the month following usage. - Yearbook (optional, ordered by families): approximately ¥8,000 (payment timing shown as end of October when ordered). - School trips and grade‑specific residential activities (for example Grade 5 and Grade 6 trips) may incur separate additional charges; such charges are billed as required. - Uniform: MIS requires uniform from K2 upward. Uniform items (starter kit, school bag and selected items) are purchased through specified retailers (Kanko Shop Higashi Nihonbashi and Top of the Class); item lists and ordering instructions are provided by those retailers. Prices for uniform items are set by the retailers. Refunds and Non‑Refundable Items - The Entrance Fee (¥200,000) is non‑refundable for any reason. No separate general refund policy for other fees is stated in the fee documents; additional charges for trips or optional items are billed when required. Fee Discounts and Sibling Policy - A sibling discount (or in some cases a sibling exemption) is available; eligibility and the amount of any discount are arranged through the school office. Accepted Payment Methods - Automatic bank withdrawal (口座振替) is the school's preferred method for recurring payments and most charges are collected by this method once set up. - Bank transfer (bank deposit to the school's account) is used for initial payments and for payments made before bank‑withdrawal arrangements are active; invoices specify the school bank account details for transfers. Credit‑card payment is not listed as a standard payment method in the fee documents.	Fee details Application and one-time fees - Preschool (one-time): Enrollment fee ¥90,000; Material fee (annual) ¥20,000. - Elementary (one-time): Application fee ¥20,000; Enrollment fee ¥180,000; Material fee (annual) ¥40,000; School Growth Fund (annual) ¥50,000. - Afterschool / Afternoon programs: Afternoon program application fee (one-time) ¥15,000; Afterschool enrollment fee ¥30,000 (where applicable). Tuition fees — Preschool (regular day program 9:00–14:00) Preschool per-term and annual tuition (school year 2025–2026): - 2 days/week (1–3 years old): 1st term ¥229,040; 2nd term ¥171,780; 3rd term ¥229,040; Annual total ¥629,860. - 3 days/week (1–3 years old): 1st term ¥294,360; 2nd term ¥220,770; 3rd term ¥294,360; Annual total ¥809,490. - 4 days/week (1–3 years old): 1st term ¥367,880; 2nd term ¥275,910; 3rd term ¥367,880; Annual total ¥1,011,670. - 5 days/week (1–6 years old): 1st term ¥449,600; 2nd term ¥337,200; 3rd term ¥449,600; Annual total ¥1,236,400. Tuition fees — Preschool (nursery / extended-care example; 9:00–18:00) Example pricing for Nursery (extended hours, 30-minute increments available): - 2 days/week: 1st term ¥301,131; 2nd term ¥227,444; 3rd term ¥301,131; Summer (Jul–Aug) ¥54,204; Annual total ¥883,910. - 3 days/week: 1st term ¥393,536; 2nd term ¥297,546; 3rd term ¥393,536; Summer ¥81,306; Annual total ¥1,165,294. - 4 days/week: 1st term ¥482,195; 2nd term ¥364,838; 3rd term ¥482,195; Summer ¥108,408; Annual total ¥1,437,636. - 5 days/week: 1st term ¥577,560; 2nd term ¥437,160; 3rd term ¥577,560; Summer ¥135,510; Annual total ¥1,727,790. Tuition fees — Elementary (full day 8:30–15:00) Elementary per-term and annual tuition (school year 2025–2026): - Full day program: 1st term (Sep–Dec) ¥551,250; 2nd term (Jan–Mar) ¥413,438; 3rd term (Apr–Jul) ¥551,250; Annual total ¥1,515,938. - Bus service (both ways, optional): 1st term ¥80,000; 2nd term ¥60,000; 3rd term ¥80,000; Annual total ¥220,000. - Additional recurring charges for Elementary: Material fee (annual) ¥40,000; School Growth Fund (annual) ¥50,000. Afternoon / Afterschool program fees (monthly and one-off) - Afternoon Immersion Program (14:00–18:00) — monthly rates by frequency: 1x/week ¥15,000; 2x/week ¥25,000; 3x/week ¥33,000; 4x/week ¥40,000; 5x/week ¥45,000. - Elementary English Support (15:00–16:00) — sample monthly rates listed: ¥30,000 (2x/week) and ¥40,000 (3x/week) where applicable. - Afterschool/PBL/Makerspace club monthly fees vary by program and frequency (examples published for 1x–3x per week and specific clubs). - Afterschool enrollment fee (one-time) ¥30,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Academic year is presented in three terms: 1st term (September–December), 2nd term (January–March), 3rd term (April–July). Tuition is shown by term with an annual total. - Enrollment-related invoices are issued as part of the admissions sequence; an enrollment invoice is issued upon approval and placement is finalized upon payment of the invoice. - Tuition and bus fees are shown exclusive of consumption tax (10%). Smaller one‑time charges (for example excursions) may be billed separately. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered at MEES Hakusan (programs listed are Preschool and Elementary; no boarding/dormitory fees are published). Other costs and optional charges - Bus service (optional): term and annual amounts listed above. - School lunch is included in published tuition for both Preschool and Elementary day programs. - Extended-care ticket set (example) ¥5,000. - Occasional one-time fees for excursions or similar activities may be charged. - Summer program (weekly rates) is run separately; sample preschool summer program weekly fees were published (main-course and extended-course weekly pricing). Refund information - Published program pages state that paid fees are non-refundable. Fee payment options - The admissions guidance and fee process describe issuance of application and enrollment invoices and finalisation upon payment; publicly posted admissions and fee pages do not specify the detailed payment methods (e.g., whether payment by bank transfer, credit card, or other means is accepted). Invoices are issued to families as part of the enrollment process.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Makuhari International School follows the Japanese national curriculum objectives (MEXT) but expands on them with additional content from other curricula; as a MEXT-designated exceptional school, it extends learning hours and emphasizes consolidation and extension in English and Maths. MIS operates K1–G6 (Nursery to Year 7) in a bilingual English–Japanese model, with most subjects taught in English and Japanese taught as Kokugo (native/Japanese language) or Japanese Studies for non-native speakers; dual-nationality students may choose between Japanese or Japanese Studies where applicable. The Elementary program is divided into Lower Elementary (Grades 1–3) and Upper Elementary (Grades 4–6) and covers English, Mathematics (including White Rose Maths), STEAM, Science, Social Studies (with bilingual instruction in Grades 5–6), Art, Music, Home Economics, Physical Education, Social Emotional Learning and Ethics, Creative Studies, and Integrated Studies. Kindergarten uses the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with six areas of learning: Human Relationships, Language (including Japanese), Mathematics, Environment, Health, and Expression. The school is CIS-reaccredited as of October 10, 2024, and its diploma is designed to facilitate transfers to Japanese junior high schools as well as international schools.	Curriculum details MEES International School – Hakusan Campus in Bunkyo, Tokyo serves Nursery through Grade 6 (Preschool to Elementary). MEES Preschool blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia, with hands-on, project-based learning, English as the primary language of instruction, and mixed-age classrooms focusing on five core areas: language, motor, sensory development, social growth, and academic readiness. MEES Elementary uses Project-Based Learning with strong STEM integration, a Makerspace, and a full-day schedule from 8:30 to 15:00; an English Language Support Program is available after school if needed. The curriculum emphasizes digital literacy and technology across disciplines, including programming and AI-informed learning, while The Forest program provides regular outdoor learning and mixed-age cohorts to foster resilience and collaboration. Practical details include Preschool 9:00–14:00, Nursery 9:00–18:00, Elementary 8:30–15:00, with optional bus service and published 2025–2026 tuition/fees.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Determine eligibility and choose entry path. Makuhari International School offers two entry pathways: the April intake at the start of the academic year and mid‑year transfers. Review the Qualification Requirements to confirm your child's eligibility for the selected route. If guidance is needed, contact the Admissions Officer for support. 2. Plan a school visit or information session. School tours are typically scheduled once per month for families not applying for April. For April admissions, attend the Information Day session and school tour (usually held in September). 3. For April admissions, follow the Enrollment for April schedule; for other times, download and complete the application forms and prepare supporting documents. For non‑April admissions, use the Forms page to download the application form(s) and submit them with Form A, any records, references or test results from current/previous schools, plus a copy of the child's passport photo page, the Parents Information Form, and a copy of the family's Certificate of Residence. For full details, request the Admissions Booklet from the school. 4. Screening, tests, or informal meeting. If a child meets the criteria, a screening test will be organized with the class teacher. For Kindergarten 1 or 2, an informal meeting with the kindergarten staff is arranged instead of a test. Where a child is accepted for testing or interviewing, a fee of ¥20,000 is payable to the school. 5. Follow‑up assessments and interviews. In some cases, after testing, a follow‑up interview might be arranged with the Learning Support or English Support Coordinator to discuss any language or learning needs. 6. Placement and written offer. A child is placed in the relevant Grade based on chronological age. An offer of a place (or not) is issued in writing, and the Head of School's decision is final. 7. Waitlist if spaces are unavailable. If there are no spaces at the time of application, a child may be invited to join a waiting list at the school. 8. Registration and invoicing. Registration and other entry fees are payable immediately on entry to the school; do not pay before you receive the invoice. The school issues an Admission Pack (including the admission certificate and related documents) after deposit confirmation. 9. First day arrangements. On the first day, arrive at the MIS office with your child at 8:30 am. 10. Timeline and ongoing recruitment. The entire admission process takes at least 30 school days (about one month) from submission to completion. For 2026 admissions, there are Additional Recruitment for 1 April 2026 Enrollment and Rolling Applications for 2026–2027; download the 2026–2027 Admission Booklet/Forms from the Forms page for current timelines.	Admissions Preschool Enrollment Process (Hakusan Campus): Step 1 — Schedule a visit. Prospective families are encouraged to arrange a school tour to experience the Hakusan campus's learning environment firsthand. For families contacting from abroad, an online meeting can be scheduled to discuss the program and any questions you have about the approach. The visit is a practical opportunity to observe classrooms and daily routines and to gather initial information about programs available for 1–3 year olds and older. Step 2 — Submit the application form. After you have had a chance to tour or speak with the team, submit the preschool application form to begin the formal review process. Be prepared to provide basic information about your child and family and to specify desired days per week (2–5 days) for younger children; MEES notes the need to align attendance with program requirements. Step 3 — Enrollment invoice issued upon approval. If the application is approved, MEES issues an enrollment invoice to confirm the next steps toward enrollment. This invoice initiates the financial portion of the process and outlines the payment method. Step 4 — Finalized upon payment. Enrollment is considered final once the payment is processed. Families should ensure timely payment to secure placement and confirm start dates. Step 5 — Additional policy notes and attendance details. MEES reserves the right to decline applications and may do so without providing reasons. For 1–3 year olds, attendance options range from 2 to 5 days per week; from age 3, students typically start the new school year at 5 days a week to support peer relationships and progress. Elementary and afterschool options at Hakusan may also be explored during the same admission period; information on demo days and program availability is provided during outreach. Elementary Enrollment Process (Hakusan Campus): Step 1 — Schedule a visit. Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a school tour to experience the learning environment firsthand. For elementary admissions, an assessment meeting with your child is requested, and online meetings are available for families living abroad. Step 2 — Submit the application form. Complete and submit the elementary application form to begin the formal review. Step 3 — Application fee invoice and schedule demo day. An application fee invoice is issued and a demo day for the child is scheduled to assess fit with MEES' program. Step 4 — If demo day is successful, enrollment invoice will be issued. A successful demo day leads to an enrollment invoice detailing the next steps toward enrollment. Step 5 — Finalized upon payment. Enrollment is finalized after payment is received and processed. Step 6 — Admissions cautions. MEES reserves the right to decline applications and may do so without providing reasons. Afterschool programs (Hakusan campus) note. Afterschool program applications are handled via the APPLY link provided for MEES Hakusan and Sendagi campuses; there is an Enrollment Fee for afterschool programs, and options include a Preschool Immersion Program (14:00–18:00) with varying weekly frequencies. Other offerings include an English class and project-based afterschool activities with separate fee schedules; details are updated in the public materials. This information is relevant for families planning care beyond the standard school day. Fees context (related to admissions and enrollment at Hakusan Elementary): The Elementary program charges include: Application fee 20,000 JPY (one-time), Enrollment fee 180,000 JPY (one-time), Material Fee 40,000 JPY (annual), School Growth Fund 50,000 JPY (annual). Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year is divided by terms (1st term 551,250 JPY; 2nd term 413,438 JPY; 3rd term 551,250 JPY; Annual total 1,515,938 JPY) with an optional Bus Service (two-way) priced per term and annually (e.g., 80,000 JPY first term, 60,000 JPY second term, 80,000 JPY third term; annual 220,000 JPY). Lunch is included with tuition, and tuition and bus fees are subject to 10% consumption tax. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Scholarships	Scholarships MIS does not publish a traditional scholarship program. The school provides a fee reduction primarily through a sibling discount, with possible exemptions in some cases. Eligibility and exact discount amounts are determined by the school office. Fees (subject to change annually) include an Entrance Fee of ¥200,000, a Maintenance Fee of ¥400,000, Kindergarten tuition of ¥1,380,000, and Grades 1–6 tuition of ¥1,740,000 per year.	Scholarships MEES Hakusan does not publish a scholarship program in its public materials. The fee structure lists one-time and annual fees (application, enrollment, material, and school growth fund) and tuition terms, with no scholarship discounts or tuition waivers described. There is no explicit scholarship or financial aid option described in the published admissions or fees content; for current, verifiable options, please contact the admissions team.
Waitlist	Waitlist Yes. If no spaces are available at the time of application, MIS may invite the child to join a waiting list. The Head of School's final decision governs offers, and spaces vary by grade and intake. There is no publicly published, step‑by‑step waitlist timetable beyond this policy.	Waitlist There is no published waitlist or pool system described for MEES Hakusan in public admissions materials. The available process details a direct application review, with an enrollment invoice issued upon acceptance and a right for the school to decline applications without providing reasons. There is no explicit step for placing applicants on a waiting list. This conclusion is based on the admissions steps published for Preschool and Elementary programs and the absence of any waitlist description in those materials.
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