Compare International Schools in Fukuoka, Japan

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees ¥1,902,000 - 2,296,300

Pupils 400

Type Co-educational

Fukuoka International School (FIS) is an IB World School in Fukuoka, Japan, serving students aged 3–18. It offers all three IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is located in Momochi in western Fukuoka City. Its main campus overlooks the Muromi River, and an additional campus (“The Annex”) is a short walk away and houses the Art Center and Design Lab. Facilities listed by the school include a gym, playground, science labs, multiple learning spaces and a 12,000-volume library. Beyond classes, FIS runs an after-school activities programme refreshed each trimester, with examples such as martial arts, handball, yoga and a language lab, plus seasonal athletics clubs for older students. The school also hosts community events, including a Spring Festival described as a large-scale multicultural celebration.

Location

The Fukuoka International School campuses are located in the western part of Fukuoka City, in the Momochi area. The main campus overlooks the Muromi River, and the Annex is about a four‑minute walk away, housing the Art Center, Design Lab, and additional classrooms. The address is 3-18-50 Momochi, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka 814-0006, Japan, and both campuses are easily accessible by public transportation.

Stages

The school serves students aged 3 to 18, with an Elementary School (Early Years to Grade 5), a Middle School (Grades 6–8), and a High School (Grades 9–12).

Type

FIS is an IB World School that follows the IB framework. It is co‑educational and operates as a day school (no boarding facilities).

Pupil Nationality Mix

Nationalities represented among students exceed 30; the homepage notes 35+ nationalities represented, reflecting a diverse international community. The site also indicates 16 nationalities represented among staff. The exact local-to-international ratio is not published.

Additional learning support

English language support is provided through an ELL program as needed after enrollment, with bilingual staff offering translation support; a Language Development team supports learning. The school notes that some neurodiverse needs can be accommodated, but severe needs may be difficult to support given available services.

Country affiliation

Country affiliation: None listed; the school is located in Japan. (IB listing confirms the school is in Japan.)

Religious affiliation

Religious affiliation: None publicly listed. Historically, land and buildings were provided by the Japan Baptist Mission at founding, but there is no ongoing formal religious affiliation indicated.

School day structure

The school operates as a day school with an optional lunch program. Typical daily start times are not published by the school, but directories show Elementary starting around 8:30 and Secondary around 8:10, with finish times around 3:20. Lunch is provided by an external supplier (sign‑ups available) and is offered at an additional cost.

Bus service

Bus service: No in‑house school bus is advertised; families typically arrange transport via public transit or private means. The campus is described as accessible by public transportation.

Application and one‑off entrance fees
- Application fee (includes assessment, observations and 4% handling fee): ¥52,000 (non‑refundable).
- Acceptance fee (new students): ¥350,000 (non‑refundable).
- Re‑acceptance fee (re‑enrolling students): ¥200,000 (non‑refundable).
- Development fee (new students only): ¥500,000 (non‑refundable).

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts for the 2025/2026 school year)
- Early Years (3 & 4 years old): ¥1,702,000 per year.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5: ¥1,734,500 per year.
- Grades 6 – 8: ¥1,873,800 per year.
- Grades 9 – 10: ¥2,013,200 per year.
- Grades 11 – 12: ¥2,096,300 per year.

Per‑term / per‑installment detail by payment option
- One installment: the full annual tuition is due on 25 August. (Pay the annual amounts listed above in a single payment.)
- Two installments: the annual tuition is split into two equal installments: the first installment is due 25 August (covers August–December) and the second installment is due 25 December (covers January–June). Example two‑installment amounts (each installment = annual ÷ 2):
- Early Years: ¥851,000 per installment.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5: ¥867,250 per installment.
- Grades 6–8: ¥936,900 per installment.
- Grades 9–10: ¥1,006,600 per installment.
- Grades 11–12: ¥1,048,150 per installment.
- Nine installments: nine monthly installments are due on the 25th of each month from August through April. The August payment is higher because it covers tuition for both August and September; the school issues the exact breakdown amounts on the school fee bill. Exact nine‑installment amounts are not published in the general summary.

Annual mandatory fees (per student, per year)
- Facility fee: ¥200,000 (non‑refundable).
- Accident insurance fee: ¥4,800 (non‑refundable).
- Extension learning fee: ¥10,000 (Elementary) / ¥5,000 (Secondary) (non‑refundable).
- Yearbook fee: ¥6,000 (not charged to students who enroll after publishing).
- Library fee: ¥5,000 (non‑refundable).
- Graduation fee (Grade 12 only): ¥10,000 (non‑refundable).
- Week Without Walls (field trips/outdoor learning): approximately ¥50,000–¥120,000 (to be invoiced; not charged to students who enroll after the trip).

Other costs and optional fees
- Uniform: students in Grades 3–10 are required to purchase an FIS PHE uniform top. Additional optional uniform items (sports shorts, track pants, fleeces, hoodies, house t‑shirts, etc.) are available for purchase.
- Lunch service: an optional lunch service is available at additional cost; the school invoices families who opt in.
- Other optional charges (examples): after‑school activities, certain trips, and programme‑specific materials or excursions may incur additional charges invoiced separately.

Boarding
- Boarding is not provided; Fukuoka International School operates as a day school (no boarding fees apply).

Refunds, late enrollment and withdrawal terms
- All fees except tuition are charged in full for late enrollment or withdrawal after enrollment. Tuition is pro‑rated for late enrollment on a per‑day basis.
- For early withdrawal, tuition is charged until the last day of the month of the student's last school day.
- Withdrawals in April, May or June do not receive refunds of tuition. A Withdrawal Form must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the child's withdrawal date.
- Delayed payments may result in withholding of report cards, transcripts, letters of reference, graduation diplomas, yearbooks and other school records; two or more delayed payments may lead to suspension until payments are cleared. Re‑enrollment is not permitted while amounts for the corresponding school year remain unpaid.

Billing schedule and payment instructions
- The school issues a school‑fee bill at enrollment and at the beginning of each school year; families must keep the bill until all payments are complete. Payments are scheduled according to the chosen installment plan (one, two or nine payments) and due on the 25th of the specified month(s).
- Payment method: tuition payments must be made by bank transfer. All bank charges are the payer's responsibility. Cash, credit card and automatic bank account deduction payment options are not available. The bank transfer must be made under the child's name in the English alphabet as shown on the school‑fee bill.

Where additional fee breakdowns appear
- The school issues detailed fee breakdowns and the official school‑fee bill (showing exact installment amounts and invoiced optional items) at the time of enrollment or at the start of the school year.

Boarding Arrangements

FIS does not provide boarding facilities. It operates as a day school with no on-campus housing or dormitories. There is no school bus service, and younger students are typically escorted to and from school by a parent or guardian. Expatriate families enroll with a dependent visa and arrange housing separately.

Uniform Requirement

FIS has a compulsory PE sports shirt as part of the uniform. Other uniform items, such as hoodies, fleeces, house T‑shirts, sports shorts and tracksuit pants, are optional and can be purchased through the online uniform store. The house T‑shirt is not compulsory, though students may be asked to wear house colors for certain events. Many students choose to purchase and wear an FIS house T‑shirt.

Food Options

An optional lunch service is available, provided by Cezar's Kitchen. Lunches are healthy and can be tailored to individual dietary needs. The service is optional and available to students who opt in.

House System

FIS uses a house system alongside homerooms to foster community and leadership. Students participate in house-related activities and events, and there are student-led committees such as the Student Council (Secondary) and the Student Action Leadership Team (Elementary), as well as Model United Nations and an Athletic Council.

Governance and Ownership

FIS is an independent, non-profit private school incorporated in Japan and accredited as a School Juridical Body (Gakko Hojin) by the Japanese Ministry and by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is governed by a thirteen‑member Board of Directors elected by the Board of Trustees; the Head of School reports to the Board of Directors. The Board makes major strategic decisions while daily operations are managed by the Head of School.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Fukuoka International School places student wellbeing at the center of its approach. An extensive Wellbeing Team supports every student to feel welcome, safe, valued and encouraged. A full-time on-site counselor provides confidential emotional and social support during school hours, with students able to book via an online form or visit the counseling office. The Advisory program provides regular lessons designed to develop self-empowerment, social adaptability, and responsible decision-making. The Wellbeing Program integrates social and emotional support, language support, learning support, and on-site health services to address student needs. The school aims to create safe, caring spaces, respect cultural differences, and collaborate with families to help each child reach their potential.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

FIS provides Learning Support and Language Support as part of its Wellbeing Services. A low student-to-teacher ratio and dedicated professionals support students who may need adaptation of learning to develop or extend understanding. The school uses a mix of in-class, small group, and individual instruction for students who require extra support. Admission is inclusive; the school does not have a pass/fail admissions test and will admit students where resources and space allow, with additional admissions information requested if a learning difference could affect success. The program emphasizes collaboration with teachers and families to identify the right strategy to ensure accessibility for all learners.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

All students are language learners and all teachers are language teachers, with language development viewed as central to learning and identity. Elementary Language Support includes small group English Language Development instruction, co-taught homeroom support, and one-to-one assistance where needed. Additional after-school English language classes are available through the educational partner, FICS. Secondary Language Support features pull-out ELD for groups and individuals, plus in-class push-in support within the MYP & DP units, with dedicated ELD classes for grades 6–12. Continued language support is monitored through the WIDA framework, assessed twice a year, and students receive ongoing support based on progress.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through the Wellbeing Program and an extensive Wellbeing Team that maintains a safe, welcoming environment. A full-time on-site counselor provides accessible emotional and social support during school hours, with confidential services available to students. The Advisory program delivers regular lessons aimed at fostering self-empowerment, social adaptability, and responsible decision-making. Wellbeing services span Social & Emotional Support, Language Support, Learning Support, and the Health Office, ensuring holistic care for the student body. The overarching goal is to create safe learning spaces, respect cultural differences, and collaborate with families to nurture each student's growth.

Safeguarding

FIS endorses the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and treats safeguarding as a core responsibility across the school. Safeguarding aims include establishing a secure environment where students can talk openly, ensuring adults are available to listen, and providing annual training for all staff and community members. The school maintains clear procedures for identifying and reporting suspected abuse and an agreed Child Protection process and plan. Policies and documents include the FIS Disclosure Policy, Our Safeguarding Team, Codes of Conduct, Recruitment Policy, and Confidential Reporting Policy, with ongoing communication to parents. Safeguarding is integrated as a whole-school responsibility, involving staff, students, parents and the wider community.

Admissions

Step 1 — Review FAQs and admission requirements. Familiarize yourself with the Admissions Policy and the FAQs to confirm your child's eligibility for enrollment. Some grade levels may be full due to high demand, but spaces regularly become available because of turnover in the expatriate community, so submitting an application helps place your child on the waiting list. If questions remain, contact the Admissions Team through the inquiry channel or by phone at +81-92-841-7601.

Step 2 — Complete application forms & submit further documentation. Begin the Enrollment Application Form and gather all required documents listed in the application checklist. Items include Medical Behavioral Form, School History Form, passports for all nationalities, visa details for non-Japanese nationals, a passport-style photo, and school records from the previous two years with English translations if needed. For high school applicants, provide official transcripts, a writing sample (Grades 2–12), MAP results (within the last 6 months), a Recommendation Form, and any relevant medical/behavioral records. Prepare for MAP results as part of grade placement.

Step 3 — Pay application fees. The non-refundable Application Fee is ¥52,000 per application and covers assessment, observations, and a 4% handling fee. Payment is processed via credit card through Open Apply. Ensure the application is complete before paying, as incomplete submissions may not be considered. The fee is non-refundable.

Step 4 — Complete testing. MAP testing is used for grade placement for students in Grade 3 and above; younger students participate in an observational assessment. If English is not the home language, WiDA testing may be used. There is no pass/fail requirement for admission; testing helps determine appropriate placement and language support needs.

Step 5 — Interview with the Leadership Team. All prospective students and their families meet with the Leadership Team to assess fit with the school's IB program and community. After completing all application steps, the Admissions Team will reach out to communicate next steps and timelines.

Scholarships

International Mindedness Scholarship — Available to students in Grades 9–12 who demonstrate an international mindset and an outstanding academic record. The scholarship provides significant tuition support for three years or until graduation. Applications open in August each year, with admittance offered in April. Stage 1 requires by January 15th submission of the admissions form, two English-language school reports, two confidential recommendation forms, a one-page essay on what an international mindset means to the applicant, and a CV (submitted by email). Stage 2 consists of an interview with the IMS Committee, completion of FIS admissions assessments on the interview day, and proof of financial need. Results are announced in early March; scholarship recipients are admitted in April and placed in the grade corresponding to their most recent Japanese system completion for the remainder of the year, then move to the new grade in August. The IMS is designed to support ongoing enrollment, but the school retains the right to remove the scholarship for the next year if academic performance or behavior declines. Corporate, diplomatic, or governmental fee support disqualifies applicants. Expatriate students require an official dependent visa. The school does not provide boarding.

Waitlist

Waitlist/Pool — The school operates an Application List (Delayed Enrollment) for waitlisting when a grade level is full. Applications are welcome at any time and can continue until early April; spaces become available due to turnover, and spots are offered to students on the waiting lists in priority order. A complete application is required to be added to the waiting list. The priority order for admissions follows: Company transfers first; foreign students (neither parent nor student has a Japanese passport); dual national students (one parent has a Japanese passport); Japanese students returning from overseas or another international school in Japan (parents and student have Japanese passports); Japanese students (both parents and student have Japanese passports). Siblings receive priority within their group. English proficiency and testing considerations are addressed during the process, and English is the language of instruction.

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Compare International Schools in Fukuoka, Japan

Location

Stages

Type

Pupil Nationality Mix

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Religious affiliation

School day structure

Bus service

Boarding Arrangements

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

House System

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

Waitlist

Filters

Currency

Annual fees

Children's Ages

Curriculum offered

Brand

Preschool

Primary

Secondary

Pre-University

National Curriculums

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