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Japanische Internationale Schule Frankfurt

Germany, Frankfurt

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Japanese
Fees €5,520
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 192
Type Co-educational
Opened 1985
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages German
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Japanische Internationale Schule Frankfurt is a Japanese international school located at Langweidenstraße 8–12, Frankfurt. It is operated by a public-benefit corporation and affiliated with Japan, offering elementary and middle education in Japanese for children living in Frankfurt and the surrounding area, while ensuring study of German and engagement with local society and culture. German language instruction is mandatory for 2–3 hours per week from 1st through 9th grade. The timetable follows Hessen state public-school days, with a Monday–Friday week and a midday lunch period; Grades 1–4 arrivals and departures must be accompanied by a guardian, and lunches are Bento. The school opened in 1985 after a history dating to 1969 and is funded by membership contributions, tuition, Japanese government subsidies, and support from the Overseas Children Education Promotion Foundation. About 530 Japanese children study here on a shared campus with kindergarten, a gym, a music room, and exchanges with schools.

Langweidenstraße 8–12, 60488 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Essentials

Japanische Internationale Schule Frankfurt has 192 pupils, instruction in Japanese.

Location
The school is located at Langweidenstraße 8-12, 60488 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It serves children living in Frankfurt and the surrounding areas.

Stages
elementary and middle school

Type
Japanese international school; operated by a public-benefit corporation

Country affiliation
Japan
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
No uniform is required for physical education. Wear comfortable PE clothing without back buttons or zippers; gym shoes with non-black soles are required. A red-and-white PE cap is listed as equipment; prepare a gym shoe bag.

Food Options
Lunch box and water bottle are required items for students.

Governance and Ownership
The school is operated by a nonprofit corporation, Frankfurt Japanese International School e.V., consisting of directors (including the principal), a secretary-general, councilors, auditors, and members. Management is led by directors elected by the general assembly of members. Operating funds come from membership donations, tuition, entrance fees, subsidies from the Japanese government, and subsidies from the Overseas Children's Education Promotion Foundation.
Fees

Annual tuition at Japanische Internationale Schule Frankfurt ranges from EUR 5,520 for 2026/27.

Application / Entrance fee
- Entrance fee (入学金): EUR 450. This fee is non‑refundable.

Tuition (school years: elementary and lower secondary, 2026 academic year)
- Tuition is charged on a monthly basis: EUR 460 per month.
- The school bills by month; if a student is enrolled for any day within a given month, that month's tuition is charged. Refunds or exemptions for leave are governed by the school's board regulations.
- The school allows payment of the annual amount in a single lump sum on request. Monthly payment is the standard arrangement.
- Calculated example (for budgeting): EUR 460 × 12 months = EUR 5,520 per year if tuition is paid for 12 months. This is a straightforward multiplication of the published monthly rate and not presented as a separate published "annual fee."

Tuition by year group / term
- A single monthly tuition rate applies (EUR 460); the school does not publish different monthly tuition rates by grade or by term for the elementary and lower‑secondary divisions. Tuition is therefore uniform across the school's grade levels as published.
- The school charges monthly rather than by academic term; term‑based fees are not published. If you need a term amount for planning, multiply the monthly fee by the number of months you expect to be charged.

Preschool / kindergarten (幼稚部) — separate entity and fees
- The kindergarten (Vorschule / 幼稚部) operates under a separate legal entity and uses a different fee schedule. Fees shown are those published for the kindergarten: monthly childcare fee EUR 630, annual facility fee EUR 350, and enrollment fee EUR 540 (enrollment fee non‑refundable). These kindergarten fees are separate from the school's elementary/middle tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard billing frequency: monthly. Payments are to be made by bank transfer to the school's account on a monthly basis. Annual lump‑sum payment is possible upon arrangement.
- The rule for monthly charging: any month in which a pupil attends for at least one day is charged in full.

Boarding / dormitory
- The school is a day school (通学制); there are no boarding facilities and therefore no boarding fees.

Other costs and typical additional fees
- Textbooks and instructional materials: textbooks for first‑year elementary pupils are provided by the school; pupils entering other elementary and middle grades are expected to bring textbooks supplied via the overseas education foundation system. Additional textbook or workbook charges may apply as needed.
- School supplies and consumables: parents are responsible for required school supplies (stationery, gym shoes, art materials, recorder, calligraphy tools, etc.). The school publishes grade‑specific lists of required items; some small items (e.g., limited quantities of calligraphy paper) can be purchased from the school if needed. Expect occasional charges for class trips, excursion fees, commemorative photographs, and special activity costs to be collected as required.
- Uniforms: there is no designated school uniform; pupils are asked to wear everyday clothing suitable for activity. There is no uniform fee. Specified indoor/gym shoes and other activity clothing should be provided by families.

Refunds and cancellations
- Entrance/enrollment fees are explicitly non‑refundable. For tuition, the policy is that monthly tuition is charged for any month with attendance; tuition refunds, exemptions during leave or prolonged absence are determined by the school's board and corresponding regulations.

Fee payment options
- Payment method: bank transfer to the school account (monthly transfers). Details for the school account and how to pay are provided in the school's enrolment documentation; annual lump‑sum payment may be accepted by arrangement. No published information indicates card payment or online card processing as a standard option.

Notes for budgeting
- Expect the following recurring items in addition to tuition: one‑off entrance/enrolment fee, periodic textbook or materials charges, school trips and activity fees, and grade‑specific supply purchases. For preschool applicants, budget using the separate kindergarten fee figures (monthly and annual items) listed above.
Academics

Japanische Internationale Schule Frankfurt teaches Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
The school provides a consistent elementary and secondary education in Japanese for children living in Frankfurt and the surrounding area, while recognizing that the children live in Germany and ensuring they study German and engage with local society and culture. The school was established to provide Japanese-language instruction through elementary and middle school and emphasizes German-language study and engagement with local society and culture. The school conducts classes in accordance with Hessen state public school days, while fulfilling the annual instructional hours defined by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Science (MEXT). From 1st grade through 9th grade, German language instruction is mandatory for 2–3 hours per week. The daily timetable runs Monday through Friday, with arrival from 7:50 to 8:20, a morning assembly from 8:25 to 8:35, Period 1 from 8:35 to 9:25, Period 2 from 9:35 to 10:25, a break from 10:25 to 10:45, Period 3 from 10:45 to 11:35, Period 4 from 11:45 to 12:35, lunch and lunch break from 12:35 to 13:15, Period 5 from 13:15 to 14:05, Period 6 from 14:15 to 15:05, and dismissal from 15:05 to 15:20. On Tuesdays and Fridays all grades have 45-minute classes; Grades 1–3 have 6 periods, Grades 4–9 have 7 periods. Differences from Japanese schools include that arrival and dismissal for Grades 1–4 must be accompanied by a guardian, lunch is a Bento, and there are exchanges with the local school.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Bullying harms the mental and physical growth of students and is never permissible. The school recognizes that any student can be a victim or an aggressor, and works with families, the school board, the guardians' association, and the Frankfurt Consulate to prevent bullying, detect it early, respond, and provide remediation. Under the principal's leadership, the school operates systematically to address bullying through organization, policy, and procedures. The aim is to cultivate students' social-emotional development, including the ability to form positive relationships, cooperate, support one another, recognize and respect others, and practice forgiveness. The school's anti-bullying policy and an anti-bullying committee coordinate efforts to monitor, share information, and implement prevention and response measures across the school community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The admissions materials include a section for consideration of special needs. If accommodations are required, the school may provide support staff; the school may deliver instruction through specialized arrangements such as instruction in a special needs class, pull-out sessions, or instruction in a separate room. If a student has previously received special education support, the school may arrange for such services. Costs for this support are the responsibility of the parents. If, after enrollment, it is determined that continued schooling is not feasible for the student, withdrawal may be necessary.

Mental Wellbeing
The school emphasizes healthy mental and physical growth and aims to provide a safe, supportive learning environment. Policies stress that students should learn in a setting where their well-being is protected and where interactions promote psychological and emotional safety. The school recognizes that bullying and related issues can impact students' well-being and takes coordinated actions to safeguard students' mental health through its governing structures and student support processes.

Safeguarding
The school treats student safety and well-being as central to its educational mission. The bullying prevention policy outlines definitions, responsibilities, and the school's organizational structure for preventing and addressing bullying, including prevention committees, reporting channels, information sharing, and responses to serious cases in collaboration with families, the school board, and external partners. The framework ensures proactive, structured, and coordinated safeguarding of students' safety and emotional health.
Parent Experience

History
The school provides continuous elementary and middle education in Japanese for children living in Frankfurt and its environs, while ensuring study of German and engagement with local society and culture. The history began with the December 1969 start of a supplementary language program due to overseas expansion of Japanese companies, and by 1976 enrollment surpassed 100, enabling classes from kindergarten through middle school. In April 1978 the supplementary school was incorporated as a non-profit; in April 1979 Japanese government teachers began upper-grade instruction, and enrollment exceeded 200 in the 1980 academic year. To establish a full-time Japanese school, an All-Japanese School Establishment Preparatory Committee began in 1981; after four years of government requests, permission for a full-time Japanese school was granted in December 1984, and the Frankfurt Japanese International School opened in April 1985. The school is operated by the non-profit Frankfurt Japanese International School Board, and funding comes from membership contributions, tuition, Japanese government subsidies, and subsidies from the Overseas Children Education Promotion Foundation.

Community
The school runs an annual calendar of events, including the entrance ceremony in April, sports day in June, a school festival in October, and a graduation ceremony in March. Elementary and middle school students participate in a variety of activities, including a Welcome Meeting for first graders, spring excursions, overnight trips for fifth graders, Tanabata celebrations, and local field trips such as airport visits, vineyard harvests, and city hall visits. Additional activities include a speech contest, work-experience programs, and other cultural exchanges. Event updates are posted on the school's blog.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates on a shared campus. The same facility houses the kindergarten. On weekends, the Frankfurt Japanese Supplementary School holds classes here. About 530 Japanese children study at this facility.

Sports Facilities
There is a gymnasium on campus used for physical education. When using the gym, students wear gym shoes. Gym shoes must have rubber soles that are not black.

Academic Facilities
There is a music room on campus. Music classes use keyboard harmonicas for younger students and soprano recorders for older students. Instruments include Yamaha keyboard harmonicas (Japan-made) and German-made instruments such as those from Hohner. The school lists Session GmbH and Musikhaus Dornbusch as instrument stores for purchase. The music department plans mini concerts and music appreciation activities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Annual events include the entrance ceremony in April, sports day in June, and the school festival in October, followed by the graduation ceremony in March. The elementary unit hosts events such as a welcome gathering for first graders, spring excursions, and overnight study for fifth grade. The middle school participates in events such as a Tanabata gathering, airport visits for fourth graders, and study trips for sixth graders. The school also holds Christmas gatherings, a mochi festival, and a send-off for sixth graders, along with intercultural exchanges with local schools. The middle school participates in the Nidda Walk and conducts presentations of research projects (third grade).
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school conducts classes in line with Hessen state public-school days and meets the annual instructional hours defined by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). German language study is mandatory for 2–3 hours per week for all students from first grade through the end of lower secondary. The daily timetable runs Monday through Friday, with arrival from 7:50 to 8:20, a morning assembly from 8:25 to 8:35, class periods from 8:35 onward, a lunch break, and dismissal around 15:20; Tuesdays and Fridays feature 45-minute days for all grades. For Grades 1–4, arrival and departure must be accompanied by a guardian, lunches are provided as packed meals, and there are exchanges with the local school.

Arts & Creative
The school maintains a music department newsletter called Poco a Poco, which provides updates on the music program and related activities. It features articles about composers, performances, and the broader musical life of the school. Concerts at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts are highlighted as opportunities to experience live music, with tickets available online. The school supports active participation in music and exposure to a broad range of concert programs.

Cultural & Language
Tanabata gatherings are part of the school's cultural events. Local-school exchanges are part of the program to foster cross-cultural understanding. Field trips include a city hall visit for 3rd grade and an airport tour for 4th grade to broaden understanding of local governance and culture.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports Day takes place in June and the School Festival in October, contributing to school life and physical activity. The elementary division hosts a Welcome Meeting for first graders and a Spring excursion, and the 5th grade undertakes an overnight study trip. Festive gatherings such as a Christmas assembly and a mochi-pounding event foster community spirit and enjoyable, active participation.
Languages

Language Provision
German is compulsory for all students from Grade 1 through Grade 9, at 2–3 hours per week. The school follows the public-school days of the state of Hesse and fulfills the annual number of instructional hours defined by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
Information sessions are offered for prospective families. The Middle School Information Session is on January 26, 2026, from 13:15 to 15:00, and the Elementary School Information Session is on January 19, 2026, from 12:30 to 14:05. Details are provided in a linked PDF, and participation requires emailing info@jisf.de with the following: child's name (furigana), guardian's name (furigana), current school name, and chosen participation method (on-site or Zoom). The deadline to apply for the middle school session is January 15, 2026, and for the elementary session it is December 16, 2025.
School Events
The school has not added events
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