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Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
Hokkaido International School (HIS) in Sapporo opened in 1958 and is located in Toyohira-ku at 1-55, 5 jo 19 chome Hiragishi. The campus is accessible by subway, with directions provided from Odori Station to Sumikawa Station, followed by a 5–7 minute walk to the school. HIS offers education from the Early Years (ages 3–4) through Grade 12. In the Early Years, classrooms are described as Reggio Emilia inspired. At the elementary level, the school follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), while the middle school uses the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). In high school, students can take Advanced Placement courses, including the AP Capstone program with Seminar and Research, alongside a range of other AP subjects. Outdoor Education is identified by the school as an important part of the middle and high school curriculum, making use of Hokkaido’s natural environment as part of students’ learning experiences.
This campus is part ofHokkaido International School
19 Chome-1-55 Hiragishi 5 Jo, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0935, Japan
The Essentials
Hokkaido International School has 227 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English.
Location
The main campus of Hokkaido International School is at 1-55, 5 jo 19 chome Hiragishi, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Japan 062-0935. It is accessible from Odori via the Nanboku subway line, with Sumikawa Station as a nearby access point and a short walk to the school. HIS also operates HIS Niseko in Niseko town, a branch offering English-language education from Early Years through Grade 8.
Stages
The school provides education from pre-school through high school (Early Years to Grade 12). Grade placement covers EY3 and EY4 through to Grade 12, as shown in the published charts.
Type
Hokkaido International School is a private, coeducational institution that offers both day and boarding options. The on-site dormitory has a capacity of 40 students, and boarding is open to students in grades 8–12.
Pupil Nationality Mix
About 30 nationalities are represented at HIS. Approximately 24% of students are native English speakers; the school describes a mix of locally based families, Japanese returnees, and expatriates, but the exact local-to-international ratio is not published.
Additional learning support
The school provides a part-time on-site counselor and two part-time college counselors for high school. It can accommodate students with mild needs and offers guidance in locating external English-language resources when needed.
Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is stated for HIS.
Religious affiliation
Hokkaido International School has no religious affiliation listed.
School day structure
The standard school day runs from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Mondays through Fridays.
Bus service
The HIS School Bus serves the Maruyama and Miyanomori districts with fees for annual or per-ride options. The route, stops, and timetable are not published publicly; questions should be directed through the admissions office.
Fees
Annual tuition at Hokkaido International School ranges from JPY 1,400,000 to JPY 1,600,000 for 2026/27.
Application and entrance fees - Application fee (one-time): ¥20,000. - Entrance/entry fee (one-time): ¥200,000 (this amount is listed with the 2025–2026 school fees). A later note in the fees/refund section also refers to an "entry fee" of ¥25,000 for new families; both figures appear in the school's published materials.
Tuition fees (annual and quarterly breakdowns by year group) - Early Years — half day: Annual ¥1,000,000; Quarterly ¥250,000 × 4. - Early Years — full day: Annual ¥1,400,000; Quarterly ¥350,000 × 4. - Kindergarten – Grades 1–5: Annual ¥1,540,000; Quarterly ¥385,000 × 4. - Grades 6–8 (Middle School): Annual ¥1,580,000; Quarterly ¥395,000 × 4. - Grades 9–12 (High School): Annual ¥1,600,000; Quarterly ¥400,000 × 4.
School bus fees (where applicable) - Annual bus fee (per student, 1–2 students): ¥160,000 per year. - Annual bus fee (per family, 3+ students): ¥336,000 per year. - One‑way riders (per student, 1–2 students): ¥80,000 per year. - One‑way riders (per family, 3+ students): ¥220,000 per year. - Bus fees are payable by the year or by the quarter; bus fees are refunded on a quarterly basis. The bus page also notes that bus fee payments should be made by the due date and that non‑payment may prevent release of school records.
Boarding (dormitory) fees and one‑off charges - Room deposit (one‑time, refundable): ¥50,000. - Room cleaning fee (annual, non‑refundable): ¥30,000. - Room fee (weekdays & weekends): Annual ¥800,000; Quarterly ¥200,000. - Room fee (weekdays only): Annual ¥520,000; Quarterly ¥130,000. - Meal fee (breakfast, lunch & dinner Monday–Friday): Annual ¥600,000; Quarterly ¥150,000. - Dormitory capacity is stated as 40 students; dorm and meal fees are refundable on a quarterly basis when applicable, and the room deposit is refundable less costs for cleaning or repairs. The dorm cleaning fee is explicitly non‑refundable.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and fees are payable annually; payment on a quarterly basis is accepted if necessary. Invoices are mailed in July. For students entering after Opening Day, payment is due prior to enrollment. - Tuition is charged for every quarter in which a student attended; the school does not provide prorated refunds within a quarter. Bus and dorm fees are handled and refunded on a quarterly basis. Tuition and fees are, in principle, non‑refundable. Late or non‑payment can result in withholding of school records.
Refund details (key points) - Tuition is charged for every quarter in which the student attended; there is no prorated refund for partial quarters. - Tuition and fees are generally non‑refundable. Bus fees and dorm/meal fees may be refunded on a quarterly basis according to the published refund policy. The dorm cleaning fee is non‑refundable. Room deposit refunds are subject to deductions for additional cleaning or repairs.
Other costs and typical additional charges - School supplies and grade‑specific supply lists are published (a school supply list is provided in the school's downloadable documents). Specific uniform costs are not itemized on the school's published tuition & fees page; required personal or uniform items are typically listed in the supply list or handbook materials. Additional optional or extracurricular charges (for example certain elective course fees, instrument fees, outdoor course fees, field trips, lunches outside the regular meal plan, or special program fees) are charged separately as noted above.
Fee payment options and methods - The school's admissions materials for the Niseko branch state that tuition and fee payments are required to be made by bank transfer and that payments are to be made on a quarterly basis; this bank‑transfer requirement is presented as the school's business/accounting practice. Shorter programs (for example the winter program) list payment by bank transfer or credit card for that program specifically. For routine tuition and major fees the school requires bank transfer payments; program‑specific arrangements may accept card payments where explicitly stated.
Notes on non‑payment and record release - In the event of non‑payment of fees, school records (and in some cases dormitory placement) may be withheld until fees are paid in full. Students may be asked to leave the dormitory for non‑payment of dorm fees.
Summary of the most frequently applicable amounts (quick reference) - Application fee: ¥20,000. Entrance fee: ¥200,000 (see note above regarding alternate entry fee figure appearing in published refund notes). Tuition (examples): EY half day ¥1,000,000; Kindergarten–Grade 5 ¥1,540,000; Grades 6–8 ¥1,580,000; Grades 9–12 ¥1,600,000 — each tuition figure is presented with a quarterly installment equal to one‑fourth of the annual amount. Annual student fee: ¥200,000. Boarding room fee (full week): ¥800,000; meal fee (Mon–Fri): ¥600,000. Bus (per student): ¥160,000 per year (two‑way).
Academics
Hokkaido International School teaches IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Advanced Placement (AP), Reggio Emilia Approach for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
Hokkaido International School follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in Elementary and the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) in Middle School. The High School offers a Western‑style, college‑preparatory program with AP courses, including AP Capstone (Seminar and Research) and AP offerings in Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, World History, European History, US History, Comparative Government, Studio Art, English Language and Literature, and Japanese. AP Human Geography and AP Psychology were added starting in 2019–2020. The school year has 180 days, divided into semesters, with an A‑day/B‑day block schedule. Instruction is differentiated with Honors, Standard and Developing options in the secondary school, and graduation requires a high credit load. Multiage grouping is used across the school (2‑year bands in K‑5, 3‑year band in Middle School, 2‑year bands in High School), with outdoor education and experiential learning emphasized throughout.
Student Teacher Ratio
The upper school has a student/teacher ratio of approximately 10:1, and average class size is about 17 students.
Exam Results
AP data (2018–2024) shows 26 AP students in 2024, with a Total AP Mean Score of 1269; Mean Math score 648 and Mean ERW score 621. In 2024, 25 AP students earned scores of 3 or higher (96% of AP test‑takers). The Class of 2024 had 17 students take the SAT.
Higher Education Progression
Post‑graduate information shows recent graduates matriculated at universities including Baylor University, Boston University, Colby College, University of California campuses, University of British Columbia, Waseda University, Sophia University, Temple University Japan, Tokyo University, Tsukuba University, University of Queensland, University of Toronto, Charles University, and Glasgow School of Art, among others. These placements span the United States, Canada, Asia‑Pacific and Europe.
Gifted and Talented
Secondary instruction is differentiated by Honors, Standard and Developing options. The AP program provides advanced coursework for high‑ability students, and students must meet a high graduation credit requirement, supported by outdoor education and experiential learning as part of HIS Huskies programming.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Hokkaido International School provides a character-rich environment with formal social-emotional learning and counseling. The school has a part‑time on‑site counselor offering individual services and classroom support. Elementary daily classes include character education based on the Virtues Project, the HUSKIES learner outcomes, and the CASEL framework. In middle school and high school, a dedicated homeroom block on Monday, Thursday, and Friday supports SEL and college/career readiness through Unifrog. The Strategic Plan 2022–2027 identifies Focus Area 2 as Socio‑emotional learning and Child Protection.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school emphasizes learning support and inclusion as part of its Strategic Plan 2022–2027. The Student Support framework describes counseling services and the ability to locate outside assessment resources, with an emphasis on inclusive education and differentiated support.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the language of instruction. ELL support is provided in the secondary program through push‑in and co‑teaching methods within mainstream classes.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through on‑site counseling, SEL curriculum, and dedicated time in the school program for social-emotional development. Counseling services are complemented by college and career planning support for upper grades.
Safeguarding
The school adheres to safeguarding policies aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and JCIS/WASC accreditation requirements. A formal Child Safeguarding policy outlines staff obligations, student protection protocols, and related guidelines.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Complete an HIS application for each child. Assemble comprehensive school records, including current report cards and the previous two years of schooling, plus any standardized test scores if applicable. Include medical and inoculation records and proof of the student's age. Have the documents translated into English if possible.
2. Admission decisions are made by an Admission Committee consisting of two or three staff members and chaired by the Head of the School. This group reviews applications and makes initial grade-placement decisions. If admitted, parents should arrange for immediate payment of tuition, the application fee and the entrance fee.
3. If a space is not available for a particular year, applicants may be placed in a wait pool until space becomes available. Siblings already enrolled at HIS are given priority within the wait pool, as are children of HIS staff and alumni, and students returning to Japan who have previously attended HIS.
Scholarships
HIS offers financial aid programs based on need. Eligibility depends on a family's financial circumstances and funds available; most awards cover a portion of tuition and are awarded for one academic year. Applications for financial aid have spring deadlines, and families must submit required documents on time. The program includes annual reapplication for continuation, and aid is not guaranteed for all eligible families. The school also notes government tuition assistance programs in Hokkaido for eligible students and maintains separate scholarship opportunities funded by donors (e.g., Arletta Seltzer Memorial Scholarship and Husky Achievement Scholarship).
Waitlist
When the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces for a grade year, students may be placed in a wait pool until space becomes available. Siblings already enrolled at HIS are given priority within the wait pool, as are children of HIS staff and alumni, and students returning to Japan who have previously attended HIS.
FAQs
What curriculum does HIS Sapporo follow?
HIS follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in Elementary, the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) in Middle School, and a Western-style high school programme with AP options.
What age range does the school serve?
HIS Sapporo serves students aged 3 to 18 across Early Years, Elementary, Middle, and High School.
What are the tuition fees?
Annual tuition ranges from JPY 1,400,000 to JPY 1,600,000 depending on grade level.
Does the school offer boarding?
Yes. HIS Sapporo offers co-educational boarding provision alongside its day school programme.
How large is the school?
Approximately 227 students, providing a mid-sized international community in Sapporo.
Is the school accredited?
Yes. HIS is accredited by WASC and is a member of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS).
Where is the school located?
In Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, accessible by subway from Odori Station to Sumikawa Station, followed by a 5-7 minute walk.
When was the school founded?
HIS Sapporo opened in 1958, making it one of the longest-established international schools in Hokkaido with over 65 years of service.
Is there learning support?
Yes. The school emphasises learning support and inclusion as part of its Strategic Plan. A counselor is available part-time on site, and students with mild needs can be accommodated.
What languages are taught?
English is the language of instruction. Japanese is also taught as part of the curriculum alongside the IPC and IMYC frameworks.
Is there a Niseko campus?
Yes. HIS also operates a Niseko campus for Early Years through Grade 8, providing international education in the Niseko resort area.
