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Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Japanese
Strengths STEM, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Kindergarten
Introduction
Laurus International School of Science – Shirokanedai is an international STEM preschool and kindergarten located in RIS Shirokanedai, Minato, Tokyo. The campus serves ages 1.5 to 6, and the overall school population extends to ages 0 to 18, with Cambridge Primary, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels in the curriculum. The Shirokanedai program emphasizes inquiry-based STEM learning to build a strong foundation in science and problem solving. Preschool Life runs entirely in English and develops social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills, while Kindergarten Life includes hands-on science experiments, outdoor play and practical communication. The campus features a spacious P.E. room, a music room and a high-standard science lab, with nearby parks and nature observation opportunities at the National Institute for Nature Study botanical gardens. Opened in 2016 as part of Laurus's expansion to eight preschools, the campus also offers Saturday School for English fluency, after-school STEM Academy and seasonal STEM Camps.
Laurus International School of Science - Shirokanedai has 1,500 pupils, instruction in English.
Location
RIS Shirokanedai is located in a quiet residential area in Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071. It is the largest Laurus Preschools & Kindergartens campus, with a spacious P.E. room, a music room, a high-standard science lab and ample classroom space. It is near parks for outdoor activities and nature observation, including the National Institute for Nature Study botanical gardens. It is accessible by rail: Shirokanedai Station is a 6-minute walk from the No.1 Exit (Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line / Toei Subway Mita Line) and Takanawadai Station is a 10-minute walk (Toei Subway Asakusa Line).
Stages
Preschool & Kindergarten (ages 1.5 to 6 years old)
Type
International STEM Preschool & Kindergarten
School day structure
Hours: Mon - Sat, 8:30 - 18:00. Enrolment options include 5-hour option (9:00 - 14:00) and Full Day (8:30 - 18:00). Saturday School and Afterschool programs are available.
Bus service
A School Bus service is available, subject to age and height restrictions. Pink Bus Schedule and Yellow Bus Schedule are available.
Fees
Annual tuition at Laurus International School of Science - Shirokanedai ranges from up to JPY 2,312,000 for 2026/27.
Application & Entrance Fees
- Entrance fee: JPY 120,000 (one-time, payable upon enrolment).
Monthly Tuition — Preschool & Kindergarten (amounts shown are per month)
- Kindergarten (ages 3–6) - 5 days/week, 5-hour option (09:00–14:00): JPY 132,000 per month. - 5 days/week, Full Day option (08:30–18:00): JPY 181,000 per month. - 6 days/week, 5-hour option: JPY 142,000 per month. - 6 days/week, Full Day option: JPY 198,000 per month.
- Preschool (ages 1.5–3) - 1 day/week: JPY 39,000 (5-hour) or JPY 56,000 (Full Day) per month. - 2 days/week: JPY 66,000 (5-hour) or JPY 95,000 (Full Day) per month. - 3 days/week: JPY 86,000 (5-hour) or JPY 123,000 (Full Day) per month. - 4 days/week: JPY 108,000 (5-hour) or JPY 155,000 (Full Day) per month. - 5 days/week: JPY 132,000 (5-hour) or JPY 181,000 (Full Day) per month. - 6 days/week: JPY 142,000 (5-hour) or JPY 198,000 (Full Day) per month.
- Tuition is charged on a monthly basis.
Annual and Three‑instalment equivalents (calculated from monthly rates)
- Annual fee = monthly rate × 12. Instalment amount when choosing the school's three-installment payment option = (monthly rate × 12) ÷ 3. The school offers an option to pay annually in full or in three instalments; the instalment amounts below are the simple calculations described above.
- Examples (rounded to the nearest yen): - Kindergarten, 5 days/week, 5-hour: Annual JPY 1,584,000 — Three instalments of JPY 528,000. - Kindergarten, 5 days/week, Full Day: Annual JPY 2,172,000 — Three instalments of JPY 724,000. - Preschool, 3 days/week, Full Day: Annual JPY 1,476,000 — Three instalments of JPY 492,000.
Other mandatory and recurring charges
- Educational Service Charge: JPY 90,000 annually. - Maintenance Fee (facilities): JPY 50,000 annually. - Additional mandatory or routine items that may be charged: materials and printed texts, school uniform, lunch (optional), school bus (optional) — specific amounts for these items are provided during admissions/enrolment.
Optional / incidental fees
- School bus service: optional and charged separately. Details and schedule are available for the Shirokanedai bus routes. - Lunch: offered as an optional paid service; charged separately. - Extended childcare / late‑pickup fees: charged by time beyond dismissal — typical rates shown in school materials are JPY 1,000 per 30 minutes (dismissal time–18:00), JPY 2,000 per 30 minutes (18:00–18:30), and JPY 3,000 per 30 minutes (18:30–19:00); extended-care charges are withdrawn automatically from the registered bank account.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is listed on a monthly basis but the school provides two payment arrangements: (a) Annual payment (payment in full, with a specified due date in late March) or (b) Installment payments scheduled three times during the school year. When instalment payment is selected, the annual tuition (monthly × 12) is divided into three instalments. Extended‑care and similar incidental fees may be collected automatically from the registered bank account.
- Bank transfers are accepted; payments should include any transfer fees and use the school's specified account name/format for identification. Some incidental fees are withdrawn automatically from the registered bank account. Please prepare to use bank transfer / automatic debit as described in school payment information.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered at the Shirokanedai Preschool & Kindergarten campus; there are no boarding or dormitory fees applicable. The campus operates as a day school with scheduled hours.
Refunds, withdrawal and non‑payment
- There are no refunds for tuition, the annual membership fee, the entrance fee, or other fees in the event of disaster, unforeseeable circumstances, or parental circumstances. Withdrawal requires two months' written notice with the withdrawal date at the end of a calendar month; the school does not provide tuition or other fee refunds upon withdrawal. If tuition payment is delayed for more than three months, the school may require withdrawal until outstanding amounts are settled.
Practical payment notes
- Include any bank transfer fees when making payments and use the naming conventions requested by the school for the remitter name to ensure correct crediting to your child's account. Some incidental charges (for example extended‑care) may be collected by automatic withdrawal. Failure to pay tuition for more than three months may result in suspension of attendance until arrears are cleared.
Academics
Laurus International School of Science - Shirokanedai teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 0 to 18.
Curriculum
An International STEM Preschool & Kindergarten in Shirokanedai for ages 1.5 to 6 years old. Laurus Curriculum builds a strong foundation through inquiry-based STEM learning. Preschool School Life builds social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills in an all-English setting. Kindergarten School Life includes science experiments, outdoor play, and learning to communicate.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Build social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills in an all-English setting. We create a safe learning space for the little ones to grow with confidence. Afterschool programs and Saturday School provide additional opportunities for engagement and language development.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Saturday School helps enhance English fluency. Kindergarteners participate in Math, Science/STEM and PE in an all-English environment.
Mental Wellbeing
A safe learning environment supports children's emotional wellbeing and confidence.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Attend an Information Session. Information Sessions are held regularly, in both Japanese and English. In-person school visits provide insight into the learning environment where the child will flourish. Sign up for an Information Session or inquire about a private school tour. The program is delivered in an all-English setting. 2. Application, Required Documents & Fees. Application forms for all year groups are available for download. Be sure to check your child's year level eligibility and the required documents. Applications should be sent by registered mail; follow the mailing instructions for the location. Examination fees are Preschool: ¥2,200 (no exam; trial lesson fee); Kindergarten: ¥10,000; Primary: ¥25,000; Secondary: ¥35,000. 3. Student Exam and Parent Meeting. Admissions assessments are required for some grade levels. New Preschool and Kindergarten students do not have admissions assessments, however a trial lesson is required; Kindergarteners have in-class assessments for English reading, writing and speaking. Primary and Secondary students are assessed for English and Math competencies. Results are available within one month of completing the assessment. 4. Enrollment Notification. Enrollment notification provides guidance on the next steps after admission. Parents are guided on submitting final documents, paying enrollment fees, ordering uniforms and textbooks, and preparing for the Entrance Ceremony. The school is currently accepting admissions applications for the 2026/27 school year; mid-year applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
FAQs
Where is Laurus International School of Science - Shirokanedai located, and what is the surrounding area like?
The Shirokanedai campus sits in a quiet residential area in Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071. It is near parks and nature spaces, including the National Institute for Nature Study botanical gardens, which supports outdoor learning. The campus is easily reachable by rail, about a 6-minute walk from Shirokanedai Station (No.1 Exit) and a 10-minute walk from Takanawadai Station.
What ages and levels are offered at the Shirokanedai campus?
The campus provides Preschool and Kindergarten programs for ages 1.5 to 6. The curriculum is an International STEM program with instruction conducted in English across Preschool and Kindergarten.
Who is the head of the school at Shirokanedai?
The Head of School is Mami Hioki.
What are the steps to apply and when can families apply for the next year?
Admissions start with attending an Information Session, available in Japanese and English, followed by submitting the application with the required documents. Some grades require assessments; Preschool uses a trial lesson and Kindergarten conducts in-class English assessments. Enrollment for the 2026/27 year is currently open, with mid-year applications considered case-by-case.
What are the entry fees and monthly tuition for Preschool and Kindergarten?
The entrance fee is 120,000 yen (one-time). Tuition is billed monthly, with rates varying by program and hours. For example, Kindergarten 5 days/week, 5 hours is 132,000 yen per month and Full Day is 181,000 yen; Preschool rates are similar, with 5 days/week at 132,000 yen for 5 hours and higher for Full Day. There are additional annual charges: Educational Service Charge 90,000 yen and Maintenance Fee 50,000 yen, plus optional items like lunch, uniforms, or bus service.
Is lunch provided, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
Lunch is offered as an optional paid service, and you can choose to have lunch provided or to send a packed meal. Menu options are available and accommodations for allergies or dietary requirements can be arranged with the school.
Is there a school bus, and what routes are available?
Yes, a School Bus service is available as an optional extra. There are Pink Bus and Yellow Bus routes, with schedules and eligibility depending on age and height restrictions.
What after-school and weekend learning options exist?
Afterschool Programs include PE, music, rhythmic activities, and the STEM Academy. Saturday School provides English fluency development and runs Math, Science/STEM and PE in all-English instruction, and is open to non-Laurus students. Seasonal STEM Camps run in Winter, Spring and Summer with flexible enrollment for Laurus and non-Laurus students.
What language of instruction is used, and is there English language support?
English is the language of instruction for Preschool and Kindergarten, in an all-English setting. Saturday School offers English-language immersion, and non-Laurus students can participate, helping to develop English fluency and usage.
What facilities does the Shirokanedai campus have?
The campus features a spacious P.E. room, a music room, and a high-standard science lab, along with ample classroom space. It is near parks and nature observation areas, providing opportunities for outdoor learning and field experiences.
What academic activities and STEM focus are emphasized?
The Laurus Curriculum focuses on inquiry-based STEM learning, building a strong foundation through hands-on experiments and observation. Preschool emphasizes social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in an all-English setting, while Kindergarten includes science experiments and outdoor play to support communication and STEM skills.
How does admissions assess new Preschool and Kindergarten students?
New Preschool students do not undergo formal admissions exams; a trial lesson is required. Kindergarteners are assessed in-class for English reading, writing and speaking. For Primary and Secondary levels, assessments cover English and Math; results are provided within about a month.
What is the daily schedule and typical hours?
The campus operates Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 to 18:00. There are options for a 5-hour day (9:00–14:00) or a Full Day (8:30–18:00) for Preschool and Kindergarten, with additional afterschool offerings.
What are the withdrawal and refund policies?
There are no refunds for tuition, entrance fees, or other standard charges in cases of disaster or parental changes. Withdrawal requires two months' written notice with the withdrawal date at the end of a calendar month. If tuition payments are more than three months overdue, attendance may be suspended until arrears are cleared.
Who founded Laurus, and what is the campus history of Shirokanedai?
Laurus was founded by Mr. Kiyomi Hioki and Mrs. Mami Hioki in 2001 to promote hands-on scientific thinking. The Shirokanedai campus opened in 2016 as part of Laurus's expansion to eight preschools and kindergartens and is the largest campus in the network.
Is Saturday School open to non-Laurus students?
Yes. Saturday School is open to non-Laurus students and provides English-language immersion, with Kindergarteners participating in all-English Math, Science/STEM and PE.
What wellbeing and safeguarding support is available?
The campus provides a safe learning environment that supports emotional wellbeing and confidence. Afterschool programs and Saturday School offer additional engagement and language development, contributing to students' social wellbeing.
Are there other costs beyond tuition that I should budget for?
Beyond tuition, there are annual charges such as Educational Service Charge (90,000) and Maintenance Fee (50,000). Other items like uniforms, textbooks, lunch (if used) and the school bus (if chosen) are charged separately and discussed during enrollment.
How accessible is the campus by public transport?
Shirokanedai Station on the Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line/Toei Mita Line is about a 6-minute walk from the No.1 Exit, and Takanawadai Station on the Toei Asakusa Line is about a 10-minute walk.
What opportunities exist to engage with the broader Laurus community or events?
Afterschool Programs and Saturday School welcome both Laurus and non-Laurus students, creating opportunities to meet peers from across the network. Seasonal STEM Camps also offer enrichment experiences and chances to participate in broader community activities.
