Makuhari International School

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MIS has no religious affiliation stated in its materials; it presents itself as a secular, international bilingual school.

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.

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.

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.

MIS supports social and emotional learning from Kindergarten with Personal, Social and Emotional Development that focuses on emotional well-being, self-identity, social competence, and a positive disposition to learn. The Vision, Mission and Aims emphasise empathy, international mindedness, and responsible citizenship as core dispositions. Through the Global Citizenship Award Program, students actively contribute to home, school, local, and global communities. Students document their service in Global Citizenship Journals, and outstanding students can earn a Super Global Citizen Award. The Student Council provides leadership opportunities, giving students a voice to plan activities and support others.

MIS provides Learning Support and English Support as part of the admissions process, indicating provision for students needing extra help. Public materials describe these supports rather than a dedicated SEN department. Job postings indicate a desire for teachers who can work with children with special educational needs or other learning challenges/differences. The bilingual curriculum and emphasis on English language across subjects complement inclusive practices rather than indicating a separate SEN specialization. CIS accreditation highlights safeguarding and wellbeing as priorities, reinforcing support for diverse student needs.

MIS operates as a dual-language school with programmes in English and Japanese. All subjects other than Japanese language and Japanese studies are taught in English. English language development is prioritized across the curriculum, with a range of texts and opportunities to develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Admissions include Learning Support and English Support to assist students with English language needs. MIS aims to value both languages equally and prepare students to transfer to Japanese junior high schools as well as international schools.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development in Kindergarten emphasizes learning about emotional well‑being and how one fits within a group. Global Citizenship and service programs contribute to students' sense of belonging and purpose, supporting wellbeing. CIS accreditation notes safeguarding and wellbeing as priorities. Student leadership and community activities, such as the Student Council, promote positive wellbeing through social engagement. The school's ongoing accreditation and improvement processes reflect a broader commitment to student wellbeing.

MIS places extreme importance on the safety and protection of children. At the time of submitting an employment application, applicants certify that they have never harmed children or vulnerable persons. MIS conducts background checks for all staff, and agrees that, if concerns arise, MIS may terminate the employment contract. All staff and volunteers sign codes of conduct and attest to suitability for roles involving contact with children. CIS accreditation highlights safeguarding and wellbeing as priorities.

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.

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.

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.