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MEES International School - Hakusan Campus

Japan, Tokyo

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥1,256,400 - 1,555,938
Ages 1 - 12 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2016
Bus Service Yes
Part of
MEES International School Tokyo
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach
Taught languages English
Strengths STEM, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary
Introduction

MEES International School’s Hakusan campus is in Bunkyo, Central Tokyo, about a 5-minute walk from Hakusan Station. Children can join Preschool (ages 1–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12). Preschool combines Montessori and Reggio Emilia influences with hands-on, project-based learning with English as the main language of instruction. Elementary also centers on project-based learning and lists large open spaces plus a Makerspace/workshop and gym studio. A distinctive feature is “MEES The Forest,” described as regular one-day trips for morning/full-day students aged 4 and up, connecting learning with outdoor experiences. Optional bus service is available and Hakusan afterschool options listed by the school include clubs such as Tech Club, MakerSpace builds and Judo.

This campus is part of MEES International School Tokyo

1F-3F, 5 Chome-5-8 Hakusan, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0001, Japan

The Essentials

MEES International School - Hakusan Campus has instruction in English.

Location
MEES Hakusan Campus is in Bunkyo Ward, central Tokyo, Japan. The address is in Hakusan, Tokyo 112-0001, and the campus is a short walk from Hakusan Station (about 5 minutes). The campus sits in a dense urban area with easy access to Tokyo's public transport network. The school markets its Hakusan site as the Bunkyo campus for Preschool and Elementary.

Stages
MEES Hakusan Campus comprises two levels: Preschool (ages 1–6) and Elementary School (grades 1–6, roughly ages 6–12). Preschool is organized into Lower Preschool (ages 1–3) and Upper Preschool (ages 3–6). The campus is explicitly described as hosting Preschool and Elementary on its Hakusan site.

Type
MEES Hakusan Campus is a co-educational international day school. English is the primary language of instruction. The school offers afterschool programming but does not list boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix
MEES reports about 120 students in the Hakusan campus community, with an international, multicultural profile. Publicly published nationality breakdowns are not provided. The school presents itself as an international community with English as the primary language of instruction.

Additional learning support
MEES provides an Elementary English Language Support Program (ES) for students needing language support, with sessions from 15:00–16:00 and monthly fees listed for different weekly cadences. The school also references safeguarding practices aligned with JCIS standards. There is no publicly listed, school-wide SEN program beyond language support on the site.

Country affiliation
MEES Hakusan is based in Tokyo, Japan, with a Tokyo address and Japanese location. The school does not publish a country-specific affiliation beyond its operation as an international school in Japan.

Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation is not indicated in MEES's program or admissions materials. The school presents a secular, project-based, English-language program for ages 1–12.

School day structure
Preschool runs from 9:00 to 14:00 (with Nursery 9:00–18:00; see Preschool page for details). Elementary Full Day is 8:30–15:00, with an English Language Support option and a lunch included. After-school activities run 14:00–18:00, including immersion, PBL/design thinking, MakerSpace, Tasty Lab, Tech, and more. Lunch is included for elementary students in the standard program.

Bus service
MEES offers bus service for both morning/full-day and afternoon programs; for Elementary, bus service is optional with published monthly costs. Preschool/Nursery also offers a bus option with separate fees listed in the Preschool and Afterschool program pages. Routes are provided by the school and details are available upon inquiry.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunch is included with tuition. The school provides daily meals as part of the program.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Advisors. The founder and Head of School is Euft van den Berg. Rankukan Co., Ltd. is the owner/operator.
Fees

Annual tuition at MEES International School - Hakusan Campus ranges from JPY 1,256,400 to JPY 1,555,938 for 2026/27.

Application and one-time fees

- Preschool (one-time): Enrollment fee ¥90,000; Material fee (annual) ¥20,000.
- Elementary (one-time): Application fee ¥20,000; Enrollment fee ¥180,000; Material fee (annual) ¥40,000; School Growth Fund (annual) ¥50,000.
- Afterschool / Afternoon programs: Afternoon program application fee (one-time) ¥15,000; Afterschool enrollment fee ¥30,000 (where applicable).

Tuition fees — Preschool (regular day program 9:00–14:00)

Preschool per-term and annual tuition (school year 2025–2026):
- 2 days/week (1–3 years old): 1st term ¥229,040; 2nd term ¥171,780; 3rd term ¥229,040; Annual total ¥629,860.
- 3 days/week (1–3 years old): 1st term ¥294,360; 2nd term ¥220,770; 3rd term ¥294,360; Annual total ¥809,490.
- 4 days/week (1–3 years old): 1st term ¥367,880; 2nd term ¥275,910; 3rd term ¥367,880; Annual total ¥1,011,670.
- 5 days/week (1–6 years old): 1st term ¥449,600; 2nd term ¥337,200; 3rd term ¥449,600; Annual total ¥1,236,400.

Tuition fees — Preschool (nursery / extended-care example; 9:00–18:00)

Example pricing for Nursery (extended hours, 30-minute increments available):
- 2 days/week: 1st term ¥301,131; 2nd term ¥227,444; 3rd term ¥301,131; Summer (Jul–Aug) ¥54,204; Annual total ¥883,910.
- 3 days/week: 1st term ¥393,536; 2nd term ¥297,546; 3rd term ¥393,536; Summer ¥81,306; Annual total ¥1,165,294.
- 4 days/week: 1st term ¥482,195; 2nd term ¥364,838; 3rd term ¥482,195; Summer ¥108,408; Annual total ¥1,437,636.
- 5 days/week: 1st term ¥577,560; 2nd term ¥437,160; 3rd term ¥577,560; Summer ¥135,510; Annual total ¥1,727,790.

Tuition fees — Elementary (full day 8:30–15:00)

Elementary per-term and annual tuition (school year 2025–2026):
- Full day program: 1st term (Sep–Dec) ¥551,250; 2nd term (Jan–Mar) ¥413,438; 3rd term (Apr–Jul) ¥551,250; Annual total ¥1,515,938.
- Bus service (both ways, optional): 1st term ¥80,000; 2nd term ¥60,000; 3rd term ¥80,000; Annual total ¥220,000.
- Additional recurring charges for Elementary: Material fee (annual) ¥40,000; School Growth Fund (annual) ¥50,000.

Afternoon / Afterschool program fees (monthly and one-off)

- Afternoon Immersion Program (14:00–18:00) — monthly rates by frequency: 1x/week ¥15,000; 2x/week ¥25,000; 3x/week ¥33,000; 4x/week ¥40,000; 5x/week ¥45,000.
- Elementary English Support (15:00–16:00) — sample monthly rates listed: ¥30,000 (2x/week) and ¥40,000 (3x/week) where applicable.
- Afterschool/PBL/Makerspace club monthly fees vary by program and frequency (examples published for 1x–3x per week and specific clubs).
- Afterschool enrollment fee (one-time) ¥30,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Academic year is presented in three terms: 1st term (September–December), 2nd term (January–March), 3rd term (April–July). Tuition is shown by term with an annual total.
- Enrollment-related invoices are issued as part of the admissions sequence; an enrollment invoice is issued upon approval and placement is finalized upon payment of the invoice.
- Tuition and bus fees are shown exclusive of consumption tax (10%). Smaller one‑time charges (for example excursions) may be billed separately.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not offered at MEES Hakusan (programs listed are Preschool and Elementary; no boarding/dormitory fees are published).

Other costs and optional charges

- Bus service (optional): term and annual amounts listed above.
- School lunch is included in published tuition for both Preschool and Elementary day programs.
- Extended-care ticket set (example) ¥5,000.
- Occasional one-time fees for excursions or similar activities may be charged.
- Summer program (weekly rates) is run separately; sample preschool summer program weekly fees were published (main-course and extended-course weekly pricing).

Refund information

- Published program pages state that paid fees are non-refundable.

Fee payment options

- The admissions guidance and fee process describe issuance of application and enrollment invoices and finalisation upon payment; publicly posted admissions and fee pages do not specify the detailed payment methods (e.g., whether payment by bank transfer, credit card, or other means is accepted). Invoices are issued to families as part of the enrollment process.
Academics

MEES International School - Hakusan Campus teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach for students aged 1 to 12.

Curriculum
MEES International School – Hakusan Campus in Bunkyo, Tokyo serves Nursery through Grade 6 (Preschool to Elementary). MEES Preschool blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia, with hands-on, project-based learning, English as the primary language of instruction, and mixed-age classrooms focusing on five core areas: language, motor, sensory development, social growth, and academic readiness. MEES Elementary uses Project-Based Learning with strong STEM integration, a Makerspace, and a full-day schedule from 8:30 to 15:00; an English Language Support Program is available after school if needed. The curriculum emphasizes digital literacy and technology across disciplines, including programming and AI-informed learning, while The Forest program provides regular outdoor learning and mixed-age cohorts to foster resilience and collaboration. Practical details include Preschool 9:00–14:00, Nursery 9:00–18:00, Elementary 8:30–15:00, with optional bus service and published 2025–2026 tuition/fees.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
MEES Hakusan Campus prioritizes social development and collaborative learning; its core beliefs emphasise peer interactions that respect individual differences over competition, and learning is organized around project-based, mixed-age cohorts to build communication, collaboration, and confidence, with MEES The Forest outdoor education further developing social skills and resilience.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, types of SEN supported, or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution; the School Handbook exists in English and Japanese but content is hosted on Google Drive and requires login to view.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the primary language of instruction at MEES Hakusan, with Preschool explicitly stating English as the main language of instruction, and EAL support available through an English immersion program for Preschool and an English Language Support Program for Elementary, plus English-language afterschool clubs.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through MEES Forest & Outdoor Education, offering regular outdoor experiences that build physical fitness, social skills, and resilience, alongside wellbeing-oriented clubs and programs.

Safeguarding
MEES is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child, guided by Japan Council of International Schools standards, with staff following a strict code of conduct, clear reporting protocols, and regular training to address risks.
Parent Experience

History
MEES International School was founded in 2016 by Euft van den Berg in Tokyo as a boutique international school centered on the child, blending Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and project-based learning. The Hakusan Campus in Bunkyo operates as part of MEES Tokyo, offering Preschool to Elementary with English as the primary language of instruction. The school emphasizes project-based learning and mixed-age cohorts, while also incorporating outdoor education through The Forest program. In 2026 MEES celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of growth across its Hakusan and Sendagi campuses. MEES operates under Rankukan Co., Ltd., the parent company listed in its corporate materials.

Community
The MEES community is a close-knit network in which every child is known by name, and there are strong connections between teachers, students, and families. A hallmark event is the MEES 10th Year Anniversary Festival, featuring hands-on activities, student projects, performances, shared food, and a parents-led second-hand children's items bazaar. The school's outdoor education through The Forest program brings families into regular learning experiences outside the classroom. Parental engagement is supported by school coffee mornings and information sessions that foster ongoing collaboration between families and school staff.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent involvement at MEES Hakusan is active through volunteer activities and events coordinated by families. A prominent example is the second-hand children's items bazaar organized by parents, linked to major community events like the anniversary festival. Parents also participate in coffee mornings and information sessions that facilitate updates and safeguarding discussions. While a formal PTA is not publicly described in MEES materials, the parent community functions in a PTA-like capacity by organizing volunteering, fundraising, and communication with the school leadership. This collaborative structure supports student learning and community life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
MEES Hakusan Campus provides substantial, flexible learning spaces to support project-based learning. The elementary school features 400 square meters of large open spaces and a Makerspace with a workshop and gym studio. Educational technology and AI tools are integrated into instruction, with preschool and elementary programs incorporating STEM and digital learning. The Forest School program offers outdoor learning in natural settings about an hour away from the Tokyo campuses. Afterschool clubs on site include MakerSpace, Tasty Lab, Tech Club, Judo, and English clubs, extending the use of facilities beyond regular hours. The Hakusan campus is located in central Tokyo, with easy access from Hakusan Station.

Sports Facilities
On-campus sports facilities include a gym studio integrated with the on-site Makerspace and workshop areas. Afterschool programs include Judo Club, which uses gym facilities.

Academic Facilities
MEES Hakusan Elementary School has 400 square meters of large open spaces for collaborative work and project-based learning. It features a Makerspace learning area, a workshop, and a gym studio to support hands-on design and physical education. Preschool programming emphasizes STEM and digital literacy with age-appropriate educational technology and AI tools. Forest School Education provides outdoor sessions as part of MEES The Forest program, expanding learning beyond the classroom to natural settings about an hour from the Tokyo campuses.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Afterschool offerings on the Hakusan campus include MakerSpace: Creative Builds; PBL Design Thinking; Tasty Lab; Tech Club; Judo Club; English Club. These clubs run after school on the Hakusan campus and use MEES facilities for hands-on activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Hakusan campus offers after-school programs that emphasize academic enrichment and STEM through project-based learning. Afternoon options include Kitchen Chemistry, Garden to Table, Food Around the World, and Taste & Nutrition, linking cooking, science, and math to real-world activities. Tech Club explores coding, game design, and digital storytelling with tools like Scratch, HTML/CSS, Python, BSD, and Minecraft, including solo challenges and team projects. MakerSpace: Creative Builds and project-based learning (PBL) design thinking provide hands-on engineering and problem-solving opportunities beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
MakerSpace and related after-school activities provide hands-on creative building opportunities at Hakusan. The Hakusan campus features a dedicated MakerSpace/workshop for creative projects and design work, integrated with the elementary program. MEES emphasizes creative exploration alongside STEM through its project-based learning and forest education, which includes nature-inspired art and hands-on outdoor creativity during MEES The Forest sessions. These programs support artistic expression within a broader learning approach.

Cultural & Language
Hakusan offers English-language immersion through after-school English Club and immersion-based language activities in MEES programs. English Club provides foundational phonics, daily life language, storytelling, and games to build listening and speaking skills. The Hakusan campus also runs mixed-age immersion arrangements in the afternoon, with English as the main language of instruction. English-language offerings include activities focused on phonics, routines, storytelling, and interactive language practice.

Social & Hobbies
Afterschool programs include team-based projects and unplugged logic games that emphasize collaboration and peer learning. Clubs offer a range of interests such as Tech Club (coding and digital storytelling), Judo, and MakerSpace projects, supporting social interaction and shared activities. Forest education and outdoor activities promote teamwork and social development through group exploration. These activities complement classroom learning and provide informal opportunities for students to pursue personal interests.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Judo Club provides regular physical activity, focusing on balance, safe falling, strength, and discipline. The Forest program emphasizes daily outdoor exploration, hiking, hands-on nature projects, campfire lunches, and building resilience. Outdoor education fosters physical health, social skills, and environmental awareness. MEES's forest and after-school programs aim to promote physical and mental well-being beyond classroom learning.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the primary language of instruction at MEES. The school values home languages and multilingualism. The Preschool Immersion Program supports learners at different English proficiency levels (beginner to advanced). There are English language offerings beyond the core curriculum, including an Elementary English Class (1 hour) and an Afterschool English Club.

Bilingual Teaching
There is no explicit bilingual program described at MEES Hakusan. English is the primary language of instruction across MEES. The school values home languages and multilingualism.

Immersion Programs
An Afternoon Preschool Immersion Program is offered at the Hakusan Campus (and Sendagi). The Preschool Immersion Program is for children ages 1 to 6 and requires English proficiency levels from beginner to advanced. It runs 14:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday. The program integrates immersion into regular MEES classes to support English language development. There is also an elementary immersion track that continues as part of PBL and related clubs.
Reputation

Awards
No school-level awards published by MEES in the past five years are listed on the MEES site. The site does highlight school events such as the MEES 10th Year Anniversary Festival, but it does not publish formal awards for the school.

Accreditations
The school adheres to Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) safeguarding standards. JCIS is a non‑profit network of English‑medium international schools in Japan that promotes quality practices and safeguarding guidelines; member schools work within a shared framework to uphold international education standards. This means MEES aligns its child-protection and welfare practices with JCIS's guidelines to ensure a safe learning environment.
Admissions

Admissions
Preschool Enrollment Process (Hakusan Campus): Step 1 — Schedule a visit. Prospective families are encouraged to arrange a school tour to experience the Hakusan campus's learning environment firsthand. For families contacting from abroad, an online meeting can be scheduled to discuss the program and any questions you have about the approach. The visit is a practical opportunity to observe classrooms and daily routines and to gather initial information about programs available for 1–3 year olds and older. Step 2 — Submit the application form. After you have had a chance to tour or speak with the team, submit the preschool application form to begin the formal review process. Be prepared to provide basic information about your child and family and to specify desired days per week (2–5 days) for younger children; MEES notes the need to align attendance with program requirements. Step 3 — Enrollment invoice issued upon approval. If the application is approved, MEES issues an enrollment invoice to confirm the next steps toward enrollment. This invoice initiates the financial portion of the process and outlines the payment method. Step 4 — Finalized upon payment. Enrollment is considered final once the payment is processed. Families should ensure timely payment to secure placement and confirm start dates. Step 5 — Additional policy notes and attendance details. MEES reserves the right to decline applications and may do so without providing reasons. For 1–3 year olds, attendance options range from 2 to 5 days per week; from age 3, students typically start the new school year at 5 days a week to support peer relationships and progress. Elementary and afterschool options at Hakusan may also be explored during the same admission period; information on demo days and program availability is provided during outreach.

Elementary Enrollment Process (Hakusan Campus): Step 1 — Schedule a visit. Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a school tour to experience the learning environment firsthand. For elementary admissions, an assessment meeting with your child is requested, and online meetings are available for families living abroad. Step 2 — Submit the application form. Complete and submit the elementary application form to begin the formal review. Step 3 — Application fee invoice and schedule demo day. An application fee invoice is issued and a demo day for the child is scheduled to assess fit with MEES' program. Step 4 — If demo day is successful, enrollment invoice will be issued. A successful demo day leads to an enrollment invoice detailing the next steps toward enrollment. Step 5 — Finalized upon payment. Enrollment is finalized after payment is received and processed. Step 6 — Admissions cautions. MEES reserves the right to decline applications and may do so without providing reasons.

Afterschool programs (Hakusan campus) note. Afterschool program applications are handled via the APPLY link provided for MEES Hakusan and Sendagi campuses; there is an Enrollment Fee for afterschool programs, and options include a Preschool Immersion Program (14:00–18:00) with varying weekly frequencies. Other offerings include an English class and project-based afterschool activities with separate fee schedules; details are updated in the public materials. This information is relevant for families planning care beyond the standard school day.

Fees context (related to admissions and enrollment at Hakusan Elementary): The Elementary program charges include: Application fee 20,000 JPY (one-time), Enrollment fee 180,000 JPY (one-time), Material Fee 40,000 JPY (annual), School Growth Fund 50,000 JPY (annual). Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year is divided by terms (1st term 551,250 JPY; 2nd term 413,438 JPY; 3rd term 551,250 JPY; Annual total 1,515,938 JPY) with an optional Bus Service (two-way) priced per term and annually (e.g., 80,000 JPY first term, 60,000 JPY second term, 80,000 JPY third term; annual 220,000 JPY). Lunch is included with tuition, and tuition and bus fees are subject to 10% consumption tax. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Scholarships
MEES Hakusan does not publish a scholarship program in its public materials. The fee structure lists one-time and annual fees (application, enrollment, material, and school growth fund) and tuition terms, with no scholarship discounts or tuition waivers described. There is no explicit scholarship or financial aid option described in the published admissions or fees content; for current, verifiable options, please contact the admissions team.

Waitlist
There is no published waitlist or pool system described for MEES Hakusan in public admissions materials. The available process details a direct application review, with an enrollment invoice issued upon acceptance and a right for the school to decline applications without providing reasons. There is no explicit step for placing applicants on a waiting list. This conclusion is based on the admissions steps published for Preschool and Elementary programs and the absence of any waitlist description in those materials.
School Events
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