Horizon Academy Sendai Campus vs Tohoku International School

	H Horizon Academy Sendai Campus Sendai, Japan	T Tohoku International School Sendai, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥1,010,000 - 1,135,000	Fees / year ¥990,000 - 1,690,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 12 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 95
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Japanese	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened 1950
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 4-2-540 Takamori, Izumi-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 981-3203. The campus sits in Izumi Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. It is accessible by local transport and the school operates a bus network within Sendai City to support commuting.	Location Tohoku International School (TIS) is located at 7-101-1 Yakata, Izumi-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-3214, Japan. The campus sits in Izumi Ward in Sendai city, within the Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region of northern Honshu. It is accessible by public transit, with bus routes stopping near Izumi Village 1-chome and 2-chome and a School Bus Map available for planning. From Sendai Station, you can take bus 910; from Izumi Chuo, take bus 21 or 22 to reach the school area.
Stages	Stages The campus comprises an ELC (Age 3 - Kindergarten) and a Primary School. The Primary School is a Japanese Article-one school providing compulsory elementary education with an English Immersion Program; instruction is delivered in English and Japanese.	Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, and Secondary (K-12) are offered. The Elementary School is an authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). In the Secondary School, the Diploma Programme (DP) is available, with English-language instruction across the curriculum and additional language supports such as EAL and Japanese Language classes.
School type	School type Private Japanese primary school with a bilingual environment in the Primary; on-campus daycare is available for families. The ELC serves early years (Age 3 - Kindergarten) with English-language learning components.	School type Tohoku International School is a private, co-educational day school. It is described as the only international school in the Tohoku region offering a full K-12 program. Boarding is not indicated; the school operates as a day school with fee-based admissions.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Public sources describe TIS as hosting an international student body with around 100 students from approximately 20 countries; exact nationality breakdown is not published by the school. The student body is characterized as diverse and international.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Interpretation support is available to help communication with families; all school communications are provided in both Japanese and English. Counseling is available by appointment; the school provides extensive English books and learning materials in the library.	Additional learning support The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support with a policy and tiered monthly fees; levels are reviewed twice a year. There is also a Japanese Language Class to support learners with language development.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is stated; the school operates as a private Japanese primary school with bilingual instruction.	Country affiliation Japan. The school is located in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan, and is described as a private international school in Japan; it does not list a separate country affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is publicly listed by the school. The materials focus on international and IB programs rather than religious orientation.
School day structure	School day structure ELC day structure includes 8:15–8:45 arrival, with a dismissal around 15:00 and a PM bus departure at 15:40; Daycare runs 15:00–18:00, with extended daycare until 18:30. Primary day structure shows a school day from 8:15 to 15:30, with a PM bus at 15:40 and Daycare from 15:40–18:00, extending to 18:30 for extended daycare.	School day structure Exact daily start and end times are not published on the site. The school operates a three-route bus service with morning pickups around the start of the school day and afternoon drop-offs; school trips and after-school activities (ASA) are offered and transportation is provided after ASA.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus routes cover most of Sendai's central area. AM bus arrives at the school around 8:20; PM bus departs at 15:40 (14:40 during summer weeks). Daycare (DC) bus departs at 17:40. Regular and DC routes serve multiple area routes within Sendai, with fees listed for various plans.	Bus service details The school offers three bus routes (A, B, and C) with multiple stops across Sendai Station and Izumi-area neighborhoods. Bus A runs stops including Sendai Station, Kita Yobancho, Kimachi Higashi, Sakuragaoka 3-chome, Chomeigaoka, and TIS, with morning pickups around 8:00–8:45 and afternoon drop-offs around 15:40–16:20 depending on the stop. Bus B serves Yaotome, Daikannon, Nakayama Yoshinari, and TIS, with similar morning/afternoon windows, and Bus C covers Akaishidai Nishi, Shogen 4-chome, Katsura 3 Green-Mart, Takamori, Tapio, and TIS, with comparable timings. Monthly bus fees vary by route (roughly 5,000–7,000 yen per month). The ASA program (After-School Activities) also provides bus transport.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees - Application Fee: JPY 10,000 (paid at application; non‑refundable). - Enrollment Fee: JPY 200,000 (standard). For students who graduate from the school's ELC and advance to the Primary School, the Primary School enrollment fee is waived. Sibling discounts for the second and subsequent children reduce the enrollment fee to JPY 100,000. Tuition and Term-by-Term Billing — Early Learning Centre (ELC) - Total annual basic fees (tuition + maintenance + materials): JPY 918,000. - Breakdown by component: - Tuition: JPY 810,000 per year. - Maintenance Fee: JPY 84,000 per year. - Materials: JPY 24,000 per year. - Term instalments (paid in advance three times per year): - Term 1 payment: JPY 306,000. - Term 2 payment: JPY 382,500. - Term 3 payment: JPY 229,500. - Optional/additional service fees (annual ranges and term breakdowns): - School Bus membership fee: annual range JPY 126,000–225,000; term payments JPY 42,000 (Term 1), JPY 52,500 (Term 2), JPY 31,500 (Term 3). - Daycare membership fee (for members): JPY 252,000 per year; term payments JPY 96,000 / JPY 111,000 / JPY 45,000. Tuition and Term-by-Term Billing — Primary School - Total annual basic fees (tuition + maintenance + materials): JPY 954,000. - Breakdown by component: - Tuition: JPY 810,000 per year. - Maintenance Fee: JPY 108,000 per year. - Materials: JPY 36,000 per year. - Term instalments (paid in advance three times per year): - Term 1 payment: JPY 318,000. - Term 2 payment: JPY 397,500. - Term 3 payment: JPY 238,500. - Optional/additional service fees (annual ranges and term breakdowns): - School Bus membership fee: annual range JPY 126,000–225,000; term payments JPY 42,000 (Term 1), JPY 52,500 (Term 2), JPY 31,500 (Term 3). - Daycare membership fee (for members): JPY 252,000 per year; term payments JPY 96,000 / JPY 111,000 / JPY 45,000. Billing schedule & payment terms - Standard billing frequency: three instalments per academic year, payable in advance. - Instalment due dates: payments are due on the three instalment dates in the school calendar (payments are made in advance for Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3). Specific due dates in the billing cycle are shown on the school's fee schedule. Other costs and typical additional charges - School lunch: charged per order (ELC: JPY 340 per order; Primary: JPY 420 per order for G1–G3, JPY 440 per order for G4–G6). Milk: JPY 78 per order. - Uniforms and required items (approximate prices): - ELC uniform (T‑shirt, half‑pants): from JPY 6,105. - Primary uniforms: boys from JPY 15,730; girls from JPY 19,580. - P.E. wear: from JPY 5,555. - Inner shoes: about JPY 3,000. - Red/white cap: about JPY 600. - SafeBox emergency package: JPY 2,750. - Typical one‑off school starter kit (G1): about JPY 13,000. Field trip and overnight trip costs vary by grade (examples: G3 ~ JPY 13,000; G4 ~ JPY 8,000; G5 ~ JPY 60,000; G6 overseas trip ~ JPY 500,000). Subsidies and discounts - Government childcare subsidy: where applicable, the government subsidy can reduce the net tuition paid by parents (an example calculation shown reduces the payable tuition to JPY 366,000 per year when receiving JPY 37,000 per month from the government); eligibility and application are handled through the local municipal office. - Enrollment and tuition discounts: - Sibling discount: for ELC & Primary, the second and subsequent children receive a reduced enrollment fee (JPY 100,000). - Graduation/advance from the school's ELC to its Primary School results in a full waiver of the Primary School enrollment fee for that student. - Primary School only: when multiple siblings are enrolled at the same time, a 20% tuition reduction applies to the second and subsequent Primary School children. Refund information - The Application Fee is explicitly described as non‑refundable. No other general refund schedule for tuition or other fees is published in the school fee schedule; specific refund or cancellation terms are handled under the school's broader fee/payment terms and finance procedures. Fee payment options and bank details - Bank transfer is used for tuition and application fee payments; for the Sendai campus the school requests transfers to the school bank account indicated in admissions instructions (The 77 Bank, Takamori Branch; Ordinary Account 9080473; Account holder: Horizon Gakuen). - Credit card payment for application fees is possible through the school's online admissions portal in the broader Horizon system; bank transfer is an accepted method for fee payments. All bank transfer charges are typically the payer's responsibility and payments should include the student name or invoice reference to ensure correct crediting.	Fee details Application fees - Entrance Fee: JPY 400,000. - Administrative (application) Fee: JPY 15,000. - Entrance Fee and Administrative Fee are non-refundable. Annual tuition and fees (breakdown by year group; per year and monthly instalment shown) - Kindergarten (Full day) - Tuition (annual): JPY 800,000. - Facility fee (annual): JPY 150,000. - Heating / AC (annual): JPY 40,000. - Student total (annual): JPY 990,000. - Monthly billing (10 months): JPY 99,000 per month. - Grade 1–8 - Tuition (annual): JPY 1,150,000. - Facility fee (annual): JPY 150,000. - Heating / AC (annual): JPY 40,000. - Student total (annual): JPY 1,340,000. - Monthly billing (10 months): JPY 134,000 per month. - Grade 9–10 - Tuition (annual): JPY 1,350,000. - Facility fee (annual): JPY 150,000. - Heating / AC (annual): JPY 40,000. - Student total (annual): JPY 1,540,000. - Monthly billing (10 months): JPY 154,000 per month. - Grade 11–12 (IB Diploma Programme) - Tuition (annual): JPY 1,400,000. - Facility fee (annual): JPY 150,000. - Heating / AC (annual): JPY 40,000. - DP Text & Test fee (annual): JPY 100,000. - Student total (annual): JPY 1,690,000. - Monthly billing (10 months): JPY 169,000 per month. - DP examination and handling fees are JPY 200,000 for the two-year DP period (JPY 100,000 per year); the JPY 100,000 yearly amount may be split into monthly instalments. EAL (English as an Additional Language) fees (monthly) - Monitor level: JPY 4,000 per month. - Intermediate level: JPY 11,000 per month. - Intensive level: JPY 25,000 per month. - EAL level is reviewed twice a year. School bus fees (monthly) - Sendai Station route: JPY 7,000 per month. - Yaotome: JPY 6,000 per month. - Daikannon: JPY 5,000 per month. - Akashidai: JPY 6,000 per month. - Izumi Parktown: JPY 6,000 per month. Boarding fees - Tohoku International School is a day school and does not provide boarding facilities; boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs / additional charges - DP Text & Test fee for Grade 11–12: JPY 100,000 per year (included above in the Grade 11–12 breakdown). - EAL fees and school-bus fees are charged in addition to standard tuition (amounts listed above). - No uniform fees or other mandatory ancillary fees are listed in the published fee schedule. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual totals are presented with an option to bill as monthly instalments over 10 months (monthly amounts are shown for each year group). - DP exam handling fees may be split into monthly instalments (JPY 100,000 per DP year can be split). Refund information - The Entrance Fee (JPY 400,000) and the Administrative Fee (JPY 15,000) are non-refundable. - No other explicit refund terms for tuition or ancillary fees are specified in the published fee material. Fee payment options - The publicly posted fee schedule does not specify tuition payment methods. - The institution accepts bank transfers in Japanese yen and online credit-card payments for donations. These donation payment channels demonstrate the school's use of bank transfer and online credit-card processing for financial transactions. Notes - Facility, heating/AC, EAL, DP text & test, and bus fees are itemised in addition to tuition and should be added to the tuition total when budgeting.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms consist of a polo-shirt, knee pants (boys), culottes (girls), and a vest. Long pants, a sweater, and a long-sleeve jersey are also part of the uniform; color details are not specified on the site.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options School lunch is provided through Shokuiku Food Systems Tohoku; families may also bring their own lunch. Lunch costs are 340 JPY per order for ELC and 420-440 JPY per order for primary grades, with monthly menus circulated.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Horizon Sendai Campus is part of the Horizon Japan International School network. It is governed by a non-profit board of directors; Horizon Gakuen operates the school and has been granted Gakko Hojin (educational corporation) status by Kanagawa Prefecture.	Governance and ownership The school is sponsored by Nanko Gakuen Corporation since 1988 and is governed in conjunction with the TIS Council, an advisory board composed of the Principal and representatives from TIS stakeholders.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Horizon Sendai Campus offers a bilingual curriculum across its ELC and Primary School. In the ELC, learning follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and is guided by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) standards, with the PYP integrated into early years learning and a Perceptual Motor Programme (PMP) to develop coordination and motor skills. The ELC/PYP framework includes the six PYP transdisciplinary themes (Who We Are; Where We Are in Place and Time; How We Express Ourselves; How the World Works; How We Organize Ourselves; Sharing the Planet) and an inquiry-based approach. The Primary School operates as a Japanese Article-One school providing compulsory elementary education and runs an English Immersion Program with about 50–60% of instruction in English, delivered by a bilingual team of international and Japanese teachers. The 2025–2026 Curriculum Table for G1–G6 lists subjects across core areas (Japanese, Mathematics, Science, Life Studies, ICT, Foreign Language, etc.) with many subjects taught in English or English/Japanese, and includes a Second Foreign Language (Turkish/Chinese) and Integrated Studies; daily lessons are 40 minutes each. In addition, Horizon offers transport (School Bus), on-site Daycare, Lunch options, bilingual communications, interpretation support, and a well-stocked library to support English-language learning.	Curriculum details Tohoku International School (TIS) offers a full K-12 IB program with English as the language of instruction and dedicated EAL support. Kindergarten is based on the IB Early Years Programme with a weekly schedule of Music 60 minutes, Physical Education 80 minutes, Art 110 minutes, Japanese 80 minutes, and Library 40 minutes. Elementary follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), using a six-unit Program of Inquiry around the themes Who We Are; Where We Are in Time and Place; How We Express Ourselves; How The World Works; How We Organize Ourselves; Sharing the Planet, with Language Arts, Mathematics, Units of Inquiry, Physical Education, Art, Music, Japanese, and integrated technology along with EAL support. Secondary (Grades 7–12) offers the IB Diploma Programme (DP); students select six subjects across Groups 1–6 and complete the Core: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS, with available subjects including English A, Japanese B, Spanish B, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Psychology, Business Management, Economics, and Visual Art. The BYLT Bring Your Own Laptop program supports technology in the Secondary program, and IB Diploma Programme authorization was achieved on May 1, 2021.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The Horizon Sendai Campus provides counseling services with the school counselor by appointment to support student wellbeing and family needs. Counseling is available to both students and parents, reflecting a holistic approach to wellbeing within the school community. The school participates in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning and personal development, supporting social and emotional learning (SEL). Interpretation support is available to assist with communication between parents and the school, helping inclusive participation in school life. The campus operates in a bilingual English–Japanese environment, which supports social integration and intercultural understanding as part of SEL.	Social & emotional learning Tohoku International School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through an inclusive, school-wide framework. The school uses a Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to provide targeted and systematic assistance to students with varying needs. Regular Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) classes are included as part of Tier 1 universal supports. A designated Student Support Lead coordinates interventions, supports differentiation strategies, and reviews data to ensure students receive needed support. An EAL/SEL Teacher contributes to SEL by addressing language-related social-emotional needs within the learning program. Safeguarding and inclusion policies underpin SEL by emphasizing wellbeing and a safe, supportive environment (turn6view0; turn7view0; turn4view0).
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Public information about Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision is not disclosed on Horizon Sendai's online materials. The Primary School is described as bilingual with English immersion and a co-teaching model by international and Japanese teachers, with no explicit reference to a dedicated SEN department. No SEN staff or specialist SEN facilities are listed in the online materials. For inquiries regarding SEN, parents are encouraged to contact the school via the admissions or general contact channels. The school is IB PYP-aligned, but SEN-specific provisions are not described in the published materials.	Special educational needs (SEN) Tohoku International School describes an inclusive approach to SEN within its Inclusion Policy. The policy outlines a Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) process developed in collaboration with the student, parents, teachers, and Leadership. Possible additional educational needs are categorized as cognition and learning, communication and reading, behaviour, social and emotional, and physical and sensory. A designated Student Support Lead coordinates addressing student concerns, developing resources, and reviewing data to ensure interventions are available. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is included within MTSS, with differentiation and accommodation to enable access to the curriculum. Admissions decisions for students with additional needs consider resource availability; inclusion is described as ongoing but constrained by resources (turn6view0; turn6view0; turn6view0; turn6view0; turn6view0).
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Horizon Sendai provides English immersion, with about 50–60% of instruction delivered in English and a bilingual environment. Classes are led by a team of international and Japanese teachers, supporting English instruction and bilingual learning. All school communications are provided in both English and Japanese, and bilingual staff assist with communications between parents and the school. The school offers extensive English books and learning materials, including online English reading platforms and a bilingual library. The Open FAQ notes that children with no or limited English can enroll, with teachers employing visuals and demonstrations to support understanding.	English as an additional language EAL services are provided under an EAL policy that promotes equality of opportunity for learners for whom English is an additional language. The policy notes that students requiring English language support incur an EAL fee, and the level is reviewed twice a year. The EAL team includes an EAL Teacher and an EAL Coordinator who deliver language support and integrate it with the mainstream curriculum. EAL support is integrated with MTSS and the Inclusion Policy to ensure access to learning. Instruction is delivered primarily in English, with emphasis on developing students' mother tongue and targeted pull-out lessons as needed (turn6view0; turn7view0; turn8view0).
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Counseling services are available with the school counselor by appointment, supporting students and parents in school life. Counseling is described as a resource to help both students and families, reinforcing mental wellbeing as part of the school community. The IB PYP framework emphasizes personal development, well-being, and collaborative learning as part of the holistic education. The bilingual, intercultural environment supports social belonging and reduces social isolation for language learners. No additional, publicly described mental wellbeing programs beyond counseling are listed in the published materials.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through SEL within MTSS and safeguarding practices. Regular SEL classes are part of universal supports under MTSS, contributing to students' social and emotional development. Safeguarding policies emphasize the protection of physical, emotional, and mental well-being and safety. The Student Support Lead coordinates well-being interventions and reviews data to tailor supports. The EAL/SEL Teacher contributes to student wellbeing by addressing language-related social-emotional needs (turn6view0; turn4view0; turn4view0; turn7view0).
Safeguarding	Safeguarding A specific safeguarding or child-protection policy is not publicly disclosed in Horizon Sendai's online materials. A privacy policy is available, and the site provides a general contact route for inquiries related to admissions or other matters. The contact page explicitly notes the privacy policy and how to reach the school for inquiries. The presence of IB PYP status suggests alignment with international safeguarding norms, though explicit safeguarding procedures are not published in the materials. For safeguarding-related questions, the school can be contacted through the provided inquiry channels.	Safeguarding Safeguarding at TIS centers on protecting the well-being of students and staff within a safe and inclusive environment. Safeguarding focuses on prevention, identification, and management of child safety. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Dianna Dawson and the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) is Robert Zehmke. If safeguarding concerns arise, contact safespace@tisweb.net, monitored by the DSL and DDSL. The Safeguarding Policy follows international and local best practices and includes ongoing staff training and clear reporting procedures (turn4view0).
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Horizon Academy Sendai Campus is set in a green, tranquil area in Izumi-ku, Sendai. The main building resembles a castle-like structure that creates a welcoming, child-friendly atmosphere. The campus is designed to support safe, engaging learning with spaces that encourage exploration and active participation. Family services on campus include a school bus within Sendai and on-site daycare, and the school lunch program offers delivered meals or the option to bring lunch. Bilingual communications and interpretation support help families stay informed and engaged.	Facilities overview Tohoku International School is located at 7-101-1 Yakata, Izumi-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan. The campus emphasizes a nature-rich environment with outdoor learning spaces that support exploration beyond the classroom. The TIS Library serves as the academic hub, offering resources that align with IB pedagogy and a catalog for student use. The school provides an After-School Activity program with options such as Basketball, Gardening, Cooking, Film-making, Programming, Drumming, Yoga, Guitar, and Visual Arts, and a school bus supports ASA transportation. The program also includes field trips around Sendai and various school events that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus has a library with extensive English books and learning materials, including access to online English reading platforms. The library collection includes books in both English and Japanese. The library supports inquiry and literacy as part of the IB Primary Years Programme framework. It plays a central role in literacy development and information skills across the curriculum.	Academic facilities The TIS Library is the identified academic facility on campus. It functions as a center of knowledge and inquiry, supporting collaborative and independent study with a collection that reflects international perspectives and IB curriculum considerations. The library is staffed by a librarian and is connected to an online catalog for student access.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Club Activities are offered for both the ELC and Primary sections. For 2025-2026, ELC clubs include Gymnastics; Primary clubs include Soccer, Dance, Sports, Gymnastics, STEAM, Violin, Home Economics, Chess, and Badminton. Contents vary by year and club instructors may be school staff or external teachers.	Extra curricular facilities The After-School Activity program (ASA) runs year-round and includes Basketball, Gardening, Cooking, Film-making, Programming, Drumming, Yoga, Guitar, and Visual Arts. A school bus provides transport after ASA, facilitating participation in activities after the school day. Field trips and school events are also part of TIS life, supporting experiential learning beyond the classroom.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Horizon Academy network traces its origins to Horizon Academy, established in April 2003, with Horizon Japan International School opening its Primary division that same month. ELC and Middle School subsequently opened in September 2009, followed by the High School in September 2011. Horizon Japan International School Sendai opened its ELC in April 2012, and Horizon Sendai Primary School opened in April 2016. The campus moved to a new site in April 2019, and childcare facilities were added in 2020 and 2021. The network celebrated its 20th anniversary in December 2023, and Horizon Sendai Primary School marked its 10th anniversary with a ceremony in November 2025.	History Tohoku International School originated in 1950 as Sendai American School, established to serve children of Christian missionary families. It later operated as Sendai Christian Academy, then returned to Sendai American School before taking its current name, Tohoku International School, in 1997. Since 1988, TIS has been sponsored by the Nanko Gakuen Corporation and governed in conjunction with the TIS Council, reflecting its ownership and governance structure. All courses are taught in English, and TIS is a fully authorized IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, with accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Kindergarten through Grade 12 is offered, and TIS is described as the only international school in the Tohoku region.
Community	Community Horizon Sendai fosters a global-minded school community with a calendar of events that blends World cultures and Japanese culture. The event calendar includes enrollment ceremonies, health checks, Sports Day, Numeracy and Science Week, and parent-focused sessions such as PYP Parents Curriculum Information Sessions and Parent Morning. World Hello Day is observed, and there are open-house and regular family activities as part of school life, with communications provided in both English and Japanese. These elements together create a family-inclusive, culturally diverse learning environment.	Community Tohoku International School presents itself as the only international school in Tohoku, with all courses taught in English. The school emphasizes a small teacher-student ratio, enabling personalized support. The Life at TIS section describes field trips, community outreach led by the Student Council, and an after-school activity program. School events such as picnics, Sports Day, Halloween Festival, Arts Night, Christmas Concert, and Homecoming are regularly held and involve the school community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Horizon Japan International School PTA is described as the heart of the school community and is open to all HJIS parents. It organizes events and traditions such as the International Cultural Festival, Sports Day, and seasonal celebrations. Volunteers can join event committees, run cultural booths, or support fundraising; the PTA emphasizes that every contribution helps students thrive. Members can join via the PTA website or a sign-up form to connect with opportunities. The PTA aims to build a welcoming, international parent community, support teachers and students, and sponsor various student initiatives that shape school life and traditions.	Parent teacher association There is no formal PTA listed on the school's materials. Parental involvement is organized through TIS Families, which includes a Calendar, a School Bus Schedule, access to the Student Council, and the TIS Journal. The Student Council coordinates community outreach and school events, giving students a voice in school life. Community outreach activities include beach clean-ups and an annual food drive. GIVING invites donations from families and sponsors, with tax-deductible options in Japan; donors have funded improvements such as basketball hoops and artificial turf.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Horizon Sendai Campus offers club activities that emphasize academic enrichment and STEM. For 2025-2026, ELC includes Gymnastics, while the Primary School offers Soccer, Dance, Sports, Gymnastics, STEAM, Violin, Home Economics, Chess, and Badminton. Contents of activities are varied and decided each year, and club teachers may be school staff or external instructors.	Academic & intellectual Tohoku International School is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Elementary and the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. The DP core includes Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, and Service, connecting academic study with personal growth. Secondary students participate in field trips, including Sendai-area excursions, bi-annual domestic and international trips, and annual ski trips. Technology is integrated across learning through the BYLT (Bring Your Own Laptop) program.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts and creative activities include Dance and Violin as part of the clubs. Dance is available for PreK and Kindergarten students in ELC, while Violin is offered in the Primary School. The clubs are taught by school staff or external teachers, and offerings may change year to year.	Arts & creative Arts are integrated across the curriculum in both Elementary and Secondary, with options in Performing, Visual, and Digital Arts. The school runs an annual all-English musical each spring, produced with involvement from staff, parents, and the local community. Visual Art is offered within the DP as Group 6 Arts and Electives (Visual Art HL/SL). The TIS Musicals program highlights the school's commitment to student creativity and community involvement.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Horizon Sendai follows the IB Primary Years Programme and English immersion, supporting intercultural understanding and bilingual communication. The IB/PYP structure supports inquiry-based learning and cross-disciplinary study, with English instruction constituting about half of the curriculum. The school also runs a Summer School (2025) that brings Horizon and non-Horizon students from different countries for intercultural learning.	Cultural & language The Elementary program is taught mainly in English, with a strong emphasis on developing students' mother tongue. In the Diploma Programme, language options include Japanese B (SL/HL), Spanish B (ab initio), and Self-taught A (native language). There is a dedicated Japanese Language Class to support ongoing language development. The school fosters an international, globally minded community and hosts guest speakers to broaden perspectives on global issues and careers.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Clubs cover social and hobby activities such as Soccer, Dance, Sports, Gymnastics, Chess, and Badminton. The Dance club is available for PreK and Kindergarten as an optional weekly activity. These offerings provide opportunities for social interaction and extracurricular enjoyment.	Social & hobbies The After-School Activities (ASA) program runs year-round and offers options such as Basketball, Gardening, Cooking, Film-making, Programming, Drumming, Yoga, Guitar, and Visual Arts. A school bus provides transport after ASA. The Student Council gives students a voice in the school and opportunities to develop leadership by organizing events. School events include activities such as Christmas events, High School Dances, Spirit Week, and Movie/Arts nights.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community Outreach activities are led by the Student Council and include beach clean-ups and an annual food drive. Students collect and donate food and other supplies to those in need as part of these initiatives. These service-oriented experiences connect students with the local community and reinforce social responsibility.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The Student Council provides leadership opportunities by giving students a voice and by organizing school events. Elected positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Communications Director, each serving a one-year term. The school also hosts guest speakers to broaden students' understanding of global issues, careers, and societal perspectives.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is supported through a variety of physical activities, including Soccer, Dance, Sports, Gymnastics, and Badminton. The Dance club operates for younger students during the club hour 15:40–16:30 on select days. The daily schedule includes P.E. and after-school activities to promote fitness and balance.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Field trips, including Sendai-area excursions and annual ski trips, extend learning beyond the classroom and promote active engagement with the outdoors. ASA offers wellness- and fitness-related activities such as Yoga, along with sports like Basketball. A school bus provides transport after ASA, supporting participation in activities. School events and guest speakers further contribute to a holistic well-being and community experience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught at Horizon Sendai are English and Japanese. English is used for a substantial portion of core instruction, with Japanese used for other subjects and daily life within a bilingual framework. The school provides language support for non-native speakers, including interpretation support for parent–school communications and access to English-language learning materials in the library. The site does not specify other foreign languages, nor formal language courses beyond English and Japanese, or explicit language levels (beginner to advanced).	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction. Japanese language study is integrated into the curriculum and there is a dedicated Japanese Language Class. In IB, Spanish is offered as a language option (SPANISH AB and SPANISH B). EAL provides English-language support for non-native speakers across the school, with a tiered fee structure and regular level reviews; Elementary emphasizes mother tongue development. Kindergarten through Grade 12 is the overall age range.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Horizon Sendai Primary School provides a bilingual learning environment in English and Japanese. Approximately 50–60% of instruction is delivered in English, with the remaining lessons taught in Japanese. Classes are led by a co-teaching team of an international teacher and a Japanese teacher, creating a natural bilingual atmosphere in the classroom and in daily school life. All school communications are provided in both English and Japanese to support families who do not speak Japanese.	Bilingual teaching Tohoku International School offers a bilingual element within its IB framework. In the Primary Years Programme, instruction is delivered in English and Japanese. In the Diploma Programme, instruction is English-only, with Japanese taught as a language option and a dedicated Japanese Language Class available to students. The school serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Horizon Sendai operates an English immersion program as part of its IB Primary Years Programme framework. About 50–60% of instruction is in English, with Japanese and English homeroom teachers in each class and English instruction delivered in level-based groups. Subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Art, Life Studies, Integrated Studies, and ICT are taught in English or through a bilingual English–Japanese approach. The school is designated by Japan's Ministry of Education as a Special Curriculum School to implement English immersion across core subjects.	Immersion programs Formal language-immersion tracks are not described as separate programs. EAL provides an immersive English-language classroom environment for students who need English support, with levels reviewed twice a year. Japanese language study is offered through a dedicated Japanese Language Class and integrated across grades. There is no publicly listed separate immersion track beyond these provisions.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP): An internationally recognized framework for primary education; Horizon Sendai Campus implements the IB PYP.	Accreditations Tohoku International School (TIS) holds the following accreditations, with brief descriptions: - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP): An IB program for Grades 11–12 that leads to the IB diploma, recognized by universities worldwide. - International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP): An IB program for younger students focusing on inquiry-based learning across subject areas. - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based accreditation body that evaluates schools to ensure alignment with international standards of quality and governance. - Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS): Japan's council of international schools that promotes quality assurance and collaboration among member schools. - East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): A regional association of international schools in East Asia that supports professional development and school collaboration. - International Baccalaureate Association of Japan (IBAJ): The national IB association in Japan, supporting IB schools and IB-related activities in the country. - Japanese Ministry of Education: Accreditation by Japan's national education authorities, indicating recognition under the country's education system. Notes: - Public information on these accreditations is listed in the Accreditation Information section and in the general introduction about TIS on tisweb.net. The site confirms that TIS is an IB World School offering both PYP and DP, and that it is accredited by WASC and by the Japanese Ministry of Education, among other bodies.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Below is a detailed, step-by-step outline of admissions for Horizon Academy Sendai Campus, separated into the ELC pathway (ages 3–5) and the Primary School pathway (Grade 1–6). Each step includes concrete actions and what parents should prepare or expect at that point. Fees are covered in the School Fees section and are referenced where relevant.	Admissions 1. STEP 1: Make a visit to TIS if possible. You will learn a lot about TIS by speaking with the team and watching classes in action. If an in-person visit is not feasible, request a virtual tour. TIS provides an English-medium K–12 program and operates as a day school with no boarding facilities. 2. STEP 2: Fill out the admission application digitally. Save the form as a PDF and email, mail, or bring it to the school with all required documents. Applications are accepted up to six months in advance. If you use a phone or tablet to complete the form, you must download the PDF and fill it out by hand. 3. STEP 3: The school will conduct an Application Review. Staff review all documents to determine whether they can offer a place for your child. Admission decisions are made throughout the year and depend on space availability. 4. STEP 4: An in-person entrance interview will be conducted to understand the student's abilities and any required EAL support. The interview typically lasts about an hour and includes reading, writing, speaking, and mathematics components. The school will also determine whether EAL support is needed.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships and financial assistance at Horizon Sendai are handled through internal discount programs and government subsidies rather than a formal scholarship fund. The school offers enrollment fee discounts and tuition discounts, plus guidance on government subsidies and a local government benefit system. Details are below with how each mechanism works.	Scholarships Scholarships: TIS does not publish scholarships or a school-based financial aid program on its Tuition & Fees page. The published fees cover entrance, administration, and annual tuition, with additional costs such as EAL and bus fees where applicable. There is a separate fee-reduction arrangement related to Tohoku University: children of full-time foreign faculty members at Tohoku University may receive preferential treatment for entrance and tuition fees at TIS under a formal agreement between the two institutions. If you wish to pursue this option, apply for admission to TIS and indicate interest in the agreement.
Waitlist	Waitlist There is no published waitlist or enrollment pool system. The school notes that transfer admissions are accepted year-round, which indicates ongoing enrollment options rather than a fixed waitlist. This is stated in the admissions information under Transfer Admissions.	Waitlist There is no published waitlist or pool system for TIS. Admissions are described as occurring throughout the year based on space availability, with an application review process that considers each student's fit for the program. This indicates that places are offered as space permits rather than through a formal waitlist.
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