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Sydney Japanese International School

Australia, Sydney

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Japanese
Fees A$15,500 - 16,300
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 216
Type Co-educational
Opened 1969
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Taught languages Japanese, English
Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Sport
Clubs Cultural and Language, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

Sydney Japanese International School operates on a single Terrey Hills campus with two divisions. The International Division follows the New South Wales curriculum for Kindergarten to Year 6 and provides daily Japanese language lessons, while the Japanese Division follows the Japanese curriculum for Years 1 to 9 with daily English lessons. The two divisions share facilities and collaborate on visual arts, physical education, music and ICT to support bilingual learning. Language programs include five 45‑minute classes per week taught by native speakers, fostering proficiency in both Japanese and English. The school emphasizes immersion and cross‑cultural language development across both divisions. Facilities include large air‑conditioned classrooms with interactive whiteboards, science laboratories, a dedicated computer room, two art rooms, a music room and a food technology room, plus a library with over 20,000 Japanese and English titles and field facilities for sport. After‑school activities cover Karate, Sado, Gakken, Cheerleading, Multi‑Sports, Guitar, SoroTouch, Soccer, Badminton and Otanoshimi. Established in 1969, the school celebrated 50 years in 2019.

The Essentials

Sydney Japanese International School has 216 pupils, instruction in English, Japanese.

Location
112 Booralie Road, Terrey Hills, NSW 2084, Australia. Terrey Hills is on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The campus sits on beautifully maintained 5.7-hectare grounds and offers comprehensive bus services.

Stages
Kindergarten to Year 6 (NSW curriculum) and Year 1 to Year 9 (Japanese curriculum).

Type
The school is non-denominational independent co-educational private school.

Additional learning support
Learning Support.

Country affiliation
Australia and Japan.

Religious affiliation
Non-denominational.

Bus service
Comprehensive bus services.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
SJIS uniforms are red and navy blue. In 2017, the girls' primary and high school uniforms were redesigned and a new PE uniform was introduced. All uniform items (excluding shoes and socks) can be purchased at the uniform shop located in the school reception during term hours (approximately 8:30 am to 4:00 pm). Primary Summer, Primary Winter, High School Summer, High School Winter, and PE Uniforms are available with price lists downloadable from the shop.

Food Options
SJIS operates a Tuck Shop lunch program featuring Japanese classics and local favourites, including sushi, Japanese curry, healthy sandwiches, hamburgers, pizza and pasta. Lunch orders are placed via the Flexischools app to avoid cash on campus. During lunch, students eat with classmates and teachers in the first half, then participate in activities in the second half, with the library open for reading.

Governance and Ownership
SJIS is an independent school. The senior leadership team comprises the School Board, School Principal, Deputy Principal of the International Division, Deputy Principal of the Japanese Division, and the General Manager.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sydney Japanese International School ranges from AUD 15,500 to AUD 16,300 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment fees

- Application fee (non‑refundable): USD 220.
- Enrolment fee (non‑refundable): USD 1,500.
- Bond (refunded when the child departs the school): USD 1,500.

Tuition fees — annual and per term (by year group)

- Kindergarten: Annual tuition USD 14,480. Per term USD 3,620 (annual ÷ 4 terms; SJIS operates a four‑term school year).
- Years 1–9: Annual tuition USD 15,280. Per term USD 3,820 (annual ÷ 4 terms; SJIS operates a four‑term school year).
- Students not eligible for recurrent government funding (e.g., certain visa categories): Annual full tuition USD 28,000. Per term USD 7,000 (annual ÷ 4 terms).

Sibling discount

- A 10% discount on tuition fees is applied from the second child for families with two or more children enrolled.

Voluntary contributions and levies

- Voluntary building fund contribution (tax‑deductible if paid): USD 500 per year; this may be paid quarterly with tuition.
- Voluntary library fund contribution (tax‑deductible if paid): USD 200 per year; this may be paid quarterly with tuition.
- Technology levy: USD 280 per annum, charged as USD 70 per term to cover school technology (Chromebook/iPad use).

Other regular fees and typical additional costs

- PTA membership fee: USD 40 per family per year.
- Educational expenses such as textbooks, test fees, excursion/activity fees and some bus fees may be charged in addition to tuition; amounts vary and may be collected with tuition invoices.
- School bus service and some co‑curricular activities may carry extra charges billed separately.

Uniform costs (typical item prices)

- Uniform items (except shoes and socks) are sold at the school uniform shop. Representative prices (primary & high school examples):
- Short sleeve shirt: USD 28.00.
- Long sleeve shirt: USD 30–32.
- Long pants: USD 38–44.
- PE polo shirt: USD 38–40.
- School bag: USD 84.00.
- Grey blazer (high school): approximately USD 215–222.
- Summer dress / tunic (primary/girls): USD 70–72.
- Uniform shop business hours: weekdays 8:30 am–4:00 pm; socks/shoes may be purchased elsewhere.

Boarding fees

- Boarding fees: Not applicable. Sydney Japanese International School is a day school; there is no boarding provision.

Refund information

- Application fee: non‑refundable.
- Enrolment fee: non‑refundable.
- Bond: refunded when the child departs the school.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Voluntary contributions may be paid quarterly alongside tuition. The technology levy is stated as USD 70 per term. Per‑term tuition figures above are presented by dividing the published annual tuition by four because SJIS operates a four‑term school year.

Accepted payment methods and payment details

- Accepted payment methods: bank transfer or credit card (Visa and Mastercard). A small handling fee applies to credit card payments.

Summary of key numeric fees (quick reference)

- Application fee: USD 220.
- Enrolment fee: USD 1,500. Bond: USD 1,500 (refundable on departure).
- Kindergarten tuition: USD 14,480 per year (USD 3,620 per term).
- Years 1–9 tuition: USD 15,280 per year (USD 3,820 per term).
- Overseas/full‑fee students: USD 28,000 per year (USD 7,000 per term).
- Technology levy: USD 280 per year (USD 70 per term). Voluntary building fund: USD 500 p.a.; library fund: USD 200 p.a.; PTA fee: USD 40 p.a.
Academics

Sydney Japanese International School teaches Australian Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum.

Curriculum
Two divisions share a single campus. The International Division offers the New South Wales curriculum for Kindergarten to Year 6, with daily Japanese language lessons. The Japanese Division offers the Japanese curriculum from Year 1 to Year 9, complemented by daily English language lessons. The NSW and Japanese divisions collaborate on lessons in visual arts, physical education, music and ICT to support bilingual learning. Language programs include five 45-minute language classes per week taught by native speakers, focusing on both Japanese and English. The school emphasizes immersion and cross-cultural language development across both divisions.

Student Teacher Ratio
There were 222 students across both divisions and 21 teachers (excluding the Japanese Division). This yields an approximate student-to-teacher ratio of 10.6:1.

Exam Results
NAPLAN results for Years 3 and 5 in 2023 show strong performance across domains: Reading Exceeding 15.5%, Strong 69%, Developing 15.5%, and no students requiring additional support; Numeracy Exceeding 45%, Strong 41%, Developing 14%, no students requiring additional support; Writing Exceeding 13%, Strong 82%, Developing 5%, no students requiring additional support; Conventions of Language Exceeding 24%, Strong 69%, Developing 7%, no students requiring additional support; Spelling Exceeding 22%, Strong 73%, Developing 5%, no students requiring additional support. Japanese Division join the International Division cohort to complete NAPLAN. The report notes zero students require additional support.

Higher Education Progression
High school destinations include NBSC Manly Campus, Killara High School, Chatswood High School, Riverside Girls' High School, Barrenjoey High School, Ku-ringai High School, All Saints Grammar School, Davidson High School and Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School.

Gifted and Talented
The Strategic Plan 2023–2027 includes staff training in gifted education (Mini COGE) and enrichment lessons for the International Division.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing programs place student welfare at the forefront, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that enhances achievement, happiness, and belonging. Mindfulness and resilience are prioritised, and school values such as Respect, Courtesy and Honesty are embedded across wellbeing initiatives. The Resilience Project teaches gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness to build students' mental and emotional resilience.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a comprehensive Learning Support program with targeted, personalised support delivered by a qualified specialist to help all students reach their full potential. A fully qualified learning support teacher uses evidence‑based programs such as MultiLit, with teacher aides assisting in the classroom.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
A dedicated EAL/D program supports students arriving from non‑English‑speaking backgrounds, delivered by a specialist. Students undergo initial assessment and participate in small‑group lessons in an EAL/D classroom with a bilingual support assistant, with additional English language learning integrated as needed.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing includes The Resilience Project (embedded in the International Division curriculum), focusing on gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness to develop mental and emotional resilience. A school counsellor provides emotional support, available in English and Japanese.

Safeguarding
SJIS has a Student Welfare and Child Protection policy setting out staff duties for the care and protection of children, including mandatory reporting of concerns to the Principal or Head of Division. The policy references three NSW child protection Acts and requires Working With Children Checks (WWCC) and staff training; procedures cover on‑ and off‑site activities and reporting pathways.
Parent Experience

History
The Sydney Japanese School was established in May 1969 on a church site in Lindfield with 33 students. In 1971 the school moved to Terrey Hills to accommodate growing enrolments. Until 1975 the school offered only the Japanese Government Curriculum; in 1975 the International Division was established, following the Australian curriculum for kindergarten through to Year 6. The school expanded over the years, purchasing five acres of neighbouring land in 1984 and adding a 200 metre running track in 1993, while the International Division NSW Curriculum was expanded in 1990 to offer one class per grade. In 2011 the school was renamed Sydney Japanese International School, and in 2019 the school celebrated 50 years, including a Family Fun Day.

Community
The SJIS community is supported by an active Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) and an engaged alumni network. The PTA invites interested parents to volunteer to support and raise funds for the school, and its events calendar highlights the annual Family Fun Day and the end-of-year school disco. These events connect families and contribute to the warm culture of SJIS life. The Alumni page showcases graduates' journeys and ongoing connections across continents, highlighting the impact of SJIS on its graduates.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Interested parents can volunteer on the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) to support and raise funds for the school. The highlight of the PTA events calendar is the annual Family Fun Day and the end-of-year school disco. These events connect families and contribute to the warm culture of SJIS life. PTA volunteers support school programs through fundraising activities. The PTA provides opportunities for parent involvement in the SJIS community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Classrooms are large, air-conditioned and equipped with interactive whiteboards. A specialist computer room, science laboratories and spaces for music and home science learning are provided. The field track and grass oval are central to school events, including annual Sports Day and regular PE lessons. The library hosts Japanese and English books with over 20,000 titles, including children's books and popular Manga. A tuck shop offers Australian and Japanese lunches, there is a Japanese tea ceremony room, a sick bay with beds and a uniform shop near the reception. The campus also includes an on-campus bus depot and off-street parking for staff and visitors.

Sports Facilities
The school has an indoor basketball court and an all-weather 200m running track for athletics. There are two long jump runways and sand pits, a soccer field and shade-covered playgrounds. The field track and grass oval are used for school events such as Sports Day and regular PE lessons. These facilities support a wide range of physical education and outdoor activities.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms are large, air-conditioned and equipped with interactive whiteboards. A specialist computer room, science laboratories and spaces for music and home science learning are provided. Two art rooms, a well-equipped music room and a food technology room support practical subjects, alongside a library and a fully networked computer lab that underpin ICT across the curriculum. The library houses a large collection of Japanese and English books, with over 20,000 titles for readers of all levels.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After-school activities run from about 3:30pm to 4:30pm, extending to 5:00pm on some days. Activities are led by experienced external instructors and SJIS teachers. Examples include Karate, Sado (Japanese tea ceremony), Gakken (math), Cheerleading, Multi-Sports Club, Guitar, SoroTouch (abacus-based mental calculation) and Soccer, Badminton and Otanoshimi (fun activities). Activities may vary term to term and students must be picked up after sessions.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The International Division follows the NSW curriculum for Kindergarten to Year 6, while the Japanese Division follows the Japanese curriculum for Years 1 to 9. Daily Japanese language lessons enhance student proficiency in the International Division, and daily English lessons are provided in the Japanese Division. The two curriculums operate on the same campus and collaborate for lessons in visual art, physical education, music, and ICT. Smaller class sizes support a nurturing learning environment.

Arts & Creative
Lessons in visual art, physical education, music and ICT are delivered across both divisions. The annual Japanese Language Festival showcases drama and language and is a highlight of the school year. The English Language Festival and the English Speaking Competition are annual events that integrate language and drama.

Cultural & Language
The Japanese Language Department provides a comprehensive daily Japanese language program to prepare students to communicate effectively in Japanese. The English Language Department offers a daily English program with three proficiency levels and about 150 hours of language instruction per year. Students experience Japanese customs and traditions, such as games, calligraphy, and traditional festivals; Setsubun and Hinamatsuri are celebrated. Upper primary students have the opportunity to sit the ALC test (Assessment of Language Competence).

Social & Hobbies
The After School Activities program offers a wide range of sessions after school, typically from 3.30pm to 4.30pm – 5.00pm. Activities include Karate, Sado (tea ceremony), Gakken (math), Cheerleading, Multi-Sports, Guitar, SoroTouch (Soroban), Soccer, Badminton and Otanoshimi (Japanese games and other activities). Activities vary by term.

Community & Service
The school has a Parents and Teachers Association and an Alumni network.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is at the forefront, with mindfulness and resilience programs. Respect, Courtesy and Honesty are embedded in wellbeing initiatives. Wellbeing programs include the Resilience Project, Moral Education and Counselling to support holistic development and a sense of belonging. The school aims to foster both academic achievement and personal well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
The school provides bilingual instruction in English and Japanese. The International Division delivers daily Japanese language lessons in addition to the NSW curriculum, while the Japanese Division offers daily English language lessons alongside its own curriculum. The school maintains English Language Department and Japanese Language Department to support language development, and language classes are levelled from Beginner to Advanced.

Bilingual Teaching
The school operates two divisions: International Division (NSW Curriculum) and Japanese Division (Japanese Curriculum). Daily Japanese language lessons are part of the International Division, and daily English lessons are part of the Japanese Division. Five 45-minute language classes per week are taught by native speakers, with levels from Beginner to Advanced. Students develop proficiency in both Japanese and English, enabling bilingual communication on campus.

Immersion Programs
Two curriculum streams come together for mixed lessons and events. The divisions collaborate in core subjects such as visual arts, physical education, music, and ICT, creating a mixed-language classroom environment. This arrangement fosters bilingual interaction across a range of learning contexts.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
1. Book a tour or information session to learn about SJIS. Tours and information sessions are available to prospective families. A member of the admissions team can assist with questions during the visit. The visit provides insight into SJIS's programs, campus life and the enrolment process.
2. SJIS welcomes students of any language background and does not require prior English or Japanese proficiency for admission. Language foundations are taught from Kindergarten, and there is dedicated EAL/D support for students who need English development. English and Japanese language classes are set up in a three-tiered structure, streamed by language ability.
3. SJIS is co-educational, non-denominational, and multicultural; it welcomes all nationalities and religions. The school serves local families as well as from various backgrounds and aims to support students from diverse communities.
4. Experience Days allow families to experience a day at SJIS before enrolling, priced at $150 per day. This provides a firsthand look at daily school life and routines.
5. SJIS does not accept enrolments from international students on student visas. Parents must have Australian citizenship or permanent residency, or hold an Australian business, researcher or student visa. Tourist visas are not eligible.
6. Private tours are available if Open Days or online information sessions are not possible; interested families should contact the school.
7. For Kindergarten, apply online before June in the year prior to entry; enrolments are accepted throughout the year, subject to availability.
8. Submitting the application and paying the application fee does not guarantee placement. Applicants must undergo an assessment or interview with the Head for International Division and with the Deputy Principal/School Principal for entry into the Japanese Division, and a parent/guardian must accompany the child during the assessment.
9. SJIS offers a 10% reduction when two or more children from the same family enrol at SJIS. (See Fees for details.)
10. Contact: Email [email protected], Tel +61 2 9450 1833; Address 112 Booralie Road, Terrey Hills, NSW 2084, Australia.
School Events
The school has not added events
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