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Fukuoka International School

Japan, Fukuoka

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥1,902,000 - 2,296,300
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 400
Type Co-educational
Opened 1972
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Japanese
Typical class size 7
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Fukuoka International School (FIS) is an IB World School in Fukuoka, Japan, serving students aged 3–18. It offers all three IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is located in Momochi in western Fukuoka City. Its main campus overlooks the Muromi River, and an additional campus (“The Annex”) is a short walk away and houses the Art Center and Design Lab. Facilities listed by the school include a gym, playground, science labs, multiple learning spaces and a 12,000-volume library. Beyond classes, FIS runs an after-school activities programme refreshed each trimester, with examples such as martial arts, handball, yoga and a language lab, plus seasonal athletics clubs for older students. The school also hosts community events, including a Spring Festival described as a large-scale multicultural celebration.

3 Chome-18-50 Momochi, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0006, Japan

The Essentials

Fukuoka International School has 400 pupils, typical class sizes of 7, instruction in English.

Location
The Fukuoka International School campuses are located in the western part of Fukuoka City, in the Momochi area. The main campus overlooks the Muromi River, and the Annex is about a four‑minute walk away, housing the Art Center, Design Lab, and additional classrooms. The address is 3-18-50 Momochi, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka 814-0006, Japan, and both campuses are easily accessible by public transportation.

Stages
The school serves students aged 3 to 18, with an Elementary School (Early Years to Grade 5), a Middle School (Grades 6–8), and a High School (Grades 9–12).

Type
FIS is an IB World School that follows the IB framework. It is co‑educational and operates as a day school (no boarding facilities).

Pupil Nationality Mix
Nationalities represented among students exceed 30; the homepage notes 35+ nationalities represented, reflecting a diverse international community. The site also indicates 16 nationalities represented among staff. The exact local-to-international ratio is not published.

Additional learning support
English language support is provided through an ELL program as needed after enrollment, with bilingual staff offering translation support; a Language Development team supports learning. The school notes that some neurodiverse needs can be accommodated, but severe needs may be difficult to support given available services.

Country affiliation
Country affiliation: None listed; the school is located in Japan. (IB listing confirms the school is in Japan.)

Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation: None publicly listed. Historically, land and buildings were provided by the Japan Baptist Mission at founding, but there is no ongoing formal religious affiliation indicated.

School day structure
The school operates as a day school with an optional lunch program. Typical daily start times are not published by the school, but directories show Elementary starting around 8:30 and Secondary around 8:10, with finish times around 3:20. Lunch is provided by an external supplier (sign‑ups available) and is offered at an additional cost.

Bus service
Bus service: No in‑house school bus is advertised; families typically arrange transport via public transit or private means. The campus is described as accessible by public transportation.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
FIS does not provide boarding facilities. It operates as a day school with no on-campus housing or dormitories. There is no school bus service, and younger students are typically escorted to and from school by a parent or guardian. Expatriate families enroll with a dependent visa and arrange housing separately.

Uniform Requirement
FIS has a compulsory PE sports shirt as part of the uniform. Other uniform items, such as hoodies, fleeces, house T‑shirts, sports shorts and tracksuit pants, are optional and can be purchased through the online uniform store. The house T‑shirt is not compulsory, though students may be asked to wear house colors for certain events. Many students choose to purchase and wear an FIS house T‑shirt.

Food Options
An optional lunch service is available, provided by Cezar's Kitchen. Lunches are healthy and can be tailored to individual dietary needs. The service is optional and available to students who opt in.

House System
FIS uses a house system alongside homerooms to foster community and leadership. Students participate in house-related activities and events, and there are student-led committees such as the Student Council (Secondary) and the Student Action Leadership Team (Elementary), as well as Model United Nations and an Athletic Council.

Governance and Ownership
FIS is an independent, non-profit private school incorporated in Japan and accredited as a School Juridical Body (Gakko Hojin) by the Japanese Ministry and by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is governed by a thirteen‑member Board of Directors elected by the Board of Trustees; the Head of School reports to the Board of Directors. The Board makes major strategic decisions while daily operations are managed by the Head of School.
Fees

Annual tuition at Fukuoka International School ranges from JPY 1,902,000 to JPY 2,296,300 for 2026/27.

Application and one‑off entrance fees
- Application fee (includes assessment, observations and 4% handling fee): ¥52,000 (non‑refundable).
- Acceptance fee (new students): ¥350,000 (non‑refundable).
- Re‑acceptance fee (re‑enrolling students): ¥200,000 (non‑refundable).
- Development fee (new students only): ¥500,000 (non‑refundable).

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts for the 2025/2026 school year)
- Early Years (3 & 4 years old): ¥1,702,000 per year.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5: ¥1,734,500 per year.
- Grades 6 – 8: ¥1,873,800 per year.
- Grades 9 – 10: ¥2,013,200 per year.
- Grades 11 – 12: ¥2,096,300 per year.

Per‑term / per‑installment detail by payment option
- One installment: the full annual tuition is due on 25 August. (Pay the annual amounts listed above in a single payment.)
- Two installments: the annual tuition is split into two equal installments: the first installment is due 25 August (covers August–December) and the second installment is due 25 December (covers January–June). Example two‑installment amounts (each installment = annual ÷ 2):
- Early Years: ¥851,000 per installment.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5: ¥867,250 per installment.
- Grades 6–8: ¥936,900 per installment.
- Grades 9–10: ¥1,006,600 per installment.
- Grades 11–12: ¥1,048,150 per installment.
- Nine installments: nine monthly installments are due on the 25th of each month from August through April. The August payment is higher because it covers tuition for both August and September; the school issues the exact breakdown amounts on the school fee bill. Exact nine‑installment amounts are not published in the general summary.

Annual mandatory fees (per student, per year)
- Facility fee: ¥200,000 (non‑refundable).
- Accident insurance fee: ¥4,800 (non‑refundable).
- Extension learning fee: ¥10,000 (Elementary) / ¥5,000 (Secondary) (non‑refundable).
- Yearbook fee: ¥6,000 (not charged to students who enroll after publishing).
- Library fee: ¥5,000 (non‑refundable).
- Graduation fee (Grade 12 only): ¥10,000 (non‑refundable).
- Week Without Walls (field trips/outdoor learning): approximately ¥50,000–¥120,000 (to be invoiced; not charged to students who enroll after the trip).

Other costs and optional fees
- Uniform: students in Grades 3–10 are required to purchase an FIS PHE uniform top. Additional optional uniform items (sports shorts, track pants, fleeces, hoodies, house t‑shirts, etc.) are available for purchase.
- Lunch service: an optional lunch service is available at additional cost; the school invoices families who opt in.
- Other optional charges (examples): after‑school activities, certain trips, and programme‑specific materials or excursions may incur additional charges invoiced separately.

Boarding
- Boarding is not provided; Fukuoka International School operates as a day school (no boarding fees apply).

Refunds, late enrollment and withdrawal terms
- All fees except tuition are charged in full for late enrollment or withdrawal after enrollment. Tuition is pro‑rated for late enrollment on a per‑day basis.
- For early withdrawal, tuition is charged until the last day of the month of the student's last school day.
- Withdrawals in April, May or June do not receive refunds of tuition. A Withdrawal Form must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the child's withdrawal date.
- Delayed payments may result in withholding of report cards, transcripts, letters of reference, graduation diplomas, yearbooks and other school records; two or more delayed payments may lead to suspension until payments are cleared. Re‑enrollment is not permitted while amounts for the corresponding school year remain unpaid.

Billing schedule and payment instructions
- The school issues a school‑fee bill at enrollment and at the beginning of each school year; families must keep the bill until all payments are complete. Payments are scheduled according to the chosen installment plan (one, two or nine payments) and due on the 25th of the specified month(s).
- Payment method: tuition payments must be made by bank transfer. All bank charges are the payer's responsibility. Cash, credit card and automatic bank account deduction payment options are not available. The bank transfer must be made under the child's name in the English alphabet as shown on the school‑fee bill.

Where additional fee breakdowns appear
- The school issues detailed fee breakdowns and the official school‑fee bill (showing exact installment amounts and invoiced optional items) at the time of enrollment or at the start of the school year.
Academics

Fukuoka International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
FIS is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The Elementary School delivers the PYP with a six-theme Program of Inquiry, integrating Inquiry, Mathematics and Language, and including specialist subjects such as Art, Music, PSPE and Drama, plus a Grade 5 PYP Exhibition. In the Elementary years, English is the language of instruction with weekly Japanese classes for Grades 1–5, and specialist subjects are delivered by specialists in Music, Art, PSPE and Drama. Middle School follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) with eight subject groups (Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Mathematics, Sciences, Physical Health Education, Design, The Arts, and Individuals & Societies), plus Service as Action and a Grade 10 Personal Project. In High School, students may pursue an IB Diploma plus an FIS Diploma, or IB Courses with an FIS Diploma, or the FIS Diploma alone; the DP core comprises Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS, and Groups 1–6 cover languages, sciences, mathematics and The Arts, while the FIS Diploma is WASC-accredited and graduates matriculate to universities worldwide.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Fukuoka International School places student wellbeing at the center of its approach. An extensive Wellbeing Team supports every student to feel welcome, safe, valued and encouraged. A full-time on-site counselor provides confidential emotional and social support during school hours, with students able to book via an online form or visit the counseling office. The Advisory program provides regular lessons designed to develop self-empowerment, social adaptability, and responsible decision-making. The Wellbeing Program integrates social and emotional support, language support, learning support, and on-site health services to address student needs. The school aims to create safe, caring spaces, respect cultural differences, and collaborate with families to help each child reach their potential.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
FIS provides Learning Support and Language Support as part of its Wellbeing Services. A low student-to-teacher ratio and dedicated professionals support students who may need adaptation of learning to develop or extend understanding. The school uses a mix of in-class, small group, and individual instruction for students who require extra support. Admission is inclusive; the school does not have a pass/fail admissions test and will admit students where resources and space allow, with additional admissions information requested if a learning difference could affect success. The program emphasizes collaboration with teachers and families to identify the right strategy to ensure accessibility for all learners.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
All students are language learners and all teachers are language teachers, with language development viewed as central to learning and identity. Elementary Language Support includes small group English Language Development instruction, co-taught homeroom support, and one-to-one assistance where needed. Additional after-school English language classes are available through the educational partner, FICS. Secondary Language Support features pull-out ELD for groups and individuals, plus in-class push-in support within the MYP & DP units, with dedicated ELD classes for grades 6–12. Continued language support is monitored through the WIDA framework, assessed twice a year, and students receive ongoing support based on progress.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the Wellbeing Program and an extensive Wellbeing Team that maintains a safe, welcoming environment. A full-time on-site counselor provides accessible emotional and social support during school hours, with confidential services available to students. The Advisory program delivers regular lessons aimed at fostering self-empowerment, social adaptability, and responsible decision-making. Wellbeing services span Social & Emotional Support, Language Support, Learning Support, and the Health Office, ensuring holistic care for the student body. The overarching goal is to create safe learning spaces, respect cultural differences, and collaborate with families to nurture each student's growth.

Safeguarding
FIS endorses the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and treats safeguarding as a core responsibility across the school. Safeguarding aims include establishing a secure environment where students can talk openly, ensuring adults are available to listen, and providing annual training for all staff and community members. The school maintains clear procedures for identifying and reporting suspected abuse and an agreed Child Protection process and plan. Policies and documents include the FIS Disclosure Policy, Our Safeguarding Team, Codes of Conduct, Recruitment Policy, and Confidential Reporting Policy, with ongoing communication to parents. Safeguarding is integrated as a whole-school responsibility, involving staff, students, parents and the wider community.
Parent Experience

History
Fukuoka International School opened in August 1972 with fewer than 30 students, on land and buildings provided by the Japan Baptist Mission after the closure of the U.S. Air Force Base School in Itazuke. Since then it has grown into a diverse community of students and staff. In 1974 FIS joined JCIS, and in 1987 it joined EARCOS, reflecting its international connections. In 1988 the Fukuoka International School Founding Committee, comprising more than 60 government and civic groups, was formed to develop a larger, higher‑quality international school in Kyushu. In 2020 FIS was authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, making it Kyushu's first school to offer three IB programs; in 2021 the school refreshed its brand with Include, Empower, Impact to mark its 50th anniversary.

Community
The FIS community comprises over 350 students and their families, supported by more than 60 international teachers and support staff. Students represent more than 30 nationalities, and 16 nationalities are represented among staff. The school emphasizes a community‑oriented, connected learning environment and celebrates festivals and cultural celebrations that reflect its diverse population, including initiatives such as a school lunch program. These shared experiences foster lasting bonds among families, teachers, and students beyond the classroom.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA's mission is to enhance and support the FIS experience for students and families. All FIS parents and guardians are automatic members, with an annual membership fee. The PTA is a volunteer‑run organization that welcomes parent involvement, particularly in volunteering at events. Each year the PTA coordinates or contributes to events such as Halloween trick‑or‑treating, Japan Day, the Winter Concert and Talent Show, Senior Graduation, and the Spring Festival. PTA meetings are held throughout the year, and all FIS parents are invited to participate and share ideas and experiences. The PTA maintains a private Facebook group to connect current families, and volunteering inquiries can be sent to ptafis@fis.ed.jp.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Fukuoka International School operates on two campuses in the Momochi district. The primary campus overlooks the Muromi River and includes a large gym, a playground, multiple science laboratories, many classrooms, and large learning spaces, plus the Kawakami Library which offers over 14,000 print resources. The Annex, about a four‑minute walk from the main campus, houses the FIS Art Center, a Design Lab, and additional classrooms. These facilities support instruction across the IB program for ages 3–18, with dedicated spaces for science, arts, and design across both campuses. The library serves as a central learning hub with access to both print and digital resources that support classroom inquiry.

Sports Facilities
The primary campus features a large gymnasium for indoor sports and a playground for outdoor activities. These spaces support the school's physical education and after‑school sport programs. The athletics program also includes inter‑school competitions and student leadership through the Athletic Council.

Academic Facilities
The Kawakami Library provides over 14,000 print resources and access to online databases such as Britannica and JSTOR. The main campus includes science laboratories to support hands‑on investigations. The Annex houses the FIS Art Center and a Design Lab, offering dedicated spaces for arts, design, and technology‑infused projects. The Library supports both elementary and secondary students with regular library sessions and a broad range of research resources.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After School Activities (ASA) run through the school's program, with weekly junior athletics in the Elementary School and competitive athletics from Grade 6 onward. The Athletic Council is a student‑led body that promotes competitions and athletic initiatives. The Annex provides dedicated spaces for arts and performance, including the FIS Art Center and the Design Lab. The Kawakami Library hosts literacy events such as Book Week and Read‑Ins to complement after‑school learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
FIS offers an extensive set of after-school activities focused on academic enrichment. The Academic options include Robotics, Model United Nations, High School Ambassadors, Language Exchange Community, French Institute, Creative Coding, Hands-on Math, Creative Writing, and a range of literacy and global citizenship clubs such as Global Citizens Club, Read Aloud, and Japanese Reading Club. Activities run in eight-week blocks each trimester, with some programs having competitive elements and others emphasizing skill-building and inquiry.

Arts & Creative
Arts activities span performing and visual arts within the ASA catalog. The options include Hip Hop, Music Club, Masterpiece Makers, Intro to Photography, Chorus, Theater Appreciation, Photography, Band, Art College Portfolio, International Film, and Stop Motion; plus Lego, Origami, and various drawing projects. These activities are offered after school and support collaboration, creativity and artistic technical growth.

Cultural & Language
Language-focused activities include the Language Exchange Community, Language Lab, and the French Institute. There are also reading and culture clubs such as Japanese Reading Club and Global Citizens Club that promote intercultural understanding. The ASA program supports language development and cross-cultural awareness as part of FIS's international ethos.

Social & Hobbies
ASA offers a wide range of social and recreational options beyond academics. Sports and games include Athletics, Martial Arts, Yoga, Smart Soccer Sharks, Jump and Move, Run Club, Handball, 2v2 Volleyball, and Surfing Exploration, along with social activities like Mystery Club, Play Club, Board Games, Chess, Dungeon and Dragons, and Minecraft Quest. Students can join Team Games and Activities and other groups to build friendships and teamwork.

Community & Service
FIS supports community-focused initiatives through student-led committees. The Student Council (Secondary) and the Student Action Leadership Team (Elementary) provide leadership opportunities, while Model United Nations and the Athletic Council foster service, collaboration and community engagement. The school established and hosts the West Japan United Nations Conference, reflecting opportunities for service and global citizenship.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is integrated into daily life at FIS through student-led committees and the IB-aligned leadership framework. Students participate in committees such as Student Council, SALT, Model United Nations, and Athletic Council, gaining experience in planning events and leading peers. The program emphasizes ownership of learning and helps students develop communication, collaboration and responsible leadership.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a central focus at FIS, supported by a dedicated Wellbeing Team and on-site counselling services. The Wellbeing Program covers social and emotional support, language support, learning support and health services. The after-school activities also promote fitness and well-being, with options such as Yoga, Friday Fitness, Surfing Exploration, Run Club and other physical activities.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for FIS. Japanese is taught as a weekly language class in the Elementary School, and Japanese Language Acquisition is offered in the Middle and High School years. Spanish is offered as an additional language from the Middle Years Program and into the Diploma Program, with ab initio options available. Non-native English speakers receive English Language Acquisition to build competence and transition to Language & Literature when ready.

Bilingual Teaching
FIS uses English as the language of instruction across the IB framework. Language & Literature is offered in English and Japanese, supporting study in both languages and enabling mother-tongue options where offered. In the Middle Years Program, Language Acquisition includes Japanese, English and Spanish, with English Language Acquisition aimed at achieving balanced bilingualism and with Language & Literature in English or Japanese when appropriate. In the Diploma Program, Language A options include English A, Japanese A or Self-Taught, and Language B options include English B, Japanese B and Spanish ab initio, providing formal bilingual pathways.

Immersion Programs
Language immersion outcomes are realized through targeted Language Acquisition and English Language Acquisition across the IB levels. In Elementary School, all students take weekly Japanese classes as part of the language program. In Middle School, Language Acquisition covers Japanese, English and Spanish, and in High School Spanish ab initio is available as part of the DP. English Language Acquisition for non-native English speakers is designed to develop competence and support balanced bilingualism, including transitions into Language & Literature when ready.
Reputation

Accreditations
Fukuoka International School is accredited as a School Juridical Body (Gakko Hojin) by the Japanese Ministry, and it holds Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation. The school is also authorized to offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programs across its continuum: Diploma Programme (DP) authorized in 2007, Primary Years Programme (PYP) authorized in 2014, and Middle Years Programme (MYP) authorized in 2020, confirming its status as an IB World School. This IB World School designation means the school delivers IB curricula across its elementary to diploma levels.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1 — Review FAQs and admission requirements. Familiarize yourself with the Admissions Policy and the FAQs to confirm your child's eligibility for enrollment. Some grade levels may be full due to high demand, but spaces regularly become available because of turnover in the expatriate community, so submitting an application helps place your child on the waiting list. If questions remain, contact the Admissions Team through the inquiry channel or by phone at +81-92-841-7601.

Step 2 — Complete application forms & submit further documentation. Begin the Enrollment Application Form and gather all required documents listed in the application checklist. Items include Medical Behavioral Form, School History Form, passports for all nationalities, visa details for non-Japanese nationals, a passport-style photo, and school records from the previous two years with English translations if needed. For high school applicants, provide official transcripts, a writing sample (Grades 2–12), MAP results (within the last 6 months), a Recommendation Form, and any relevant medical/behavioral records. Prepare for MAP results as part of grade placement.

Step 3 — Pay application fees. The non-refundable Application Fee is ¥52,000 per application and covers assessment, observations, and a 4% handling fee. Payment is processed via credit card through Open Apply. Ensure the application is complete before paying, as incomplete submissions may not be considered. The fee is non-refundable.

Step 4 — Complete testing. MAP testing is used for grade placement for students in Grade 3 and above; younger students participate in an observational assessment. If English is not the home language, WiDA testing may be used. There is no pass/fail requirement for admission; testing helps determine appropriate placement and language support needs.

Step 5 — Interview with the Leadership Team. All prospective students and their families meet with the Leadership Team to assess fit with the school's IB program and community. After completing all application steps, the Admissions Team will reach out to communicate next steps and timelines.

Scholarships
International Mindedness Scholarship — Available to students in Grades 9–12 who demonstrate an international mindset and an outstanding academic record. The scholarship provides significant tuition support for three years or until graduation. Applications open in August each year, with admittance offered in April. Stage 1 requires by January 15th submission of the admissions form, two English-language school reports, two confidential recommendation forms, a one-page essay on what an international mindset means to the applicant, and a CV (submitted by email). Stage 2 consists of an interview with the IMS Committee, completion of FIS admissions assessments on the interview day, and proof of financial need. Results are announced in early March; scholarship recipients are admitted in April and placed in the grade corresponding to their most recent Japanese system completion for the remainder of the year, then move to the new grade in August. The IMS is designed to support ongoing enrollment, but the school retains the right to remove the scholarship for the next year if academic performance or behavior declines. Corporate, diplomatic, or governmental fee support disqualifies applicants. Expatriate students require an official dependent visa. The school does not provide boarding.

Waitlist
Waitlist/Pool — The school operates an Application List (Delayed Enrollment) for waitlisting when a grade level is full. Applications are welcome at any time and can continue until early April; spaces become available due to turnover, and spots are offered to students on the waiting lists in priority order. A complete application is required to be added to the waiting list. The priority order for admissions follows: Company transfers first; foreign students (neither parent nor student has a Japanese passport); dual national students (one parent has a Japanese passport); Japanese students returning from overseas or another international school in Japan (parents and student have Japanese passports); Japanese students (both parents and student have Japanese passports). Siblings receive priority within their group. English proficiency and testing considerations are addressed during the process, and English is the language of instruction.
School Events
The school has not added events
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