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Hakuba International School

Japan, Hakuba

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥3,740,000 - 4,230,000
Ages 12 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 60
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2022
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Japanese
Typical class size 8
Strengths STEM, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Social and Hobbies, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Middle School, High School
Introduction

Hakuba International School is a small international boarding and day school in Japan’s Hakuba Valley (Nagano Prefecture), near the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics. For 2025–26 it serves Grades 7–11, with plans to reach Grades 7–12 by 2026-27. English is the language of instruction and all students study Japanese at an appropriate level. The school describes a university-preparatory program built around its “Human Flourishing Curriculum,” and it uses project-based learning alongside social-emotional learning. A distinctive feature is its calendar structure: six-week project “bursts” separated by weeks that include outdoor expeditions. Boarding life is supported by two dormitories (girls’ and boys’) that together house almost 50 students.

Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan

The Essentials

Hakuba International School has 60 pupils, typical class sizes of 8, instruction in English.

Location
Hakuba International School is located in the Hakuba Valley in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The campus sits in a mountain valley renowned for year‑round outdoor activity and access to world‑class skiing. Hakuba is reachable by rail and road from Nagano and Tokyo, with local transport connections into the valley and surrounding area.

Stages
For the 2025–26 school year, HIS serves grades 7 through 11 and plans to add one more grade per year to reach grades 7–12 by the 2026–27 school year.

Type
Hakuba International School is an international boarding school that serves both boarding and day students. On-site dormitories accommodate boarding students, while day students also attend the school. The boarding program is a core component of HIS.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school represents 18 nationalities and has about 60 students in the 2025–26 year. It describes a multinational community, but the exact local vs international ratio and the most common nationality are not publicly disclosed.

Additional learning support
The primary language of instruction is English, and language support is provided for both native English speakers and multilingual students to develop English reading, writing, and speaking skills. All students study Japanese as well, at a level appropriate to their ability.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is listed; the school is located in Japan and operates as an international program.

Religious affiliation
There is no religious affiliation indicated for the school.

School day structure
The academic program uses three trimesters and operates four days a week with six courses per day; the fifth day is allocated to off‑campus projects and applied learning experiences. The 2025–26 calendar runs from August 31, 2025 to June 13, 2026.

Bus service
There is no regular school bus service currently offered. For the summer program, HIS arranges free pickups from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal and JR Hakuba Station.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school operates two dormitories: Blanche (Girls Dorm) and Miyama (Boys Dorm). They house almost 50 students and are supported by residential faculty who live alongside the students. A typical dorm room is doubles or triples with an en suite, a bunk bed, a desk, and a dresser. The roommate pairing process matches students by personality and living preferences and places students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds together to promote cultural fluency and English language learning.

Food Options
A commercial kitchen in Blanche prepares wholesome meals for lunch for all students and faculty.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a not-for-profit organization governed by a Board and organized as the Hakuba International School Foundation, supported by tuition and donor funding.
Fees

Annual tuition at Hakuba International School ranges from JPY 3,740,000 to JPY 4,230,000 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- JPY 25,000 (one-time, non-refundable).

Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable)

- Overseas families: JPY 500,000.
- Domestic families: JPY 300,000.

Tuition fees by year group (published annual amounts)

- Middle School tuition (annual): JPY 3,740,000.
- High School tuition (annual): JPY 4,230,000.

Boarding and maintenance / equipment fees (published annual amounts)

- Boarding (annual): JPY 2,040,000.
- Maintenance & Equipment Fee for boarding students (annual): JPY 500,000.
- Maintenance & Equipment Fee for day students (annual): JPY 400,000.

Annual totals (examples, excluding one-time application/registration unless noted)

- Middle School, day student (tuition + maintenance): JPY 3,740,000 + JPY 400,000 = JPY 4,140,000 per year.
- High School, day student (tuition + maintenance): JPY 4,230,000 + JPY 400,000 = JPY 4,630,000 per year.
- Middle School, boarding student (tuition + boarding + maintenance): JPY 3,740,000 + JPY 2,040,000 + JPY 500,000 = JPY 6,280,000 per year.
- High School, boarding student (tuition + boarding + maintenance): JPY 4,230,000 + JPY 2,040,000 + JPY 500,000 = JPY 6,770,000 per year.

First-year example totals including one-time fees (examples)

- Middle School, overseas family, boarding (application + registration + tuition + boarding + boarding maintenance): JPY 25,000 + JPY 500,000 + JPY 3,740,000 + JPY 2,040,000 + JPY 500,000 = JPY 6,805,000.
- Middle School, overseas family, day student (application + registration + tuition + day maintenance): JPY 25,000 + JPY 500,000 + JPY 3,740,000 + JPY 400,000 = JPY 4,665,000.
- High School, overseas family, boarding (application + registration + tuition + boarding + boarding maintenance): JPY 25,000 + JPY 500,000 + JPY 4,230,000 + JPY 2,040,000 + JPY 500,000 = JPY 7,295,000.
- High School, overseas family, day student (application + registration + tuition + day maintenance): JPY 25,000 + JPY 500,000 + JPY 4,230,000 + JPY 400,000 = JPY 5,155,000.

Per-term figures (calculated examples)

- The school publishes annual fees. Where per-term amounts are required, the following are calculated by dividing the published annual figures by three equal instalments (this is a calculated example; invoice timing and number of instalments are determined by the school and will appear on each family's invoice).

- Middle School tuition per term (calculated): JPY 3,740,000 ÷ 3 = JPY 1,246,667 per term (rounded).
- High School tuition per term (calculated): JPY 4,230,000 ÷ 3 = JPY 1,410,000 per term.
- Boarding fee per term (calculated): JPY 2,040,000 ÷ 3 = JPY 680,000 per term.
- Maintenance & Equipment—boarding per term (calculated): JPY 500,000 ÷ 3 = JPY 166,667 per term (rounded).
- Maintenance & Equipment—day per term (calculated): JPY 400,000 ÷ 3 = JPY 133,333 per term (rounded).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoices are issued to each family with a due date; bank transfers must be received by the invoice due-date provided to the family. Credit card payments are processed immediately. Accepted payment methods are bank transfer and credit card.
- The school identifies payment amounts (application, registration, tuition, boarding, maintenance) as fees; the published guidance states these fees are non-refundable.

Boarding-specific notes

- Boarding is charged as an annual boarding fee of JPY 2,040,000 in addition to tuition and maintenance & equipment charges. Boarding dorm arrangements, rooming, and pastoral care are part of residential life provisions.

Other costs and optional fees

- Summer program (optional short program) with full board: JPY 575,000 (all-inclusive for the program; transportation to/from Hakuba not included). The summer program secures a place when payment is confirmed and includes its own conditions of acceptance and cancellation policy.
- Philanthropic giving (HIS Fund) and voluntary donations are solicited separately and are not part of mandatory school fees. Bank details for wire transfers and giving options are provided for donors.
- The published materials do not itemize a standard school uniform or regular school-bus fee as a published mandatory amount; parents should expect incidental costs (personal items, travel to/from Hakuba, optional trips or external exam fees) that are not included in the published annual fees.

Refunds and cancellation

- Application fees, registration fees, tuition, boarding fees, and maintenance/equipment fees are published as non-refundable. The summer program and short courses have specific Conditions of Acceptance that include the program cancellation policy and the requirement that payment secures a place.

Fee payment options (methods and practical notes)

- Payment methods accepted: bank transfer (wire) and credit card. Credit card payments are processed immediately; bank transfers must be received by the invoice due date shown on the family's invoice. International wire details are available for donations and for transfers.

If you require this content in a different currency or formatted differently for an external database, the numeric JPY values above are the published amounts and can be converted as needed.
Academics

Hakuba International School teaches Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 12 to 18.

Curriculum
Hakuba International School delivers a university-preparatory Human Flourishing Curriculum that integrates core middle- and high-school academics with emphasis on well-being and environmental sustainability. The curriculum is organized into three learning dimensions: Foundational Literacies (Literacy, Numeracy, Scientific Literacy, ICT Literacy, Financial Literacy, Cultural & Civic Literacy, Physical Literacy, Artistic Literacy), Competencies (Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Systems Thinking), and Mindsets (Curiosity, Initiative, Adaptability, Social & Cultural Awareness, Resilience, Outlook, Focused Attention, Generosity). Language of instruction is English, with Japanese studied at an appropriate level and language support available, embedded in project-based learning. The school serves Grades 7–12, with English-proficiency benchmarks for admission by grade (7: EIKEN Pre-2 / TOEFL Jr 630 / CEFR A2; 8: EIKEN 2 / TOEFL Jr 740 / CEFR B1; 9–12: EIKEN Pre-1 / TOEFL Jr 860 / CEFR B2). Progress is tracked using the HIS Learning Passport, and teaching methods include Project-Based Learning, Socratic Seminars, Social-Emotional Learning, and outdoor education to support holistic development.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is a core element of HIS's design, integrating Self Awareness, Self Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making across Advisory (5–10 students per group), Residential Life with House Parents, and Counseling provided by a licensed professional, with Advisory led by Co-Principal Chris Balme who provides specialized staff training.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The primary language of instruction is English, and language support is provided for multilingual students to improve English reading, writing, and speaking, with Japanese taught at an appropriate level for all students.

Mental Wellbeing
The Human Flourishing Curriculum centers wellbeing as a foundation for learning, drawing on research-informed frameworks (e.g., MIT's Compassionate Systems Framework and related work) and is reinforced through SEL, Advisory relationships, Residential Life, and Counseling.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a top priority with detailed protocols; all staff and Board members receive annual safeguarding training; a designated safeguarding lead coordinates safeguarding efforts; policies align with CIS ITFCP recommendations and applicable Japanese laws; safe recruitment is practiced.
Parent Experience

History
Hakuba International School was founded by Tomoko Kusamoto, who began in 2015 with summer programs that combined project-based learning and outdoor education. The school opened full-time boarding and day programs in August 2022. It operates as a not-for-profit organization governed by a Board under the Hakuba International School Foundation, with governance funded by tuition and donor contributions.

Community
HIS serves about 60 students with 25 faculty and four interns, producing a 2:1 student-to-staff ratio and an average class size of 6.7. The dormitories are vibrant communities where students live, learn, and develop independence. Outdoor education is core to life at HIS, with mandatory camps and expeditions; Autumn Camp 2025 was the largest yet, including grade-level trips across Nagano and neighboring prefectures. Families stay informed through a biweekly newsletter and other updates published by HIS.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Hakuba International School is a not-for-profit school governed by a Board under the Hakuba International School Foundation. The founder Tomoko Kusamoto serves as Board Chair, and the leadership includes Co-Principals Lynne Kenney and Chris Balme. Public materials do not publish a formal Parent-Teacher Association; family engagement is described through admissions events and school communications. Families participate in admissions events to learn about HIS learning approaches and to visit the campus, and HIS provides regular newsletters to families. Donor engagement is described through Ways to Give, including Furusato Nozei, to support school operations.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Hakuba International School operates two dormitories, Blanche (Girls Dorm) and Miyama (Boys Dorm), which together house almost 50 students. Blanche opened in August 2022 after renovation of a traditional inn and includes a commercial kitchen, study areas, communal lounges, and easy access to outdoor spaces and a nearby field. Miyama provides large shared common areas and study space, and is within walking distance of Mont Bien, HIS's first classroom building, with the 9-acre site next door being developed into the long-term HIS campus. Mont Bien is HIS's first classroom building on campus, anchoring the on-site academic facilities. The campus sits at the base of Mount Iwatake, surrounded by a 9-acre forest and located about 500 meters from world-class skiing, enabling ready access to outdoor learning and seasonal activities.

Sports Facilities
On-site sports facilities are not listed. The campus is 500 meters from world-class skiing, and Hakuba Valley offers winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing; a public field next door supports outdoor activities.

Academic Facilities
Mont Bien Classroom Building serves as HIS's first classroom building on campus.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Hakuba International School emphasizes project-based learning across its curriculum and offers 45+ academic courses. The Outdoor Learning program links academics with field experiences through mandatory camps and seasonal expeditions. The Summer Program delivers project-based learning with a sustainability theme, including science, systems thinking, and outdoor activities. These experiences connect classroom content to real-world inquiry and collaboration.

Arts & Creative
Arts and creative activities are incorporated into the Summer Program, which includes music and art as part of its offerings. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary projects that blend science, art, and systems thinking with outdoor learning. The summer experience supports creative expression through hands-on, project-based activities.

Social & Hobbies
Social development is supported through advisory groups that meet daily under guides, and through dorm-life communities that foster collaboration and independence. Advisory Camp and regular camps help students build friendships and trust in a group setting. Optional weekend excursions and Wednesday afternoon outings provide additional opportunities for social interaction.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is embedded in the school model through Guides who lead advisory groups and by offering opportunities for peer mentoring within outdoor learning. Students may lead elements of trips and mentor younger peers as part of the program. Residential life reinforces responsibility, independence, and collaboration as foundational leadership skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Well-being is a central focus of HIS, with a strong emphasis on balance among academics, sport, and outdoor activity. The program includes a weekly polar swim as part of its wellness routine. The campus and surrounding Hakuba valley enable year‑round outdoor pursuits such as skiing, trekking, river activities, and nature exploration.
Languages

Language Provision
The primary language of instruction at Hakuba International School is English. All students study Japanese at a level suitable for their abilities, from beginners to first-language speakers, for at least one calendar year in the upper school and throughout middle school. The school offers the option to study additional world languages. The school provides language support for non-native English speakers, including first-language English speakers and multilingual learners, to improve English reading, writing, and speaking toward university readiness.
Reputation

Accreditations
Hakuba International School is accredited by the government of Japan. This official recognition means the school operates under Japanese education regulations and is formally recognized as a licensed educational institution. The school is also in the accreditation process with WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), a leading global accreditor. WASC accreditation would enable HIS diplomas to be widely recognized by universities and institutions around the world.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admissions Process — Step 1: Begin with an Admissions Inquiry. Families start by submitting the Admissions Inquiry form to begin the process. HIS responds with more information and explains the next steps, including how to access the application, transcripts, and recommendations, and a Zoom-based interview. Online information sessions are available to learn about the school's approach, and in-person visits can be arranged if you travel to Hakuba.
2. Admissions Process — Step 2: Prepare and submit the application package. After receiving initial information, families proceed with the formal application, provide student transcripts, and submit recommendations as part of the submission package. A Zoom-based interview is conducted as part of the admissions assessment. This stage determines readiness for English-language instruction and alignment with HIS learning expectations.
3. Admissions Process — Step 3: English readiness assessment. The core language of instruction at HIS is English, and students do not need to be fluent at entry but should have enough readiness to participate in complex discussions conducted in English. The admissions process uses conversations, live writing samples, and information from transcripts to assess whether a student can thrive in an English-only learning environment. Grade-specific English expectations are provided to guide families (e.g., Grade 7: various English benchmarks; higher levels for later grades).
4. Admissions Process — Step 4: Interview and family engagement. The interview is conducted via Zoom as part of the formal assessment, and admissions staff may follow up with additional questions. Families are encouraged to participate in online information sessions or arrange a video meeting if needed to better understand the school's learning model and community. In-person campus visits can also be scheduled.
5. Admissions Process — Step 5: Admission decision and enrollment steps. If admitted, the enrollment process includes paying the Registration Fee and the Annual Fees detailed below. The Registration Fee is 500,000 JPY for overseas applicants or 300,000 JPY for domestic applicants (one-time, non-refundable). Annual Fees cover Middle School or High School tuition, a Boarding Fee if applicable, and a Maintenance & Equipment Fee (boarding vs day students). All listed fees are non-refundable.
6. Admissions Process — Step 6: Calendar and start of year. The HIS admissions timeline follows a rolling basis throughout the year, with new students typically joining at the start of the school year in late August, though limited mid-year openings are possible. For the 2025-26 school year, the first day is August 31, 2025, and the last day is June 13, 2026, reflecting the international school calendar HIS follows.

2. Waitlist/Pool — Waitlist or pool system. HIS describes its admissions as operating on a rolling basis, and it notes that new students typically join at the start of the school year with limited mid-year openings. There is no publicly described waitlist or enrollment pool in the available admissions materials. Based on this, a formal waitlist is not described, and admissions decisions appear to be made as space becomes available throughout the year.

3. Scholarships — Financial aid and scholarships. The school references financial aid as part of its broader fundraising and scholarship activity: funds raised through the HIS Fund provide need-based support to help talented students access the program. The giving materials emphasize that tuition covers only part of the cost, and financial aid is one of the areas funded by contributions. Details about eligibility or the application process for financial aid are not published in the admissions materials; families should reach out to the development/ admissions contacts for specifics.

Note: Key fee details include an Application Fee of 25,000 JPY, a Registration Fee of 500,000 JPY for overseas applicants or 300,000 JPY for domestic applicants (one-time, non-refundable), and annual fees for Middle School (3,740,000 JPY) or High School (4,230,000 JPY), plus a Boarding Fee (2,040,000 JPY) and a Maintenance & Equipment Fee (boarding 500,000 JPY; day students 400,000 JPY). Fees are non-refundable. These figures are current on the school pages. } } }{} {

Scholarships
Hakuba International School indicates it provides need-based financial aid through the HIS Fund; grants are funded by donations and designated for financial aid, but no public, step-by-step scholarship application process is published.

Waitlist
The school runs admissions on a rolling basis with limited mid-year openings; there is no published waitlist/pool mechanism in the available materials.
School Events
The school has not added events
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