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Hiroshima International School

Japan, Hiroshima

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥1,413,000 - 1,801,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 185
Type Co-educational
Opened 1962
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Japanese
Typical class size 10
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Hiroshima International School (HIS) is an IB World School founded in 1962 and located in Kurakake, Asakita-ku, on the edge of Hiroshima in a quiet residential district. Students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (ages 3–11), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), and Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). English is the language of instruction, and Japanese is taught as a subject. The campus facilities listed by the school include a large gymnasium, library, music room, art room, dance studio, science laboratory and an enclosed playground. A distinctive feature is the Thousand Crane Club: each year students deliver paper cranes sent from around the world to the Children’s (Sadako) Monument in Peace Memorial Park.

3 Chome-49-1 Kurakake, Asakita Ward, Hiroshima, 739-1743, Japan

The Essentials

Hiroshima International School has 185 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located at 3-49-1 Kurakake, Asakita-ku, Hiroshima 739-1743, Japan. It sits on the edge of central Hiroshima in a quiet residential district with forest nearby, providing a calm learning environment. From central Hiroshima, the journey by bus takes about 30–45 minutes; a Koyo C bus from Hiroshima Station or Sogo Bus Centre is used, with a stop at the Bosai Centre just before the local elementary school. The address and travel options are routinely referenced by HIS staff and admissions materials.

Stages
Primary Years begin at age 3 and run through age 11 (EC–Grade 5) under the IB Primary Years Programme. Early Childhood covers ages 3–5 in combined classes, with KG and Grade 1 grouped together; the day typically runs from 8:45–3:30 for most classes. The Middle Years Programme operates in Grades 6–10, building on the PYP, and the Diploma Programme is offered in Grades 11–12.

Type
Hiroshima International School is a co-educational day school. The school is described in independent directories as co-educational; there is no indication of boarding facilities in its published materials.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Student nationalities are diverse. Approximately 35% of students have two Japanese parents, about 35% have one Japanese and one non-Japanese parent, and the remaining 30% are expatriate, representing around 10 nationalities. In recent years HIS has drawn students from many countries including Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Estonia, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Syria, the UK and the USA.

Additional learning support
English is the language of instruction, and all students have the opportunity to become proficient in English and Japanese. Non-native speakers receive English language support in class, with a dedicated EAL program that includes initial language assessments, in-class support, and small-group instruction; there is an EAL fee for higher levels of language support.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is stated. The curriculum is international and IB-based, not tied to a single national system.

Religious affiliation
There is no stated religious affiliation. The school emphasizes an IB-based international education and global citizenship.

School day structure
The day begins around 8:45–8:50 and ends around 3:20–3:30, depending on level. Early Childhood classes run the full day on a 8:45–3:30 schedule, while Primary sections commonly follow a 8:50–3:20 pattern.

Bus service
The school runs three bus routes from the city, with routes designed annually to meet need. An example route uses the Koyo C bus from Hiroshima Station or Sogo Bus Centre, and students are dropped at the Bosai Centre bus stop near a local elementary school; travel from the city is typically 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunch is provided through a school meal program. Lunch boxes were offered by an external caterer (historically named Marumi Bentou) with prices for different age groups. Meal tickets are used for ordering, and events include lunch options organized by the PTA.

Governance and Ownership
Hiroshima International School has Gakko Hojin status granted by Hiroshima Prefecture. The governance structure comprises a Board of Directors and a Board of Trustees. The Board of Directors makes major strategic decisions and the Principal is accountable to the Board of Directors; the Board of Trustees oversees significant governance matters such as budget and the appointment of the Principal. Auditors are appointed to support governance. The school publishes annual reports as part of its governance records.
Fees

Annual tuition at Hiroshima International School ranges from JPY 1,413,000 to JPY 1,801,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Application fee: JPY 20,000.

Tuition fees – annual (by year group)

- Early Childhood and Kindergarten (EC / KG): JPY 1,313,000 per year.
- Grades 1–8: JPY 1,669,000 per year.
- Grades 9–12: JPY 1,701,000 per year.

Tuition fees – per-term breakdown (equal-thirds calculation)

- The per-term figures below are calculated as equal one-third divisions of the annual tuition and rounded to the nearest yen; they are shown as an arithmetic breakdown rather than an explicit school-stated instalment schedule.
- Early Childhood and Kindergarten: JPY 437,667 per term (one-third of JPY 1,313,000, rounded).
- Grades 1–8: JPY 556,333 per term (one-third of JPY 1,669,000, rounded).
- Grades 9–12: JPY 567,000 per term (one-third of JPY 1,701,000).

Other compulsory one-time and annual fees

- One-time Registration Fee (Kindergarten and above): JPY 220,000 (payable at enrolment).
- One-time Facility Maintenance Fee: JPY 110,000 (payable at enrolment).
- Annual Capital Fee: JPY 100,000 per year.
- EAL (English as an Additional Language) tuition: JPY 100,000 per year (where applicable).
- Annual Bus Fee (before consumption tax): JPY 235,000 (charged to bus users; consumption tax is applied separately).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school's Financial Regulations and enrolment documents define billing schedules, payment deadlines, instalment options and any late-payment penalties. The one-time registration and facility maintenance fees are charged at enrolment; other annual fees (capital fee, EAL tuition, bus fee where used) are billed on the schedule set out in those Financial Regulations.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. Hiroshima International School operates as a day school and does not provide boarding accommodation.

Other costs and typical additional charges

- Uniforms, textbooks, school lunches, special-purpose materials, field trips, extracurricular activities and some elective programmes normally incur additional charges; these are invoiced or billed separately according to the school's fees and handbook provisions. Specific items and amounts are set out in the school's enrolment/financial documents and the Parent–Student Handbook.

Refunds and withdrawal / cancellation

- The application fee and one-time enrolment charges are treated as non‑recurring items charged at application/enrolment. Refunds, pro‑rata credits, cancellation conditions and the effective dates for any tuition refunds are governed by the Financial Regulations and the enrolment terms; those documents set the required notice, the written withdrawal process and any applicable refund schedule.

Fee payment options

- Accepted payment methods, permitted instalment plans and remittance instructions (for example bank transfer, designated payment processors or other accepted methods) are specified in the Financial Regulations and enrolment paperwork; families should follow the payment instructions and deadlines contained in those documents.

Notes on figures and presentation

- All monetary figures are shown in Japanese yen (JPY). The annual tuition and other fee amounts shown above are the figures published in the school's tuition and admissions materials for the current enrolment cycle. The per-term figures are a simple equal-third arithmetic division of the annual tuition for convenience and are provided to show how annual tuition would split into three equal instalments; actual invoicing, instalment availability and exact instalment amounts (including any finance charges or rounding) are determined by the school's Financial Regulations.
Academics

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

Curriculum
Hiroshima International School is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–11, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12, with English as the language of instruction. The Primary Years Programme uses a six-unit, inquiry-based, concept-driven curriculum that integrates science and social studies, personal, social and physical education, and culminates in an Exhibition; Early Childhood is embedded for ages 3–5. The Middle Years Programme in Grades 6–10 builds on PYP foundations to prepare students for DP-level study and includes English Language Acquisition with an EAL continuum. In the Diploma Programme, Grades 11–12 follow the IB university-preparatory curriculum; students may take SATs and TOEFL as needed, with graduates entering universities worldwide and studying across IB subject groups such as English Language and Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and more via Pamoja course descriptions. The school emphasizes global citizenship and intercultural learning within an inclusive, English-language learning environment as part of its IB framework.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Hiroshima International School employs a dedicated Social Emotional Counselor who joined the school in November 2024 to support student wellbeing. SEL is a central focus of student development, with ongoing activities and guidance provided by the counseling team. In 2025 the SEE Learning curriculum from Emory University was introduced to guide SEL across the Primary and Secondary programs; Primary uses daily morning circles to build emotional awareness, while Secondary SEL lessons are embedded in advisory time. The Counselor's Corner updates describe explicit SEL work, including themes such as empathy and kindness and plans for SEL assemblies. Periodic SEL-focused communications and events are part of HIS efforts to promote emotional regulation, resilience and healthy peer relationships.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) or the availability of dedicated SEN support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction at Hiroshima International School is English. All students have the opportunity to become proficient in English and Japanese. Students entering HIS with limited proficiency in English will receive appropriate additional support. Full-time teaching assistants in every Primary classroom and English language acquisition classes throughout the Secondary support EAL learners, and the school's staffing structure enables flexible language support. The EAL program includes a Secondary EAL Continuum to guide language development, and an EAL fee covers staffing costs for language support.

Mental Wellbeing
A Social Emotional Counselor joined HIS in November 2024 to support student wellbeing. SEE Learning curriculum was introduced in 2025 to structure SEL across the school. In Primary, daily morning circles support emotional regulation and social skills, while in Secondary, SEE lessons are integrated into advisory time. Counselor's Corner updates describe SEL-focused work, including empathy and kindness initiatives. SEL-related activities include assemblies and initiatives designed to promote resilience and positive peer relationships across the school.

Safeguarding
HIS has a Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding Code of Conduct for all members of the school community. The school provides ongoing safeguarding training for staff and maintains procedures to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, including online safety. Safer recruitment practices are outlined, including pre-employment background checks and police clearances for all staff. The policy details reporting procedures and emphasizes safeguarding as a fundamental responsibility of the school.
Parent Experience

History
Hiroshima International School was founded in 1962 to provide English-language education for expatriate and Japanese students in the Hiroshima area. Over its history it expanded to include secondary grades and now serves children from three to eighteen. The school moved to its current purpose-built site in 1986. The Thousand Crane Club has connected Hiroshima with hundreds of schools worldwide for more than twenty years, reflecting the school's international focus. The school teaches in English and Japanese, serving a diverse international student body.

Community
The student body reflects a broad international mix with families from many countries. Community events include Hanami celebrations and the International Festival, which bring students, families and staff together. Diversity and inclusion are central to school life, reflecting the school's focus on peace and cross-cultural understanding. Parents and guardians participate in campus activities and celebrations through events coordinated with the PTA.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The HIS PTA's main objective is to support the school's mission, and membership is automatic for all teachers and parents with a child enrolled; there are no membership fees. The PTA coordinates fundraising and community events, including the annual International Festival organized by the Wolfpack volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are posted and families are invited to contribute through forms and signups. PTA activities include coordinating food stalls, raffles, performances, bazaar items, and snack shops during major events. Dates and calendars for PTA activities align with the HIS school calendar, with events such as Bonfire Night and Festive Eve noted in school communications.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Hiroshima International School is on a purpose-built campus at the edge of Hiroshima in a quiet residential district. The facilities include a large gymnasium, a library, a music room, an art room, a dance studio, a science laboratory, numerous subject-specific rooms, and an enclosed playground. These spaces support a broad range of learning activities across academic, creative and physical education. The school moved to its current site in 1986.

Sports Facilities
The school has a large gymnasium for physical education and indoor activities. An enclosed playground provides outdoor space for recess and supervised play.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include a library for study and research and a science laboratory for hands-on investigations. There are numerous subject-specific rooms to support teaching across different disciplines.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Music room, art room and dance studio provide dedicated spaces for extracurricular arts activities and clubs.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
HIS engages in cross-institution professional development, including job-alike sessions with Seisen International School to share teaching practices. HIS partners with universities for teacher training, including a program with Shudo University where university students observe and learn about teaching. The school operates within the International Baccalaureate framework, with full IB accreditation and CIS cooperation.

Arts & Creative
The Crane documents school life and learning, providing updates about current activities and events in the school community.

Cultural & Language
The language of instruction is English. All students have the opportunity to become proficient in English and Japanese, and English Language Learning support is provided where needed. Learn Japanese is offered as a separate program to teach Japanese language to the broader community.

Social & Hobbies
Volleyball teams compete in tournaments. Students participate in camping trips and other after-school events, and school updates are shared through The Crane.

Community & Service
The HIS PTA includes teachers and parents with automatic membership and no fees. The Momiji Fundraising Project engages the community to support HIS through an art installation and donations.

Leadership & Professional
HIS collaborates with other universities and international schools for staff development, including Seisen International School and Shudo University through joint sessions and observer placements.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports and outdoor activities are part of school life, including volleyball and camping trips. The school hosts assemblies and community events that contribute to wellbeing and a sense of community.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction across the school, and Japanese is taught as a language within the curriculum to support bilingual literacy. Both English and Japanese are used in teaching and learning. Non-native English speakers receive English as a Second Language (EAL) support from a specialist teacher. The IB framework (PYP, MYP, DP) guides language development across grades and ages 3–18.

Bilingual Teaching
Hiroshima International School uses English as the language of instruction across the school. Japanese is taught as a language and integrated into the curriculum, with both languages used for learning. The school is committed to developing bilingual learners and provides English as a Language (EAL) support from a specialist teacher. The IB World School structure serves students from ages 3 to 18, offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.
Reputation

Accreditations
Hiroshima International School holds three formal accreditation/membership statuses public on its site. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). It is also a member of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS). CIS accreditation is current, with a CIS reaccreditation announced on January 6, 2026. The IB accreditation confirms the school offers IB programmes (PYP, MYP, and the Diploma Programme) as part of its IB World School status. The JCIS membership situates HIS within a national network of international schools in Japan. References: HIS accreditation page, which states “Accredited by the Council of International Schools and the International Baccalaureate Organisation. A member of the Japan Council of International Schools.”; HIS About/IB information showing IB World School status and PYP/MYP/DP offerings; CIS reaccreditation notice. Citations: turn1view0; turn0search1; turn2view0; turn0search0.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Access and prepare the application package. Everything needed to complete the application is downloadable on this page. Applications must be in English, and forms can be completed by hand or electronically. If you require assistance with completing any parts, contact the School Office by telephone or email.

2. Submit the completed application. You may submit the Application for Admission electronically in the first instance, but a signed hard copy of the form (with the attached photograph) must also be sent to the school along with the other forms. The documents can be collected from the School Office or mailed or sent electronically, as requested. If you need help completing the forms, email the Admissions team for guidance.

3. Review process and guidance. Admissions procedures are explained in the Enrolment Procedures document. You can also contact the school by telephone or in person for enquiries about admission, curriculum or other aspects.

4. Inquiries, status updates and next steps. The school welcomes enquiries by telephone, email, or in person and will respond to inquiries. After submission, follow the guidance provided in the Enrolment Procedures and related documents to complete enrollment. For reference, the Financial Regulations contain the fee details and payment expectations. Fees for private students are listed below; as of the 2025-2026 school year, the tuition and related charges are: Early Childhood & Kindergarten ¥1,313,000; Grades 1-8 ¥1,669,000; Grades 9-12 ¥1,701,000; Application Fee ¥20,000; Annual Bus Fee ¥235,000; One-time Registration Fee ¥220,000; One-Time Facility Maintenance Fee ¥110,000; Annual Capital Fee ¥100,000; EAL Tuition ¥100,000.

Fees (summary for 2025-2026): Early Childhood & Kindergarten: ¥1,313,000; Grades 1-8: ¥1,669,000; Grades 9-12: ¥1,701,000; plus Application Fee ¥20,000; Bus Fee ¥235,000; Registration ¥220,000; Facility Maintenance ¥110,000; Capital Fee ¥100,000; EAL Tuition ¥100,000.

Scholarships
Hiroshima International School does not publicly advertise a scholarships program in the available materials. The Tuition Fees page lists tuition and related charges but does not describe any scholarship awards or application processes. The Admissions Procedure directs readers to the Financial Regulations for fee details, and no separate scholarship information is shown in public materials.
School Events
The school has not added events
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