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Hokkaido International School

Japan, Sapporo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥1,400,000 - 1,600,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 227
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1958
Bus Service Yes
Part of
Hokkaido International School
Academic offering
Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Advanced Placement (AP), Reggio Emilia Approach
Taught languages English, Japanese, Spanish
Typical class size 17
Strengths Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Hokkaido International School (HIS) in Sapporo opened in 1958 and is located in Toyohira-ku at 1-55, 5 jo 19 chome Hiragishi. The campus is accessible by subway, with directions provided from Odori Station to Sumikawa Station, followed by a 5–7 minute walk to the school. HIS offers education from the Early Years (ages 3–4) through Grade 12. In the Early Years, classrooms are described as Reggio Emilia inspired. At the elementary level, the school follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), while the middle school uses the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). In high school, students can take Advanced Placement courses, including the AP Capstone program with Seminar and Research, alongside a range of other AP subjects. Outdoor Education is identified by the school as an important part of the middle and high school curriculum, making use of Hokkaido’s natural environment as part of students’ learning experiences.

This campus is part of Hokkaido International School

19 Chome-1-55 Hiragishi 5 Jo, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0935, Japan

The Essentials

Hokkaido International School has 227 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English.

Location
The main campus of Hokkaido International School is at 1-55, 5 jo 19 chome Hiragishi, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Japan 062-0935. It is accessible from Odori via the Nanboku subway line, with Sumikawa Station as a nearby access point and a short walk to the school. HIS also operates HIS Niseko in Niseko town, a branch offering English-language education from Early Years through Grade 8.

Stages
The school provides education from pre-school through high school (Early Years to Grade 12). Grade placement covers EY3 and EY4 through to Grade 12, as shown in the published charts.

Type
Hokkaido International School is a private, coeducational institution that offers both day and boarding options. The on-site dormitory has a capacity of 40 students, and boarding is open to students in grades 8–12.

Pupil Nationality Mix
About 30 nationalities are represented at HIS. Approximately 24% of students are native English speakers; the school describes a mix of locally based families, Japanese returnees, and expatriates, but the exact local-to-international ratio is not published.

Additional learning support
The school provides a part-time on-site counselor and two part-time college counselors for high school. It can accommodate students with mild needs and offers guidance in locating external English-language resources when needed.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is stated for HIS.

Religious affiliation
Hokkaido International School has no religious affiliation listed.

School day structure
The standard school day runs from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Mondays through Fridays.

Bus service
The HIS School Bus serves the Maruyama and Miyanomori districts with fees for annual or per-ride options. The route, stops, and timetable are not published publicly; questions should be directed through the admissions office.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
HIS Sapporo has an on-campus dormitory that houses up to 40 students; boarding is available.

Governance and Ownership
Hokkaido International School is a private international school offering day and boarding; HIS Niseko is private and not-for-profit.
Fees

Annual tuition at Hokkaido International School ranges from JPY 1,400,000 to JPY 1,600,000 for 2026/27.

Application and entrance fees
- Application fee (one-time): ¥20,000.
- Entrance/entry fee (one-time): ¥200,000 (this amount is listed with the 2025–2026 school fees). A later note in the fees/refund section also refers to an "entry fee" of ¥25,000 for new families; both figures appear in the school's published materials.

Tuition fees (annual and quarterly breakdowns by year group)
- Early Years — half day: Annual ¥1,000,000; Quarterly ¥250,000 × 4.
- Early Years — full day: Annual ¥1,400,000; Quarterly ¥350,000 × 4.
- Kindergarten – Grades 1–5: Annual ¥1,540,000; Quarterly ¥385,000 × 4.
- Grades 6–8 (Middle School): Annual ¥1,580,000; Quarterly ¥395,000 × 4.
- Grades 9–12 (High School): Annual ¥1,600,000; Quarterly ¥400,000 × 4.

Annual / recurring fees and one‑off student charges
- Annual fee (all students): ¥200,000 (listed with a quarterly breakdown of ¥50,000 × 4).
- Accident insurance (all students; required): ¥5,000 (note: listed as "starting September 2, 2024").
- PTA annual fee (all families, non‑refundable): ¥5,000.
- Device Management Fee (Kindergarten – Grade 5; yearly, non‑refundable): ¥25,000.
- Tech Fee (Grades 6–12; yearly, non‑refundable): ¥3,000.
- Outdoor education course lab fee (elective; yearly, non‑refundable): ¥10,000.
- Instrument fee (band/instrumental elective; yearly, non‑refundable): ¥15,000.

School bus fees (where applicable)
- Annual bus fee (per student, 1–2 students): ¥160,000 per year.
- Annual bus fee (per family, 3+ students): ¥336,000 per year.
- One‑way riders (per student, 1–2 students): ¥80,000 per year.
- One‑way riders (per family, 3+ students): ¥220,000 per year.
- Bus fees are payable by the year or by the quarter; bus fees are refunded on a quarterly basis. The bus page also notes that bus fee payments should be made by the due date and that non‑payment may prevent release of school records.

Boarding (dormitory) fees and one‑off charges
- Room deposit (one‑time, refundable): ¥50,000.
- Room cleaning fee (annual, non‑refundable): ¥30,000.
- Room fee (weekdays & weekends): Annual ¥800,000; Quarterly ¥200,000.
- Room fee (weekdays only): Annual ¥520,000; Quarterly ¥130,000.
- Meal fee (breakfast, lunch & dinner Monday–Friday): Annual ¥600,000; Quarterly ¥150,000.
- Dormitory capacity is stated as 40 students; dorm and meal fees are refundable on a quarterly basis when applicable, and the room deposit is refundable less costs for cleaning or repairs. The dorm cleaning fee is explicitly non‑refundable.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition and fees are payable annually; payment on a quarterly basis is accepted if necessary. Invoices are mailed in July. For students entering after Opening Day, payment is due prior to enrollment.
- Tuition is charged for every quarter in which a student attended; the school does not provide prorated refunds within a quarter. Bus and dorm fees are handled and refunded on a quarterly basis. Tuition and fees are, in principle, non‑refundable. Late or non‑payment can result in withholding of school records.

Refund details (key points)
- Tuition is charged for every quarter in which the student attended; there is no prorated refund for partial quarters.
- Tuition and fees are generally non‑refundable. Bus fees and dorm/meal fees may be refunded on a quarterly basis according to the published refund policy. The dorm cleaning fee is non‑refundable. Room deposit refunds are subject to deductions for additional cleaning or repairs.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- School supplies and grade‑specific supply lists are published (a school supply list is provided in the school's downloadable documents). Specific uniform costs are not itemized on the school's published tuition & fees page; required personal or uniform items are typically listed in the supply list or handbook materials. Additional optional or extracurricular charges (for example certain elective course fees, instrument fees, outdoor course fees, field trips, lunches outside the regular meal plan, or special program fees) are charged separately as noted above.

Fee payment options and methods
- The school's admissions materials for the Niseko branch state that tuition and fee payments are required to be made by bank transfer and that payments are to be made on a quarterly basis; this bank‑transfer requirement is presented as the school's business/accounting practice. Shorter programs (for example the winter program) list payment by bank transfer or credit card for that program specifically. For routine tuition and major fees the school requires bank transfer payments; program‑specific arrangements may accept card payments where explicitly stated.

Notes on non‑payment and record release
- In the event of non‑payment of fees, school records (and in some cases dormitory placement) may be withheld until fees are paid in full. Students may be asked to leave the dormitory for non‑payment of dorm fees.

Summary of the most frequently applicable amounts (quick reference)
- Application fee: ¥20,000. Entrance fee: ¥200,000 (see note above regarding alternate entry fee figure appearing in published refund notes). Tuition (examples): EY half day ¥1,000,000; Kindergarten–Grade 5 ¥1,540,000; Grades 6–8 ¥1,580,000; Grades 9–12 ¥1,600,000 — each tuition figure is presented with a quarterly installment equal to one‑fourth of the annual amount. Annual student fee: ¥200,000. Boarding room fee (full week): ¥800,000; meal fee (Mon–Fri): ¥600,000. Bus (per student): ¥160,000 per year (two‑way).
Academics

Hokkaido International School teaches IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Advanced Placement (AP), Reggio Emilia Approach for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Hokkaido International School follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in Elementary and the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) in Middle School. The High School offers a Western‑style, college‑preparatory program with AP courses, including AP Capstone (Seminar and Research) and AP offerings in Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, World History, European History, US History, Comparative Government, Studio Art, English Language and Literature, and Japanese. AP Human Geography and AP Psychology were added starting in 2019–2020. The school year has 180 days, divided into semesters, with an A‑day/B‑day block schedule. Instruction is differentiated with Honors, Standard and Developing options in the secondary school, and graduation requires a high credit load. Multiage grouping is used across the school (2‑year bands in K‑5, 3‑year band in Middle School, 2‑year bands in High School), with outdoor education and experiential learning emphasized throughout.

Student Teacher Ratio
The upper school has a student/teacher ratio of approximately 10:1, and average class size is about 17 students.

Exam Results
AP data (2018–2024) shows 26 AP students in 2024, with a Total AP Mean Score of 1269; Mean Math score 648 and Mean ERW score 621. In 2024, 25 AP students earned scores of 3 or higher (96% of AP test‑takers). The Class of 2024 had 17 students take the SAT.

Higher Education Progression
Post‑graduate information shows recent graduates matriculated at universities including Baylor University, Boston University, Colby College, University of California campuses, University of British Columbia, Waseda University, Sophia University, Temple University Japan, Tokyo University, Tsukuba University, University of Queensland, University of Toronto, Charles University, and Glasgow School of Art, among others. These placements span the United States, Canada, Asia‑Pacific and Europe.

Gifted and Talented
Secondary instruction is differentiated by Honors, Standard and Developing options. The AP program provides advanced coursework for high‑ability students, and students must meet a high graduation credit requirement, supported by outdoor education and experiential learning as part of HIS Huskies programming.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Hokkaido International School provides a character-rich environment with formal social-emotional learning and counseling. The school has a part‑time on‑site counselor offering individual services and classroom support. Elementary daily classes include character education based on the Virtues Project, the HUSKIES learner outcomes, and the CASEL framework. In middle school and high school, a dedicated homeroom block on Monday, Thursday, and Friday supports SEL and college/career readiness through Unifrog. The Strategic Plan 2022–2027 identifies Focus Area 2 as Socio‑emotional learning and Child Protection.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school emphasizes learning support and inclusion as part of its Strategic Plan 2022–2027. The Student Support framework describes counseling services and the ability to locate outside assessment resources, with an emphasis on inclusive education and differentiated support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the language of instruction. ELL support is provided in the secondary program through push‑in and co‑teaching methods within mainstream classes.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through on‑site counseling, SEL curriculum, and dedicated time in the school program for social-emotional development. Counseling services are complemented by college and career planning support for upper grades.

Safeguarding
The school adheres to safeguarding policies aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and JCIS/WASC accreditation requirements. A formal Child Safeguarding policy outlines staff obligations, student protection protocols, and related guidelines.
Parent Experience

History
Hokkaido International School opened in 1958 as Hokkaido American School, starting with 12 children of missionary families. In 1962, it changed its name to Hokkaido International School and moved to the Fukuzumi campus, with the Husky chosen as the mascot. The Hokkaido Government granted accreditation in 1968, and enrollment reached about 70 students by the early 1970s. The school moved to its current location in 1995, added a dormitory for 20 students, and opened HIS Niseko in 2012. In 2018-19, the school celebrated its 60th year with about 170 international students and a faculty from several countries, and today HIS continues its mission to provide education for international students.

Community
Hokkaido International School began in 1958 and now operates two campuses in Sapporo and Niseko, with around 250 students and a community that includes students, staff, parents, and alumni. The community is built around open door events, sports teams, clubs, after school activities, alumni updates, school-to-school exchanges, and events that socialize and connect the Husky Family. An annual Fall Festival serves as an open door event for the broader community. Sociocultural activities and athletic programs foster ongoing engagement across campuses.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The HIS Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is an organization which aims at increasing parent understanding of educational issues, increasing communication of important ideas through the parent community, and to fundraise to help improve our school programs. Meetings are held approximately five times per year, and all parents are encouraged to attend. Meetings are often held bilingually to encourage participation from Japanese-speaking parents as well as English speakers. The two biggest PTA sponsored events of each year have been the Fall Festival, a fundraiser focusing on food and games for the whole family, usually in mid- to late October, and the Spring Bazaar, usually in mid-May; funds are shared with the school in various ways. There are many ways to get involved; drop a note in the PTA mailbox at the HIS office or email pta.sapporo@gmail.com. New! PTA Information Website: https://sites.google.com/his.ac.jp/parent-teacher-association/home
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates on a campus in Hiragishi, Sapporo, with a dormitory on site that houses up to 20 students. The main campus includes a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, badminton, futsal and other activities, and a dedicated strength and conditioning space. A Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) hosts events and gatherings throughout the year. The library serves students and families with borrowing privileges and volunteer library support. HIS Niseko operates as a satellite campus in Niseko, offering English-language international education from Early Years through Grade 8.

Sports Facilities
The gymnasium accommodates basketball, volleyball, badminton, futsal and other sports. A dedicated strength and conditioning space supports year-round training in a supervised environment. The Middle School Physical Education program includes a cross-country run at Makomanai Park, ice skating days at Tsukisamu Gymnasium, and ski and snowboard days at local facilities; there is also an on-campus Sports Day.

Academic Facilities
The school provides English-medium instruction across Early Years through High School. The Elementary School uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC); the Middle School follows the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). The High School offers AP courses including AP Capstone (Seminar and Research) and subjects such as Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, World History, European History, US History, Comparative Government, Studio Art, English Language and Literature, and Japanese. Specialist classrooms support Japanese, Art, Physical Education and Music. The library provides resources and borrowing services for students and families.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Athletics is a core program with the Huskies competing on a rotating seasonal schedule. The Arts Program and Outdoor Program are integral parts of HIS life. Huskies Community and Huskies Wellness initiatives support student life and well-being. Prom and other school events are part of campus life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Arts & Creative
The Art Club provides a space for any student to create art and participate in group projects for school events. The club has shifted toward collaborative projects and produces artworks used to decorate school events and spaces. It also runs lessons on basic elements of art, including color theory and composition. The school hosts the HIS Annual Concert, showcasing student performances.

Cultural & Language
The SHS x HIS Domestic Global Exchange connects HIS with Sagara High School in Makinohara, Shizuoka, through yearly in-person visits and online exchanges to foster cultural understanding. Makinohara Education Service House (M.E.S.H.) expands connections with Makinohara, promotes English learning, and has organized trips to Makinohara and virtual lessons. In 2025, M.E.S.H. activities included exchanges with the Makinohara community and engagement with the Junior Action Sports Club. All Cultural Exchanges includes events such as Middle School Multicultural Day.

Social & Hobbies
AdHOC (Adventure Hokkaido Outdoor Club) is the HIS outdoor club led by students and Mr. Piazza, organizing trips around Hokkaido such as the autumn climb of Tokachi-dake, snowshoeing near Lake Shikotsu, whitewater rafting in Mukawa, and Mt. Sapporo snowshoeing. The school also hosts social and cultural activities through Student Council and annual events like the HIS Annual Concert, Sports Day, and Crosscountry. These activities foster student interaction, teamwork, and school spirit.

Community & Service
HIS Huskies MUSH is a service group focused on helping the community and the world, conducting weekly trash clean-ups, monthly blood donations for those 16 and older, posting messages of encouragement, tending the school garden, donating to orphanages, and raising funds for projects. Fall Festival is a major PTA-coordinated community event with international cuisine, performances, and games, while Spring Bazaar is a late-spring fundraiser and flea market. These events engage the broader community and provide service opportunities for students.

Leadership & Professional
The school has a Student Council as a student leadership body. International and exchange programs, including the SHS x HIS Domestic Global Exchange and the Makinohara connections via M.E.S.H., provide leadership and collaboration opportunities for students in intercultural settings. These programs foster planning, teamwork, and project coordination among students across campuses.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Huskies Athletics program operates on a rotating seasonal schedule, with teams practicing after school several times per week and competing in Western Japan Athletics Association events as well as local exhibition matches. The gymnasium supports basketball, volleyball, badminton, futsal, and other sports, with a year‑round strength and conditioning space. Outdoors and Wellness are emphasized on both campuses, highlighting outdoor learning and experiential activities in Hokkaido's natural environment.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction at Hokkaido International School. The Sapporo campus uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). The Niseko campus offers Early Years (ages 3–5) as a multi-age program, Elementary School (Grades K–5) with IPC, and Middle School (Grades 6–8).
Reputation

Accreditations
The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) and the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS). The school is the only accredited international school on the island of Hokkaido.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete an HIS application for each child. Assemble comprehensive school records, including current report cards and the previous two years of schooling, plus any standardized test scores if applicable. Include medical and inoculation records and proof of the student's age. Have the documents translated into English if possible.

2. Admission decisions are made by an Admission Committee consisting of two or three staff members and chaired by the Head of the School. This group reviews applications and makes initial grade-placement decisions. If admitted, parents should arrange for immediate payment of tuition, the application fee and the entrance fee.

3. If a space is not available for a particular year, applicants may be placed in a wait pool until space becomes available. Siblings already enrolled at HIS are given priority within the wait pool, as are children of HIS staff and alumni, and students returning to Japan who have previously attended HIS.

Scholarships
HIS offers financial aid programs based on need. Eligibility depends on a family's financial circumstances and funds available; most awards cover a portion of tuition and are awarded for one academic year. Applications for financial aid have spring deadlines, and families must submit required documents on time. The program includes annual reapplication for continuation, and aid is not guaranteed for all eligible families. The school also notes government tuition assistance programs in Hokkaido for eligible students and maintains separate scholarship opportunities funded by donors (e.g., Arletta Seltzer Memorial Scholarship and Husky Achievement Scholarship).

Waitlist
When the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces for a grade year, students may be placed in a wait pool until space becomes available. Siblings already enrolled at HIS are given priority within the wait pool, as are children of HIS staff and alumni, and students returning to Japan who have previously attended HIS.
School Events
The school has not added events
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