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Sapporo International School

Japan, Sapporo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥192,000 - 480,000
Ages 3 - 15 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2020
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Islamic Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Taught languages Arabic, English, Japanese
Typical class size 7
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Sapporo International School (SIS) is an English-medium school in Sapporo serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 9. SIS implements an American curriculum aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), alongside an AIQ (Arabic, Islamic and Qur’an) curriculum and the Japanese National Curriculum. The school began in 2020 and consolidated into a larger, three-floor campus building by 2024. Beyond the regular program, SIS offers Summer School and an After School Program, including Arabic language and Qur’an tajweed/memorization classes. Families can also find short courses and events such as the SIS Robotic Course (robots, Arduino/Micro:bit and indoor drone learning).

3 Chome-1-35 Kita 26 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-0026, Japan

The Essentials

Sapporo International School has typical class sizes of 7, instruction in English.

Location
SIS Integrated Campus is in Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. The address is 3 Chome-1-35 Kita 26 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo 065-0026. The campus hosts Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High on a single integrated site.

Stages
Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High.

Type
International school (boarding is not described in public pages; gender policy is not specified).

Pupil Nationality Mix
Exact numbers of nationalities are not published; the school states it serves both Japanese and international communities and promotes multilingualism.

Additional learning support
Public pages do not publish explicit Additional Learning Needs (SEN) provisions or dedicated SEN facilities.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is stated; SIS is based in Japan and is recognized by the Japanese government (MEXT).

Religious affiliation
Islamic affiliation; SIS presents itself as an international Islamic school and offers Arabic, Islamic, and Qur'an content alongside other curricula.

School day structure
The public calendar shows a trimester structure with three terms: Trimester 1 from Apr 14 to Aug 2; Trimester 2 from Aug 25 to Dec 20; Trimester 3 from Jan 19 to Mar 14; about 192 student days and 209 teacher days in 2025–2026. Daily start/end times are not published publicly.

Bus service
School transportation services are provided from key locations in and around Sapporo.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is accredited by the Council of Islamic Schools based in North America (CISNA) and the Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association (MSA-CESS) from October 2024 to October 2029. The school is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan since 2025.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sapporo International School ranges from JPY 192,000 to JPY 480,000 for 2026/27.

Application and enrollment fees

- Application fee: JPY 10,000 (one‑time, paid on application).
- Enrollment (entrance) fee for standard families: JPY 40,000 (one‑time, paid on enrollment).

Tuition fees by year group (day-school students)

- Tuition is the same for all grade levels listed (Kindergarten through Grade 7):
- Annual tuition (standard, first child): JPY 480,000 per year.
- Monthly option (standard, first child): JPY 40,000 per month.
- Sibling discounts (applied to tuition):
- Second child: JPY 288,000 per year or JPY 24,000 per month (40% discount).
- Third child: JPY 192,000 per year or JPY 16,000 per month (60% discount).

Tuition fees for company- or embassy‑sponsored students

- Entrance fee for sponsored students: JPY 200,000 (one‑time, upon enrollment).
- Tuition for sponsored students: JPY 120,000 per month (applies regardless of grade; not eligible for standard sibling discounts).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual payment option: JPY 480,000 paid in two installments — one installment in April and one in September (two payments of JPY 240,000).
- Monthly payment option: JPY 40,000 per month for standard first child (12 monthly payments).
- For company/embassy‑sponsored accounts, invoicing and payment schedules may be coordinated directly with the sponsoring organisation.

Boarding fees

- No boarding fees are listed. The school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding arrangements or boarding charges.

Other costs and additional charges

- No itemised, public line‑items for uniforms, school lunches, textbook fees, transport, or activity fees are published in the school's admissions/fee information. Any such additional costs are not included in the standard tuition figures above.

Discounts, subsidies and scholarships

- Sapporo City subsidy: Eligible families may receive a government tuition subsidy of JPY 37,000 per month (reimbursed to families).
- Hokkaido University support schemes: Eligible children of Hokkaido University students receive a 50% tuition discount (monthly tuition JPY 20,000); eligible children of Hokkaido University researchers and staff receive a 25% discount (monthly tuition JPY 30,000).
- Financial hardship scholarships and partial/total exemptions are available through school arrangements; exceptional student achievement may qualify for a 25% waiver on tuition and enrollment fees.

Refund information

- A specific public refund policy for application, enrollment, or tuition fees is not published in the school's publicly available admissions and fee information. Refunds or exemptions are handled through the school's administration and support programmes rather than through a published refund schedule.

Fee payment options (methods)

- The published fee information specifies available installment schedules (annual split or monthly payments) and arrangements for sponsored students but does not list specific accepted payment methods (for example, credit card, bank transfer, cash) in the admissions/fee text. Accepted payment methods should be confirmed with school administration.

Notes and corroboration

- Independent school-fee listings summarising the same core figures (annual JPY 480,000 standard tuition; application JPY 10,000; enrollment JPY 40,000; sponsored rates) are available in external international school fee directories.
Academics

Sapporo International School teaches American Curriculum, Islamic Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum for students aged 3 to 15.

Curriculum
Sapporo International School offers an integrated K–12 campus in Sapporo, comprising Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High on a single site. The curriculum is anchored in an American CCSS-based international framework for all grades (K–12) and is augmented by the AIQ Arabic/Islamic/Qur'an program and the Japanese National Curriculum. SIS provides a dual-track qualification pathway: an American High School Diploma and a Japanese curriculum aligned with national standards. Kindergarten includes Fundamental Islamic Knowledge, introductory language skills in English, Arabic, and Japanese, and foundational mathematics, science, social studies, art, and physical education. Elementary School delivers CCSS-aligned English and mathematics, science, and international social studies, plus information technology and programming, with Islamic subjects (Qur'an, Islamic Studies) and Japanese language components integrated. The school is accredited by CISNA and MSA-CESS (October 2024–October 2029) and is officially recognized by MEXT, reflecting alignment with both international and national standards.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SIS's holistic student development framework includes Social Skills and Social-Emotional Development, and the Summer School program explicitly focuses on Social and Emotional Development; a Positive Discipline Workshop has been held to promote healthy student–teacher relationships.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, including which needs can be supported or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
SIS provides a diverse English-medium learning environment and offers structured Japanese language instruction to support language learners.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported via the 'Strong Body' goal, which links physical fitness with mental health; the mission emphasizes emotional development, and an Emotional-Social advisor serves on the Board Committee.

Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding or child-protection policies on its public pages.
Parent Experience

History
Sapporo International School began in 2020 as Sapporo Islamic International School (SIIS), starting with 9 students and 5 teachers in a small building containing three classrooms. In its second year, the school expanded by adding two more classrooms and an office in a separate building located five minutes from the original site. By 2024, SIS purchased a larger three‑floor building, consolidating all staff, students, and facilities under one roof. The leadership broadened the student demographic from primarily the Muslim community in Sapporo to include the broader Japanese and international communities, welcoming both Muslim and non‑Muslim students.

Community
SIS fosters an active school community that engages families and the wider Sapporo international community through events and gatherings. The SIS Wide Show 2025, with the theme “A Day at My School,” features student performances, presentations, and interactive displays and invites parents, community members, neighbors, and the Sapporo international community to participate. The school has hosted an Accreditation Celebration Party (December 8, 2024) that invited families and both Muslim and non‑Muslim communities to join in the celebration. The Sapporo International School Annual Bazaar 2025 showcased cultural tents from multiple countries, family‑friendly activities, and a public setting for attendees to enjoy. Sheikh Yusuf Estes also visited the school in 2022 for an Islamic education talk, highlighting ongoing community engagement.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A Parent‑Teacher Association exists at Sapporo International School, as shown by a dedicated PTA section in the site navigation. Public events that involve families and the broader community—such as the Accreditation Celebration Party and the Annual Bazaar 2025—illustrate active PTA‑level engagement with fundraising and community activities. The Wide Show 2025 is a school‑wide event that invites parents, neighbors, and the Sapporo international community to participate in performances and displays, reflecting strong family involvement facilitated by the school community structures. The school's communications for PTA matters appear via the general contact channels listed on the site, including an email address for inquiries. The 2022 Sheikh Yusuf Estes visit and the 2025 robotics courses further demonstrate ongoing family and community involvement in school programs.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Sapporo International School operates from an integrated campus that consolidates all staff, students, and facilities in a single three-floor building. The campus serves Kindergarten and Elementary levels, with references to Junior High (and Senior High) in some materials. Facilities are categorized into internal school facilities and external facilities accessed through collaborations with government agencies and private entities. The campus design emphasizes a cohesive learning environment where different parts of the school share spaces and resources under one roof.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Summer School runs annually for one week and is open to the public. After School programs include Arabic language classes and Al-Qur'an Tajweed and memorization. Sapporo International School has offered robotics courses, such as the Robotic Course 2025.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
SIS offers a Robotic Course as part of its Summer School program for students aged 7-15, focusing on building and programming robots, learning circuitry with Arduino and Micro:bit, and piloting drones indoors. The course runs August 18-22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and costs 15,000 JPY. Registration is open to both Japanese and international students in Sapporo via a Google Forms link. The Summer School is a one-week program with activities across enrichment and exploration, language acquisition, social and emotional development, and transition programs within a comprehensive Islamic learning environment.

Arts & Creative
Art is a formal subject in SIS's Kindergarten and Elementary curricula. In Kindergarten, Art and Craft includes collage and exploration of various art materials. In Elementary, Art covers drawing, painting, and collage as part of the curriculum. Kindergarten Summer School activity documentation includes an Art and Craft module.

Cultural & Language
SIS has multilingual goals, aiming for fluency in English, Arabic, and Japanese. Arabic language studies and Al-Qur'an Tajweed and Memorization are offered as an After School program. The school broadened its demographics to include both Muslim and non-Muslim students, welcoming the broader Japanese and international communities. Elementary includes Japanese language offerings (Basic Japanese, Japanese Moji, and Kanji) and integrated Japanese culture within the curriculum.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical education is a formal component of the Elementary curriculum, focusing on fitness, motor skills, teamwork, and healthy living. Daily time allocations show attention to physical activity as part of the curriculum (PE daily usage). Kindergarten routines include Free Play and Morning Dhikr to support mindfulness, social-emotional development, and well-being. Summer School includes Morning Line and Adhkar to balance physical activity with spiritual practices for well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught at SIS include English (medium of instruction and core CCSS-based curriculum), Japanese (structured instruction aligned with the Japanese National Curriculum), and Arabic (AIQ curriculum, including Arabic language instruction and Qur'ān-related studies). English-language instruction is central across K-12 (K–Grade 9 in current admissions materials), with Japanese language instruction provided in a structured program and Arabic taught as part of Islamic/AIQ content and after-school enrichment. Non-native speakers receive language support through the English-medium environment supplemented by dedicated Japanese language instruction and Arabic program offerings (e.g., after-school Arabic classes and Qur'ān study).

Bilingual Teaching
SIS uses an English-medium international program with structured language support in Japanese and Arabic. Arabic language studies and Islamic content are integrated through the AIQ curriculum, alongside the CCSS-aligned American curriculum and the Japanese National Curriculum. The school aims for fluency in English, Arabic, and Japanese across its student body, with language exposure beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through Grade 9. There is no formal bilingual track described on the official pages.

Immersion Programs
Immersion opportunities exist primarily through Arabic language instruction and Quran-related content, delivered both in after-school and Saturday programs. The After School Program offers Arabic Language Class and Al-Qur'an Tajweed and Memorization Class, with explicit daily-time allocations for each component. A Saturday Class Program has offered Arabic/Qur'an-focused sessions alongside English language skills and is open to Japanese and international students. Language exposure in Kindergarten also includes stepping-stone language skills in English, Arabic, and Japanese as part of the introductory curriculum.
Reputation

Awards
Awards: No school-wide awards for the past five years are published on the SIS site.

Accreditations
SIS holds three public accreditations. CISNA accreditation (Council of Islamic Schools in North America) is valid from October 2024 to October 2029, confirming SIS meets CISNA standards for Islamic education and school quality. MSA-CESS accreditation (Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools) is also valid from October 2024 to October 2029, indicating SIS meets U.S.-based standards for elementary and secondary education. MEXT recognition means SIS is officially recognized by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), signaling alignment with Japanese national education standards.
Admissions

Admissions
Admissions Process (Sapporo International School) — step-by-step overview

1. Preface and application window: For the 2026–2027 academic year, the application period runs from December 15, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Prospective families should plan to submit all required materials within this window and be prepared for the admission steps that follow. The school supports a dual-track program taught in English, with alignment to both international and Japanese standards.

2. Confirm grade eligibility and entry age: Determine the appropriate grade level by comparing the child's age to the school's entry-age requirements. KG1 requires 3.5 years old by April 1 of the current year, KG2 4.5 years, and subsequent grades have corresponding age cutoffs through Grade 7 (12 years old by April 1). These age guidelines help place students in the correct grade according to age and the placement test results.

3. Gather required documents: Parents must provide several documents to support the application, including a copy of the student's passport, a copy of the resident card or health insurance card, copies of both parents' passports, a vaccination/medical fitness certificate, and copies of attested academic records or a final report from the previous school. The completeness and accuracy of these documents influence the placement review.

4. Submit the application and pay the application fee: The application involves submitting the required information and paying a non-refundable application fee of 10,000 Yen (paid once upon application). This payment secures the applicant's place in the admissions process and initiates the placement review.

5. Admissions testing and placement review: To be admitted, all students must pass an admission test appropriate for their desired grade level. The Admission Team evaluates the student's previous academic records and performance on the placement assessment to determine potential fit with the school's program. The review process culminates in a formal admission decision by the Principal.

6. Admission decision and enrollment follow-up: Following the assessment, the Principal has the final authority to accept or reject the applicant. If accepted, families receive an enrollment offer and proceed with enrollment steps, including paying the enrollment fee and confirming the start date. The enrollment fee is 40,000 Yen (paid once upon enrollment).

7. Enrollment and tuition arrangements: Upon enrollment, families choose how to pay tuition: either the annual fee or monthly installments. The standard annual tuition for the first child is 480,000 Yen (equivalent to 40,000 Yen per month), with reduced rates for additional children (second child 288,000 Yen annually or 24,000 Yen per month; third child 192,000 Yen annually or 16,000 Yen per month). Annual fees can be paid in two installments (April and September) or spread over 12 monthly payments.

8. Special sponsorships and discounts for sponsored students: For students whose education is fully sponsored by a company, embassy, or official institution, standard (non-subsidized) fees apply because these students are not eligible for the individual or sibling discounts. The applicable sponsored-enterprise package includes an Entrance Fee of 200,000 Yen and a Tuition Fee of 120,000 Yen per month, subject to confirmation through sponsorship documentation.

9. Subsidies and program-based financial support: Through the Sapporo City subsidy program, eligible families may receive a government tuition fee subsidy of 37,000 Yen per month, which is reimbursed to families and reduces monthly tuition. There are also SIS-specific discounts for certain groups: children of Hokkaido University students receive a 50% tuition discount (monthly 20,000 Yen), and children of Hokkaido University researchers or staff receive a 25% discount (monthly 30,000 Yen). These options require eligibility and appropriate documentation.

10. Scholarships and need-based assistance: The school offers scholarships that can provide partial or full exemptions from tuition and enrollment expenses, funded via zakat donors while preserving family privacy. Exceptional abilities in Qur'an memorization (15+ parts), sports, mathematics, or science may qualify a student for a 25% waiver on tuition and enrollment fees, contingent on documentation or tests. Applicants should contact the administration to request scholarship consideration.

Scholarships
Scholarships and financial assistance: SIS offers need-based support and donor-funded exemptions for families facing real financial difficulties. Applicants may receive partial or full exemption from one or more expenses, with a donor arrangement to cover the costs and privacy preserved. In addition, exceptional ability waivers may apply: memorization of Qur'an (15+ parts), excellence in sports, mathematics, or science can qualify for a 25% waiver on tuition and enrollment fees, provided relevant documentation or tests are submitted. For processing, families should contact the SIS administration.

Waitlist
Waitlist/Pool (Sapporo International School): The published admissions information does not describe a waitlist or pool system. There is a defined application window for the 2026–2027 year (December 15, 2025 to January 31, 2026), after which admissions decisions are made by the school's Principal. Because no waitlist policy is published in the admissions materials, families should plan around available seats and timing for testing and decisions rather than relying on a formal waitlist process.
School Events
The school has not added events
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