Admissions 2027 | Application Guidelines
Admissions 2027
Admissions for the 2027 School Year
ISN is a school that designs the future together with families, so that every child has a world of choice. Please review the details for each of our campuses, and let’s discuss your child’s future.
About Admission
ISN Preschool, Elementary School and Middle School welcome children from 7 months to 14 years old (the age range differs by campus), regardless of gender, race, faith or nationality. We welcome children who require special support, provided they are able to participate comfortably in daily school life alongside their peers.
Preschool
Nagano Campus
From age 2 to 5
General Admission
ISN Preschool welcomes children regardless of gender, race, faith or nationality. We welcome children who require special support, provided they are able to participate comfortably in daily school life alongside their peers.
| Class | Date of birth | Places |
|---|---|---|
| Age 2 (from 2nd birthday) | April 2, 2024 – February 28, 2026 From the day after the child’s 2nd birthday | 25 places |
| Age 3 | April 2, 2023 – April 1, 2024 | 10 places |
| Age 4 | April 2, 2022 – April 1, 2023 | 10 places |
| Age 5 | April 2, 2021 – April 1, 2022 | 10 places |
Applications may continue to be accepted as long as places remain available.
- 1
Submit the application form
Submit the application form to the school in person or by post. - 2
Trial session
Within two weeks of receiving your application, your child attends a trial session of about one hour. - 3
Result and confirmation of enrolment
After the trial session we hand over the enrolment documents. Enrolment is confirmed once the entrance fee has been paid by the stated deadline.
- If applications exceed the number of places available, children are prioritized according to the school’s criteria: (1) a sibling is already enrolled at ISN, (2) one of the parents uses English as a first language at home.
- If the places are filled on the opening day of applications, later applications can be placed on a waiting list on request. We will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
- Within two weeks of receiving your application, we will send you payment details for the registration fee. Once payment is confirmed, we will send the letter of acceptance.
- Enrolment materials (school handbook, annual calendar and so on) will be sent around February 2027.
Rolling Admission (Transfers)
When places are available, we accept transfer applications throughout the year from families returning from overseas or relocating within Japan. The start date can be discussed.
- 1
Submit the application form
Submit the application form to the school in person or by post. - 2
Trial session
Within two weeks of receiving your application, your child attends a trial session of about one hour. - 3
Result and confirmation of enrolment
Within two weeks of the trial session we post the letter of admission and the enrolment documents. Enrolment is confirmed once the entrance fee has been paid by the stated deadline.
Preschool
Saku Kirihara Campus
From 7 months to age 5
General Admission
ISN Preschool welcomes children regardless of gender, race, faith or nationality. We welcome children who require special support, provided they are able to participate comfortably in daily school life alongside their peers.
Certification types are set by your municipality under the Japanese childcare system. Type 1 is for education-only places (children aged 3 and over, shorter day). Type 2 is for children aged 3 and over whose families need childcare, and Type 3 is for children under 3 whose families need childcare. Type 1 applications go to the school; Type 2 and Type 3 applications go to your municipality. If you are unsure which applies to you, please feel free to ask us.
| Class | Date of birth |
|---|---|
| Age 0 | At least 7 months old as of April 2, 2027 |
| Age 1 | April 2, 2025 – April 1, 2026 |
| Age 2 | April 2, 2024 – April 1, 2025 |
| Age 3 | April 2, 2023 – April 1, 2024 |
| Age 4 | April 2, 2022 – April 1, 2023 |
| Age 5 | April 2, 2021 – April 1, 2022 |
* The number of places will be published once confirmed.
Applications may continue to be accepted as long as places remain available.
Varies by municipality
Varies by municipality
- 1
Submit the application
Type 1Submit the application form to the campus in person or by post.Type 2 / Type 3Apply at the childcare desk of your municipality. - 2
Notification of the result
Type 1We will tell you the result within two weeks of receiving your application.Type 2 / Type 3Your municipality will notify you of the result directly. - 3
Enrolment procedure
Type 1We will send you payment details for the registration fee. Once payment is confirmed, we will send the letter of acceptance.Type 2 / Type 3After your municipality issues its approval, the school will send the letter of acceptance.
- If applications for the education-only places (Type 1) exceed the number of places available, children are prioritized according to the school’s criteria: (1) a sibling is already enrolled at ISN, (2) one of the parents uses English as a first language at home.
- If the places are filled on the opening day of applications, later applications can be placed on a waiting list on request. We will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
- Within two weeks of receiving your application, we will send you payment details for the registration fee. Once payment is confirmed, we will send the letter of acceptance.
- Enrolment materials (school handbook, annual calendar and so on) will be sent around February 2027.
- A pre-enrolment briefing is held in March.
- Saku City will explain which documents are required. Placement and selection are carried out by Saku City, and applications close once all places are filled.
- Applications for the 2027 school year open around October through Saku City. First round: around October. Second round: around February.
- New applicants are generally expected to live in Saku City. If you live outside the city, you need to file a cross-municipality application and obtain certification.
- Families offered a place receive enrolment materials (school handbook, annual calendar and so on) around February 2027.
- A pre-enrolment briefing is held in March.
Rolling Admission (Transfers)
When places are available, we accept transfer applications throughout the year from families returning from overseas or relocating within Japan. The start date can be discussed.
Varies by municipality
Preschool
Minami-Matsumoto Campus
From age 2 to 5
General Admission
ISN Preschool welcomes children regardless of gender, race, faith or nationality. We welcome children who require special support, provided they are able to participate comfortably in daily school life alongside their peers.
Certification types are set by your municipality under the Japanese childcare system. Type 1 is for education-only places (children aged 3 and over, shorter day). Type 2 is for children aged 3 and over whose families need childcare, and Type 3 is for children under 3 whose families need childcare. Type 1 applications go to the school; Type 2 and Type 3 applications go to your municipality. If you are unsure which applies to you, please feel free to ask us.
| Class | Date of birth |
|---|---|
| Age 2 (from 2nd birthday) | April 2, 2024 – February 28, 2026 From the month after the child’s 2nd birthday |
| Age 3 | April 2, 2023 – April 1, 2024 |
| Age 4 | April 2, 2022 – April 1, 2023 |
| Age 5 | April 2, 2021 – April 1, 2022 |
* The number of places will be published once confirmed.
Applications may continue to be accepted as long as places remain available.
Varies by municipality
Varies by municipality
- 1
Submit the application
Type 1Submit the application form to the campus in person or by post.Type 2 / Type 3Apply at the childcare desk of your municipality. - 2
Notification of the result
Type 1We will tell you the result within two weeks of receiving your application.Type 2 / Type 3Your municipality will notify you of the result directly. - 3
Enrolment procedure
Type 1We will send you payment details for the registration fee. Once payment is confirmed, we will send the letter of acceptance.Type 2 / Type 3After your municipality issues its approval, the school will send the letter of acceptance.
- If applications for the education-only places (Type 1) exceed the number of places available, children are prioritized according to the school’s criteria: (1) a sibling is already enrolled at ISN, (2) one of the parents uses English as a first language at home.
- If the places are filled on the opening day of applications, later applications can be placed on a waiting list on request. We will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
- Within two weeks of receiving your application, we will send you payment details for the registration fee. Once payment is confirmed, we will send the letter of acceptance.
- Enrolment materials (school handbook, annual calendar and so on) will be sent around February 2027.
- A pre-enrolment briefing is held in March.
- Matsumoto City will explain which documents are required. Placement and selection are carried out by Matsumoto City, and applications close once all places are filled.
- Applications for the 2027 school year open around October through Matsumoto City. First round: around October. Second round: around February.
- New applicants are generally expected to live in Matsumoto City. If you live outside the city, you need to file a cross-municipality application and obtain certification.
- Families offered a place receive enrolment materials (school handbook, annual calendar and so on) around February 2027.
- A pre-enrolment briefing is held in March.
Rolling Admission (Transfers)
When places are available, we accept transfer applications throughout the year from families returning from overseas or relocating within Japan. The start date can be discussed.
Varies by municipality
Preschool
Shimauchi Campus
From age 3 to 5
General Admission
ISN Preschool welcomes children regardless of gender, race, faith or nationality. We welcome children who require special support, provided they are able to participate comfortably in daily school life alongside their peers.
Certification types are set by your municipality under the Japanese childcare system. Type 1 is for education-only places (children aged 3 and over, shorter day). Type 2 is for children aged 3 and over whose families need childcare, and Type 3 is for children under 3 whose families need childcare. Type 1 applications go to the school; Type 2 and Type 3 applications go to your municipality. If you are unsure which applies to you, please feel free to ask us.
| Class | Date of birth |
|---|---|
| Age 3 (from 3rd birthday) | April 2, 2023 – February 28, 2025 From the month after the child’s 3rd birthday |
| Age 4 | April 2, 2022 – April 1, 2023 |
| Age 5 | April 2, 2021 – April 1, 2022 |
* The number of places will be published once confirmed.
Applications may continue to be accepted as long as places remain available.
Varies by municipality
Varies by municipality
- 1
Submit the application
Type 1Submit the application form to the campus in person or by post.Type 2Apply at the childcare desk of your municipality. - 2
Notification of the result
Type 1We will tell you the result within two weeks of receiving your application.Type 2Your municipality will notify you of the result directly. - 3
Enrolment procedure
Type 1We will send you payment details for the registration fee. Once payment is confirmed, we will send the letter of acceptance.Type 2After your municipality issues its approval, the school will send the letter of acceptance.
- If applications for the education-only places (Type 1) exceed the number of places available, children are prioritized according to the school’s criteria: (1) a sibling is already enrolled at ISN, (2) one of the parents uses English as a first language at home.
- If the places are filled on the opening day of applications, later applications can be placed on a waiting list on request. We will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
- Within two weeks of receiving your application, we will send you payment details for the registration fee. Once payment is confirmed, we will send the letter of acceptance.
- Enrolment materials (school handbook, annual calendar and so on) will be sent around February 2027.
- A pre-enrolment briefing is held in March.
- Matsumoto City will explain which documents are required. Placement and selection are carried out by Matsumoto City, and applications close once all places are filled.
- Applications for the 2027 school year open around October through Matsumoto City. First round: around October. Second round: around February.
- New applicants are generally expected to live in Matsumoto City. If you live outside the city, you need to file a cross-municipality application and obtain certification.
- Families offered a place receive enrolment materials (school handbook, annual calendar and so on) around February 2027.
- A pre-enrolment briefing is held in March.
Rolling Admission (Transfers)
When places are available, we accept transfer applications throughout the year from families returning from overseas or relocating within Japan. The start date can be discussed.
Varies by municipality
Elementary School
Gojo Campus — Elementary School
Grade 1 and transfers
General Admission
ISN Elementary School welcomes children regardless of gender, race, faith or nationality. We welcome children who require special support, provided they are able to participate comfortably in daily school life alongside their peers.
| Class | Date of birth | Places |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 new entrants | April 2, 2020 – April 1, 2021 | 25 places |
| Grade 2 transfer students | April 2, 2019 – April 1, 2020 | A few places |
| Grade 3 transfer students | April 2, 2018 – April 1, 2019 | A few places |
| Grade 4 transfer students | April 2, 2017 – April 1, 2018 | A few places |
| Grade 5 transfer students | April 2, 2016 – April 1, 2017 | A few places |
| Grade 6 transfer students | April 2, 2015 – April 1, 2016 | A few places |
Transfer students: Children who are able to participate in lessons and daily school life in both English and Japanese.
If your child may need ongoing language support or additional accommodations, we warmly encourage you to speak with us before applying, so we can discuss how best to support their success.
Applicants living outside Japan may submit the application form by email attachment. Please bring the original document to the office at a later date.
- 1
Submit the application form
Submit the application form to the campus in person or by post. - 2
Request and return the letter of recommendation
Once we receive your application, we will send you a request form and a recommendation form. Please pass these to your child’s current preschool or school and ask the class teacher to complete the recommendation. The completed form is returned directly to ISN Gojo Campus. - 3
Family interview
Once we receive the recommendation, we will contact you by email to arrange a convenient interview time. The interview is conducted with the child, parents, and the Head of Campus or Deputy Head, typically in person, with online interviews available for families residing overseas. During the interview, we assess whether the child has sufficient proficiency in Japanese and English to participate fully in school life. - 4
Result and confirmation of enrolment
After the interview, successful applicants receive a letter setting out the enrolment procedure. Enrolment is confirmed once the entrance fee has been paid by the stated deadline.
- If applications exceed the number of places available, students are prioritized according to our criteria: (1) a sibling is already enrolled at ISN, (2) one of the parents uses English as a first language at home.
- If the places are filled on the opening day of applications, later applications can be placed on a waiting list on request. ISN will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
- Enrolment materials (school handbook, annual calendar and so on) will be sent around February 2027.
- ISN Elementary School offers general education classes only and does not operate a dedicated special needs class. Where a child requires additional support, admission decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the child’s individual needs alongside the school’s available resources, environment, and staffing capacity.
Rolling Admission (Transfers)
When places are available, we accept transfer applications throughout the year from students returning from overseas or relocating within Japan. The start date can be discussed.
Applicants living outside Japan may submit the application form by email attachment. Please bring the original document to the office at a later date.
- 1
Submit the application form
Submit the application form to the campus in person or by post. - 2
Request and return the letter of recommendation
Once we receive your application, we will send you a request form and a recommendation form. Please pass these to your child’s current preschool or school and ask the class teacher to complete the recommendation. The completed form is returned directly to ISN Gojo Campus. - 3
Family interview
Once we receive the recommendation, we will contact you by email to arrange a convenient interview time. The interview is conducted with the child, parents, and the Head of Campus or Deputy Head, typically in person, with online interviews available for families residing overseas. During the interview, we assess whether the child has sufficient proficiency in Japanese and English to participate fully in school life. - 4
Result and confirmation of enrolment
After the interview, successful applicants receive a letter setting out the enrolment procedure. Enrolment is confirmed once the entrance fee has been paid by the stated deadline.
Middle School
Gojo Campus — Middle School
Year 7 and transfers
General Admission
ISN Middle School welcomes students regardless of gender, race, faith or nationality. We welcome students who require special support, provided they are able to participate comfortably in daily school life alongside their peers.
| Class | Date of birth | Places |
|---|---|---|
| Year 7 new entrants | April 2, 2014 – April 1, 2015 | 25 places |
| Year 8 transfer students | April 2, 2013 – April 1, 2014 | A few places |
| Year 9 transfer students | April 2, 2012 – April 1, 2013 | A few places |
If your child may need ongoing language support or additional accommodations, we warmly encourage you to speak with us before applying, so we can discuss how best to support their success.
Applicants living outside Japan may submit the application form by email attachment. Please bring the original document to the office at a later date.
- 1
Submit the application form
Submit the application form to the campus in person or by post. - 2
Request and return the letter of recommendation
Once we receive your application, we will send you a request form and a recommendation form. Please pass these to your child’s current preschool or school and ask the class teacher to complete the recommendation. The completed form is returned directly to ISN Gojo Campus. - 3
Family interview
Once we receive the recommendation, we will contact you by email to arrange a convenient interview time. The interview is conducted with the child, parents, and the Head of Campus or Deputy Head, typically in person, with online interviews available for families residing overseas. During the interview, we assess whether the child has sufficient proficiency in Japanese and English to participate fully in school life. - 4
Result and confirmation of enrolment
After the interview, successful applicants receive a letter setting out the enrolment procedure. Enrolment is confirmed once the entrance fee has been paid by the stated deadline.
- If applications exceed the number of places available, students are prioritized according to our criteria: (1) a sibling is already enrolled at ISN, (2) one of the parents uses English as a first language at home.
- If the places are filled on the opening day of applications, later applications can be placed on a waiting list on request. ISN will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
- Enrolment materials (school handbook, annual calendar and so on) will be sent around February 2027.
- ISN Middle School offers general education classes only and does not operate a dedicated special needs class. Where a child requires additional support, admission decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the child’s individual needs alongside the school’s available resources, environment, and staffing capacity.
Rolling Admission (Transfers)
When places are available, we accept transfer applications throughout the year from students returning from overseas or relocating within Japan. The start date can be discussed.
Applicants living outside Japan may submit the application form by email attachment. Please bring the original document to the office at a later date.
- 1
Submit the application form
Submit the application form to the campus in person or by post. - 2
Request and return the letter of recommendation
Once we receive your application, we will send you a request form and a recommendation form. Please pass these to your child’s current preschool or school and ask the class teacher to complete the recommendation. The completed form is returned directly to ISN Gojo Campus. - 3
Family interview
Once we receive the recommendation, we will contact you by email to arrange a convenient interview time. The interview is conducted with the child, parents, and the Head of Campus or Deputy Head, typically in person, with online interviews available for families residing overseas. During the interview, we assess whether the child has sufficient proficiency in Japanese and English to participate fully in school life. - 4
Result and confirmation of enrolment
After the interview, successful applicants receive a letter setting out the enrolment procedure. Enrolment is confirmed once the entrance fee has been paid by the stated deadline.
Elementary School
Nakano Campus — Elementary School
Grade 1 and transfers
General Admission
ISN Elementary School welcomes children regardless of gender, race, faith or nationality. We welcome children who require special support, provided they are able to participate comfortably in daily school life alongside their peers.
| Class | Date of birth | Places |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 new entrants | April 2, 2020 – April 1, 2021 | 25 places |
| Grade 2 transfer students | April 2, 2019 – April 1, 2020 | A few places |
| Grade 3 transfer students | April 2, 2018 – April 1, 2019 | A few places |
| Grade 4 transfer students | April 2, 2017 – April 1, 2018 | A few places |
| Grade 5 transfer students | April 2, 2016 – April 1, 2017 | A few places |
| Grade 6 transfer students | April 2, 2015 – April 1, 2016 | A few places |
Transfer students: Children who are able to participate in lessons and daily school life in both English and Japanese.
If your child may need ongoing language support or additional accommodations, we warmly encourage you to speak with us before applying, so we can discuss how best to support their success.
- 1
Submit the application form
Submit the application form to the campus in person or by post. - 2
Request and return the letter of recommendation
Once we receive your application, we will send you a request form and a recommendation form. Please pass these to your child’s current preschool or school and ask the class teacher to complete the recommendation. The completed form is returned directly to ISN Nakano Campus. - 3
Family interview
Once we receive the recommendation, we will contact you by email to arrange a convenient interview time. The interview is conducted with the child, parents, and the Head of Campus or Deputy Head, typically in person, with online interviews available for families residing overseas. During the interview, we assess whether the child has sufficient proficiency in Japanese and English to participate fully in school life. - 4
Result and confirmation of enrolment
After the interview, successful applicants receive a letter setting out the enrolment procedure. Enrolment is confirmed once the entrance fee has been paid by the stated deadline.
- If applications exceed the number of places available, students are prioritized according to our criteria: (1) a sibling is already enrolled at ISN, (2) one of the parents uses English as a first language at home.
- If the places are filled on the opening day of applications, later applications can be placed on a waiting list on request. ISN will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
- Enrolment materials (school handbook, annual calendar and so on) will be sent around February 2027.
- ISN Elementary School offers general education classes only and does not operate a dedicated special needs class. Where a child requires additional support, admission decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the child’s individual needs alongside the school’s available resources, environment, and staffing capacity.
Rolling Admission (Transfers)
When places are available, we accept transfer applications throughout the year from students returning from overseas or relocating within Japan. The start date can be discussed.
- 1
Submit the application form
Submit the application form to the campus in person or by post. - 2
Request and return the letter of recommendation
Once we receive your application, we will send you a request form and a recommendation form. Please pass these to your child’s current preschool or school and ask the class teacher to complete the recommendation. The completed form is returned directly to ISN Nakano Campus. - 3
Family interview
Once we receive the recommendation, we will contact you by email to arrange a convenient interview time. The interview is conducted with the child, parents, and the Head of Campus or Deputy Head, typically in person, with online interviews available for families residing overseas. During the interview, we assess whether the child has sufficient proficiency in Japanese and English to participate fully in school life. - 4
Result and confirmation of enrolment
After the interview, successful applicants receive a letter setting out the enrolment procedure. Enrolment is confirmed once the entrance fee has been paid by the stated deadline.
Contact
Enquiries and Brochure Requests
Choose the campus you are interested in and tell us what you would like to know. A member of staff will reply within three business days.
If you would like a brochure, we will post one to you.
Thank you for your enquiry
A member of staff will reply within three business days.
If you asked for a brochure, we will post one to you.
A copy of your enquiry has been sent to the email address you gave.
Contact us by phone
You are welcome to contact any campus directly.
Campus list and access