School Philosophy and Greeting
VISION
Empower Children Through Learning
Provide a World of Choice for all Children
MISSION
Fostering Leaders Who Will Inspire the World
- Fulfill wishes in the global scale
- Enhance every child’s potential to live in harmony in a fast changing society
- See education as a mean of uniting people
- Believe every moment is a learning opportunity
- Encourage student agency
MESSAGES
Fostering individuals who thrive with unique talents and a global perspective
Rie Kuribayashi, Head of School
We are in an exciting time of change.
Today’s students need real-world skills to thrive in the not-too-distant future. Qualities like critical thinking, collaboration, creative problem-solving, self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and the ability to construct complex solutions.
Imagine a worldwide community of schools, educators, and students with a shared mission to empower young people with the values, knowledge, and skills to create a better and more peaceful world. This is the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Hello, my name is Martyn Hatori-Singleton and it’s my honor to welcome you to the Gojo Campus of the International School of Nagano.
As both an educator and a parent, I understand the importance of choosing the right school for your child and at Gojo Elementary and Middle School, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment to empower your child to thrive.
Our school is a place where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe that education is about more than just memorizing facts and figures – it’s about cultivating and sustaining curiosity, developing critical thinking skills, and learning how to be responsible and compassionate members of society.
At ISN Gojo, we value diversity and inclusivity. We are proud to have a diverse student and teaching body and we understand that every student brings unique perspectives, experiences, and talents to our community. Therefore, we are committed to creating an environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported.
Igor Coric
Head of ISN Minami Matsumoto Campus
Hello, everyone!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about ISN. My name is Igor Coric, and I have been a part of ISN since 2017, working as an assistant and homeroom teacher. From this school year, I will be taking on the role of head of Minami campus.
The ISN Minami campus is a home to students from the age of 2 to the age 6, and teachers and parents from many different countries. We are proud of teaching international mindedness at this campus for over 10 years now, and being the first International Baccalaureate-accredited preschool in the prefecture. We are also proud of our central location, easily accessible from central Matsumoto, as well as being a short drive away from the surrounding nature.
Since its inception, ISN has been dedicated to creating inquiry-based learning environment that does more than teach students facts – it encourages the students’ curiosity and willingness to learn, and develops their skills. We believe that both these things have a long-lasting impact on a student, making them a life-long learner.
Kenneth Nicolaysen
Head of ISN Nakano Campus
Hello there!
Thank you for taking the time to visit our school and learn more about what we offer. My name is Kenneth Nicolaysen, and I am thrilled to be the head of Nagano campus at the International School of Nakano.
Initially, I started as a teacher for our Nursery class, but as of the start of our 2023 school year, I took on the role of head of campus. It’s been quite a journey seeing how we’ve grown over the years, starting with just a few students and now having a bustling community of learners. It’s been an exciting time to be a part of this school, and I’m honored to have witnessed its evolution firsthand.
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Incorporating fun activities and games into the learning process can enhance engagement and retention of information. Having fun while learning also promotes creativity and innovation, allowing individuals to explore and develop their unique interests and talents.
Our teachers prioritize creating a fun and joyful learning environment for all their students. When learning English feels like work, students quickly lose interest. We aim to make speaking English at school a natural part of communication with teachers and friends rather than something they must actively consider. This approach helps students stay engaged and motivated to learn, leading to a stress-free and enjoyable time at school.
Learning English can be a blast, especially for our young learners who get to sing and dance their way to fluency! We ensure all lessons and activities are conducted in English to give students and teachers ample opportunities to practice the phrases and vocabulary they’re working on.
Our school is dedicated to providing a fun and nurturing environment for our students, and we would be honored to have you join our community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want to schedule a tour. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Richine Bermudez
Head of ISN Shimauchi Campus
I am thrilled to offer a warm and heartfelt welcome to you as you become a part of our school community at ISN. My name is Richine Bermudez, head of ISN Shimauchi Campus.
Our campus is surrounded by nature, including the Nagano Alps, beautiful mountains that change color with every season, and relaxing parks with serene views. These breathtaking sights greet our learners every day, and they inspire and motivate them to learn and be knowledgeable, be inquirers and satisfy their curiosity, and be risk-takers while finding answers to every question in their hearts and minds.
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At ISN, we prioritize the well-being of our students, and our teachers are trained to design lessons and activities that promote their happiness and satisfaction. We want them to succeed in all their endeavors as students and make sure they have fun while they learn.
In this rapidly changing world, the ability to communicate and express oneself is crucial. For this reason, our campuses use English as the medium of instruction, which helps our learners connect with the world more easily and develop an adaptable, international mindset that will contribute to their bright future.
We are excited to establish a strong partnership with you and create beautiful and unforgettable memories together. At ISN, we believe that a positive education is a collaborative effort among parents, teachers, and students. We encourage you to participate actively in your child’s learning and celebrate their achievements with us.
Your support will significantly contribute to their success and overall school experience.
We are delighted to have you as a part of our family at ISN, where we foster future leaders who inspire the world.
Mary Rose Jareno
Head of ISN Nagano Campus
Hello there!
Thank you for taking the time to visit our school and learn more about what we offer. My name is Mary Rose Jareno, and I am thrilled to be the Head and PYP Support of the Nagano campus at the International School of Nagano. At ISN, we are deeply committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
READ MORE
Incorporating fun activities and games into the learning process can enhance engagement and retention of information. Having fun while learning also promotes creativity and innovation, allowing individuals to explore and develop their unique interests and talents.
Our teachers prioritize creating a fun and joyful learning environment for all their students. When learning English feels like work, students quickly lose interest. We aim to make speaking English at school a natural part of communication with teachers and friends rather than something they must actively consider. This approach helps students stay engaged and motivated to learn, leading to a stress-free and enjoyable time at school.
Learning English can be a blast, especially for our young learners who get to sing and dance their way to fluency! We ensure all lessons and activities are conducted in English to give students and teachers ample opportunities to practice the phrases and vocabulary they’re working on.
Our school is dedicated to providing a fun and nurturing environment for our students, and we would be honored to have you join our community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want to schedule a tour. We look forward to hearing from you soon!