ISN Summer School

2027

This summer, the highlands are our classroom.

Nakano Campus Where the Highlands Become Our Classroom.

SCROLL

— Coming Soon

Thank you for all your applications. Details for Summer School 2027 are usually announced around February.

The latest Summer School news is shared first via ISN’s Official LINE.
Information that stays the same each year — campus features, the daily schedule and what to bring — is listed below.

— Summer School 2027 / Nakano Campus

Five days to think
and explore in English.

The summer program at Nakano Campus — an environmental learning provider for the Shiga Highlands UNESCO Eco Park — runs in an “inclusion style”: participants spend the day alongside current students who learn in English every day.

Based in the nature of the Kitashingo Mountains, everything from workshops that spark intellectual curiosity to fieldwork that engages all five senses is conducted in English. It is a practical program for children who want to deepen their dialogue and inquiry in English.

Why Nakano Campus?

Three reasons to spend the summer here.

The Shiga Highlands UNESCO Eco Park

A world-renowned natural environment lies within walking and driving distance. Programs are built systematically around the themes of environment, diversity and sustainability.

Outdoors in the Morning, Indoors in the Afternoon — All English, All Day

In the cool mornings, children explore around the campus or take bus trips to nearby campgrounds. As temperatures rise in the afternoon, they move to specialist classrooms for learning activities — combining time to move with time to think.

Designed as a Practical Program

Classes are formed for children who want to deepen their dialogue and inquiry in English. For this reason, an understanding of basic English is a requirement to join.

The moment English clicks, the whole world opens up. — ISN Summer School

Program Overview

Nakano Campus at a Glance

For	Grades 1 – 6For children who understand basic English. Children not enrolled at ISN are welcome.
Dates	Summer 2027 (dates to be confirmed)In 2026 the program ran in two five-day sessions: Session 1, Mon Jul 27 – Fri Jul 31, and Session 2, Mon Aug 3 – Fri Aug 7.
Fee	To be announcedIn 2026 the fee was ¥75,000 for one week / ¥150,000 for two weeks (tax included), covering materials, activities, transportation, lunch and the school bus.
Location	Nakano Campus (Elementary) 1572 Hekita, Nakano, Nagano 383-0061

A Day at ISN Summer

Daily Schedule

Nakano Campus (Elementary)

9:00–9:45	Morning ActivityInquiry-Based Learning
9:45–9:50	BreakShort Rest
9:50–10:35	Morning ActivityInquiry-Based Learning
10:35–10:55	BreakShort Rest
10:55–11:40	Morning ActivityInquiry-Based Learning
11:40–11:45	BreakShort Rest
11:45–12:30	Morning ActivityInquiry-Based Learning
12:30–13:20	Lunch TimeProvided Daily
13:20–13:40	Cleaning TimeTidy Up Together
13:45–14:50	Afternoon ActivitiesCreative & Outdoor Sessions
14:50–15:00	BreakShort Rest
15:00–15:25	Diary Writing & Closing CircleReflection Together

* The schedule above is from 2026. The 2027 schedule will be announced once confirmed. Timings may shift depending on the day’s activities.

What to Bring

What to Wear & Bring

Clothing

Any clothing is fine* ISN uniforms are also available for purchase
We recommend comfortable, lightweight trousers suitable for hiking

Items to Bring

Water bottle (water or tea)
Tissues & handkerchief
Hat (with a brim)
A full change of clothes
Towel for sweat
Sunscreen
Packed lunch (only if bringing your own)
Swim set (swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, towel)

* Please label all belongings. The list above is based on our 2026 guidance.

How to Apply

From Application to the First Day

Notice of Acceptance

Summer School applications are accepted only through ISN’s Official LINE. After each application period closes, we send a “Notice of Acceptance” to the email address you registered. Places are not allocated on a first-come, first-served basis; we review all applications once the period closes and contact families in turn.* This program is not first-come, first-served. After each application period closes, the office reviews all applications carefully and sends Notices of Acceptance in turn.
* Sessions that reach capacity in the first round will not hold a second round.

Enrollment (Payment & Details)

Together with the Notice of Acceptance, we send payment instructions and the details for the program days (what to bring and where to meet).

All Set

Enrollment is complete once we confirm your payment by the due date.

* If you use domain-based email filtering, please make sure you can receive emails from our office. Fees are non-refundable once paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Can my child join without speaking English?

Nakano Campus is a practical program for children who want to deepen their dialogue and inquiry in English, so a certain level of English is required. If you are looking for a program with no English requirement, please consider Nagano Campus (Pre-K & Kindergarten) or Gojo Campus (Elementary).

Can families from outside Nagano Prefecture participate?

Yes, we welcome many families from across Japan and from overseas. Our campuses are easily accessible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen and expressways, and many families combine the program with a summer trip or a visit home. We are happy to help with accommodation as well.

Is the program only for current ISN students?

Not at all — external participants are very welcome. Learning alongside current ISN students in our inclusion-style format is at the heart of the program.

Are places first-come, first-served?

No. After each application period closes, the office reviews all applications and sends Notices of Acceptance in turn. Sessions that reach capacity in the first round will not hold a second round.

For any other questions, please contact the Nakano Campus (Elementary) office (nakano@isnedu.org).

Other Campuses

Explore Our Other Campuses

Nagano Campus

Summer School for Pre-K & Kindergarten

Gojo Campus

Summer School for Elementary & Junior High

Back to Summer School 2026