Empowering all children with choices for the world.
The purpose of ISN Education is to nurture “independent individuals.”
Nurturing independent individuals involves the following process:
1. Discovering who we are,
2. Understanding empathy (towards others),
3. Developing the skill of “giving.”
4. The process of “giving” is a practice that shifts one’s focus from “self” to “others/people around them.”
ISN believes that an independent individual is one who shows an interest in others and practices giving in various ways.
Therefore, they develop well-being for not only themselves but also their organizations and their communities.
This is reflected in the ISN mission statement created by ISN staff members five years ago: “ISN is nurturing leaders who make the world exciting!”
MISSION
ISN is where children train to be inspiring world leaders.
ISN students use tools such as IB’s LP/ATL (Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning) and the Japanese national curriculum guidelines to deepen their understanding of who we are and empathy. They also develop self-management skills, social skills, communication skills, thinking skills, and research skills as part of the process.
In partnership (equal relationship) with the entire school community (friends, parents, guardians, school staff, homeroom teachers, and other stakeholders), they practice and grow every day.
Hi, I am Dan Frisby the PYPC Coordinator Team Leader at ISN.
Our students, their view of their world, and the way they learn create, and share have changed.
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).
IB programmes aim to provide an education that enables students to make sense of the complexities of the world around them, as well as equip them with the skills and dispositions needed for taking responsible action for the future.
These programs encourage students to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners. The aim of ISN is to develop internationally minded people who recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet. Central to this aim is international-mindedness.
Using English as our primary language allows students to connect with the world. Our curriculum provides the educational foundation your child requires for the future, but is delivered in a holistic, empathetic, and supportive manner that nurtures your child to embrace challenge.
ISN acknowledges that while students should be at the heart of the transformation journey, the careful and deliberate empowerment of educators is what will build the finest education program for all at ISN.
I am very excited for you to come on this exciting educational journey with you and your children to create a world where our Well being and understanding of our place in the world can drive a fantastic future for all to explore and grow.
Martyn John Hatori Singleton
-Gojo Campus
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.
Our faculty and staff are dedicated professionals who are passionate about learning and deeply committed to their students' success. They work tirelessly to create engaging and challenging academic programs that will help your child reach their full potential. Whether it's through small class sizes, individualized instruction, or a wide range of developmentally stimulating activities, we are committed to providing the support and resources your child needs to succeed.
And finally, we believe that education is a partnership between the school, the family, and the community. We welcome parents to get involved in our school community, whether it's through volunteering, attending events, or simply staying informed about their child's progress. We believe that by working together, we can create a strong support network that will help your child succeed.
We hope that you will consider our school for your child's education. We look forward to getting to know you and your family and to welcoming you into our community here at ISN Gojo, Nagano, Japan.
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.
We do this by being life-long learners ourselves: our teachers keep inquiring into new ways to teach and collaborate with each other, in order to make the best learning environments for their students. We are also dedicated to collaborating with our parents, neighbors, and the entire school community. We believe it is true what they say: it does “take a village to raise a child”.
It fills me with incredible joy to know that you are entrusting us with the education of your child, one of the most important steps they can take towards a happy future. Let’s support them together in exploring, inquiring, and achieving their goals!
Kenneth Nicolaysen
-Head of Nagano 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 Nagano.
I've been a part of the Nagano campus since we opened our doors in 2019. 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 the Nagano 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.
The preschool and elementary classes are housed under one roof at Nagano campus. This arrangement serves a dual purpose: younger students have role models to admire, while older students can showcase their independence. Across all classes, the common thread is "Fun," ensuring that students enjoy their learning experience.
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 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.
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.