Nagano Campus (EN)
Nagano Campus
Nagano Campus Preschool
Age 2 to school entry / Non‑licensed childcare facility (eligible for free early childhood education)
From age two to the start of school. Days spent exploring in English, here in Nagano City.
Why this campus
Free early education
Ages 3 to 6 fall under the free early childhood education scheme (up to ¥37,000 a month); certification of need for childcare is required.
From the day after
turning two
Children can join from the day after their second birthday.
English is our everyday language
English is the main language throughout the day, from arrival to pick-up time. From the age-5 class, Japanese-language sessions are also included, supporting children’s development in both languages.
A base for northern Nagano
Easy to reach from Nagano City and Chikuma. A school bus is available.
Learning through
the Five Senses
The day is spent in English, with much of the learning happening outdoors in ISN’s beautiful Satoyama landscape, where children use all five senses. Hands-on activities at orchards and farms, supported by close partnerships, are a regular part of the daily routine.
Close communication
with families
We keep in close touch with parents and carers, and we build activities together with them.
Message
A message from the head of campus
Alex Robinson
Head of ISN Nagano Campus
I am thrilled to welcome parents and students into a perfect environment that embraces outdoor play and real-world learning opportunities.
Hello, my name is Alex Robinson. I am the Head of Campus at the International School of Nagano—Nagano Campus.
It is a delight to be part of a community where the environment naturally supports an open mindset and growth.
I am deeply committed to fostering a welcoming, encouraging, and supportive learning experience for every student. My goal is to ensure that each child feels valued and responsible for reaching their full potential.
At ISN students are guided to learn and build multidisciplinary skills through an inquiry-based curriculum that encourages communication, curiosity, and confidence. Here, students become strong lifelong learners, who grow from important parts of the school to invaluable members of the greater community.
I have 20 years of experience in education across all levels and various backgrounds and nationalities. I have a thorough understanding of how people learn and grow throughout their educational journey.
I am excited to collaborate with teachers, students, and parents to create a dynamic educational experience. Together, we can inspire our students to become lifelong learners and compassionate global citizens.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 – 09:00 | Reception, free play, workstations and tidy-up | ||||
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Morning circle time and tea break | ||||
| 10:00 – 11:40 | UOI inquiry time (free play, centres, craft, park etc.) | ||||
| — | Dance 10:40 – 11:10 | — | Music 10:40 – 11:10 | — | |
| 11:40 – 13:00 | Lunch, tidy-up and free play | ||||
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Reading | Writing | Reading Swimming (biweekly) | Japanese 13:30 – 14:00 | Phonics |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | UOI (free play, centres, craft, park etc.) | ||||
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Snack time | ||||
| 15:15 – 15:45 | Afternoon circle time: story, developmental goals, reflection and songs | ||||
An example from the age‑5 class (Milky Way / K3), school year 2026–2027. Timetables vary by class and age.
Dance and swimming take place off site, so the times include travel to and from the lesson.
Spring
Spring
- Entrance ceremony
- Open lesson day
- Class photos
- School open day
Summer
Summer
- Bus excursion
- Summer school
- Sports open day
- Sports festival
- IB workshop for parents
Autumn
Autumn
- Autumn festival
- Parents’ meeting
- Halloween party
Winter
Winter
- Christmas show
- Graduation ceremony
We publish every cost, so that you can judge education as an investment that returns.
Preschool 2026‑2027
| Item | Amount | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolment fee | Age-2 class ¥35,000 Age-3 class ¥150,000 | On enrolment | Includes the first-year facilities fee |
| Tuition (monthly) | Age-2 class ¥70,000 Age 3 and above ¥88,000 From April 2027: age-2 class ¥77,000 / age 3 and above ¥96,500 | End of the preceding month | Children can join from the day after their second birthday. Ages 3 to 5 fall under the free early childhood education scheme (up to ¥37,000 a month); certification of need for childcare is required |
| IB programme fee | ¥10,000 / month | End of the preceding month | |
| Meals | ¥10,000 / month | End of the preceding month | If a packed lunch is brought for reasons such as allergies, there is an additional ¥4,000 meal administration fee to cover necessary arrangements. |
| Extended care | ¥7,000 / month ¥7,000 / time | End of the preceding month, or as used | Registration is required by the end of the preceding month. The per-time rate applies without prior registration |
| Pick-up after 19:00 | ¥1,000 / 10 minutes | As it arises | Please note that facilities close at 7:00pm |
| School bus | ¥9,000 / month | End of the preceding month | Registration required |
| Facilities fee (from the second year) | ¥125,000 / year | Once a year, around March | From the second year of enrolment |
| EAL lessons | ¥1,000 per 30-minute session | Added two months later | For children joining mid-year from the age-4 class who need English support, or any child who needs individual support |
| T‑shirt / sweatshirt | ¥2,800 / ¥5,500 | ||
| Class hat | ¥2,800 |
Amounts are subject to change. We will go through the current details with you during your visit.
Opening hours
Class sizes
Visit and Talk with Us
Admissions are handled individually, with about 30 minutes for class observation followed by 30 minutes for questions.
Apply
Submit the application form to the school. If applications exceed the places available, children are prioritised by our criteria (1) a sibling already attends ISN, (2) one of the parents uses English at home.
Enrolment
Once the enrolment fee is confirmed we post the letter of acceptance. Enrolment materials (handbook, annual calendar) follow around February.
Our team
Learning Facilitator
What is a Learning Facilitator?
At ISN, we call our teachers Learning Facilitators.
Our Learning Facilitators are professional educators and classroom teachers who work directly with our students.
We intentionally use the term “Learning Facilitator” rather than simply “Teacher” because it reflects the approach to education that we value at ISN.
Rather than simply delivering knowledge or providing answers, our Learning Facilitators encourage children to ask, “Why?” “I wonder…” and “What if I try…?” They support students as they think for themselves, ask questions, explore ideas, and take an active role in their own learning.
From teaching to facilitating learning.
A Learning Facilitator learns alongside each child, supports their individual journey, and helps them discover and develop their potential.
That is what it means to be a Learning Facilitator at ISN.
Alex Robinson
Head of ISN Nagano Campus / Shooting Star Learning Facilitator (4-5 years old)
Kaoru Miyazaki
Assistant Learning Facilitator
Rie Kuribayashi
ISN Representative
Ole Kenneth Nicolaysen
Head PYPC / Milky Way Learning Facilitator (5-6years old)
Ma. Anna Rosario T. Gascon
Rainbow / Aurora Learning Facilitator(2 / 3-4years old)
Miho Watanabe
Milky Way Learning Facilitator(5-6years old)
Izumi Atou
Rainbow Learning Facilitator（2 years old）
Akiko Kubicek
Shooting Star Learning Facilitator
Hiromi Yazawa
Aurora Learning Facilitator(3-4years old)
Rie Fujisawa
Office Staff
Hideo Minemura
Bus Driver
Access
Campus details and access
News
Nagano Rainbow: Curious Mind On the Move! (September 7th-11th) 2026.09.12
Nagano Aurora – 🪲 Tiny Creatures, Big Discoveries! (September 7th-11th) 2026.09.11
Shooting Star has Small Creatures and Big Skills! 9.7-11 2026.09.11
Nagano Aurora -🐾 Tiny Animal Explorers: Learning Through Fun and Play (August 31st- September 4th) 2026.09.07
Nagano Rainbow: Rainy Day Adventures at the Park! (August 31st- September 4th) 2026.09.05
Nagano Milky Way –Working Together Towards Sports Festival (August 31st -September 4th) 2026.09.04
Day to day
Visit Us
Come and see what a day here actually looks like
No brochure explains us as well as seeing the children spend a day in English.
Individual visits are available throughout the year (by appointment).