Shimauchi Campus (EN)
Shimauchi Campus
Shimauchi Campus Preschool
Age 3 until age 6 / Certified centre for early childhood education and care
From age three to the start of Elementary school. An IB World School, with inquiry at the centre of every day.
Why this campus
IB World School
An IB-authorised setting. The inquiry cycle sits at the centre, with children forming their own questions.
Certified centre
We accept Type 1 and 2 certifications, so families who need childcare are welcome too.
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.
After-school care
Children who move on to our elementary school can continue to use after-school care at Shimauchi.
Message
A message from the head of campus
Richine Bermudez
Head of ISN Shimauchi Campus
It is my pleasure to warmly welcome you to the ISN Shimauchi Campus community.
My name is Richine Bermudez, Head of ISN Shimauchi Campus.
Surrounded by nature, our campus offers beautiful views of the Nagano Alps, mountains that change color with every season, and peaceful parks where children can explore and connect with the world around them. These surroundings naturally awaken their curiosity and inspire them to become knowledgeable inquirers, open-minded thinkers, and courageous risk-takers.
We believe that every child is capable, curious, and full of potential. Learners are encouraged to express their ideas, make meaningful choices, and reflect on their experiences, developing agency and ownership of their learning. Our learning facilitators observe, listen, ask thoughtful questions, and coach children as they explore possibilities, overcome challenges, and discover their own answers.
The well-being of every learner remains at the heart of our practice. We foster a safe, caring, and joyful environment where children feel confident to communicate, collaborate, try new things, make mistakes, and grow. With English as the main language of instruction, they also develop adaptable and internationally minded perspectives that help them connect with the wider world.
We believe that education becomes more meaningful when families, learning facilitators, and learners work together. We look forward to building a strong partnership with you, celebrating each child’s growth, and creating unforgettable memories as one learning community.
Welcome to the ISN family, where we empower children through learning and nurture future leaders who will inspire the world.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 – 08:30 | Early-morning childcare | ||||
| 08:30 – 09:20 | Reception / IB time (free play, workstations, craft) and tidy-up | ||||
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Morning circle time and tea break | ||||
| 10:00 – 11:40 | IB Time (inquiry) | IB Time (inquiry) | IB Time (inquiry) | IB Time (inquiry) | IB Time (inquiry) |
| Park Leave 10:00 / back 11:00 | Phonics (writing) | Music 11:10 – 11:40 | Japanese 10:00 – 11:00 | Gym Bus 10:55 / back 12:05 | |
| 11:40 – 13:00 | Lunch, tidy-up and free play | ||||
| 13:00 – 13:30 | Rest time | ||||
| 13:00 – 15:00 | Phonics 13:00 – 14:00 | Swimming Bus 12:50 / back 15:00 | IB Time (inquiry) | Tennis Bus 13:05 / back 14:30 | Phonics (reading) 13:00 – 14:00 |
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Snack time | ||||
| 15:20 – 15:45 | Afternoon circle time | ||||
| 16:00 – 19:00 | Evening childcare | ||||
An example from the age‑5 (Rainforest) class. Timetables vary by class.
Spring
Spring
- Entrance ceremony
- Open lesson day
- Spring festival
- Class photos
- School open day
Summer
Summer
- Bus excursion
- Sports open day
- Science fair
- Sports festival
- IB workshop for parents
Autumn
Autumn
- Autumn festival
- Parents’ meeting
- Safety drill
- Halloween party
Winter
Winter
- Christmas show
- Music concert and open day
- Graduation ceremony
We publish every cost, so that you can judge education as an investment that returns.
Preschool 2026‑2027
| Item | Amount | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare fee | Age 2 ⇒ Set by Matsumoto City according to household income Age 3 and above ⇒ Free | ||
| Programme fee (English programme) | Age 2 ⇒ ¥27,500 Age 3 and above ⇒ ¥49,000 From April 2027: age 2 ⇒ ¥30,000 / age 3 and above ⇒ ¥54,000 | End of the preceding month | Siblings enrolled in preschool at the same time: 30% off for the second child, 40% off from the third. Where siblings attend both the elementary/middle school and preschool: 15% off for the second preschool child, 20% off from the third |
| IB programme fee | Age 3 and above ⇒ ¥10,000 / month From April 2027 | End of the preceding month | |
| Meals | Age 3 and above ⇒ ¥8,800 / month | End of the preceding month | |
| Registration fee (Type 1 certification) | ¥20,000 | Type 1 only. Non-refundable once paid | |
| School bus | ¥7,500 / month | End of the preceding month | ¥1,000 / month if used only between ISN campuses |
| Facilities fee (all ages) | ¥100,000 / year | End of each school year (March) | ¥84,000 / year with the sibling discount |
| Extended care | Type 2 and 3 ⇒ Set by Matsumoto City according to household income (per 30 minutes) | Added to the following month | |
| Monthly extended care | ¥3,800 / month | End of the preceding month | Type 1 only |
| Occasional extended care | ¥1,000 / 30 minutes | Added two months later | The same for every certification type |
| Afternoon snack during extended care | ¥50 / time | Debited the following month | Please talk to us about allergies |
| 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 |
| Items at cost (all ages) | Event costs and school items | As they arise | Halloween ¥500 / Christmas show ¥3,000 / T‑shirt ¥2,800 / hat ¥2,800 / sweatshirt ¥5,500 / stationery set around ¥3,000 / melodica around ¥6,000 (used from the age-4 music class) / class photo ¥600 (prices may change) |
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
We handle admissions individually. About 30 minutes observing a class, then 30 minutes for questions.
Apply (Type 1 certification)
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.
Apply (Type 2 certification)
Submit the application to Matsumoto City. The city carries out the allocation and selection, and closes applications once the places are filled. Families living outside the city need to apply for cross-municipality use.
Enrolment
Once the registration fee is confirmed we post the letter of acceptance. Enrolment materials (handbook, annual calendar) follow around February.
Thinking of relocating here?
Matsumoto City runs a relocation desk with its own support programmes.
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.
Richine Bermudez
Head of Shimauchi Campus / Rainforest Learning Facilitator (5-6 years old)
Yuko Nakajima
Marketing
Rie Kuribayashi
ISN Representative
Fronielyn Tenerepe
Savanna Learning Facilitator (4-5 years old)
Ayako Ishida
Head Learning Facilitator
Ayako Futatsugi
Rainforest Learning Facilitator (5-6 years old)
Shizuka Tateiwa
Savanna Learning Facilitator (4-5 years old)
Naoko Suzuki
Learning Facilitator On Call
Hitoko Shiroya
PYPC / Sub Head Learning Facilitator / Canyon Learning Facilitator (3-4 years old)
Susuana Obeng
Canyon Learning Facilitator (3-4 years old)
Mariko Kuribayashi
Rainforest Learning Facilitator (5-6 years old)
Jimmy Hoyle
Waterfall Learning Facilitator(3-4years old)
Eri Maeda
Shimauchi office
Nakako Tsuji
Accounting
Noboru Yishizawa
Bus Driver
Masayuki Hojo
Bus driver
Access
Campus details and access
News
Busy Bees! (WF 9/17) 2026.09.17
Leading the Way: Rainforest at Sports Festival 2026 09/07 – 09/11 2026.09.13
Our First Sports Festival! Great job Waterfall! (WF 9/11) 2026.09.12
CANYON: PANCAKE TASTING:EXPLORING FOOD WE GET FROM ANIMAL PRODUCTS: 6TH SEPT TO 11TH SEPT 2026.09.11
🐞Caring Hearts and Sports Festival Fun!🏃♀️🏃♂️ SV 9/7-9/11 2026.09.11
Rainforest: Sportsmanship 8/31 – 9/4 2026.09.05
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).