A world of choice for all children
– Empower Children Through Learning –
An international school with multiple campuses across Nagano Prefecture, from age 0 through junior high. Surrounded by the beauty of Shinshu, ISN gives children a one-of-a-kind place to learn, explore, and discover the world.
Why ISN?
Six Reasons Families Choose ISN
Why ISN? — We answer that question with six proven strengths.
Article 1 Accredited × International Education
An officially accredited school under Japan’s School Education Act, while embracing IB (International Baccalaureate) principles. Combining Japanese academic credentials with world-class inquiry-based learning. (Gojo Elementary)
14+ Years of Proven Results
Since our founding in 2012, over 14 years of educational practice and continuous improvement. Graduates have gone on to top Japanese schools and international high schools worldwide.
IB Principles × Original Development Method
Built on IB philosophy and inquiry-based learning, integrating psychology, philosophy, and leadership theory. We’ve established ISN’s unique method: Open Mindset + Integrity = Self-Trust.
Integrated Education (Ages 0–15)
Set against Shinshu’s spectacular natural landscape, our integrated educational philosophy guides children from play to inquiry to co-creation, with age-appropriate programs from preschool through junior high.
Learning Through Shinshu’s Nature
Starting with the Shiga Kogen UNESCO Eco-Park Environmental Learning Program (Nakano Elementary), outdoor activities — hiking, farming, skiing — are woven into the curriculum across all campuses throughout all four seasons.
A Community of Co-Creation with Parents
We see parents as partners and co-creators, valuing collaboration that draws on their expertise and networks, building equal partnerships together.
Programs
Three Programs
Age 0–5
Preschool
Through daily life and play, children build up ‘discoveries’, developing a natural foundation for communication in both English and Japanese.
Grade 1–6
Elementary
Student-centered, dialogue-based learning develops curiosity, expression, and independence through English and Japanese.
Grade 7–9+
Junior High
We nurture the ‘ability to enrich one’s life’ that cannot be measured by test scores alone. Balancing five dimensions of well-being — love, health, money, learning, and work — students explore their own interests and values deeply, building a lifelong foundation for inquiry.
Our Philosophy
Educational Philosophy
A world of choice for all children
* Here, ‘world’ means not just overseas, but the expansion of all possibilities.
Empower Children Through Learning
Matsumoto Area
Nagano / Nakano Area
Saku / Miyota / Karuizawa Area
* IB PYP Candidate School: As a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, we are pursuing authorization as an IB World School. Candidate status does not guarantee that authorization will be granted.
Relocation
Choosing ISN from outside Nagano
About 20–30% of our students are families who relocated from outside the prefecture. They share how it actually went — housing, work, and settling into the community.
Voices
Parent & Student Voices
“Building genuine confidence through independence”
Discovering the joy of thinking and challenging on their own.
I thought international school might be a high bar, but what surprised me was my child’s transformation. It’s not just speaking English — they now take on challenges they used to avoid. The teachers engage earnestly with each child’s individuality, and thanks to their warm support, our child is developing real independence, expressing their own opinions confidently at home too.
“World-class learning that deepens the parent-child bond”
IB education transformed our family conversations.
We chose ISN for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and the growth has exceeded our expectations. The school hosts parent workshops too, so we can deepen our own learning alongside our children. Watching our child naturally absorb English while interacting daily with friends and teachers from diverse backgrounds is a daily joy.
“The ideal educational environment, connected to the community”
World-class education in Shinshu’s rich environment.
I had no idea such a rich educational environment existed in our neighborhood. The external lessons like swimming at preschool are incredibly comprehensive, and the ability to develop international sensibility while staying connected to local culture is a value unique to ISN. Supported by the dedicated teachers and staff, our child truly loves going to school every day.
Alumni Voices
Alumni Voices — ISN graduates, today
Track & Field / Math Research Club
Having no resistance to English presentations is thanks to ISN. From a young age, making slides and speaking in English in front of people became like second nature. Even during my summer study abroad, I could talk with people from overseas without hesitation.
Eiken Grade 1 / MEXT Minister’s Award / Canadian Ambassador’s Award
I achieved Eiken Grade 1 and high scores in TOEIC and TOEFL. Since English doesn’t require much study time, I can focus on other subjects and maintain strong grades across the board. The presentation skills I built in elementary school continue to serve me well in many situations.
Stanford Summer Camp participant
At a school with many returnee students, people are surprised when I say I grew up in Japan. At the Stanford summer camp, I could communicate with international friends on a deeper level. Knowing English gives you this feeling of being able to reach information that Japanese alone can’t access.
Initiative
From Nagano, to communities across Japan.
Together with local governments and educational institutions, ISN is working to bring “a world of choice” to communities across the country — building on 14 years of practice in Nagano.
Admission
Admission
Start with a campus visit
A first step in thinking together about your child’s future.