Kumamoto International School
- IB PYP
- IB MYP
- IB Diploma
Per yearabout USD 5.31K–6.29K
JPY 840K–996K · 2027-28 school year · Source: school website (checked 2026-11-01)
About
Kumamoto International School is an IB World School in Kumamoto, Japan, teaching ages 2 to 18 across a preschool (Picasso), primary, middle and high school. English is the language of instruction, with native-level Japanese and Mandarin Chinese classes. A boarding dormitory for Grade 10-12 students opened in 2026.
Key facts
Source: Read from the school's website
Curriculum
IB PYP · IB MYP · IB Diploma
Ages
Ages 2–18
Students
300
Language
English
Type
International school
Fee level
- Nationalities
- 22
- Founded
- 2003
- School day
- 09:00-14:00
- Accreditations
- IB
Fees
Source: Read from the school's website
2027-28 school year
Age on the first day of the school year (usually 1 September). Cut-off dates differ by school.
| Grade | Per year |
|---|---|
| preschool | JPY 840,000≈ USD 5.31K |
| 1-6 | JPY 996,000≈ USD 6.29K |
| 7-12 | JPY 996,000≈ USD 6.29K |
| per year | |
|---|---|
| preschool | JPY 840,000 (about USD 5.31K) |
| 1-6 | JPY 996,000 (about USD 6.29K) |
| 7-12 | JPY 996,000 (about USD 6.29K) |
Source: school website (kumamotointer.jp) · checked 2026-11-01 · ECB reference rate (2026-11-06)
Per month · Across grades
初等部 Primary (Grades 1–6) → 高等部 High School (Grade 11)
| Kumamoto International School · Per month | |
|---|---|
| 初等部 Primary (Grades 1–6) | 83,000 |
| 中等部 Junior High (Grades 7–10) | 83,000 |
| 高等部 High School (Grade 11) | 83,000 |
| Grade | Per month |
|---|---|
| 初等部 Primary (Grades 1–6) | JPY 83,000 |
| 中等部 Junior High (Grades 7–10) | JPY 83,000 |
| 高等部 High School (Grade 11) | JPY 83,000 |
The school's document lists these amounts per period, so we show them as written.
One-off costs
- Application fee
- JPY 15,000
- Enrolment fee
- JPY 300,000
- Capital levy
- JPY 340,000
- Bus
- JPY 13,000
- Lunch
- JPY 440
As published by the school. Amounts change with the school year and exchange rates; please confirm with the school before applying. Converted amounts use the reference rate of the date shown. ECB reference rate (2026-11-06). Source: school website (checked 2026-11-01)
Admissions
Source: Read from the school's website
- Mid-year entry
- Possible
- Entry process
- Interview, Eal test
- Open days
- 2026-10-14, 2026-10-27, 2026-11-17
Curriculum and academics
Source: Read from the school's website
Curricula, explained
The IB's four programmes
Schools often run only some of the four. Highlighted boxes are the ones this school offers.
- IB PYPOffered
Early years to primary · Ages 3–12
The IB's primary programme. Children learn through questions and units of inquiry rather than separate subjects.
- IB MYPOffered
Middle years (ages 11–16) · Ages 11–16
The IB's middle-years programme: eight subject groups taught with links between them, ending with a personal project.
- IB DP (Diploma)Offered
Last 2 years of school · Ages 16–19
The IB's university-entrance qualification — what people usually mean by "the IB". Six subjects plus the Extended Essay, TOK and CAS, scored out of 45.
- IB CP (Career-related)Not here
Last 2 years of school · Ages 16–19
The IB's career-related route for the same ages as the DP: at least two DP courses plus a career-related study chosen by the school.
Last two years: DP or CP
Ages are the usual bands; schools can differ.Curriculum basics guide
Strengths
- Languages
- Academics
Student support
Source: Read from the school's website
- English support (EAL)
- Yes
- Mother-tongue programmes
- Japanese, Chinese
- Nurse on site
- Yes
- Boarding
- Yes
- School bus
- Yes
Campus and school life
Source: Read from the school's website
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Gym
- Library
- Sports field
- Music room
- Art studio
- Science labs
Sports
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Badminton
Arts
- Art
- Design studio
- Music room
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Sign in to requestThe essentials
Source: Read from the school's website
School day structure
The preschool day runs from 9:00 arrival to 14:00 pick-up, with circle time, outdoor play, lunch and afternoon activities.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Bus service
A paid school bus service runs for Grade 1 and above, on two routes covering central Kumamoto City and Kikuyo.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Diving deeper
Source: Read from the school's website
Boarding arrangements
A dormitory for Grade 10-12 students opened near Suizenji Station in 2026, with single rooms for all residents and resident house parents.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Food options
The preschool provides daily school meals, with menus published in advance.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Academics
Source: Read from the school's website
Curriculum
The school follows IB programmes, progressing from preschool through to the IB Diploma in stages.
- IB PYP
- IB MYP
- IB DP
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Wellbeing
Source: Read from the school's website
English as an additional language (EAL)
Students who need English support after enrolment must attend English language support classes until they reach the required level.
- English language support class
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Mental wellbeing
School counsellors qualified in Japan, able to counsel in Japanese, English and Chinese, and an on-site school nurse are available.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Safeguarding
The Toshima Nishi campus has surveillance cameras in all public areas and 24-hour security monitoring.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Parent experience
Source: Read from the school's website
History
Founded in 2003 with a preschool division, the school now serves ages 2 to Grade 12.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Facilities
Source: Read from the school's website
Facilities overview
The Toshima Nishi campus covers about 5,940 square metres, with an extension due for completion in December 2027.
- Classrooms
- Library
- Gymnasium
- Outdoor field
- Cafeteria (planned)
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Sports facilities
The gym has basketball, volleyball and badminton courts, plus an outdoor field and a rooftop pool at the preschool.
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Rooftop pool
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Academic facilities
Facilities include a science lab, music room, art and design studio, and a library with English, Japanese and Chinese books.
- Science lab
- Music room
- Art and design studio
- Library
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Extra-curricular activities
Source: Read from the school's website
Cultural and language
Preschool activities include a wagashi (Japanese sweets) workshop, strawberry picking and other cultural outings.
- Wagashi workshop
- Strawberry picking
- Fire station visit
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Languages
Source: Read from the school's website
Language provision
Lessons are taught in English, with native-level Japanese and Mandarin Chinese classes.
- English
- Japanese
- Mandarin Chinese
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Bilingual teaching
English-medium teaching alongside Japanese and Mandarin, aiming for confident communication across several languages.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Reputation
Source: Read from the school's website
Accreditations
The school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Admissions
Source: Read from the school's website
Admissions
Applicants attend a mandatory information session, apply online, take English and maths assessments and an interview, then receive results and complete enrolment.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Location
Source: Read from the school's website
Toshima Nishi campus: 〒861-8043 熊本県熊本市東区戸島西4丁目2-61. Nishibaru campus (preschool): 〒861-8029 熊本県熊本市東区西原1丁目22-24
Approximate location. Please use the address above for the exact spot.
Open in mapsUpdated 2026-11-06
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