Tohoku International School
- IB PYP
- IB Diploma
Per yearabout USD 5.05K–8.84K
JPY 800K–1.4M · 2025-26 school year · Source: school website (checked 2026-10-29)
About
Tohoku International School (TIS) is an English-medium international school in Sendai offering an individualized, holistic programme from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The school describes itself as the only international school in the Tohoku region.
Key facts
Source: Read from the school's website
Curriculum
IB PYP · IB Diploma
Ages
Ages 3–18
Language
English
Type
International school
Fee level
- Grades
- Kindergarten – Grade 12
- Ownership
- Non-profit
Fees
Source: Read from the school's website
2025-26 school year
Age on the first day of the school year (usually 1 September). Cut-off dates differ by school.
| Grade | Per year |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten (Full day) | JPY 800,000≈ USD 5.05K |
| Grade 1-8 | JPY 1,150,000≈ USD 7.26K |
| Grade 9-10 | JPY 1,350,000≈ USD 8.53K |
| Grade 11-12 | JPY 1,400,000≈ USD 8.84K |
| per year | |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten (Full day) | JPY 800,000 (about USD 5.05K) |
| Grade 1-8 | JPY 1,150,000 (about USD 7.26K) |
| Grade 9-10 | JPY 1,350,000 (about USD 8.53K) |
| Grade 11-12 | JPY 1,400,000 (about USD 8.84K) |
Source: school website (tisweb.net) · checked 2026-10-29 · ECB reference rate (2026-11-06)
| min | max | |
|---|---|---|
| Tohoku International School (this school) | JPY 800,000 (about USD 5.05K) | JPY 1,400,000 (about USD 8.84K) |
| Horizon Academy Sendai Campus | JPY 890,000 (about USD 5.62K) | JPY 960,000 (about USD 6.06K) |
Source: school website (tisweb.net) · checked 2026-10-29 · ECB reference rate (2026-11-06)
One-off costs
- Application fee
- JPY 15,000
- Enrolment fee
- JPY 400,000
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 2026-10-29)
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 MYPNot here
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
- Academics
- Performing arts
- Service
Student support
Source: Read from the school's website
- English support (EAL)
- Yes
- Mother-tongue programmes
- Japanese
- School bus
- Yes
Campus and school life
Source: Read from the school's website
Facilities
- Library
Arts
- Art
- Music
- Annual musical
Request a school tour
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Sign in to requestAccreditation and memberships
Source: Read from the school's website
- Accreditations
- WASC, IB
- Memberships
- JCIS
The essentials
Source: Read from the school's website
Bus service
School buses run three routes from Sendai Station and nearby neighbourhoods. Monthly fees vary by stop.
- Sendai Station
- Yaotome
- Daikannon
- Akashidai
- Izumi Parktown
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Diving deeper
Source: Read from the school's website
Governance and ownership
Sponsored by Nanko Gakuen Corporation since 1988 and governed with an advisory council of the Principal and stakeholder representatives.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Academics
Source: Read from the school's website
Curriculum
Offers IB PYP from Kindergarten and IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. Inquiry-based learning, with courses taught in English.
- IB PYP
- IB DP
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Wellbeing
Source: Read from the school's website
Social and emotional learning (SEL)
Secondary curriculum includes Social-Emotional Learning, with technology integrated across subjects.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
English as an additional language (EAL)
EAL support for Grades 1–10, inside and outside regular classes, with flexible small-group English teaching. Not applied to Grades 11–12.
- In-class support
- Small-group English instruction
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Safeguarding
Operates a safeguarding policy with staff training and clear reporting procedures, overseen by a designated safeguarding lead and deputy. Policies include Safeguarding, Behaviour and Digital Media.
- Safeguarding Policy
- Behaviour Policy
- Digital Media Policy
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Parent experience
Source: Read from the school's website
History
Has served the Tohoku region for nearly 50 years and is a sister school of Tohoku High School.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Extra-curricular activities
Source: Read from the school's website
Arts and creative
Stages an all-English annual musical each spring with students, staff and parents involved.
- Annual spring musical
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Social and hobbies
Student Council organises events through the year, including dances, Spirit Week, movie nights and house events.
- High school dances
- Spirit Week
- Movie Night
- House events
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Community and service
Student Council runs fundraising events and donates part of the proceeds to the secondary service trip.
- Fundraising events
- Secondary service trip
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Leadership and professional
Student Council elects officers for one-year terms, giving students leadership and democracy experience.
- Student Council
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Languages
Source: Read from the school's website
Language provision
Courses are taught in English except the Japanese language class. The school also runs a Japanese class and EAL support.
- English
- Japanese language class
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Reputation
Source: Read from the school's website
Accreditations
Accredited by WASC and an authorized IB school. States it holds formal recognition from Miyagi Prefecture as an educational institution.
- WASC
- IB authorized school
- Miyagi Prefecture recognition
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Location
Source: Read from the school's website
Similar schools
Horizon Academy Sendai CampusIB PYP · UK EYFS
JPY 890K–960K (about USD 5.62K–6.06K)
- Miyagi Prefectural Sendai Nika Junior and Senior High School
IB Diploma
Schools in the same city with a similar curriculum and fee level. Not a ranking.
More in this city · SendaiUpdated 2026-11-06
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