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International and English-Based Schools in Sapporo, Hokkaido

As part of our resources for visitors to Sapporo, and families planning to live in the city, choosing the right school is an important consideration (especially for international families). Sapporo offers fully accredited international schools, English-based private schools, and Japanese language schools that support international residents.

— Internationals in Sapporo
— English-Language Schools in Sapporo
— Other International Schools in Hokkaido

International Schools in Sapporo

There are two Sapporo-based international schools, providing a full English-language education based on internationally recognized curricula.

Hokkaido International School (HIS)

Age: 3–18 years old
Neighborhood Profile: Minami-ku, Sapporo
Address: 1-24-2 Minami 25-jo Nishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Phone Number: 011-581-5590
Website: his.ac.jp

Fees: (Estimated total for the first year, including tuition and fees)
Kindergarten: approximately ¥2,200,000 – ¥2,500,000
Primary School: approximately ¥2,700,000 – ¥3,000,000
Secondary School: approximately ¥3,200,000 – ¥3,600,000

Hokkaido International School is the most established international school in Hokkaido, offering an English-language education based on the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and an International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). The school serves a diverse international community and provides education from early childhood through high school.

Sapporo International School (SIS)

Age: Elementary to Middle School (age range varies by year)
Neighborhood Profile: Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Address: 3 Chome-1-35 Kita 26 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-0026
Phone Number: 011-790-7555
Website: siischool.jp

Fees: (Estimated annual tuition; subject to change)
Elementary School: approximately ¥1,700,000 – ¥2,100,000
Middle School: approximately ¥2,200,000 – ¥2,600,000

Sapporo International School (SIS) provides an English-based international education, with a strong focus on inquiry-based learning, global citizenship, and multicultural understanding. SIS implements the American Curriculum, which follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for all grades (K-12), in combination with the AIQ (Arabic, Islamic, and Qur’an) curriculum, and Japanese National Curriculum. It is a popular choice for expatriate families and internationally minded Japanese families living in Sapporo.

International-Style & English Immersion Schools

There are several schools in Sapporo that offer English-centered (or bilingual education) but do not follow a full international school curriculum. They are best suited for early childhood education or as transitional options.

Blueberry English Preschool

Age: Preschool age (approximately 2–6 years old)
Neighborhood Profile: Kita-ku, Sapporo
Websites: https://sapporoblueberry.com/

Blueberry English Preschool offers a full-day, English-immersion environment using play-based and experiential learning. The program focuses on early language acquisition, social skills, and creativity in an English-speaking setting.

IKS Sapporo International School

Age: Preschool to elementary level
Neighborhood Profile: Toyohira-ku, Sapporo
Website: isk-international.jp

IKS Sapporo International School offers an English-focused curriculum emphasizing intellectual development, communication skills, and global perspectives. The school provides both early childhood and elementary programs in a small-class setting.

Olive International & Bilingual Montessori Kindergarten

Age: 2–6 years old
Neighborhood Profile: Toyohira-ku, Sapporo
Website: olivekinder.com

Olive International & Bilingual Montessori Kindergarten offers a bilingual learning environment based on Montessori principles. Children are exposed to both English and Japanese through hands-on activities, independent learning, and daily classroom interaction.

Kids Duo International Sapporo

Age: 2–6 years old
Neighborhood Profile: Multiple locations in Sapporo
Website: kidsduo.com

Kids Duo International is a nationwide English-immersion kindergarten and preschool brand in Japan. The Sapporo campuses offer full-day English education with structured academic and activity-based programs.

Little Tree International Preschool

Age: 1–6 years old
Neighborhood Profile: Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Website: little-tree-lp.com/Page?id=P084d34f

Little Tree International Preschool offers an English-immersion environment focused on play-based learning and early childhood development. The school is suitable for families seeking an English-language preschool setting.

Other International Schools in Hokkaido

In addition to schools in Sapporo, Hokkaido is home to several international and English-based schools located in other regions, offering alternative options for families living outside the city.

Hokkaido International School – Niseko (HIS Niseko)

Age: Approximately 4–14 years old (Primary & Middle School)
Neighborhood Profile: Niseko Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido
Address: 12 Fujimi, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1501
Phone Number: 0136-55-5252
Website: https://www.his.ac.jp/his-niseko

Fees: (Estimated total for the first year, including tuition and fees — subject to change)
Primary School: approximately ¥2,500,000 – ¥3,000,000
Middle School: approximately ¥2,800,000 – ¥3,300,000

Hokkaido International School – Niseko is a branch campus of Hokkaido International School in Sapporo and was established to serve the growing international and local community in the Niseko area. The school provides an English-language education in a small-class, community-focused environment, making it particularly attractive to international families and long-term residents of the Niseko region.

Notes for Families Moving to Sapporo

Sapporo has a limited number of full international schools, and enrollment availability can be competitive. Families are encouraged to contact schools directly for the most current information regarding admissions, tuition, and curriculum details. Many families also combine English-based education with Japanese public schools or language programs depending on long-term plans.