Makuhari International School at a glance
| Curriculum | Japanese national curriculum delivered in English |
|---|---|
| Exam boards | Not applicable at this stage (primary school) |
| Stages | Early years to primary (around age 3 to 12, K to Grade 6) |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Accreditation | Council of International Schools (CIS), accredited 2017 |
| Fee band | Mid (greater Tokyo) |
| Campus area | Wakaba, Mihama, Chiba |
Where a detail is not officially published we mark it clearly rather than guess. Always confirm current figures with the school.
Curriculum and academics
Makuhari International School delivers its programme in English to a younger cohort spanning the early years and primary stages, roughly from age three to twelve across kindergarten to Grade 6. It is recognised as a school under Article 1 of Japan's School Education Law, the first international primary school in the country to hold that status, and it follows the Japanese national curriculum with all subjects taught in English except Japanese language and culture. That combination of a Japanese foundation and an English-medium delivery is the school's distinctive feature.
As a purpose built international school in the Makuhari district, it gives families on the eastern side of the greater Tokyo area an English-medium option closer to home than the central city schools. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools, which it attained in 2017, a mark of international standards. A strong primary foundation in English prepares children well for the next stage, and many families move on to senior schools across the region, including those following the IB curriculum and other international pathways.
Because the school concentrates on the primary years, families plan the transition to a senior school in good time, and our overview of IB schools in the Tokyo area is a useful reference when mapping that move. Concentrating on the early and middle years means the school can tailor its facilities and staffing to that age group rather than spreading resources across a full age range.
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Makuhari International School fees
Makuhari International School fees sit in the mid band for the greater Tokyo area, more accessible than the premium central city campuses. The published cost is built from several parts, so plan beyond the headline tuition.
- Registration and application: a one-off charge when you apply.
- Annual tuition: billed per year, often by term.
- Facility levy: a contribution toward buildings and resources.
- Extras: lunch, bus, materials and activities.
For a citywide comparison, our guide to international school fees in Tokyo sets out the low, mid and premium tiers, while remembering that schools outside the central wards often price more modestly. Schools on the eastern edge of the greater Tokyo region can make a meaningful difference to a family budget over several years, so ask the school how charges fall across the year before comparing. We do not quote precise figures because the school revises them each year.
Admissions
The main intake aligns with the start of the school year, with applications opening in the months beforehand. Admission for a younger child typically centres on a visit, an age-appropriate assessment and a conversation with parents about the child's background and any language support needs.
Visiting the campus lets families see how the school works day to day and meet the staff who teach the younger years. Mid-year entry can be possible where a space opens, so families relocating to the Chiba or eastern Tokyo area partway through the cycle should contact the admissions office directly to ask about availability.
Location and who goes there
The campus is in the Wakaba area of Mihama ward in Chiba, part of the Makuhari district, a planned waterfront area on the eastern side of the greater Tokyo region known for its convention centre, business parks and family housing. The location suits international families based in Chiba and eastern Tokyo who want an English-medium school without a long commute into the central wards.
The community is international with a meaningful local element, reflecting Makuhari's mixed residential and business character, and families based in the eastern suburbs often prefer a school close to home over a long daily commute into the centre. For a fuller picture of districts, commutes and the wider schooling landscape across the region, our Tokyo city guide maps where expatriate families settle.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much are Makuhari International School fees?
Fees sit in the mid band for the greater Tokyo area, more accessible than the premium central campuses. Expect annual tuition plus a one-off registration charge and a facility levy. The school publishes current figures.
What curriculum does Makuhari International School follow?
It follows the Japanese national curriculum delivered in English, with all subjects taught in English except Japanese language and culture, across the early years and primary stages.
Is Makuhari International School in Tokyo?
No. The campus is in Chiba, on the eastern side of the greater Tokyo region. We include it within our wider Tokyo and Japan coverage.
Is Makuhari International School a good school?
Opened in 2009, it is accredited by the Council of International Schools and is the first international primary school in Japan recognised under Article 1. We do not rank schools; we recommend visiting and comparing it.
When do Makuhari International School applications open?
The main intake aligns with the school year, with applications opening beforehand. Mid-year entry can be possible subject to space.
