Poppins Active Learning International School, usually shortened to PALIS, is an English-immersion preschool and kindergarten among the international schools in Tokyo. It sits in Ebisu in Shibuya-ku and takes children from 11 months to 6 years. The programme follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage and is built around active learning, so the youngest learners build English and early skills through play before primary school.
PALIS at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS); English immersion with optional Japanese |
|---|---|
| Stages | Preschool and kindergarten, around 11 months to 6 years |
| Founded | Not published |
| Accreditation | Follows the British EYFS framework; verify current status with the school |
| Fee band | Mid to upper for Tokyo early-years provision |
| Campus area | Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, central Tokyo |
Curriculum and academics
PALIS follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, the British framework for the early years, delivered through active, hands-on learning. Classes cover art, music, physical development, mathematics, science and English literacy, with optional Japanese, and the school adds specialist programmes such as ballet, coding and piano. Most of the day is conducted in English by native-English-speaking teachers.
Because provision ends at kindergarten, families planning a longer stay should arrange a primary school place in advance. Our Tokyo nursery and preschool guide gathers the English-medium settings in one place, which helps when planning the move to primary.
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PALIS fees
Poppins Active Learning International School fees sit in the mid to upper part of the Tokyo international school fees range for early-years provision. Preschool fees in Tokyo are usually charged termly or monthly and vary with the number of days and hours each week.
Beyond tuition, budget for a registration or enrolment fee, materials and activity charges, and the cost of lunches and any optional specialist programmes. Because fees are reviewed each year, confirm the current schedule with the school before you plan.
Admissions
PALIS takes children into its early-years provision as places become available. Families should confirm the current age range and apply early, as English-immersion places in central Tokyo are in demand.
The process for the early years is informal, usually a visit and a conversation with the family rather than a formal test. Most Tokyo international schools run a year from late August or early September to June, so plan your application and any relocation steps around that calendar.
Location and who goes there
Poppins Active Learning International School is in Ebisu in Shibuya-ku, in central Tokyo, a short walk from Ebisu station. The area is well connected and within easy reach of the business districts where many expat parents work.
Central Tokyo is where many international families with young children settle, drawn by the short commutes and the choice of English-language early-years provision. For the wider picture, see our guide to international schools in Tokyo.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and accepts no payment from schools, so we publish parent reviews only after confirming the reviewer is part of the school community. If your family knows PALIS first hand, please share your experience through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Poppins Active Learning International School fees?
PALIS fees sit in the mid to upper band for Tokyo early-years provision and are usually charged termly or monthly, varying with the days and hours each week. Add a registration fee, materials and lunch costs, and any specialist programmes. Confirm the current schedule with the school.
What ages does Poppins Active Learning International School take?
PALIS is an English-immersion preschool and kindergarten taking children from 11 months to 6 years. Provision ends before primary school, so families planning a longer stay arrange an onward school place in advance.
Is Poppins Active Learning International School a good school?
PALIS is an English-immersion early-years school following the British EYFS framework, with active learning and specialist programmes such as ballet, coding and piano. It suits families wanting an English-language start in central Tokyo. We do not publish a star rating without verified parent reviews.
When do Poppins Active Learning International School applications open?
PALIS takes children as places become available. Because English-immersion places in central Tokyo are in demand, families should confirm the current age range and apply early.
What are Poppins Active Learning International School term dates?
PALIS follows the standard Tokyo international school year, which runs from late August or early September to the following June. Exact dates change each year, so check the school's published calendar before planning.
