Admission

FAQ

Admissions & Enrollment

QWhen are interviews held?
A• Primary Selection: Interviews July 1–Aug 10 / Results Aug 20
• Secondary Selection: Interviews Oct 1–Nov 10 / Results Nov 20
• Additional Selection: Interviews by Feb 10 / Results Feb 20
QCan we choose the interview date?
AYes. Applicants receive 3–5 weekday afternoon date options and can select up to three preferences.
QWhat are the key selection criteria?
A• Understanding of CIS philosophy
• Willingness to take on challenges
• Independent learning habits
(English ability is not the main focus for the new K1, G1, G7 and G10 admissions)
QIs English required for admission?
ANo English requirement for kindergarten 1st year, Grade 1, Grade 7 and Grade 10 new applicants. English ability is assessed through interviews and school reports for other grades.
QIs the entrance exam essay in Japanese or English?
AThe essay is for Juniors and seniors from Grade 7 to Grade 12. Either English or Japanese language is accepted. Applicants choose one of three topics on the day.
QHow long is the interview?
AAbout 30 minutes.
QHow many students are accepted each year?
AApprox.:
• K1: 5 students
• G1: 18–20 students
• G7: 5–10 students
• G10: 10–15 students
(Varies by year — see website for latest information.)
QWhat is the competition rate?
ARecently around 1.2–1.3 applicants per seat.
QIs it better to enter in Kindergarten or Grade 1?
AGrade 1 entry is recommended. K1 seats are limited and siblings have priority.
QDo you accept transfer and international students?
AYes — depending on space. English proficiency expectations increase in upper grades.
QHow does the waiting list work?
AIf no seats are available, a conditional offer may be made. Paying the non-refundable entrance fee confirms your waitlist position.

Tuition, Fees & Scholarships

QAre there additional fees besides tuition?
AYes (e.g., uniforms, technology, transportation, and lunch).
QDo you offer scholarships?
AYes — the Student Diversity Scholarship (SDS) supports international diversity. Awarded to 1–2 students annually (G7–12).

Curriculum & Learning Support

QWhat curriculum do you follow?
AOntario (Canada) curriculum — all subjects except kokugo (Japanese).
QIs support available for difficult subjects or English?
AYes — teachers provide support through communication and interviews. A student mentoring program, ESL support and ESL track programs in junior and senior divisions.
QDo science and PE differ from Japanese schools?
AContent is similar but learning order and methods may differ. Focus is on self-managed learning rather than memorization and higher test taking skills.
QWhat growth do you expect from students?
AWe cultivate inspired learners, resourceful thinkers, effective communicators, collaborative and self-directed learners, and globally aware citizens. who are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and mindset to navigate complex and challenging situations, be successful in university, career, and citizenship.

Pathways & Higher Education

QHow does CIS support university admission?
A• Guidance interviews G9–12
• Homeroom university guidance activities
• University admissions meetings
• Canada Study Fair participation
• Approximately 70% of graduating students enter Universities overseas(Before Covid)
• More opportunities to our students in English track or International universities in Japan(AfterCovid)
• Students learn the importance of grades and graduation requirements.
QCan students enter Japanese universities?
AYes — depends on each university’s requirements. CIS primarily prepares students for international pathways.
QDo students study abroad?
AA few G9–12 students go abroad each summer. Some transition to Japanese schools in G7 or G10 (10–20%).

Student Life & Activities

QWhat clubs or activities are offered?
A• G3–6 after-school clubs (mostly free)
• G7–12 sports teams and club activities (small fees may apply)
• School trips, class field trips, HFH, GAP program
QHow do students spend break time?
AStudents are supervised in K–G6. G7–12 have free campus time.
QAre uniforms required?
AYes. With some choice ex: Girls’ trousers are available. Sportswear may be worn for younger students.

School Operations & Logistics

QWhat time do students arrive?
AThe gate opens at 8:00 am and students can enter the cafeteria. At 8:15 students can go to the playing field for supervised play. Regular classes begin at 9:00 a.m.
QDo you provide school buses?
AYes — routes include stations like JR Omiya Kawaguchi, Higashitokorozawa, Tobu Fujimino, Wakoshi, Seibu Tokorozawa. Stops are determined by safety checks. Youngest students have priority.
QHow large are classes?
AAbout 22–23 students per class.
QHow often do students use PCs?
A• K: ~15 min/day
• G1–2: 15–30 min/day
• G3–6: 30–60 min/day
• G7–12: Used in all subjects
QHow do teachers communicate with parents?
ABlogs, email, video chats, and meetings as needed.
QWhat are the school counselling services?
AHomeroom advisor program, University guidance program in homeroom and advisory service. Health service provided by registered nurse. Social mental health support is available through TELL Japan.
QDo you have a dormitory?
AYes — for female and male students from G10–12 .

Parent Support & Community

QAre PTA(PTSA) activities mandatory?
AOnly annual dues. All other participation is voluntary.
QHow much parent support is needed for homework?
AYounger students: ~30 minutes
Older students: work independently

Additional Notes

QAdditional Notes
A• Short-term enrollment possible if seats are available (full-term tuition applies)
• Saturday/Summer school participation does not affect admission decisions
• Report cards must be in English or Japanese
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