Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Sapporo

As a city known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, Sapporo, is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. While Sapporo may not have the extensive selection of international or bilingual schools found in some of the world's largest cities, it does offer a few reputable options for expat families seeking education for their children. Among the most popular are the Hokkaido International School and the Sapporo Intercultural and Technological High School, both of which provide international curricula and a multicultural environment conducive to learning.

Hokkaido International School (HIS)

Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Sapporo
Website: www.his.ac.jp

Hokkaido International School is a private, coeducational day school that offers an American-style education with an international perspective. HIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for grades 11 and 12. The school boasts a diverse student body, with a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and arts. HIS is committed to fostering a close-knit community where students from various cultural backgrounds can thrive.

Sapporo Intercultural and Technological High School (SITHS)

Grades: High School
Location(s): Sapporo
Website: www.siths.jp/english/

Sapporo Intercultural and Technological High School is a public school that offers a unique bilingual program in Japanese and English. While not a traditional international school, SITHS provides a multicultural environment where students can develop their language skills and prepare for global opportunities. The school emphasizes technology and innovation in its curriculum, and students are encouraged to engage in various international exchange programs and activities.

Sapporo Sacred Heart School

Grades: Kindergarten through High School
Location(s): Sapporo
Website: www.sapporoshsh.ed.jp

Sapporo Sacred Heart School is a private Catholic school that offers a bilingual education in Japanese and English. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, the school provides a nurturing environment for students from kindergarten through high school. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for higher education both in Japan and abroad, and the school has a strong emphasis on community service and global citizenship.

Hokkaido Sapporo Keisei Gakuen

Grades: Kindergarten through High School
Location(s): Sapporo
Website: www.keiseigakuen.jp

Hokkaido Sapporo Keisei Gakuen is a private school that offers a comprehensive education from kindergarten to high school. While primarily catering to Japanese students, the school has a growing international student population and offers English language classes. Keisei Gakuen is known for its strong academic programs, cultural activities, and a supportive school community that values diversity and international-mindedness.

Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) - Sapporo Satellite

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 9 (as of 2023)
Location(s): Sapporo
Website: www.horizon.ac.jp

Horizon Japan International School, with its main campus located in Yokohama, has a satellite campus in Sapporo that serves students from kindergarten through grade 9. HJIS follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). The school is known for its multicultural environment, with students representing various nationalities, and it emphasizes inquiry-based learning and the development of critical thinking skills.