MEES International School

Location

• Hakusan (preschool, elementary): 5-5-8 Hakusan, Bunkyo City, Tokyo (nearest station: 5-minute walk from Hakusan Station, 15 minutes from Hon-Komagome Station)
• Sendagi (preschool): 3-23-6 Sendagi, Bunkyo City, Tokyo

Ages

Preschool from age 1 (Lower Preschool ages 1–3, Upper Preschool ages 3–6), followed by elementary school. Children aged 3 or older as of September 1 enter for 5 days a week. The grade range of the elementary school is not on the official website.

Curriculum

A school centered on project-based learning (PBL). The preschool draws on Montessori and Reggio Emilia ideas; without textbooks, children learn through play and inquiry in mixed-age classes. The elementary school centers on lessons where students spend a long time investigating real-world problems and looking for answers, and also has digital learning such as programming and a Forest School that spends time in nature. Lessons are mainly in English. It is an IB candidate school aiming for authorization. It is an independent school not registered with the Japanese government (national or city).

Annual tuition (2026–27 school year)

Amounts exclude consumption tax (10%). Tuition is paid by bank debit in 3 terms (September–December, January–March, April–July). For example, elementary is ¥551,250, ¥413,438 and ¥551,250. Preschool is 9:00–14:00 and elementary is 8:30–15:00. In addition, annual fees are a Material Fee of ¥20,000 for preschool, and a Material Fee of ¥40,000 and a School Growth Fund of ¥50,000 for elementary. Preschool care (Nursery System, e.g. 9:00–18:00) is ¥1,727,790/year for 5 days a week, etc. (varies by hours). Extended care uses tickets (¥5,000 for 5 hours). If an elementary student is judged to need English support (after school, 15:00–16:00), it is ¥30,000/month for twice a week and ¥40,000/month for 3 times a week. Small fees may be charged for field trips and similar. Fees paid are non-refundable, including for absences and school closure days. For mid-year entry, tuition is prorated by day.

Fees at entry

Preschool: Enrollment fee ¥90,000. Elementary: Application fee ¥20,000 and Enrollment fee ¥180,000.

School bus

There is a school bus (round trip, optional). For elementary, it is ¥80,000, ¥60,000 and ¥80,000 per term, ¥220,000/year (excluding consumption tax). For preschool 5 days a week, it is ¥80,000, ¥60,000 and ¥80,000 per term plus ¥40,000 for summer (July–August); 2–4 days a week is cheaper.

English requirements for admission

Lessons are mainly in English. If an elementary student needs English support, an after-school English program may be recommended. Elementary entry includes a meeting with the child (a trial day).

Lunch

Organic school lunch is included in tuition and served daily. Common allergies and vegetarian diets are accommodated; if they cannot be, you may be asked to bring a packed lunch (tuition is not reduced in that case).