Welcome to the Hiroshima International School FAQ page
In line with the needs of families to move globally and locally at all time of the year, we accept applications all year round.
As well as the application form, we require a physical health check form, medical history form, passport or birth certificate, student recommendation and two years of school reports and/or transcripts. Where there are good reasons why not all of these documents can be provided, we are willing to be flexible.
HIS is a selective school, and we have a duty to ensure that we only admit students whose needs we can meet and who will contribute to our community. The admission assessments have two main purposes:
Assessment of the students' previous learning and understanding, if appropriate, and
Identification of any learning and/or language support needs the student might have.
All assessments are age-appropriate and are designed to be straightforward and non-stressful: we want the students to be able to show what they are capable of. For younger students, the assessments are primarily observational or one-on-one with a teacher, whilst for older students, there will also be short written assessments of numeracy and literacy.
Currently, there is no after-school provision beyond the two days of after-school activities.
Depending on availability in the class, HIS accepts new students throughout the year. Recognizing that the Japanese school year begins in April, we are very happy to welcome students at that time.
Students join the class that aligns with their age. This means they spend the first three months in the grade they completed in March at their previous school, and then move to the next grade in August with the rest of the class. This brief three-month overlap, due to the difference between the Japanese and international school calendars, gives students time to settle into their new environment, build relationships, and adjust to the learning program without any loss of academic progress. In our experience, this transition works very well for students.
In Primary School, it is helpful, but not essential, for students and at least one parent to speak some English. HIS has a specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher who works closely with students to support and accelerate their English development. Many members of our teaching and office staff speak Japanese, and we are always able to assist parents who do not yet feel confident communicating in English.
As students move into the Secondary School, a certain level of English proficiency is required in order to fully access the curriculum and engage meaningfully in classes. This expectation is discussed with families during the admissions process to ensure students are well positioned for success.
In addition, the school offers an English Language Program for parents, which we strongly encourage families to consider. It supports parents in developing their own English skills and models a positive learning mindset for children as well.
Approximately 35% of students at HIS have two Japanese parents, another 35% have one Japanese and one non-Japanese parent and the remaining 30% are expatriate, coming from some 10 nationalities. The teaching staff comes from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the USA, Japan, Canada and Australia.
Yes, we currently run three bus routes from the city and each year the bus routes are designed according to need.
In our Early Childhood classes, we normally have no more than 16 children with two adults, in the Primary classes student numbers are usually in the region of 15-20 with a maximum of 24 and in the Secondary school class sizes will vary depending on the subject and grade level with a maximum of 24.
