In 1972, Fukuoka International School was established upon the closure of the U.S. Air Force Base School in Itazuke. Initially using land and buildings supplied by the Japan Baptist Mission, FIS was established with the purpose of serving foreign residents and dual nationals in Japan.

In 1974, FIS became a member of JCIS (the Japan Council of International Schools).

In 1987, FIS became a member of EARCOS (the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools).

In 1988, due to the growth in Japan's foreign population and increasing education demands, FIS had outgrown its facilities. The Fukuoka International School Founding Committee (comprised of over 60 government and civic groups) was formed, with the view of developing a larger, high quality international school in Kyushu.

In 1990, with the help of donations from the community, FIS opened its new school facilities in Momochi (the same site where it continues to operate from today).

In 2003, FIS further expanded its facilities - opening a Fine Arts/Music Center (plus some additional classrooms) just down the road from its main campus. Today this building remains FIS' second campus and is referred to as "The Annex" due to its quirky architectural design!

In 2007, FIS received an accreditation from WASC (the Western Associations of Schools and Colleges), acknowledging its student-centered approach and high quality education offering. That same year, FIS became authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma - a diploma that has since helped many FIS graduates gain entrance into some of the most highly esteemed universities around the world.

In 2012,  the Language Development team was formed to better support student learning.

In 2014, the school was fully authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP).

In 2020, the school was fully authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) - making FIS the first school in Kyushu to offer three IB programs.