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Choosing The Best International Schools in Japan

October 18, 2023

Are you considering an international education for your child in Japan? With a multitude of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right school. We’ve compiled a handy guide to help you navigate international schools in the region, making your decision-making process a little easier.

Choosing The Best International Schools in Japan - kids at school

When it comes to international schools in Tokyo, several names stand out. While these schools offer diverse educational experiences, they share tuition and fees ranging from 2 to 3 million yen per year, excluding additional expenses.

American School in Japan (ASIJ)

  • Curriculum: American curriculum, American High School Diploma, AP
  • Age Range: 6-18
  • Gender: Co-ed
  • Website: https://www.asij.ac.jp

Founded in 1902, ASIJ is located in Chofu, outside central Tokyo. Their campus boasts a state-of-the-art facility, including a 570-seat theatre and a Japanese culture center. While half of the students are American or dual nationality, all elementary students study Japanese. Three-quarters of graduates pursue further education in America, with the remainder heading to Asia, Canada, UK, Europe, or staying in Japan.

British School in Tokyo (BST)

  • Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, IGCSE, A level
  • Age Range: 3-18
  • Gender: Co-ed
  • Website: https://www.bst.ac.jp

Originally opened in 1989, The British School Tokyo (BST) holds a respected status in Japan’s international education landscape. It is recognized for its commitment to delivering a high-quality British-style education and fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community. Graduates from BST often go on to attend prestigious universities around the world, making it one of the top choices for families seeking a high-quality international education in Tokyo.

Nishimachi International School

Established 60 years ago, Nishimachi is known for its commitment to bilingualism, incorporating both English and Japanese into its curriculum from day one. The school’s dedication to fostering global citizenship, critical thinking, and creativity is highly regarded in Japan’s educational landscape. Most graduates go on to attend either the American School in Japan or the Yokohama International School.

International School of the Sacred Heart

  • Curriculum: IPC, adapted middle school curriculum, AP, US High School Diploma
  • Age Range: 3-5 (co-ed), 6-18 (girls only)
  • Website: https://www.issh.ac.jp

Located in downtown Tokyo, this Catholic all-girls school, founded in 1908, is part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools. As one of the oldest international schools in Japan, ISSH has earned a distinguished reputation for its commitment to providing an excellent education to students from diverse cultural backgrounds, from kindergarten to high school.

Seisen International School

  • Curriculum: Montessori, PYP, adapted curriculum, IGCSE (art & design, music), IB Diploma
  • Age Range: 3-18 (co-ed kindergarten, girls only from grade 1)
  • Website: https://www.seisen.com

Founded in 2006, Seishin International School offers a comprehensive curriculum for students from kindergarten to high school. It is a Catholic girls-only school that introduces Japanese language and culture into its curriculum. Students come from various regions, with around half going on to universities in America.

St. Mary’s International School

  • Curriculum: Adapted American curriculum, American High School Diploma, IB Diploma
  • Age Range: 4-18
  • Gender: Boys
  • Website: https://www.smis.ac.jp

St. Mary’s is an international Catholic boys-only school with a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on sports. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Tokyo International School (TIS)

Founded in 1997, TIS offers a comprehensive education from preschool to high school. The school is known as an Apple Distinguished School, dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and a commitment to 21st-century skills are among its hallmarks and providing iPads or Macbooks to all students. They are expanding to a new campus at Takanawa Gateway City in 2026.

Malvern College Tokyo

First all-through IB British-branded school in Tokyo and the school intends to offer the International Baccalaureate at primary and secondary programmes.  The school’s affiliation with the Malvern College brand further adds to its prestige and reputation within the international education community.

If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable international education, consider these schools:

Aoba

While 90% of students are Japanese, instruction is in English with daily Japanese language classes. They are endorsed by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools (CIS) (NEASC). Many graduates have gained admission to prestigious UK universities.

K International School

Founded in 1997, K International School offers a comprehensive educational program from preschool to high school. K International School holds a respected status within Japan’s international education landscape and is known for preparing students for success in both national and international academic and professional spheres. It follows the International Baccalaureate program with impressive IB Diploma results. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).

Canadian International School Tokyo

  • Curriculum: PYP, adapted Canadian curriculum, Canadian High School Diploma, AP
  • Age Range: 3-18
  • Gender: Co-ed
  • Website: https://www.cisjapan.net

Founded in 2007, CIST provides comprehensive educational programs from kindergarten to high school. Primarily serving Canadian teachers and Japanese students, along with students from 25 other nationalities. Graduates from CIST often pursue higher education at esteemed universities in Canada and the US. It is a preferred choice for families seeking a Canadian-style education in Tokyo.

Columbia International School

Located in Saitama, Columbia International School offers a rigorous academic program with a diploma accepted by top global schools. The school creates a learning environment where in small classes each individual student is actively engaged in their learning process.

International Schools with Other Languages of Instruction

For families seeking education in languages other than English, Japan has a few renowned international schools:

Choosing The Best International Schools in Japan - kids at school

Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama (DYST)

  • Curriculum: German curricula, High school diploma Abitur, Fachoberschulreife, Realschulabschluss, Hauptschulabschluss
  • Age Range: 3-18
  • Gender: Co-ed
  • Website: https://tokyo.globalindianschool.org

Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama (DYST) is a German international school located in Yokohama, Japan. The school was founded in 1904 and is the oldest German school in East Asia.  DYST offers education from kindergarten to high school and follows the German curriculum. The school is recognized for its commitment to providing a German-language education to both German-speaking and international students.

Lycée Français International de Tokyo

  • Curriculum: French National Curriculum, Bac, Brevet, OIB
  • Age Range: 3-18
  • Gender: Co-ed
  • Website: https://www.lfitokyo.org

The International French High School in Tokyo as known as “LFI Tokyo” belongs to a network of establishments operated by the Agence pour l’enseignement français à l’étranger (AEFE), part of the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs. Since 1 January 2006, the LFI Tokyo has enjoyed accreditation as a licensed local private school (Tokyo kokusai furansu gakuen).

Tokyo Chinese School

Originally established in 1929 as an elementary school for overseas Chinese, its operation now follows the education system of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) accredits the school.

International Schools Outside of Tokyo

Choosing The Best International Schools in Japan - kids at school boarding

Rugby School Japan

Located in Kashiwanoha in Chiba Prefecture, about 30 mins outside of central Tokyo, Rugby School Japan is a day and boarding offshoot of the British boarding school. 

At RSJ, both parents and students have the flexibility to select a boarding arrangement that best suits their preferences. Full-time boarders, who reside in the new RSJ purpose-built boarding Houses, will receive care and participate in extra activities throughout the entire week. They will also have access to the school’s new facilities during evenings and weekends throughout the term.

For weekly boarders, they will spend the night at RSJ in a boarding House from Monday to Friday, which is a 5-day boarding option, and return home on Sunday nights. RSJ expects this choice to be particularly popular among busy families in Tokyo and throughout Japan.

Harrow International School Appi

  • Curriculum: Adapted National Curriculum for England, IGCSE, A level
  • Age Range: 11-18
  • Gender: Co-ed
  • Website: https://www.harrowappi.jp

Located in Iwate Prefecture amidst mountains and nature, Harrow International School Appi encourages high-achieving students in both academics and outdoor activities. Harrow International School Appi replicates the full boarding experience of Harrow School in the UK – all students will be boarders.

The school is complemented by convenient access to a range of outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, tennis, golf, mountaineering, and mountain biking right at your doorstep. With a 100% boarding environment and the refreshing mountain air, this school offers a truly unique Japanese experience.

Hakuba International School

Located in Nagano prefecture – Hakuba, it’s an environmentally-focused international boarding school in the Japanese Alps, where students are led by curiosity and inspired to build a more sustainable future. HIS also hosts a spring and summer school program each year.

What Next?

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