Everything you need to know about school selection, tuition, curriculum & admissions preparation
The Complete Guide to International Schools
For families considering international school enrolment, this guide systematically covers everything from school selection criteria and curriculum differences to tuition estimates and entrance exam preparation. Since its founding in London in 1984, ELT has been at the forefront of international education. Our experienced specialists provide in-depth analysis of the features and selection criteria for diverse curricula, including British, American, and IB (International Baccalaureate) programmes.
Essential Articles to Read First
What is an International School? A Complete Guide to Tuition, Benefits, and Future Paths
International School Fees in Japan (2026): A Complete Guide to Tuition, Subsidies, and Scholarships
International Elementary School in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide to Making the Right Choice
Tokyo & Greater Tokyo Area International Schools Guide 2026: A Complete Comparison of Curriculums, Tuition, and Admissions
Is the IB (International Baccalaureate) Too Difficult? Understanding the PYP/MYP/DP System and How to Avoid Dropping Out
Explore Articles by Topic
School Selection & Comparison
Compare curriculum differences and school-specific features across British, American, and IB-accredited schools. Find the best fit for your child.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an International High School in Tokyo (2026 Edition): A Comparison of Admission Difficulty, Tuition, and University Placements
What are "Almost-International Schools"? A Guide to Japan's Article 1 International Courses for University Abroad at a Quarter of the Cost
![ASIJ (American School in Japan) Admissions & Fees [2026 Edition]: The 'Corporate Quota' Barrier and Strategies for Getting In](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Felt-microcms-ai-automator-og-images%2Fcolumns%2Fasij-school-review%2Fen.png%3Fv%3D1775749025013%3Fw%3D600%26h%3D300%26fit%3Dcrop&w=3840&q=75)
ASIJ (American School in Japan) Admissions & Fees [2026 Edition]: The 'Corporate Quota' Barrier and Strategies for Getting In
K International School Tokyo (KIST): Reputation vs. Reality | Inside Japan's Top IB School and Its Admission Difficulty
Aoba-Japan International School Review: The Value of GLD and Admissions Interview Prep
Canadian International School Tokyo (CIS) Review: The Reality of its Canadian Curriculum and University Placements
Saint Maur International School Review: Japan's Oldest International School in Yokohama Yamate & Its Montessori Education
St. Mary's International School: The Discipline and University Success of Tokyo's All-Boys International School
The British School in Tokyo (BST): Features, Quality of British Education, and Student Demographics
Malvern College Tokyo (MCT): Reputation, Features, and Admissions Prep for a Top British IB School
The Appeal of Yokohama International School (YIS) | School Culture and New Campus of an IB Continuum School
Seisen International School Review: Reputation, Features, and How This Catholic Girls' School Cultivates Next-Generation Leaders
International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH) Review: Education, University Placements, and Interview Prep at a Prestigious Girls' School
Nishimachi International School Review: Strengths in Japanese Language and Post-Grade 9 Pathways
Tokyo International School (TIS) Review: The Reality of Post-Grade 8 Pathways and Interview Prep
Shinagawa International School (SIS): Features of its IB Education and Welcoming Environment
Hiroo Gakuen International Course (2026): Admission Difficulty, Tuition, AG vs. SG, and Prep Strategies
Mita International School (IC & DDP): 2026 Fees, WACE Program Benefits, and Admissions Guide
Salesian International School: English Entrance Exam, Fees, and International Class Review & Prep Guide
Understanding Curricula
An overview of major curricula including IB, Cambridge International, and American school programmes, and their impact on future academic pathways.
The IB Diploma (DP) Uncovered: A Survival Guide to High Scores & University Admission | Mastering Subject Selection and the 'Challenging Core Trio'
What is the IB PYP? Is It True There Are No Subjects? A Deep Dive into Inquiry-Based Learning and Academic Achievement
The Ultimate Guide to A-Levels: Subject Strategy, IBDP Comparison, and Choosing Your 3 Life-Defining Subjects
The Complete Guide to IGCSE/GCSE and Strategy for A-Level & IBDP | Avoiding the 'Subject Selection Trap' and Finding the Shortest Path to Top Universities
![The Complete Guide to AP (Advanced Placement) [2026 Edition] | Subject List, Exam Dates, Scores, and College Credit](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Felt-microcms-ai-automator-og-images%2Fcolumns%2Fadvanced-placement-guide%2Fen.png%3Fv%3D1775750138179%3Fw%3D600%26h%3D300%26fit%3Dcrop&w=3840&q=75)
The Complete Guide to AP (Advanced Placement) [2026 Edition] | Subject List, Exam Dates, Scores, and College Credit
The British Curriculum (A-Level / IGCSE) Explained: The Power of Specialization for University Pathways
Understanding the American Curriculum and the Value of Holistic Education | A Deep Dive into GPA, the Credit System, and WASC Accreditation
A Deep Dive into the World's Top 3 Curricula | IB, A-Level, AP: Which One is Right for You?
ACSI Accreditation: Academic Validity & Religious Education | University Access & Science Curriculum Explained
The Truth About the Indian Curriculum (CBSE/ICSE): Risks Behind its 'Math Supremacy' and Is It Right for Your Family?
The Montessori Method in International Schools: Why Saint Maur, Seisen, and Others Adopt It, and Its Synergy with the IB
The Digital SAT Explained: Top Universities Return to 'Test-Required' & New Strategies for a 1500+ Score
Tuition & Fees
A comprehensive look at the costs associated with international schools, including enrolment fees, tuition, and materials, along with key considerations.
Are There Scholarships at International Schools in Japan? A Look at Schools Offering Full Tuition Waivers and the Competitive Reality
The Real Cost of Preschool in Japan: A Guide to Subsidies and Hidden Fees
University Pathways After International School: The Reality of Applying to Universities in Japan and Abroad
Admissions Preparation
A thorough guide to international school admissions, covering interview preparation, English proficiency testing, and application writing.
The Complete Guide to International School Interviews: The Process, Dress Code, Etiquette, and Keys to Success
Preparing for International School Child Interviews & Playdate Assessments: Tips by Age Group
The Complete Roadmap for International School Admissions: A Guide to Age-Based Difficulty and Preparation
Successful Strategies for International School Transfers: How to Find Openings and Prepare for Admissions Tests
![International School Parent Interview: Common English Questions & Sample Answers [With Success Scripts]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Felt-microcms-ai-automator-og-images%2Fcolumns%2Finternational-school-parent-interview-questions%2Fen.png%3Fv%3D1775748709519%3Fw%3D600%26h%3D300%26fit%3Dcrop&w=3840&q=75)
International School Parent Interview: Common English Questions & Sample Answers [With Success Scripts]
Parent Interviews at International Schools: How Much English is Required? A School-by-School Guide
MAP Test (MAP Growth) Score Benchmarks and Prep Strategies: How to Interpret RIT & Percentile Scores and Overcome Plateaus
OOPT (Oxford Online Placement Test) Prep and Score Guide | English Test for International School Admissions
The CIS Accreditation Pitfall? The Crucial Difference Between 'Member' and 'Accredited' Schools | A Final Check for Your International School Choice
List of WASC-Accredited International Schools in Japan (2026 Edition): Schools That Grant University Entrance Qualifications
WASC Accreditation: The 'Quality Seal' for International Schools in Japan and the Risks of Unaccredited Institutions
How to Choose the Right International School Agent: The Truth About Fees and Services
Need guidance on international school admissions?
From school selection to admissions preparation, our experienced specialists will propose the ideal plan for your child. Feel free to get in touch for an initial consultation.
ELT's Expertise in International Schools
Since its founding in 1984, ELT has supported admissions and transfers to international schools. Leveraging the network between our London headquarters and Tokyo campus, we possess deep knowledge of each school's curriculum characteristics, admission criteria, and required English proficiency levels. Numerous students have gained admission to their target schools through ELT's guidance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the International School Guide
Requirements vary by school and curriculum, but generally at least conversational-level English is expected. ELT offers personalised English proficiency assessments and preparation plans tailored to each target school's standards.
Annual tuition typically ranges from JPY 1.5-3 million, though costs vary significantly by school and year level. It is advisable to confirm the total costs in advance, including enrolment fees and school bus charges.
International qualifications such as the IB Diploma and A-Levels are accepted by many Japanese universities. In recent years, dedicated admissions pathways for international school graduates, including returnee and global admissions tracks, have become increasingly available.
Many schools accept mid-year transfers. However, as year-level and English proficiency requirements apply, an individual consultation in advance is recommended. ELT also offers English preparation programmes specifically designed for transfers.
Explore Other Themes
The Complete Guide to Eiken Preparation
Everything you need to know about grade selection, study methods, interview preparation & score utilisation
The Complete Guide to IELTS Preparation
Score strategy, section-by-section preparation & understanding Academic vs General Training
The Complete Guide to Business English
Practical business English for meetings, emails, negotiations & industry-specific communication
The Complete Guide to Boarding Schools
Everything you need to know about school selection, entrance exam preparation, tuition & boarding life
The Complete Guide to Bilingual Education
Everything you need to know about home environment, age-specific approaches & language balance
Would you like to try an ELT trial lesson?
Founded in London in 1984, ELT offers one-on-one lessons with experienced native instructors. Start with a free trial to experience the quality of ELT's instruction firsthand.
Book a Free Trial