Shinagawa International School (SIS): Features of its IB Education and Welcoming Environment

"I'm looking for an international school in central Tokyo that's easy to commute to and has a warm, welcoming atmosphere."

"I'm worried if the environment of a large school will suit my child... Is there a school that offers more individualized attention?"

For parents with these concerns, Shinagawa International School (SIS), located in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, is gaining significant attention.

SIS combines a "family-like closeness" not found in mega-schools with the world-class IB (International Baccalaureate) programme. With the opening of its High School (DP) in 2024, the school is rapidly gaining prominence.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to SIS's educational features, admission difficulty, tuition fees, and the real story behind its university placement record—a key concern for many parents.

1. What is Shinagawa International School (SIS)?

SIS is an international school with three campuses in the Shinagawa area (Aomono-yokocho, Shinagawa Seaside, and Samezu). With its motto, "Education for Life," the school educates a diverse student body from over 40 countries.

Basic Information

• Location: Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo (split into 3 campuses by grade level)
• Ages: 3 to 18 years old (Kindergarten to Grade 12)
• Nationality Ratio: The proportion of Japanese students is capped at 25%, ensuring a highly international environment.

2. Key Feature: A Full IB (International Baccalaureate) Continuum

SIS's greatest strength is its status as an authorized IB World School, offering a consistent, inquiry-based learning experience from primary through to high school.

• PYP (Primary Years Programme): Authorized in 2015. Kindergarten to Grade 5.
• MYP (Middle Years Programme): Authorized in 2023. Grades 6 to 10.
• DP (Diploma Programme): Authorized in 2024. Grades 11 to 12.

The curriculum focuses on inquiry-based learning (UOI - Unit of Inquiry), where students pose their own questions and seek answers rather than simply memorizing textbooks. By achieving DP authorization in 2024, SIS has officially become a full IB Continuum School.

3. Small Class Sizes and a Welcoming Community

For children who might feel overwhelmed by a large international school, SIS could be a reassuring choice.

Impressively Small Classes

The average class size is just 16 to 21 students. Furthermore, the teacher-to-student ratio is an excellent 1:6, creating a supportive environment where teachers can easily understand each student's personality and academic progress.

Diverse Backgrounds

The school actively manages its nationality mix to avoid a single dominant group, helping children naturally develop an appreciation for diversity. Parents often praise the "close relationship with teachers and the warm atmosphere that discourages bullying."

4. Admissions Process and English Support (EAL)

A common question is, "Can my child get in without strong English skills?"

Comprehensive EAL (English as an Additional Language) Support

SIS offers EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes for students for whom English is not their first language. Depending on their English level, students receive in-class support (pull-in) or are taken out for specialized instruction (pull-out). However, as all classes are conducted in English, a foundational, age-appropriate understanding of English is required upon admission. For absolute beginners, applying at a younger grade level is recommended.

Admissions Requirements

• Document Screening: School reports from the past two years (in English), letters of recommendation.
• Written Test: Students applying for Grade 1 and above will take the MAP test (English and Math).
• Interview: An interview with both the student and parents.

5. University Placements and the Current State of the High School

This is one of the most critical points to consider when evaluating SIS. To put it plainly, as of 2025, SIS has not yet had a graduating class.

First Graduating Class in 2026

Since the High School (Grades 11-12) was established in the 2024 academic year, the first graduating class is expected in June 2026. Therefore, there is currently no university placement record (e.g., to Ivy League or Oxbridge universities) available.

While the lack of a track record may be a concern, becoming an IB DP authorized school significantly opens up pathways to universities worldwide. SIS is well-suited for families with a "pioneering spirit" who are excited to be part of the school's growth.

6. Campus Environment and Tuition (2025-26)

Three Campuses

The school is split across different buildings by grade level. While they are urban, building-style campuses, they are operated with creative use of space.

1. Aomono-yokocho (Ages 3-5): Features a dedicated playground.
2. Seaside (G1-3): Equipped with a gymnasium, music room, and rooftop play area.
3. Samezu (G4-12): Includes a gymnasium and science lab. An adjacent soccer field is used as a sports ground.

Tuition Fee Overview

The fees for the 2025-2026 academic year are as follows:

*Additional fees for EAL support (if required, approx. ¥500,000), bus service, and school lunch apply.

Summary: Who is SIS a Good Fit For?

Shinagawa International School (SIS) is an ideal choice for families who:

• Prioritize individualized care in a small-class setting for an IB education, rather than a large-scale school.
• Are looking for a school with strong EAL support for a child who may need to build English proficiency.
• Are seeking a school that is easily accessible from the Shinagawa and Minato areas.
• Are excited by the opportunity to join a newer high school and grow along with the school community.

The best way to understand the school's welcoming atmosphere is to experience it firsthand. We recommend attending a School Tour to see the teachers and students in person.

Aiming for Admission to SIS? Consider 'ELT'

Are you concerned about preparing for the MAP test or the parent-child interview in English required for SIS admissions?

At ELT, our native English-speaking instructors, who specialize in international school admissions, can boost your child's English skills and provide comprehensive support to prepare for a successful application.