"I want to transfer my child to an international school for high school."
"I want to move away from Japan's traditional rote-learning system to an environment that prepares students for overseas universities."
For many families with these goals, the biggest obstacle is the formidable challenge of "High School Entry."
Compared to entering in elementary or middle school, transferring to an international school for high school involves a complex mix of high-level English proficiency requirements, adaptation to curricula like the IB (International Baccalaureate), and legal issues concerning the "qualification to enter Japanese universities."
In this article, we categorize major international schools in and around Tokyo by "Admissions Difficulty" and "Curriculum," and provide a realistic guide to successfully gaining admission and adapting, even at the high school level.
1. Transferring in High School: The "3 Barriers" You Must Know
Jumping in based on aspiration alone can lead to failure. It's crucial to first understand the realistic hurdles.
① The English Language Barrier (Is Native-Level Fluency Required?)
In high school (Grades 10-12), students are expected to read Shakespeare in its original form and debate topics in physics and history in English.
- Benchmark: Eiken Grade 1, TOEFL iBT 80-90 or higher.
- The Reality: Many traditional schools (like ASIJ) do not offer "ESL (English as a Second Language)" support. The ability to keep up with classes in English is a prerequisite.
② The Curriculum Barrier (IB/A-Level)
The final two years of high school (equivalent to Grades 11 and 12) are dedicated to highly demanding curricula like the IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) or A-Levels (British system).
These programs require not just learning *in* English, but also strong "inquiry-based learning skills" to achieve high scores, which directly impacts university admissions.
③ The "Article 1 School" Issue (Can students enter Japanese universities?)
Under Japanese law, many international schools are classified as "miscellaneous schools" (kakushu gakkou).
- MEXT Accredited Schools: Graduates are considered equivalent to Japanese high school graduates and are eligible to apply to Japanese universities (most major schools like ASIJ, KIST, and BST are accredited).
- Non-Accredited Schools: Students must pass the "Upper Secondary School Equivalency Examination" (kousotsu nintei shiken) to be eligible for Japanese universities.
2. Map of Tokyo's International High Schools by Admissions Difficulty
We've categorized schools in Tokyo into three tiers based on the feasibility of gaining admission at the high school level.
Tier 1: Super Competitive & Traditional Schools
Characteristics: Well-established schools with outstanding track records for placements in top overseas universities. However, high school admission is often impossible unless a spot opens up, and the English requirements are near-native level.
- The American School in Japan (ASIJ): The largest and oldest American-style school in Japan. Located in Chofu. SSAT score required.
- The British School in Tokyo (BST): British-style school. Campuses in Shibuya and Setagaya. Offers the A-Level curriculum.
- St. Mary's (Boys) / Seisen & Sacred Heart (Girls): Prestigious Catholic schools.
Tier 2: Academically Rigorous & IB-Focused Schools
Characteristics: Known for high IB scores and a demanding academic environment. While strong English is essential, there is a possibility of acceptance for students with exceptional academic abilities.
- K. International School Tokyo (KIST): Located in Koto-ku. World-class IBDP scores. Tuition is relatively reasonable, but the academic rigor is extremely high.
- Tokyo International School (TIS): Located in Minato-ku. An IB school. ※For high school, confirmation of pathways to partner schools is necessary.
- Aoba-Japan International School: Located in Nerima-ku. A full IB continuum school.
Tier 3: Flexible & Supportive Schools
Characteristics: These schools often have English as an Additional Language (EAL) support systems and value a student's motivation and potential. They are relatively more accessible for students transferring in high school.
- Capital Tokyo International School (CTIS): Located in the Shibuya/Hiroo area. Features a practical curriculum produced by Kashiwa Sato.
- Malvern College Tokyo: Located in Kodaira City. The Tokyo campus of a prestigious British school. Offers the IB curriculum.
- Hiroo Gakuen & Mita International (International Courses): Hybrid schools that are official "Article 1" schools in Japan but conduct classes in English.
3. Comparison of Key Curricula and Tuition Fees
School Name | Curriculum | Annual High School Tuition (Approx.) | Eligibility for Japanese Universities | Features |
ASIJ | AP (American) | Approx. ¥3.6 million | Yes (Accredited) | Exceptional facilities and scale. SSAT required. |
BST | A-Level (British) | Approx. ¥3.8 million | Yes (Accredited) | Strong track record for UK's top universities. |
KIST | IBDP | Approx. ¥2.6 million | Yes (Accredited) | Excellent value, but high pressure to achieve top IB scores. |
Aoba | IBDP | Approx. ¥3.0 million | Yes (Accredited) | Focuses on global leadership education. |
Hiroo Gakuen | Japanese + AP | Approx. ¥1.0 million+ | Yes (Article 1 School) | Lower tuition and provides full support for Japanese university entrance. Extremely popular and competitive. |
※Tuition fees are approximate and cover tuition only. Additional fees for application, facilities, bus services, etc., will apply.
4. A Strategy for a Successful High School Transfer
1. Compete with Academic Strength, Not Just English Proficiency
International school admissions tests often place significant weight on math scores, not just English essays. Students coming from the Japanese school system often have strong math skills, which can be a key advantage.
2. The Option to Repeat a Grade (Downgrade)
If English proficiency is a concern, schools may suggest enrolling in a lower grade level (e.g., starting in Grade 9 or 10).
This is not something to be ashamed of; it is a smart strategy to solidify English skills before tackling the demanding IB/A-Level programs.
3. Use "Hybrid Schools" as a Safety Net
If you are hesitant about committing to a full international school, consider applying to "Japanese private high schools that teach in English," such as Hiroo Gakuen or Mita International. This offers the security of an "Article 1" school while still providing an English-language environment.
5. Conclusion: A Challenge That Requires Understanding the Risks
Transferring to an international school in high school can be a life-changing opportunity for your child, but it also comes with risks.
A motivation based on "escaping to an international school because of weak English" is likely to fail, as students may struggle to keep up with the rigorous demands of IB or AP and risk dropping out.
However, for students with clear goals (such as attending university overseas) and a strong motivation to learn, opportunities are available, particularly within Tier 2 and Tier 3 schools.
ELT｜International School Admissions Test Preparation
At ELT, we offer specialized test preparation programs for middle and high school students aiming to enter international schools.
- School Selection Consulting: We help you choose "realistic target schools" that match your child's English level and personality.
- Admissions Test Prep: Essay editing, English interview practice, and Math tutoring (in English).
- Post-Enrollment Support: Academic tutoring to help students keep up with classes, and preparation for IB/A-Level.
