"I want to send my child to an international school in Tokyo, but there are so many options, I don't know where to start..."
This guide is for parents facing that exact dilemma. The term "international school" covers a vast range of curriculums and school cultures. Choosing the wrong one can lead to a mismatch and the feeling that "this wasn't what we expected."
In this article, ELT, a provider of English language and university admissions support, breaks down the essential information for families new to the international school system: the different types of curriculums and a list of Tokyo's major international schools.
1. What is an International School?
An international school (hereafter "inter") generally refers to a school with the following characteristics:
- Multinational Environment: Children from various countries learn together.
- English-Medium Instruction: The official language of the school and the language of instruction is primarily English.
- International Curriculum: Adopts overseas standards (IB, British, American, etc.) rather than the Japanese national curriculum.
Important Note:
Under Japan's School Education Act, many international schools are classified as "miscellaneous schools" (kakushu gakko) or may be unaccredited. Therefore, it is crucial to check whether a school's diploma is recognized as a qualification for university entrance in Japan when planning your child's educational pathway.
2. [Comparison Chart] The 4 Main Curriculums at Tokyo's International Schools
The first step in choosing an international school is deciding on the curriculum. We've summarized the four main types available in Tokyo in this comparison chart.
Type | Features | Best for Families... |
|---|---|---|
① IB (International Baccalaureate) | Inquiry-based learning. Leads to a globally recognized university entrance qualification. Academically rigorous. | ...who want to keep options open for both overseas and Japanese universities. Prioritizes versatility. |
② British Curriculum | Focuses on specialization through programs like A-Levels. Tends to be traditional and emphasizes discipline. | ...who want an authentic British education. Aiming for universities in the UK, Europe, or Australia. |
③ American / Canadian Curriculum | Credit-based system with high flexibility. AP programs offer an advantage for North American university admissions. | ...who want to attend university in the US or Canada. Prefer an education that fosters individuality. |
④ Unique / Bilingual | A unique international education combined with a strong emphasis on Japanese language. Common in long-established schools. | ...who want their child to become bilingual without losing their Japanese language skills. |
3. List of Major International Schools in Tokyo (By Area & Features)
Here are some of Tokyo's most representative schools that families new to the international school scene should know.
*Tuition fees and admission requirements are subject to change. Please always check the official website of each school.
3-1. IB Continuum / IB-Focused Schools
These schools include those with world-class results and others that have gained popularity in recent years.
K International School Tokyo (KIST)
Area: Shirakawa, Koto-ku (Kiyosumi-Shirakawa)
Features: Consistently ranks among the top IB schools worldwide. Academically very demanding with a strong track record of placing students in top-tier universities. Ideal for academically-focused families.
Official Website
K International School Tokyo (KIST): Reputation vs. Reality | Behind Japan's #1 IB Scores & Admission Difficulty
Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS)
Area: Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku / Aobadai, Meguro-ku
Features: Proactive in accepting students from diverse backgrounds, including local families, and focuses on inquiry-based learning and STEAM education. Known as an accessible IB school for students from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Official Website
Tokyo International School (TIS)
Area: Minamiazabu, Minato-ku (Scheduled to relocate and expand to Takanawa Gateway City)
Features: A multinational environment with students from about 70 countries. Known for its progressive education, including 'Digital x Inquiry' learning.
Official Website
Seisen International School (Seisen)
Area: Yoga, Setagaya-ku
Features: A Catholic girls' school. Offers a nurturing all-girls education through its Montessori program (Kindergarten) and the IB curriculum.
Official Website
Seisen International School Review: Reputation, Features, and How This Catholic Girls' School Cultivates Next-Generation Leaders
3-2. British Curriculum
The British School in Tokyo (BST)
Area: Azabudai Hills, Minato-ku (Primary) / Showa Women's University, Setagaya-ku (Secondary)
Features: The leading provider of British education in Japan. Has a large expatriate community, creating a very international environment.
Official Website
The British School in Tokyo (BST): Features, Quality of British Education, and Student Demographics
Malvern College Tokyo
Area: Koganei City
Features: A new campus of a prestigious British school that opened in 2023. Offers an education that blends the British curriculum with the IB program in a lush, green environment.
Official Website
Malvern College Tokyo (MCT): Reputation, Features, and Admissions Prep for a Top British IB School
3-3. American & Canadian Curriculums
The American School in Japan (ASIJ)
Area: Chofu City (Main Campus) / Roppongi, Minato-ku (ELC)
Features: One of Japan's largest international schools with over 100 years of history. Boasts extensive facilities and has an outstanding track record for admissions to North American universities.
Official Website
ASIJ (American School in Japan) Admissions & Fees [2026 Edition]: The 'Corporate Quota' Barrier and Strategies for Getting In
Canadian International School (CIS)
Area: Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku
Features: Accredited by a Canadian provincial Ministry of Education. A key advantage is that students can earn a Canadian high school diploma, which facilitates university applications in Canada and Japan.
Official Website
3-4. Long-Established & Bilingual-Focused Schools
Nishimachi International School
Area: Motoazabu, Minato-ku
Features: A mandatory one-hour Japanese class every day. A prestigious school that values not only English proficiency but also the development of Japanese language skills and cultural identity.
Official Website
St. Mary's International School
Area: Seta, Setagaya-ku
Features: A prestigious international boys' school. Emphasizes a well-rounded education, promoting excellence in academics as well as in sports, arts, and community service.
Official Website
St. Mary's International School: The Discipline and University Success of Tokyo's All-Boys International School
4. School Selection Checklist for a Successful Choice
Once you have a shortlist of schools, check the following points:
① Accreditation Status
Verify that the school is accredited by recognized international bodies (such as WASC, CIS, or the IBO). This can be essential for securing university entrance qualifications in the future.
② Approach to Japanese Language Education
Type A: Japanese classes are held only a few times a week (support at home is essential).
Type B: Daily mandatory classes (like at Nishimachi), allowing students to maintain a certain level of proficiency through school.
The right choice depends on whether your child might need to enter the Japanese school system in the future.
③ Parental Involvement and English Proficiency
Parent-teacher association (PTA) activities and communications from the school are generally in English. Some schools require a certain level of English proficiency from parents as an admission condition, while others have bilingual staff to provide support.
5. ELT's Steps for a Successful International School Search
ELT has extensive experience supporting students with international school admissions and their ongoing academic needs. We recommend the following steps for a smooth transition.
- Define Your Family's Goals
Why an international school? Is the goal an overseas university or a Japanese medical school? Your long-term objectives will determine the best curriculum (IB, British, etc.).
- Shortlist 3 Schools by "Curriculum x Location"
Commute time is a critical factor. Create a list of schools that are realistically accessible, considering daily drop-offs/pick-ups and whether lunch is provided.
- Start Building English Proficiency Early
The more popular the school, the higher the English language requirement for admission. For transfers into Year 1 (equivalent to 1st grade) and above, near-native proficiency is often required.
Confused About Which School is Right for Your Child?
Choosing an international school is a major decision that will shape your child's future.
If you find yourself asking:
"My child's English isn't strong yet. Is there still time to prepare?"
"Between the IB and American systems, which one would better suit my child's personality?"
...then please feel free to consult with us at ELT.
At ELT, we provide comprehensive support, from advising on school selection based on your family's educational philosophy, to building the foundational English skills needed for acceptance, and offering ongoing academic support after enrollment.
