When choosing an international school, whether or not it has "WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation" is just as important as the curriculum. Graduating from a WASC-accredited school is a mandatory requirement for obtaining university entrance qualifications in Japan (equivalent to a high school diploma) and eligibility to apply to universities overseas.
WASC Accreditation: The 'Quality Seal' for International Schools in Japan and the Risks of Unaccredited Institutions
However, Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) does not publish an "official list of accredited schools," so parents must verify the status of each school themselves.
This article compiles a list of major international schools in Japan that have publicly announced their WASC accreditation as of 2026, organized by region. Please use this as a primary resource for your school selection process.
List of Major WASC-Accredited Schools in Japan by Area (2026 Edition)
The following is a list of schools that explicitly state on their official websites or in official handbooks that they have received WASC (specifically ACS WASC for K-12) accreditation.
※Note: Accreditation statuses may be updated or changed. Please always check the latest information with each school or on the official ACS WASC directory.
Kanto Area (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, etc.)
Many of the long-established international schools in the Tokyo metropolitan area have obtained WASC accreditation.
- The American School in Japan (ASIJ) [Tokyo]
One of the oldest American-style schools in Japan. Officially states its WASC accreditation.
ASIJ (American School in Japan) Admissions & Fees [2026 Edition]: The 'Corporate Quota' Barrier and Strategies for Getting In
In addition to WASC, it also holds accreditation from CIS (Council of International Schools).
Operated by the Tokyo YMCA. States on its official website that it is a WASC-accredited school.
Canadian curriculum. States WASC accreditation for K-12 (Kindergarten to Grade 12).
States "WASC Certified" on its official website.
Accredited by CIS and WASC.
An IB school located in Yokohama. States its WASC accreditation on its official website.
Kansai Area (Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo)
In the Kansai region, there are also WASC-accredited schools, primarily long-established ones.
- Osaka International School of Kwansei Gakuin (OIS) [Osaka]
An IB school and a WASC-accredited school.
- Canadian Academy [Hyogo]
A long-established school in Kobe. Publicly states its accreditation from IB, WASC, and CIS.
- Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) [Hyogo]
States "WASC Fully Accredited" on its official website.
- KIU Academy [Kyoto]
An international school offering bilingual education. Has obtained WASC accreditation for Grades 1-12.
Hokkaido & Tohoku Area
- Hokkaido International School (HIS) [Hokkaido]
States that it is a WASC-accredited school.
- Tohoku International School (TIS) [Miyagi]
"Fully Accredited by WASC" can be confirmed in the school handbook, etc.
How to Check for Yourself: Using the Official WASC Directory
The list above includes only some of the major schools. If you are considering newly established schools or schools in other regions, or if you want to know the precise status—whether it is "Candidate" or "Accredited"—the most reliable method is to search directly on the accrediting body's official website.
MEXT also advises inquiring with the respective organizations about accreditation status.
Steps for Searching the Official ACS WASC Directory
- Access the official ACS WASC website and open the official directory search page.
- Filter by Country In the search filter's Country field, select "Japan".
- Check the Status (Crucial) Don't assume everything is fine just because the school name appears. Always check the "Accreditation Status" column.
- Fully Accredited: This is an officially accredited school. The graduation diploma is valid.
- Candidate: The school is currently in the "candidate" phase. It is not yet officially accredited.
※If you enroll in a Candidate school, you must strongly confirm with the school whether they expect to achieve Full Accreditation by the time of graduation.
What Students Attending Accredited Schools Should Know
Being a WASC-accredited school also means that students cannot graduate unless they meet the "strict standards set by WASC (regarding grade management and credit acquisition)."
Simply being admitted to an accredited school does not automatically grant university entrance qualifications. Especially in schools with an American curriculum, there are cases where a low GPA (Grade Point Average) can result in credits not being recognized, and a diploma not being awarded (meaning no high school graduation qualification).
ELT｜Academic (GPA) Support for Accredited Schools
At ELT, we offer academic support to help students meet the rigorous academic standards of WASC-accredited schools.
- GPA Maintenance & Improvement: We help improve the quality of daily homework and projects to secure high grades.
- MAP Test Preparation: We provide preparation for the academic assessment tests used in many WASC-accredited schools.
- Academic Counseling: We can also provide advice if you are considering transferring from a Candidate or non-accredited school.
To make the most of the "accredited school" environment and advance to your desired university, please start by consulting with us about your current academic standing and challenges.
