Looking for the right international school in Japan? For expats with children, finding the perfect balance between cultural immersion and quality education is crucial. With the growing availability of English education options in Japan, the international community is witnessing more choices. This article offers a succinct overview of international schools, shedding light on curriculum, admission requirements, and other vital information. Explore to make informed decisions and secure a smooth educational journey for your children in Japan!
For the readers interested in learning more about the overall Japanese education system, delve deeper with our detailed post “Schooling System in Japan: What an Expat Parent Need to Know“.
Increasing English Education in Japan
In Japan, there has been a notable rise in preschools, known as “プリスクール,” for children aged 2 to 6, where English is the medium of instruction. These are prevalent even in cities with a population of 100,000, with around 800 such schools across the country. The increase in preschool graduates has led to a subsequent rise in international schools. As of 2020, there were 143 international schools with over 30,000 students enrolled. However, many of these schools are not officially recognized as “schools” under Japanese law.
Types of International Schools in Japan
The international schools in Japan are not just limited to those teaching in English. There are schools catering to various nationalities, including French, German, Brazilian, Chinese, and Korean. Some of these are recognized as schools under Japanese law (School Education Law Article 134), while others are not. Graduating from an unrecognized school may not grant high school or university admission eligibility, requiring students to acquire qualifications like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or pass high school equivalency exams.
Choosing the Right International School
When aiming for admission to top global universities, it is essential to choose international schools with high-quality education and a track record of successful admissions. These schools offer internationally recognized curriculums like IB and have predominantly English-speaking environments. However, the availability of such top-tier international schools is limited, with around five in Tokyo, having a total capacity of about 4,000 students.
A Glimpse at Top International Schools in Tokyo
Seisen International School
- Location: Setagaya, Tokyo
- Grades: Kindergarten to High School (3-18 years)
- Curriculum: Montessori education in kindergarten and International Baccalaureate (IB) from elementary to high school
- Student Demographics: 650 students from over 55 countries
- Highlights: Established in 1962, Seisen is a Catholic girls’ school offering Western-style education. It has a 100% university advancement rate, with graduates predominantly moving on to universities in North America, Asia, and Europe.
- Website: Seisen International School
Nishimachi International School
- Location: Minato, Tokyo
- Grades: Kindergarten to Middle School (5-15 years)
- Curriculum: Unique international curriculum
- Student Demographics: 460 students from over 35 countries
- Highlights: Founded in 1949, Nishimachi offers a curriculum with mandatory Japanese learning and a distinctive Japanese program as a second language. About 70% of graduates proceed to international schools in Japan, and 30% go to overseas high schools.
- Website: Nishimachi International School
Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS)
- Location: Multiple campuses in Tokyo
- Grades: Kindergarten to High School (1.5-18 years)
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Student Demographics: 460 students from over 45 countries
- Highlights: Established in 1976, A-JIS is popular for its consistent IB education. It emphasizes bilingual education in Japanese and English, respecting Japanese culture and language. It has a 95% post-graduation advancement rate to universities in Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Website: Aoba-Japan International School
Tokyo International School (TIS)
- Location: Minato, Tokyo
- Grades: Elementary to Middle School (5-14 years)
- Curriculum: Inquiry-based curriculum centered around the International Baccalaureate
- Student Demographics: 360 students from over 63 countries
- Highlights: Established in 1995, TIS is known for its student-led, inquiry-based curriculum and has a diverse student body. It requires a high level of English proficiency for admission and has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School in 2016 for its emphasis on IT in education.
- Website: Tokyo International School
K. International School Tokyo (KIST)
- Location: Koto, Tokyo
- Grades: Kindergarten to High School (3-18 years)
- Curriculum: Consistent International Baccalaureate (IB) from kindergarten through 12th grade
- Student Demographics: 600 students from over 50 countries
- Highlights: Established in 1997, KIST has maintained top academic performance among IB schools in Japan from 2015 to 2021, ranking 13th in the 2020 global IB school ranking.
- Website: K. International School Tokyo
St. Mary’s International School (SMIS)
- Location: Setagaya, Tokyo
- Grades: Kindergarten to High School (5-18 years)
- Curriculum: Diverse with an emphasis on sports
- Student Demographics: 800 students from over 45 countries
- Highlights: Founded in 1954, SMIS is the only all-boys international school in Japan, known for producing many international athletes and integrating technology into its educational environment.
- Website: St. Mary’s International School
The American School in Japan
- Location: Chofu and Roppongi, Tokyo
- Grades: Kindergarten to High School (3-18 years)
- Curriculum: Diverse
- Student Demographics: 1500 students from over 50 countries
- Highlights: Established in 1902, it has a high academic reputation, with many graduates proceeding to prestigious universities in Japan and the United States.
- Website: The American School in Japan
Canadian International School
- Location: Shinagawa, Tokyo
- Grades: Kindergarten to High School (3-18 years)
- Curriculum: Same as schools in Canada
- Student Demographics: 300 students from over 25 countries
- Highlights: Founded in 1999, graduates can study in Canada and, with approval, can also apply to Japanese universities. The school offers a French program and has a uniform policy.
- Website: Canadian International School
Global Indian International School Tokyo (GIIS)
- Location: Edogawa, Tokyo (and other locations)
- Grades: Pre-primary to High School
- Curriculum: Emphasis on STEM education, offering Indian education (CBSE) and International (Cambridge) curriculums
- Student Demographics: Diverse international student body
- Highlights: Established in 2002 in Singapore, GIIS has 19 campuses across seven Asian countries and is known for its high academic standards and emphasis on STEM education.
- Website: Global Indian International School Tokyo
The British School in Tokyo
- Location: Shibuya and Showa, Tokyo
- Grades: Nursery to 13th Year (3-18 years)
- Curriculum: Based on the British standard curriculum
- Student Demographics: 1100 students from over 65 countries
- Highlights: Founded in 1985, about 20% of its graduates enter top 50 world-ranking universities, and 40% enter top 300 world-ranking universities.
- Website: The British School in Tokyo
Conclusion
Tokyo hosts a variety of international schools, each with its unique curriculum, environment, and specialties. Whether it’s the globally recognized K. International School Tokyo, the sports-oriented St. Mary’s International School, or the diverse and inclusive American School in Japan, parents and students can find a school that best fits their educational needs and aspirations. The presence of such diverse and high-caliber educational institutions reflects Tokyo’s status as a global city, catering to the multifaceted needs of its international community.