4 Key Factors for Choosing an International School in Tokyo
Choosing an international school in Tokyo can feel overwhelming. With so many excellent options scattered across the city and suburbs, where do you even begin? As education specialists who have worked with students from nearly every major international school in Tokyo, we understand the importance of this decision. You’re not just picking a school—you’re choosing the community where your child will grow, learn, and build lifelong friendships.
Let’s break down the four key factors that matter most when making this crucial decision.
1. Location: More Than Just a Commute
Location plays a pivotal role in your decision. A convenient commute can significantly impact your child’s energy levels and ability to participate in things like after-school activities.
- City-Center Schools:
- If you live in central Tokyo areas like Hiroo or Roppongi, schools such as Tokyo International School and Nishimachi International School are excellent options. Both offer a dynamic urban experience with easy access to after-school programs and vibrant neighborhoods.
- International School of the Sacred Heart in Hiroo combines peaceful school grounds with the convenience of city living, creating a balanced learning environment.
- Suburban Schools: Families seeking more space and tranquility often look to schools in suburban areas.
- St. Mary’s International School in Setagaya offers a unique mix of suburban calm and urban accessibility, making it ideal for families looking for balance.
- Seisen International School also in Setagaya provides an all-girls Catholic education in a serene campus setting, while maintaining convenient access to central Tokyo.
- The American School in Japan (ASIJ) located further out in Chofu features a sprawling campus with expansive sports fields and state-of-the-art facilities, perfect for students who thrive in open, green spaces.
- Greater Tokyo Area: For some families, a slightly longer commute is worth it for the right fit. Schools like Yokohama International School provide a world-class education and a strong sense of community, even for families based in Tokyo.
A shorter commute may allow your child to focus more on studies and extracurricular activities, but sometimes the perfect school is worth the extra travel time.
2. Curriculum: Finding Your Child’s Path
Choosing a curriculum is about aligning your child’s learning style and future aspirations with the right program. Focused primarily on secondary education, Tokyo’s international schools offer several globally recognized curricula:
- The IB Journey:
- Ideal for students who enjoy interdisciplinary learning and discussion-based environments.
- Prepares students for universities worldwide, offering flexibility for globally minded families.
- Schools like St. Mary’s, Seisen, and K. International School are renowned for their IB programs.
- Encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and intercultural understanding.
- Note: The British School in Tokyo (BST) will transition to IB in 2026.
- The American Approach:
- At Sacred Heart and ASIJ, the AP program allows students to focus intensively on subjects of interest.
- ASIJ’s AP program enables students to pursue depth in chosen fields while still maintaining broad academic exposure.
- Strongly aligned with U.S. university admissions requirements.
- Sacred Heart offers a well-rounded American education.
- The British Curriculum:
- Best suited for students who prefer a focused, in-depth study of specific subjects.
- The A-Level program is highly regarded by UK universities for its rigor and specialization.
- The British School in Tokyo provides a supportive environment for students pursuing this pathway (transitioning to IB in 2026).
The right curriculum will depend on your child’s learning preferences, long-term goals, and where you envision them studying in the future.
3. Beyond the Classroom: Where Passions Come Alive
Extracurricular activities play a vital role in shaping well-rounded students, especially for high school students. Tokyo’s international schools offer diverse opportunities to nurture your child’s interests and talents:
- Sports Programs That Shine:
- St. Mary’s: Home of the Titans, St. Mary’s athletics program maintains a strong presence in the Kanto Plain Association competitions. Their comprehensive program introduces major sports like swimming, baseball, and basketball from elementary school, and extends to successful varsity programs. The school maintains its own ski lodge in Gunma prefecture for annual student trips, and their teams regularly compete in major tournaments like the HKIS Holiday Basketball Tournament and the Okinawa “Rumble on the Rock” wrestling competition. Beyond KPASSP league play, teams engage in friendly matches with both Japanese and international schools.
- ASIJ: A powerhouse athletic program featuring 15 high school sports and an impressive 250 competitive matches per year through the Kanto Plain League. The school’s commitment to inclusive participation is evident in their three-tier team structure (Varsity, JV, and JV B), while maintaining competitive standards. Their unique offerings include traditional Japanese martial arts – Shotokan karate and kendo – available across all divisions at the Chofu campus. The middle school program is particularly robust with 20 different sports options, ranging from competitive to recreational. ASIJ partners with the Positive Coaching Alliance to develop not just better athletes, but better people, emphasizing both competitive excellence and honorable sportsmanship.
- Yokohama International School: Home of the Dragons, YIS competes across three major leagues – KPASSP in Tokyo, WJAA in Kansai, and AISA with schools in Japan and Korea. Their modern facilities include a double gymnasium with spectator balcony, 25m heated indoor pool, and a 90m x 46m artificial turf field. The program offers distinct seasonal sports, with standout programs in field hockey, volleyball, and soccer across middle and high school levels. Their balanced approach emphasizes both competitive development and inclusive participation, aiming to develop well-rounded global citizens through athletics.
- Arts and Culture:
- ASIJ: Their arts program spans multiple campuses and age groups, offering unique opportunities from early childhood hula dancing to high school theater productions. Each division mounts an annual musical, while high school students can further explore their creativity through fall plays, one-act performances, and film production via ASIJ TV. The program extends beyond traditional performing arts to include technical theater, directing, and scriptwriting opportunities. Students can participate in both Kanto Plain honor ensembles and the prestigious AMIS music program, while developing public speaking skills through debate and speech competitions.
Sacred Heart: A standout force in Tokyo’s international school music scene, particularly through their instrumental and vocal programs. Their students consistently excel in the selective KPASS Honor ensembles, with Sacred Heart providing the orchestra’s concertmaster four times in the past decade and typically comprising over a third of the orchestra’s membership. The school hosts the annual KPASS Honor Choir mass rehearsal and participates in both the KPASS Choral Festival and Honor Choir Concert. Their program provides unique opportunities for students to perform in mixed choirs and work with esteemed university-level conductors and clinicians. Students from grade 7 can audition for the Honor Orchestra, while Honor Band participation starts from grade 9. - Seisen: Offers a diverse creative ecosystem blending traditional and contemporary arts. Their Symphonic Ensemble and Choir form the cornerstone of their performing arts, while innovative programs like SIDAC (student-led dance club) and Music Studio enable students to compose and produce original music. The visual arts program spans multiple disciplines, from traditional realistic pencil drawing to modern photography, with opportunities to exhibit work through galleries and publications. Students can also explore sustainable fashion design and pottery, while the Arts Committee provides leadership opportunities through organizing school-wide creative initiatives and murals.
- Nishimachi: Distinguishes itself through a unique blend of traditional Japanese arts and contemporary activities. Their after-school program exemplifies this fusion, featuring Zenten Aikido instruction that emphasizes non-violent conflict resolution and self-awareness, alongside classical ballet training with Royal Ballet-qualified instruction. The curriculum extends beyond physical arts to include both practical skills like Soroban math and competitive activities like chess. Their innovative 360 Kids program combines fitness with self-defense, creating a comprehensive approach that builds both physical capabilities and confidence. Each program maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individual development while honoring Japanese cultural elements.
- ASIJ: Their arts program spans multiple campuses and age groups, offering unique opportunities from early childhood hula dancing to high school theater productions. Each division mounts an annual musical, while high school students can further explore their creativity through fall plays, one-act performances, and film production via ASIJ TV. The program extends beyond traditional performing arts to include technical theater, directing, and scriptwriting opportunities. Students can participate in both Kanto Plain honor ensembles and the prestigious AMIS music program, while developing public speaking skills through debate and speech competitions.
- Innovation and Technology:
- ASIJ: A comprehensive STEM ecosystem partnering with NASA and JAXA for their annual Space Conference. Their robotics program evolves from cardboard engineering to competitive VEX tournaments, while their iGEM bioengineering program tackles complex global challenges. Their computer science pathway progresses from elementary coding to advanced app development, complemented by strong showings in North East Asian Mathematics competitions.
- Seisen: The Firebird Science & Innovation Team engages 14 students in experimental science and environmental sustainability initiatives. Operating through two specialized units – Team SORA and Team UMI – students tackle renewable energy solutions and learning space optimization. The program extends beyond campus through participation in international science competitions, providing real-world environmental science experience.
- Yokohama International School: Features a diverse range of STEM-focused programs including robotics, mathematics support, and environmental initiatives. Their innovative Makers Club explores 3D printing and design, while their science programs emphasize hands-on learning and real-world application. Students can engage in various technical and creative pursuits through clubs focused on everything from digital media to engineering projects.
4. Size and Community: Finding Their Tribe
The size and demographic makeup of a school can influence your child’s experience both socially and academically.
- Large Schools: Schools like ASIJ offer:
- Diverse friend groups.
- A wider range of activities and clubs.
- Greater resources for specialized programs.
- Small Schools: Schools like Sacred Heart, or St. Maur offer:
- Closer teacher-student relationships.
- A strong sense of community.
- Individualized attention.
Single-gender schools like St. Mary’s, Sacred Heart, and Seisen can provide focused environments tailored to specific educational and social needs, while co-ed schools offer opportunities for collaboration and diverse interactions.
Making Your Decision
Choosing an international school is a deeply personal decision. It’s about finding a community where your child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Tips for Making the Right Choice:
- Visit the school during a typical day to observe its atmosphere and routines. Schools usually have open days/times when you can visit!
- Speak with admissions staff to understand the school’s philosophy and approach.
- Consider extracurricular opportunities and university matriculation.
- Explore parent involvement opportunities to understand the school’s community.
Take your time, trust your instincts, and keep your child’s happiness and growth at the heart of your decision.
Need guidance? We’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this journey. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options and find the right fit for your child.
Looking for More International School Guidance?
Visit our Resource Center and gain access to recorded webinars, podcast episodes, school profiles, and more.