Top 18 International Schools In Tokyo

International schools

American School in Japan (ASIJ)  

Ages 6-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,510 students; American curriculum; American High School Diploma; and Advanced Placement.

Established in 1902 and located in Chofu, a suburb of Tokyo, the ASIJ campus houses a 570-seat theater and Japanese culture center. All students in primary school study Japanese, regardless of their dual citizenship or percentage of American students. Most of their graduates go to the United States, followed by Asia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe, with a small proportion staying in Japan. By the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredited (WASC).

ASIJ Early Learning Centre

Ages 3-5; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 160 pupils; adapted Reggio Emilia

Opened in 2004 in the upscale Roppongi Hills complex in the heart of Tokyo, ASIJ specializes in English language instruction in addition to a program on Japanese culture. Beautiful structures and a great location. 

The British School in Tokyo 

Ages 3-18; co-ed; day; autonomous; private non-profit; 1,100 pupils; National Curriculum for England/IGCSE/A Level

Only 63 students were on the roll call when Margaret Thatcher established the inaugural school in 1989. Currently, 350 kids attend the junior school on the Shibuya site, and 620 students aged 9 to 18 attend the 2017-built Showa campus. A recognized participant in the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and a British Schools Abroad (BSOA) independent schools inspectorate (ISI) inspection (BSO). 

International School of the Sacred Heart

Ages 3-5; co-ed, ages 6–18; girls exclusively; day; independent; a private non-profit; 550 pupils; IPC/adapted middle school curriculum; AP®  and US High School Diploma

A Catholic day school for girls in the center of Tokyo. Boys are permitted to enroll in kindergarten (3, 4, and 5-year-olds), but only girls can enroll from grade 1 and up. The school was founded in 1908 as a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, which is connected to institutions and schools in 44 nations. Spanning all year levels, approximately 550 pupils. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS) (WASC). 

Nishimachi International School

Ages 5 to 15; co-ed; day; autonomous; private non-profit; 480+ students; adapted curriculum using US Common Core Standards 

An international school with lessons taught in English and mandatory Japanese studies which was established in the heart of Tokyo over 70 years ago. Most graduates continue their education at various international schools throughout Japan, including ASIJ, YIS, ISSH, St. Mary’s, Seisen, Aoba and Saint Maur as well as boarding schools within Japan and abroad. Accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1986 and accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS) since 2006.

Seisen International School 

Ages 3-18; co-ed (kindergarten), girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 650 students; Montessori/PYP/adapted curriculum/IGCSE (art & design, music)/IB Diploma

A Catholic school for females with a mixed-gender Montessori kindergarten. The curriculum has always included the Japanese language and culture. About 30% of students come from Japan or Asia, 30% from the UK or Europe, and 40% from the US or Canada. Norm IB scores are 3 points higher than the global average, and almost 50% of IB graduates attend American universities. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) (CIS). 

Tokyo International School (TIS)

370 pupils in the PYP/MYP program; ages 4 to 14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit;

The school relocated in 2013 to Minami-Azabu in the heart of Tokyo. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) (CIS). They all have iPads or Macbooks because the school is an Apple Distinguished School. By 2024, it hopes to grow into new campuses for middle and high schools in a neighboring site and offer the entire International Baccalaureate program. 

Aoba – Japan International School Hikarigaoka/Meguro

Ages 3-18; co-ed; day; autonomous; private non-profit; 330 pupils; PYP/MYP/IB Diploma

Although 90% of the pupils are Japanese, English is the language of instruction. However, daily lessons in the Japanese language are offered. The school utilizes a school bus and requires a uniform. They are endorsed by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools (CIS) (NEASC). Many graduates have gained admission to prestigious UK universities. The Meguro location serves as a kindergarten for the primary school in Hikarigaoka in the heart of Tokyo. 

Yokohama International School

Ages 3-18; co-ed; day; autonomous; private non-profit; 700 pupils; PYP/MYP/IB Diploma

Yokohama International School (YIS), situated in Yokohama, Japan, serves students aged 3-18 in a co-educational, day school environment. While not located in Tokyo, YIS is home to many Tokyo resident students, and is one of the premier options for international schools in the Kanto region. Founded by foreign residents in 1924, it now educates approximately 700 students from kindergarten through grade 12, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program alongside a diverse curriculum. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the school is known for its commitment to fostering a globally-minded community with a majority of students pursuing higher education internationally.

Canadian International School Tokyo

Ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 330 pupils; PYP; modified Canadian curriculum; Canadian High School Diploma; AP® 

The school’s enrolment has increased from 50 to over 300 pupils as it approaches its 20th anniversary. The majority of the students are Japanese, and the majority of the teachers are from Canada. The other pupils represent 25 different countries. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Unsurprisingly, most graduates enroll in universities in Canada or the US, with a smaller number choosing to stay in Japan or travel to Korea and Australia.

Columbia International School

Ages 6 to 18; co-ed; day; autonomous; private non-profit; 270 students; Ontario curriculum; Ontario High School Diploma (OSSD);

The first of two Canadian-education-focused international schools in Tokyo. High-caliber academic programs and diplomas and recognized by top international schools. Founded in 1997 and given Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation (WASC).