Christian Academy in Japan vs The Innovation Fellowship (TIF)

	C Christian Academy in Japan Tokyo, Japan	T The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥2,062,000 - 2,412,000	Fees / year ¥2,250,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 14 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 464	Pupils 11
Typical class size	Typical class size 17	Typical class size 5
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1950	Opened 2024
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location CAJ is located at 1-2-14 Shinkawa-cho, Higashi Kurume-shi, Tokyo 203-0013, Japan. The main CAJ campus covers about 4 acres in the western suburbs of Tokyo. Most students commute by public transportation, bicycle, or walking.	Location The Innovation Fellowship is based in Spark Shibuya, a purpose-built campus in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. The campus address is Spark Shibuya 7F, 3-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042. It is within a short walk of Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park, providing easy access by public transport. The campus opened in 2024.
Stages	Stages CAJ is a K-12 school serving kindergarten through high school. It operates a day school program and a Parallel Educational Services division for English-speaking homeschoolers.	Stages TIF is a full-time international high school serving grades 9-12.
School type	School type CAJ is a private, co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.	School type The Innovation Fellowship is an international high school with a campus-based, in-person program in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix CAJ's student body includes students from over 20 countries. The most represented nationalities are Japan, the United States, and Korea; about 33% of students have multiple nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix Not published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support CAJ admits students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for speech and language and/or specific learning disabilities, and accepts students with physical, emotional, or behavioral needs under defined conditions. Parallel Educational Services provides consultancy, resources, and programs for English-speaking homeschoolers and affiliated schools.	Additional learning support Health, well-being and safeguarding are integral to student care; mindfulness practices and mental health education are part of the curriculum.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation CAJ has no formal country affiliation; it is operated in Japan by six evangelical mission organizations.	Country affiliation Based in Japan.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation CAJ is a Christian school with a Christ-centered program; chapels are attended by all students as part of spiritual life. Founding missions underpin the school's Christian identity.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure Campus opens at 8:00 (9:00 on Wednesdays); classes begin at 8:30 (9:30 on Wednesdays). Elementary dismissal is at 3:30 p.m.; all students should leave campus by 5:00 p.m. unless in a supervised activity. High School runs a block-based schedule with Chapel during the day.	School day structure A typical school day runs from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Bus service details	Bus service details CAJ does not operate a dedicated school bus service. Students typically commute by public transportation or bicycle; passes for trains or buses can be arranged, and bicycles must be parked in designated areas with safety rules observed.	Bus service details The school does not publish details of a dedicated bus service; the campus is walkable from Shibuya Station, and students commute to campus.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Entrance Fees - Application fee: ¥16,000 (payable per child; non-refundable). - Testing fee: ¥11,000 (payable in advance for applicants requiring testing; non-refundable). - Entrance fee: ¥430,000 (payable before commencement once applicants are accepted; non-refundable). - Entrance EAL fee: ¥107,000 (one-off fee for new Grade 6–12 students requiring EAL support). Registration and Annual Facility Fees - Registration fee: ¥54,000 (non-refundable deposit to confirm initial enrollment and payable each May to confirm continuing enrollment). - Facilities fee (annual): ¥165,000 (non-refundable; assists with continuing development of facilities). Tuition Fees by Year Group (annual amounts) - Kindergarten and Elementary (K to G5): ¥1,845,000 per year. - Middle School (G6 to G8): ¥2,020,000 per year. - High School (G9 to G10): ¥2,165,000 per year. - High School (G11 to G12): ¥2,195,000 per year. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Annual billing: Annual fees are payable every school year before commencement unless a Deferred Payment Plan is used. - Deferred Payment Plans available: - 2-Payment Plan: non-refundable plan fee ¥6,000; two payments in August and January. The 2-payment plan applies to tuition fees only. - 10-Payment Plan: non-refundable plan fee ¥11,000; ten payments August–May. The 10-payment plan schedules Tuition, Facilities Fee, and Plan Fees across the ten payments. - Sibling discount: tuition reduced by 25% for the 3rd and 4th child after the 2nd child per family attending in the same year. - Refunds: refund of tuition fees is available by semester only, and only if the student is wholly unattended, exiting, and a 30-day notice is given. Admissions fees (application, testing, entrance, etc.) are non-refundable. - Overdue account policies: grades and transcripts may be withheld at semester break until 50% of annual tuition and fees are paid; diplomas and final transcripts withheld if accounts are not paid in full; overdue accounts can lead to loss of charging privileges or termination of enrollment. The Head of School may grant exceptions only after a written request. Per-payment Examples (derived calculations based on published annual amounts and the stated Deferred Payment Plan structures) Note: the following per-payment figures are calculated from the published annual tuition, the published facilities fee, and the stated plan fees. These per-payment numbers are presented to show how payments would break down under each plan structure. - 2-Payment Plan (tuition split into two equal installments; plan fee ¥6,000 is an additional non-refundable annual charge): - K–G5: ¥1,845,000 ÷ 2 = ¥922,500 per installment. (Plus the ¥6,000 plan fee annually.) - G6–G8: ¥2,020,000 ÷ 2 = ¥1,010,000 per installment. (Plus the ¥6,000 plan fee annually.) - G9–G10: ¥2,165,000 ÷ 2 = ¥1,082,500 per installment. (Plus the ¥6,000 plan fee annually.) - G11–G12: ¥2,195,000 ÷ 2 = ¥1,097,500 per installment. (Plus the ¥6,000 plan fee annually.) - 10-Payment Plan (ten equal monthly payments August–May; each monthly payment covers tuition, the annual facilities fee ¥165,000, and the annual plan fee ¥11,000): - K–G5: (¥1,845,000 + ¥165,000 + ¥11,000) ÷ 10 = ¥202,100 per month. - G6–G8: (¥2,020,000 + ¥165,000 + ¥11,000) ÷ 10 = ¥219,600 per month. - G9–G10: (¥2,165,000 + ¥165,000 + ¥11,000) ÷ 10 = ¥234,100 per month. - G11–G12: (¥2,195,000 + ¥165,000 + ¥11,000) ÷ 10 = ¥237,100 per month. Additional and Activity Fees - Zero Period class (7:20–8:20 am): ¥22,000 per class. - AP classes: ¥32,000 per course. - Private music lessons: ¥2,900 per half-hour (some lesson fees vary). - Co-curricular participation fees: - Elementary: ¥5,500 per after-school activity (half semester). - Middle School: ¥11,000 per sport or robotics season. - High School: ¥16,500 per sport season; ¥20,000 per robotics season. - Co-curricular tournament travel fees (indicative and subject to change): - Kanto area: ¥35,000. - Honshu: ¥45,000. - Okinawa, Korea: ¥55,000. - Guam: ¥77,000. - Food services: hot meal program and other food items available; prices vary by item. Refunds and Special Cases - Admissions fees (application, testing, entrance, etc.) are non-refundable. Refund of tuition is available only by semester under the stated conditions (student wholly unattended, exiting, and 30-day notice provided). Requests for leaves of absence of a semester or more should be made at least 30 school days before planned absence and may incur fees to guarantee a re-entry place. - Fee assistance is available for families in financial need on application. Government subsidies may be available for Grades 10–12 subject to income and application. Payment Methods and Business Office - Accepted methods: bank transfer (domestic bank transfer; include Family ID). No cash accepted. The school lists Resona Bank (Higashi Kurume, Futsu Yokin Savings) with account details for transfers. US dollar checks may be paid at the Business Office. US bank transfer is available on request. - Business Office / Cashier hours are published for payments handled in person. Overdue accounts and payment compliance are managed by the Business Office.	Fee details Application Fees - No separate application fee is shown in the publicly available Tuition & Fees summary published by the school. Tuition fees (by year group and term) - Grades 9–12 (full-time, local students): Annual tuition is JPY 2,250,000 per student. The published fee listing presents this as the annual tuition figure for each grade 9–12. - Study Abroad students (students relocating to Japan without a parent/guardian): Semester tuition is listed as JPY 1,125,000. A separate Study Abroad Program fee is shown for these students (see the Study Abroad / program fees line below). Study Abroad / additional program charges - Study Abroad Program fee (applies to students in the Study Abroad intake): JPY 1,225,000 (one-off program charge as published for Study Abroad participants). - Boarding and accommodation (applies to Study Abroad students who require full boarding services): JPY 1,475,000 (published as the boarding/accommodation charge for students requiring housing). Note: the school's full-time local program is operated as an in-person day program; boarding/accommodation charges relate to Study Abroad / incoming students requiring placement. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented as an annual amount for full-time local students (JPY 2,250,000) and as a per-semester amount for Study Abroad students (JPY 1,125,000). The publicly published fee summary lists amounts by annual or semester basis but does not provide an itemized public calendar of exact invoice dates in the summary itself. - Specific billing dates, deadlines for payment, information about enrollment deposits, and any schedule of penalties for late payment are not listed in the publicly available fee summary. Those operational details are set out in the school's full tuition & fees document. Boarding - The regular full-time TIF program in Tokyo is a day school; there is no standard boarding program for local full-time students. Boarding / accommodation charges shown in published fee listings apply only to Study Abroad students who require placement and accommodation. Other costs and one-off charges - The Study Abroad pathway shows a separate Study Abroad Program fee (JPY 1,225,000) and a boarding/accommodation fee (JPY 1,475,000) in published fee summaries. For full-time local students, the publicly listed summary shows tuition only (JPY 2,250,000) and does not list additional mandatory one-off registration or capital-development fees in that headline summary. - Common additional family costs that are frequently charged by international schools (for example: uniforms, textbooks, activity trips, personal insurance, optional school bus, and some extracurricular programs) are not itemized in the headline fee summary published in the school's tuition document summary. The public fee summary does not list a separate uniform fee in the top-level figures. Refunds and withdrawal - The publicly available tuition summary does not list detailed refund or withdrawal penalty language within the top-line fee figures. Refund terms for deposits or tuition are set out in the school's full tuition & fees document and enrollment agreement rather than in the headline fee table. The top-level published summary does not include a specific public refund policy text. Accepted fee payment methods - The headline Tuition & Fees summary published publicly does not itemize accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, local bank details, or other payment channels) in the summary itself. Payment method options and instructions are provided in the school's formal billing documentation. Notes on program types and applicability - The amounts above differentiate the full-time day program (annual tuition JPY 2,250,000 for grades 9–12) from the Study Abroad pathway (semester tuition JPY 1,125,000 plus Study Abroad and accommodation charges) as published. The school operates its full-time program in-person in Shibuya and the Study Abroad pathway includes accommodation arrangements and a program fee where indicated. Sources - Official Admissions page and published Tuition & Fees document link on the school site. - Published fee summary entries aggregated by international school data services (yearly tuition JPY 2,250,000). - Published School profile and Study Abroad fee breakdown as shown in third-party school listing (semester tuition, study-abroad program fee, and boarding/accommodation charge). If you require this exact fee breakdown in another presentation format, the numbers above are taken from the school's published Tuition & Fees summary and the third-party fee listings that reproduce that published summary.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details CAJ offers a K–12, English-language program based on a North American curriculum model, with Bible study integrated across grades. In middle school, the curriculum comprises five required academic subjects—English, social studies, math, science, and Bible—plus exploratory courses (art, digital tools, home economics, industrial arts) and electives such as band, choir, Japanese, Spanish, and study hall. Across the grade bands, Bible literacy, English and math foundational work are emphasized, with science and social studies exploring global contexts; younger students access art, music, world languages and PE, while older students can deepen study in academic and creative disciplines with technology integrated. Graduation requires 50 credits: 4 Bible, 8 English, 8 Social Studies, 4 Mathematics, 4 Science, 4 World Language, 4 PE/Health, 2 Creative Arts, plus electives; for the Class of 2029 and beyond, math and science credits rise to 6 each. In high school, typical schedules include seven courses plus a study hall, with AP offerings across English, World Language, Math, Science and Social Studies; Senior Capstone is required for graduation. CAJ provides world language pathways in Japanese (I–V) and Spanish (I–IV), an English as an Additional Language track, and serves as an AP exam center for CAJ students.	Curriculum details The Innovation Fellowship is a full-time international high school for grades 9–12 in Tokyo, culminating in an American high school diploma. The curriculum rests on three pillars—project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based learning—and core subjects (Math, Science, English, and Social Studies) are taught through an interdisciplinary approach that exceeds US Common Core Standards. English and Social Studies use research-based modules while Math and Science are delivered through a mastery-based online platform with instructional coaching. Students receive preparation for SAT and AP exams, and the institution is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) as of December 1, 2025, with NACAC membership and a CEEB code 664040. A college advisory program supports admissions to best-fit universities worldwide, and the campus is located in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions CAJ uses rolling admissions, and the school year runs from late August to early June. For April admission, CAJ strongly encourages applications before January 15 to enable timely processing, and applications submitted after May 1 may take longer due to the summer break. Parents should plan for a process that can extend through the school year and may involve conversations with the Admissions Coordinator before starting the formal steps. 1. Apply online. Complete the online application and assemble the required documents: birth certificate or passport, confidential teacher recommendation form, transcript, pastor's recommendation (if applicable), and pay the application fee. A testing fee may apply if testing is required. The admissions team reviews the complete application and notifies applicants after the review. 2. Notification of results. Once the complete application has been reviewed, applicants are notified of the outcome. This communication occurs in writing. The timing is not fixed and can depend on the overall review process. 3. Testing and interviews. Applicants who pass the initial screening are contacted to arrange any required testing and interviews. Kindergarten and Grade 1 receive a readiness test; non-native English speakers may need English language testing at any grade level; standardized test documentation is required for Grade 2 and above, and a test may be requested if documentation is unavailable. Both parents and the student are interviewed, and Skype or other digital options may be used for families outside the Tokyo area. 4. Admission decision. Decisions are based on factors including class availability, English language ability, presence of special needs, and classroom dynamics. Admission decisions are communicated in writing (email and postal mail), and most families are notified within 1–2 weeks of the testing and interview. Note on fees and timing: CAJ publishes a fee schedule in Japanese Yen, with upfront application and testing fees and post-acceptance fees such as entrance, registration, and facilities charges, plus tuition by grade level. See the General Fee Schedule for specifics.	Admissions 1. Step 1: Watch Our Demo Day Video. Start by watching the Demo Day Video with your child. The video provides insight into TIF's approach to learning and helps determine whether your child is genuinely excited about joining. Watching together supports a shared understanding of the school's project-based, real-world impact focus. 2. Step 2: Schedule an Information Session. Connect with the admissions team in a one-on-one session to learn more about the curriculum, ask questions, and discuss your child's interests. The session is an opportunity to assess fit, ask practical questions about daily routines, and understand the supports available to students. 3. Step 3: Complete an Application Questionnaire. After the information session, you will complete the Application Questionnaire to share more about your child's background, interests, and goals. This information helps the admissions team evaluate alignment with TIF's selection criteria and the school's mission. 4. Step 4: Student Interview. Shortlisted applicants participate in two interview rounds with faculty members. The interviews explore your child's mindset, values, and potential fit within the TIF community. 5. Step 5: Experience a School Day. Before final admissions decisions, applicants spend a day at TIF. The day offers peer interactions, conversations with coaches, and a Grand Mission brainstorming exercise to show how a student engages in the school's collaborative environment. 6. Step 6: Notifications and Enrollment. Successful applicants receive an official offer of admission via email, with detailed enrollment instructions. To secure a place, families must complete the enrollment process, including tuition payment and submission of required documents, by the specified deadline. 7. Step 7: Study Abroad Program Admissions. TIF also runs a separate admissions process for the Study Abroad Program. For priority consideration for the following academic year, submit your initial inquiry by December 1; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled. 8. Step 8: Tuition and Fees (and how to review). Tuition and Fees are published in the dedicated Tuition and Fees document for the 2025-26 school year. The Admissions page directs families to review that document and contact the admissions team with any questions.
Scholarships	Scholarships CAJ offers fee assistance for families in financial need, available on application. This assistance is in addition to standard tuition and fees and requires an application process. In Grade 10–12, government subsidies may be available to eligible families, subject to income and application timing. Tax-deductible donation options are also available to support CAJ; details are provided by CAJ's admissions/financial offices.	Scholarships Scholarships: No scholarships are described or advertised on the admissions pages. There is no published information about any scholarship programs or financial-aid processes; families are advised to contact the admissions team with questions about funding options.
Waitlist	Waitlist CAJ operates rolling admissions, meaning there is not a published waitlist system. Admissions are accepted over an extended period, and CAJ can consider admissions during the school year in many cases. Availability depends on class size and placement needs. There is no formal waitlist described in CAJ's admissions materials.	Waitlist Waitlist/Pool: There is no published waitlist or pool system described on the admissions pages. The process is outlined as a sequence from initial inquiry to enrollment for Japan-based applicants, with a separate Study Abroad admissions path; no waitlist procedure is mentioned. This means spaces are filled through the stated steps and subsequent offers rather than a formal waitlist. For priority planning, the Study Abroad path notes a rolling review until spaces are filled.
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