KA International School vs Tokyo YMCA International School

	K KA International School Tokyo, Japan	T Tokyo YMCA International School Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥2,249,000 - 2,503,333	Fees / year ¥2,346,000 - 2,973,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 190
Typical class size	Typical class size 10	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2006	Opened 1998
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location KA International School operates across three campuses in Tokyo, Japan. The Early Learning Center is near Sakurashinmachi Station in Setagaya (158-0081). The Elementary and Middle School share the Nakane campus in Meguro (1-6-8 Nakane, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0031), and the High School is located at Kami-Osaki (3-10-60 Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021). The campuses are well connected by Tokyo's rail network, providing convenient access from central Tokyo.	Location Tokyo YMCA International School (TYIS) is located at 2-2-20 Toyo, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0016. The campus is in eastern Tokyo (Koto-ku) and is most accessible by public transport, with Toyocho Station on the Tozai Line as the closest rail option (Exit 2). There is no on-site parking; nearby coin parking is available. Access is primarily by train, and TYIS offers a bus service with routes arranged based on the number of students and pick-up points at major landmarks in the area.
Stages	Stages KAIS offers Early Learning for ages 3–5, followed by Elementary and Middle School on one campus, and a separate High School campus for Grades 9–12. The Early Learning Center serves Pre-K and Kindergarten; Elementary & Middle School span the lower and middle years on the same site, with the High School on a different site catering to older students.	Stages TYIS offers a full K5 program through High School. The school organizes its curriculum into K5, Elementary, Middle School, and High School, with an affiliated pre-K program provided by Tokyo YMCA International Kids Garden. Admission documents show a progression from Kindergarten through Grade 12, and age-grade mappings confirm the inclusion of Grade 10 (and beyond) as part of the high school pathway.
School type	School type KAIS is a private international day school serving students from Pre-K through Grade 12. It operates across three campuses to accommodate different age groups and does not list boarding facilities.	School type TYIS is a co-educational international day school. It operates alongside an affiliated pre-K program, Tokyo YMCA International Kids Garden, which serves younger children.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix KAIS represents a broad mix of nationalities, with approximately 20–25 nationalities represented. The most common nationality is Japanese, and the local to international student ratio is around 1:1.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support KAIS provides a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program to support student wellbeing. Published information on a dedicated SEN (Special Educational Needs) department or learning needs specialist is not listed.	Additional learning support TYIS provides English language support through programs such as Academic Support for Kids (ASK) for ESL/ELL learners. The school emphasises English-language instruction and multilingual development, with native teachers and language support as part of its offering; the program is described as English-based with additional language supports for students who need them.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation KAIS has no formal country affiliation listed; it operates as an independent private international school with international accreditation.	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation; TYIS follows a North American-style curriculum and is part of the Tokyo YMCA network, including an affiliated Kids Garden program.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is listed or stated for KAIS.	Religious affiliation TYIS has no explicit religious affiliation stated; it operates within the YMCA network and emphasizes YMCA values (Encounter, Connect, Transform) rather than a denomination.
School day structure	School day structure The school day timings vary by campus. Elementary & Middle School typically begin around 8:40–9:00 and finish around 15:45 on most days (14:45 on Wednesdays), while High School typically finishes around 16:00 on most days (15:15 on Wednesdays).	School day structure The standard school day typically begins around 8:30 am and ends around 2:45 pm. A school lunch is available for students, and the schedule may vary by grade level. The school employs a structured assessment and reporting framework with multiple report cycles and parent conferences.
Bus service details	Bus service details KAIS does not offer a school bus service.	Bus service details TYIS offers a school bus service. Routes are determined by the number of students and pick-up points are located at major landmarks rather than individual homes; not all requests can be accommodated. Bus routes are finalized after all bus application forms are received, and pick-up/drop-off times can be early or late due to traffic and weather conditions.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - The school's application is free; there is no separate application charge to start an enrollment application. One‑time enrollment / registration and maintenance fees - Enrollment (registration) fee (one‑time): ¥350,000. - Building maintenance fee (one‑time): ¥300,000. Grade 8 families matriculating into the high school pay a reduced building maintenance fee of ¥200,000 and are not required to re‑pay the enrollment fee. Registration and building maintenance fees are charged once upon registration. Annual tuition by year group (amounts shown are annual tuition) - Pre‑K to Grade 2: Annual tuition ¥2,094,358. - Grades 3–8: Annual tuition ¥2,144,358. - Grades 9–12: Annual tuition ¥2,260,659. Materials and trip/event fees (annual / per‑year additions listed separately from tuition) - Materials fee (Pre‑K to Grade 8): ¥154,642. - Materials fee (Grades 9–12): ¥242,674. - Trip & event fee (Pre‑K to Grade 8): ¥40,000. - Trip & event fee (Grades 9–12): ¥96,800. Tax and refund policy - Annual tuition amounts include 10% tax. - All fees are stated as non‑refundable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is published as an annual amount. Registration and building maintenance fees are one‑time payments charged on registration. Specific published per‑term billing amounts or a published billing schedule (for example, semester or term invoices) are not provided in the publicly available fee schedule. Boarding - Boarding is not listed as part of the school's fee schedule; no boarding fees are published. The school operates as separate Early Learning / Elementary & Middle and High School day campuses. Other costs and typical additional charges - The fee schedule lists materials and trip/event fees above; other typical costs (for example: optional extracurriculars, uniforms, instrument hire, extra‑curricular trips beyond the standard trip/event fee, external examination fees, or lunch) are not broken out in the published summary fee page. The published schedule therefore should be taken as the core items explicitly specified: annual tuition, enrollment fee, building maintenance fee, materials fee, and trip/event fee. Refunds and cancellations - The published policy states that all fees are non‑refundable. No separate refund schedule for partial terms or mid‑year withdrawals is published in the public fee summary. Fee payment options and contact for billing - Specific accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, online payment portals, etc.) are not listed in the public fee summary. For billing queries and to confirm acceptable payment methods and invoicing procedures, use the school's admissions / contact channels (telephone numbers and admissions email provided for each campus). Summary of findings and missing details - The published fee information provides: annual tuition by grade band, one‑time enrollment and building maintenance fees, materials fees, and trip/event fees, together with the statements that annual tuition includes 10% tax and that all fees are non‑refundable. - The published information does not provide per‑term invoice amounts or a detailed public billing schedule (for example, exact term installments, due dates, or explicit payment methods). No boarding fees are published because boarding is not provided. For any required per‑term figures, installment amounts, exact due dates, or accepted payment channels, those specific items are not published in the fee summary and must be confirmed directly with the school's admissions/finance contacts.	Fee details Application and One‑time Fees - Application Fee (first-time applicants): JPY 22,000. - Entrance Fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): JPY 275,000. - School Development Fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): JPY 220,000. Annual Tuition and Maintenance (by year group) - Tuition (annual, all divisions K–12): JPY 2,148,000 per year. - Maintenance Fee (annual, all divisions K–12): JPY 198,000 per year. - Middle School trip (annual, where applicable): JPY 110,000. - High School trip (annual, where applicable): JPY 110,000. - Example annual totals shown: - Kindergarten / Elementary — New enrollee total: JPY 2,863,000; Continuing student total: JPY 2,346,000. - Middle School — New enrollee total: JPY 2,973,000; Continuing student total: JPY 2,456,000. - High School — New enrollee total: JPY 2,973,000; Continuing student total: JPY 2,456,000. Per‑term amounts and how payments are charged - The school charges tuition on an annual basis but permits payment by equal installments across three term payments. The published installment schedule and administration fee apply. - Derived per‑term breakdown (annual tuition and maintenance divided equally across three terms): - Tuition per term (annual JPY 2,148,000 ÷ 3): JPY 716,000 per term (this is the annual tuition divided equally by three). - Maintenance per term (annual JPY 198,000 ÷ 3): JPY 66,000 per term. - Combined tuition + maintenance per term (continuing student): JPY 782,000 per term (derived). - First invoice for new enrollees will include the one‑time Application, Entrance and School Development fees in addition to the term charge; the three one‑time fees together total JPY 517,000 (JPY 22,000 + JPY 275,000 + JPY 220,000). These one‑time charges are payable at initial registration. (Per‑term amounts above are derived by equal division of annual figures; the school invoices annual and first‑time charges as noted.) Installment schedule and administration fee - Installment due dates: - Term 1: after acceptance or by the end of June of the preceding school year. - Term 2: mid October of the enrolled school year. - Term 3: mid February of the enrolled school year. - Administration fee for installment plan: JPY 15,400 per term (10% consumption tax included). - Tuition is due 10 business days after formal acceptance; for applicants accepted after June 1, tuition is due immediately upon acceptance. Registration is complete only after all invoiced fees have been paid; the student's first day of school will be 14 days after payment of all fees and tuition. Additional recurring and optional fees - ASK (Academic Support for Kids) services — fee per term: Intensive JPY 154,000; Moderate JPY 88,000; Mild JPY 44,000; Middle School ASK JPY 110,000. (G9 and up not eligible for ASK.) - School lunch (fee per term): Kindergarten JPY 42,340; Elementary JPY 48,140; Middle School and High School JPY 51,040. - Camp fees (subject to change): Fall Camp (K5–G6) JPY 44,000; Nojiri Camp (MS/HS) JPY 88,000; Ski Camp (G1–G6) JPY 88,000. - School bus (subject to change): annual and per‑term options by route: - Koto‑ku round trip annual JPY 356,400 (per term JPY 118,800); one‑way annual JPY 217,800 (per term JPY 72,600). - Other wards round trip annual JPY 475,200 (per term JPY 158,400); one‑way annual JPY 277,200 (per term JPY 92,400). - PTA fee: annual JPY 10,000 (pro‑rata if joining after Term 2: JPY 5,000; after Term 3: JPY 2,000). - Additional possible costs: fees for high school overseas university visits and other administration fees may apply. Sibling discounts and scholarships - Sibling discount on tuition: second child receives a 10% discount on the tuition fee; third child receives a 50% discount on the tuition fee (discounts apply only to tuition). - Entrance scholarship: a one‑time entrance scholarship of JPY 200,000 may be awarded under the school's scholarship process; families pay full fees initially and receive a reimbursement for the scholarship amount after enrollment processing if awarded. Refunds and mid‑term entry - Applicants who register mid‑term are charged a prorated percentage of tuition for that term. - If a student withdraws before the end of the academic year, the school will refund the tuition for the term(s) in which the student will not be attending. No refund is issued for withdrawal from the school after a term has begun; no refund for a term will be issued after that term has started. - The Entrance and School Development Fees are non‑refundable in all cases. Boarding (residency) and day‑school status - Boarding is not part of the school's offerings; the school operates as a day school and provides school‑bus services for student transport. Boarding fees are not applicable. Uniforms and other parent‑paid supplies - The school uses a uniform policy (blazer and other items are part of the required dress). Specific uniform items and costs are not listed in the published fee schedule and are purchased separately by families. Expect uniform purchase as an additional expense. Payment methods and invoicing - Fees are invoiced at acceptance; invoices include payment instructions. Bank transfer payment instructions and bank account details are used for YMCA programs and are provided with program invoices and payment instructions. Credit‑card payment is accepted for certain YMCA online transactions (for example donations); the invoiced tuition payment method is typically bank transfer as shown in YMCA program payment instructions. Parents should follow the payment instructions on the invoice. Notes on taxation and administration - All published costs are subject to Japan's consumption tax (10%) where noted; many listed amounts include the 10% consumption tax. - Tuition fees are subject to annual increases (the school indicates planned increases of approximately 5–8% annually for several years).
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 KA International School (KAIS) in Tokyo serves Pre-K through Grade 12, delivering an English-language curriculum supplemented by a Japanese language program. In Middle School (Grades 5–8), Language Arts follows American Common Core Standards, Mathematics uses Singapore Math (Math in Focus) aligned to CCSS, Science follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and Social Studies emphasizes global themes; a Japanese language track, Physical Education, Differentiated Labs using i-Ready, and a Social Awareness program support holistic development with project-based learning and elective Wednesdays. High School (Grades 9–12) offers Advanced Placement and Honors courses to drive university preparation, with a Mastery and Challenge ethos and opportunities to build a resume and participate in leadership activities. Elementary School (Pre-K to Grade 4) focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy with a personalized approach, supported by Visible Learning and Love & Logic and an emphasis on individualized instruction. KAIS applies Visible Learning and data-driven pedagogy across the school, reinforcing high-quality teaching and ongoing reflective practice.	Curriculum details The TYIS curriculum follows a North American framework and incorporates Common Core standards with a cohesive grade-level progression. Core subjects are Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, with co-curricular classes that enrich the curriculum and include Physical Education, Swimming, Music, Art, Computer Skills and Japanese. The program emphasizes developing independent, creative, proactive global citizens and incorporates a range of social and life-skill activities such as fall camps, ski camps, a science fair, a spelling bee, a talent show, sports day and a seasonal concert. Professional development supports teacher growth in pedagogy, inclusion and equity, technology, and discipline-specific knowledge. The Elementary curriculum is taught in English and follows North American standards, with reading support through Accelerated Reader and progress-tracking tools including i-Ready for language arts and math. The High School and Middle School programs extend these foundations, with a U.S.-style high school experience, a dual track in math and science, university guidance and SAT preparation, and opportunities for inquiry-based learning and experiential education.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates are prepared for higher education at international universities. The high school program is modeled after a U.S. high school experience and includes university guidance and SAT test prep. A dual track system supports advanced study in math and science, with elective options in arts, foreign language, information technology and vocational skills.
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 1. Get to know KAIS. Book a school tour or contact the admissions office for more information. Tours help families understand KAIS programs and entry points, and admissions staff can answer questions about grade levels and how to proceed. The initial visit provides insight into whether KAIS aligns with your child's needs and learning style. 2. Create an Alma Account. Start your application by creating an Alma account, KAIS's student information system. This account is used to initiate and track the enrollment process and submit documents. A properly created Alma account is required before you can begin the formal enrollment application. 3. Start Enrollment Application. Once your Alma account is created, begin the application and provide the required documentation listed below. Required documents include the admissions application (through Alma), school transcripts/records from the past two years, two reference letters from the child's current or recent Math and English teachers, and detailed information on any special educational support needs. For Pre-K or Kindergarten (ages 3-6), you must also provide a Pre-Enrollment Medical Examination form and a medical check record by your doctor every six months until entry to Grade 1. Please ensure all learning needs are fully disclosed to avoid issues. 4. Document Screening. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Admissions Team. Our Admissions Director will track your progress and provide support along the way. This step ensures that KAIS understands the applicant's background and needs and helps coordinate next steps. 5. Trial Day. After reviewing all documents, we invite the student for a trial day. During the visit, the student will take placement tests in Mathematics and Language Arts to assess their level and needs. For overseas applicants, KAIS conducts an online interview instead of an in-person trial. 6. Acceptance Review and Enrollment Fees. After the trial day, KAIS educators review the child's performance to determine if KAIS is a good fit. If accepted, the family is notified by email and begins enrollment. The enrollment process includes paying the Enrollment Fee (one-time) and Building Maintenance Fee (one-time), along with Materials Fee and Trip & Event Fee as applicable to the grade. Tuition is charged on an annual basis. 7. Required Enrollment Documentation (summary). You will need to provide the admissions application (through Alma), school transcripts/records from the past two years, two reference letters from the child's current or recent Math and English teachers, and detailed information on any special educational needs. For Pre-K or Kindergarten (ages 3-6), you must also provide a Pre-Enrollment Medical Examination form and a medical check record from your doctor every six months until entry to Grade 1. Open communication about learning needs is essential to a positive enrollment experience.	Admissions The school teaches an English-based North American curriculum for K5 through 9th grade, with a High School opening starting in 2025-2026 (Grade 10). The K5 curriculum Foundation follows North American standards, including the Common Core, and offers core subjects (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) plus weekly co-curriculars that include physical education, swimming, music, art, computer skills and Japanese. Testing includes formative and summative assessments, supported by i-Ready language arts and math and Accelerated Reader. TYIS offers instruction in English with additional language support as needed. The school is located at 2-2-20 Toyo, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0016, and is accessible from Toyocho Station (Tozai Line); there is no on-site parking.
Scholarships	Scholarships KAIS International School does not publish scholarship information on its admissions pages. There is no indication of scholarship awards or an application process on the site. Families should plan on standard tuition and fees as listed.	Scholarships Tuition and Fees: 2026-2027 fee schedule includes an application fee of 22,000 JPY, entrance fee 275,000 JPY, school development fee 220,000 JPY, and annual tuition and maintenance fees (Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, High School) as published. Sibling discounts apply: 10% off for the second child and 50% off for the third child on tuition. Fees are tax-inclusive. Payment can be made in installments with an administration fee. Additional costs include school lunch, ASK services (English language supports), camp fees, bus services, and PTA fees. The first day of school is 14 days after all fees are paid; if accepted after June 1, tuition is due upon acceptance. Note: tuition may increase yearly. The school also offers a Middle School Enrollment Scholarship with its own criteria and application process.
Waitlist	Waitlist KAIS International School does not publish a waitlist or pool policy on its admissions pages. There is no publicly posted waitlist process or stated priority system. If you need updated details, contact the admissions office for confirmation.	Waitlist —
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