Compare German Curriculum International Schools in Japan

Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama is located in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, at 2-4-1 Chigasaki-Minami, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama 224-0037. The campus sits in a residential area of Tsuzuki and is easily accessible by public transport from Tokyo and Yokohama. The school also operates a dedicated bus network to serve families in the region.

The school comprises Kindergarten; Grundschule (primary); Sekundarstufe I (lower secondary) and Sekundarstufe II (upper secondary), culminating in the Deutsches Internationales Abitur. The levels are provided under one roof, supporting a continuous German curriculum from early years through to Abitur.

DSTY is a co-educational day school. It operates as a Ganztagsschule, offering after-school care and activities until 16:30.

Students come from around 20 nationalities; representative groups include German, Swiss, Austrian, and Japanese students, reflecting a diverse international community. The school notes these nationalities as examples and does not publish a precise local-to-international ratio.

DSTY has a dedicated Förderbereich that supports students with identified learning needs (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum, etc.). Support can be inclusive in the classroom, in small groups, or in one-to-one settings, and includes provision for gifted students; staff include Sonderpädagoginnen/Sonderpädagogen. Parents can access counseling through the team.

Germany; DSTY is recognised as an Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule (Excellent German Overseas School) and maintains active engagement with the German embassy in Tokyo.

Religious affiliation is not listed as part of the school's public profile; DSTY operates as a German international school with instruction primarily in German.

DSTY operates as a full-day school (Ganztagsschule) with supervision and activities through to 16:30. The cafeteria serves meals on school days from 7:30 to 16:30, and a midday lunch break is included for students.

DSTY runs a school bus system for students from the Tokyo–Yokohama region. Buses depart in the morning with three return options, and the BusCatch system locates buses in real time; a supervising staff member accompanies students on the bus.

The school provides a DSTY bus system that transports Kindergarten through Grade 12 students from the Tokyo region directly to the school and back. The return trips depart at three different times, and a supervisor accompanies the bus on board. The BusCatch system allows real-time tracking of bus locations.

The school has a Mensa (cafeteria) open on school days from 07:30 to 16:30. The daily lunch buffet changes and includes vegetarian options, ramen, fresh sandwiches and wraps, and freshly baked pretzels. Payments are cashless, and meals for Kindergarten children are delivered to the Kindergarten. The Mensa is externally operated.

DSTY is a non-profit foundation (Gemeinnützige Stiftung Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama) that establishes and operates the school and promotes German language knowledge and Germany–Japan cultural relations. The foundation's Kuratorium (board of trustees) is the supervisory body and appoints the School Board; the Vorstand (executive board) handles administration and represents the school externally. The DSTY im Überblick confirms the school operates as an open all-day school with supervision until 16:30 for all sections from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

DSTY offers a continuous German-language curriculum from Kindergarten through the Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA), and is the only school in Japan to offer this qualification. The program centers on German instruction, with Deutsch als Zweitsprache (DaZ) from Kindergarten to Abitur to support multilingual learners, and Japanese language and culture are integrated, with native Japanese speakers able to study Japanese as a second foreign language and non-native speakers offered Japanese as an elective through Grade 10 and as an AG in Grades 11–12. In Grundschule, language development begins with Japanese from Class 1 and English from Class 2, with computer classes from Class 3 and swimming; the curriculum also emphasizes media education and competency-based learning, and a cocurricular program with learning development discussions. Sekundarstufe I focuses on mathematics, science, and social studies, plus vocational preparation, including a two-week internship in Grade 10 and biennial Berufsfeldorientierung; English, French, and Latin are offered, and Latinum can be earned. Sekundarstufe II leads to the Deutsches Internationales Abitur, supported by Studien- und Berufsberatung and a multilingual, internationally minded education designed to enable university progression.

DSTY provides social and emotional learning (SEL) support through a Prevention and Counseling service that includes crisis intervention, conflict mediation, and individual counseling, with pastoral care provided by pastors from two German-speaking churches; a school psychologist offers confidential counseling appointments and assists students in accessing therapy.

DSTY operates a Förderbereich (inclusion and special education support) with an interdisciplinary child-protection team, an Inklusions-AG, and related activities such as an Inklusions-AG Elterncafe; the school also advertises internships in the Förderbereich for training in inclusive education.

Deutsch als Zweitsprache (DaZ) is provided from Kindergarten to Abitur to support non-native German speakers, with DaZ instruction including early integration in Kindergarten and DaZ in Sekundarstufe I; English is taught as a first foreign language from class 2, and there is no publicly disclosed dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program.

Mental wellbeing is supported through the DSTY School Psychology service, which offers psychological consultations for students in crisis, and pastoral care by staff from German-speaking churches; speech therapy is also available in individual or small-group settings to support communication and wellbeing.

DSTY has a safeguarding concept (Schutzkonzept) with an interdisciplinary child-protection team, a staff and student behaviour code, a reporting pathway for suspected cases, safeguarding trainings for staff, age-appropriate child-protection training for students, and multilingual safeguarding materials.

1. Initial inquiry and information request: Express interest in DSTY by using the online contact form to reach the Anmeldebüro (admissions office). A DSTY representative will respond with next steps and guidance; a campus visit or information session is strongly recommended to understand the school environment and programs. This step helps families confirm fit before submitting formal applications.

2. Language readiness and eligibility for entry: For admission to the early grades, DSTY requires age-appropriate German language knowledge. This can be demonstrated by two consecutive years of attendance at a German-speaking kindergarten or by a school-conducted language placement assessment to verify German language ability. If aiming for early admission, the school will require successful completion of its internal school-readiness checks.

3. Documentation and application forms: Gather and submit the necessary forms and documents. Application forms are provided through the admissions process and are in German; the set includes a family registration form and per-child documents (health card, kindergarten/primary/secondary forms as applicable). Completed documents are submitted to DSTY's admissions office as part of the intake process.

4. Admission decision by the school leadership: The final decision on new enrollments rests with the school leadership. Once the child is accepted, families will be asked to submit the remaining forms and documents required for enrollment.

5. Enrollment timing and waitlists: There is no strict annual application deadline because enrolment can occur mid-year; however, competition is high, especially in the kindergarten. If a class reaches its maximum capacity, a waitlist is created and families are notified when a space becomes available. Early application is advised to improve the chances of securing a place.

6. Fees and onboarding steps after acceptance: Upon acceptance, families receive billing for the admission-related fees (service fee and admission fee) and then annual tuition and other charges as applicable. The current fee schedule for the 2025/2026 year includes a service fee of 75,000 yen and an admission fee of 650,000 yen per child; tuition is 1,650,000 yen for Primary grades 1–4 and 1,790,000 yen for grades 5–12; bus service is 380,000 yen; and a DSTY membership of 500 yen applies. Fees may be paid in four installments with a 1% processing fee, and late payments incur interest of 3% above the Bank of Japan discount rate.

7. Language and curriculum context (helpful for admissions planning): The school's instruction is predominantly in German; English is taught as the first foreign language starting in Grade 2, with the option to study Japanese as a second foreign language from Grade 1 and French (or Japanese with prerequisite) from Grade 6; Latin may be chosen from Grade 10.

DSTY offers financial assistance through the DSTY Foundation in the form of social subsidies to support German-speaking students regardless of parental income. Eligibility focuses on income and assets: gross family income thresholds are used as guidelines (under 7,000,000 yen per year for a single child; under 8,500,000 yen for two children), and prospective recipients must disclose the worldwide assets (real estate, investments, business interests, etc.). Applications for social subsidies must be submitted before enrolling in the school year for which the subsidy is sought, and the foundation reserves the right to make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Documents and forms are to be completed and submitted in person to the DSTY administration.

DSTY operates a waitlist system when a class reaches its maximum capacity. There is no strict end-of-year deadline for filing the application, as admissions can occur mid-year; once a class is full, a waitlist is created and families are notified when a space becomes available. The kindergarten section tends to have especially high demand, so early application is recommended.

Rokko Island 3-2-8 Koyochonaka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Japan

Playgroup 1–2 years; Early Years 2–5 years; Primary Years 5–12 years; Secondary 12–18 years

International school; IB World School with multilingual instruction in English, German and Japanese; Cambridge International Programmes for Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary starting 2026/27; German Thüringer Curriculum for German-native students.

Small class sizes and personalized support, with optional one‑to‑one or small‑group support.

Germany

Playgroup runs Thursday mornings (1–2 years). Early Years and Primary Years run Monday–Friday, 8:30–15:30. A typical Primary day includes a 7:50 arrival, classes from 8:35, and activities up to 5:00 pm (late room, optional).

DSKI is a private, non-profit international school.

DSKI is an IB World School offering a curriculum that blends IB with Cambridge programmes. In the Early Years and Primary Years, students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with the Cambridge Primary Programme for mathematics and language. English is the main language of instruction, and all students learn German and Japanese, with Kokugo for native Japanese speakers and Japanese as a Foreign Language. From 2026/27, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary Cambridge International Programmes lead to the IGCSE, taught in English with German and Japanese language study. In 2030/31, the Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered; English remains the language of instruction, German is taught as a higher-level foreign language, and Japanese may be offered at native speaker level; the IB Diploma Programme is recognised for university admissions, and Deutsches Sprachdiplom II supports German university pathways.

Small class sizes and personalized support are provided to help each child thrive.

The Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered from 2030/31 and the IB is recognised in most countries as a basis for university applications. The Deutsches Sprachdiplom II is available to support German university pathways, and the school plans to introduce Cambridge IGCSE programmes for broader higher education options.

Social-emotional learning is embedded across the school. In Early Years, play-based learning supports social-emotional growth, language development, and problem-solving skills. Playgroup activities develop social skills and confidence in English. The IB Primary Years Programme includes Personal, Social & Emotional Education as part of its Units of Inquiry.

Small class sizes and optional one-on-one or small-group support provide personalized learning. Saturday School offers inclusive learning opportunities for SEN students. Move to Learn is an inclusive program that welcomes children with special needs.

Three languages are used at DSKI: English, German and Japanese. In Primary Years, English, German and Japanese are used in the programme. In Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary, the language of instruction is English, and German and Japanese are learned as languages. All students learn German and Japanese either at native speaker level or as a foreign language.

Move to Learn is an inclusive program designed to promote physical and mental development. Early Years learning supports emotional growth, social skills, and language confidence. The environment nurtures the academic, emotional, social, physical and creative growth of children.

1. The inquiry introduces your interest and allows the school to share guidance on the admissions process. An initial inquiry helps staff understand your needs and plan a suitable visit. This first step starts the enrollment process.

2. Tell us about yourself: Submit the Pre-Admission Questionnaire to the school office. The form helps gather basic information ahead of your visit so staff can prepare a focused discussion about your child's needs and development. It marks the formal move toward the application process.

3. Visit us: For Families in Japan, a guided school tour is available by appointment; for FamiliesOutside Japan, the school can arrange a video or phone meeting. Tours provide a real sense of the school community and programs.

4. Submit an Application Form: After the initial visit or call, provide a completed Application Form and the three most recent report cards from your current school or kindergarten; translations are required if the reports are not in English, German, French, or Japanese; if recent report cards are not available, submit Confidential School Report Form (Primary School) or Recommendation Form (Early Years).

5. Attend a Trial Day: Entrance exams are not required. The school aims to meet each student, observe language skills and readiness, and confirm fit. For Families in Japan, children aged 2–5 join a trial from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and children aged 6 and above from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM; after the trial, a follow-up interview is arranged or the school contacts you with the result. For Families Outside Japan, admissions decisions may be based on report cards and confidential references.

6. Accept an Offer & Complete Registration: Accept the offer and complete registration; vaccination records (if not submitted at a trial) and a copy of the student's passport (photo page) should be provided. Download and complete the Registration Form, Declaration Form, Emergency contact / Pick up, Student Information Form, Student Health Form, and Physical Examination Form, then email or send them back to the school.