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Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, High School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Aoba-Japan International School – Bunkyo Campus is an IB World School in central Tokyo that serves Grades 10–12. The campus is on the Yamanote Line, near Sugamo and Komagome stations, and features open-plan classrooms and specialized spaces such as a black-box theater, sound-proof music studios, and multimedia rooms, plus a spacious cafeteria and lobby. The Grade 10 program blends team- and research-based learning with real-life experience through internships. Students choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the Global Leadership Diploma (GLD), with advisory teachers helping tailor pathways to individual interests and career goals. An Online IB Diploma Programme option is available for Grades 11–12, offering hybrid and fully online learning. Beyond academics, the campus runs after-school programs in sports, Model United Nations, and design, and hosts arts events like the DP Arts Exhibition and Shredfest, aligning student passions with university opportunities worldwide. Advisory teachers support course planning early.
Aoba-Japan International School - Bunkyo Campus has 790 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.
Location
The Bunkyo Campus is located in central Tokyo along the Yamanote Line, near Sugamo and Komagome stations. The campus features modern facilities including open-plan classrooms, a black-box theater, sound-proof music studios, multimedia rooms, and spacious cafeteria and lobby areas. The address is 6-18-23 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021.
Stages
Grades 10–12. The Grade 10 curriculum uses team and research-based learning, with internships as real-life experiences. Students can choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the Global Leadership Diploma (GLD).
Fees
Annual tuition at Aoba-Japan International School - Bunkyo Campus ranges from JPY 25,000 to JPY 320,000 for 2026/27.
Application and one‑time enrollment fees - Application fee (payable at time of application): ¥25,000. - Registration (enrollment) fee (payable at time of registration/acceptance): ¥320,000. - Building development fee (payable at time of registration/acceptance): ¥320,000.
Tuition fees by year group (2026/27 school year) - Kindergarten K2: ¥2,098,000 per year. - Kindergarten K3–K5: ¥2,332,000 per year. - Grades 1–5 (Elementary): ¥2,518,000 per year. - Grades 6–12 (Middle & High): ¥2,862,000 per year. - Online IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12, online): ¥1,650,000 per year.
Tuition billing (per year / per term options) - Tuition is published as an annual amount and may be paid either in a single annual payment or in two installment payments. - For on‑campus programs, tuition is invoiced for the full school year with the first tuition invoice; for families choosing split payments, standard instalment dates apply. Annual (non‑tuition) fees are billed with the first tuition invoice and are not prorated for mid‑year entry unless otherwise stated.
Annual and recurring fees (examples) - Building maintenance (annual) fee: ¥200,000, billed each school year. - Family Community Membership Fee (annual, per family): ¥12,500. - Graduation fee: K5 cohort example and G12 example fees are charged where applicable (examples from recent fee schedules show K5 and G12 specific charges).
Optional / program‑specific fees - School lunch (optional): Kindergarten (K2–K5) example: ¥159,000 per year; Elementary / Middle (G1–G9) example: ¥182,000 per year. These are charged separately from tuition. - School bus (optional): one‑way example: ¥234,000 per year; both‑ways example: ¥380,000 per year. Bus fees are billed separately and are optional. - DP (IB) exam fees (G12 DP candidates): invoiced when applicable; amounts vary with IB registration and exchange rates (example in a prior year ≈ ¥120,000). Actual cost is charged on invoice. - Pamoja / online course fees (when applicable): invoiced at actual cost to the family. - Technology fee (online GLD/DP students): example annual technology fee for online programs is published where applicable (see program fee schedules).
Sibling discount - Second child in the same family: 10% discount on that child's tuition (applies to full‑year enrolments). - Third and subsequent children: 15% discount on each subsequent child's tuition (applies to full‑year enrolments). Discounts are adjusted in the final tuition payment of the school year.
Billing schedule and payment terms (key points) - Two standard payment options are offered: one annual payment due by the single payment deadline, or two installment payments with standard due dates. Example instalment due dates in published payment regulations are: one‑payment due by 20 June, or two‑payment option due by 20 June and 20 November (new‑student timing differs — new families pay at registration). Tuition, school lunch, EAL and learning support fees are commonly billed by semester. Late or overdue accounts are subject to the school's payment regulations. - Building maintenance and family community fees are billed in full with the first tuition invoice and are not prorated for mid‑year entry. Bus fees for the full school year are billed with the first tuition invoice.
Boarding fees - Aoba‑Japan International School does not offer boarding facilities. No boarding fees apply; students must reside with their parent(s) or guardian(s).
Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniforms and school clothing: uniform items are purchased separately by families; uniform requirements and vendor details are communicated by the school. - Extra‑curricular activity fees, after‑school programs, special trips, summer school and other optional activities are invoiced separately when applicable. - Learning support, EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and other individualized program fees may apply when students are placed in additional support programs; these are invoiced separately and vary by placement.
Refunds and withdrawal (high‑level points) - Application fees, registration fees and building development fees are treated as one‑time charges at enrollment and are non‑refundable in standard published schedules. - Refunds of tuition and related fees follow the school's published Payment and Refund Regulations and are processed according to withdrawal dates and the school's term/refund schedule; examples in published materials show semester refund windows (deadlines for full‑semester refunds) and adjustments for mid‑year entry or approved leaves of absence (approved leave of absence may result in a 50% tuition reduction for the leave period). Families should observe the published withdrawal deadlines to determine eligibility for semester refunds.
Fee payment options and invoicing - Invoices are issued through the school's parent billing processes (Parent Portal/Veracross is used for admissions and family account access). Payment instructions are provided on each invoice. Typical accepted payment methods used for school invoicing include bank transfer and parent‑portal/card options as specified on the invoice; families should follow the invoice instructions for the available payment methods and any processing fees.
Notes for parents - Lunch and bus fees are separate from the tuition calculator and are optional services invoiced in addition to tuition. - Annual fee amounts and certain program fees are updated year‑to‑year; the principal published tuition amounts for 2026/27 are listed above for each grade band.
Academics
Aoba-Japan International School - Bunkyo Campus teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The Bunkyo Campus serves Grades 10–12 and features modern facilities including a black-box theater, sound-proof music studios, multimedia rooms, and spacious cafeteria and lobby. The Grade 10 curriculum uses team and research-based learning with real-life experience programs such as internships; students can pursue either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) or the Global Leadership Diploma (GLD). Aoba was selected by the IBO as the first school in Asia to pilot the Online IB Diploma Programme, providing options for in-person and online learning for Grades 11–12. Beyond academics, Bunkyo Campus offers after-school programs including sports, Model United Nations, and design.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates gain entry to top universities worldwide.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a dedicated wellbeing team that provides social-emotional support to students. The school is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) and uses Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) to support all learners. These approaches help remove barriers to learning and ensure students can succeed academically and personally. Classrooms are designed to be accessible to all learners, with small-group and individual support for specific skills such as reading, writing, math, and communication. The wellbeing team supports students' confidence, resilience, and the formation of positive relationships.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school supports diverse learners within an inclusive educational environment. The school uses flexible instructional frameworks such as UDL and DI. Small-group and individualized supports are provided for specific skills, including reading, writing, math, and communication. A dedicated wellbeing team offers social-emotional support. This approach aims to remove barriers to learning and help students succeed academically and personally. The school communicates with families about the available support.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) support program. An EAL team provides language support for non-native English speakers. EAL staff support students to develop English proficiency as part of their education. English is the language of instruction in all grades. Job descriptions reference the English as an Additional Language Team. EAL support is listed in the school's fee structure.
Mental Wellbeing
The school has a dedicated wellbeing team that provides social-emotional support. The wellbeing program aims to build student confidence and resilience. The program supports the development of positive relationships among students. DEIJ commitments and inclusive pedagogy underpin wellbeing and daily practice. Classrooms are designed to support wellbeing by removing barriers to participation. Wellbeing staff work across the curriculum to support students' overall development.
Safeguarding
The school has Student Protection Guidelines. The policy aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Japanese laws such as the Child Welfare Act, and with guidelines from MEXT and relevant agencies. The guidelines outline types of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. The policy includes a flowchart to notify appropriate parties in cases of concern. The policy is reviewed and updated as needed.
FAQs
Where is the Bunkyo Campus located and what is the age range at Aoba-Japan International School?
The Bunkyo Campus is in central Tokyo at 6-18-23 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021, near Sugamo and Komagome stations on the Yamanote Line. The school serves ages 3 to 18, with the Bunkyo Campus specifically offering Grades 10–12.
Is the Bunkyo Campus a co-educational day school, and which grades are taught there?
Yes, it is a co-educational day school. The Bunkyo Campus serves Grades 10–12, offering either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) or the Global Leadership Diploma (GLD), with an Online IB Diploma Programme option for Grades 11–12.
What diploma options can students pursue in Grades 10–12 at Bunkyo Campus?
In Grade 10, students choose between the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the Global Leadership Diploma (GLD). For Grades 11–12 there is the Online IB Diploma Programme option, in addition to in-person study.
What are the tuition costs by year group for the 2026/27 school year, and is there an online option with different pricing?
Tuition per year is ¥2,098,000 for K2, ¥2,332,000 for K3–K5, ¥2,518,000 for Grades 1–5, and ¥2,862,000 for Grades 6–12. The Online IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12 is ¥1,650,000 per year.
What additional fees should I expect beyond tuition, and is there a sibling discount?
Beyond tuition, there are application (¥25,000), registration (¥320,000), and a building development fee (¥320,000). Annual fees include building maintenance (¥200,000) and a Family Community Membership (¥12,500). Sibling discounts are 10% for the second child and 15% for the third and subsequent children on tuition for full-year enrollments.
How can tuition be paid and are mid-year entries prorated?
Tuition can be paid as a single annual payment or in two installments. The first tuition invoice includes annual non-tuition fees, and these are not prorated for mid-year entry unless stated otherwise. Other fees such as lunch, bus, EAL, and learning support are typically billed by semester.
What universities do graduates typically attend after completing Bunkyo Campus programs?
Graduates gain entry to top universities worldwide, with advisory teachers helping students plan pathways aligned to their interests and career goals.
What facilities support arts and performance at the Bunkyo Campus?
The campus features a black-box theater, sound-proof music studios, and multimedia rooms, plus open-plan classrooms and a spacious cafeteria and lobby that support collaboration and exhibitions, including events like the DP Arts Exhibition.
What after-school programs and clubs are available at Bunkyo Campus?
After-school programs include sports, Model United Nations, and design. The campus also hosts events such as Shredfest and Halloween, which provide opportunities for leadership and community involvement.
What wellbeing and language support services are available for students?
A dedicated wellbeing team provides social-emotional support, with DEIJ, Universal Design for Learning, and Differentiated Instruction guiding practice. The school offers EAL support and has safeguarding policies aligned with UN conventions and Japanese law.
What languages are taught and what is the language of instruction?
English is the language of instruction across all grades. Japanese language classes are offered to support bilingual development.
Is boarding available at the Bunkyo Campus?
No boarding facilities are offered; students reside with their parent(s) or guardian(s).
Do students wear uniforms at Bunkyo Campus, and how are uniform costs handled?
Uniforms are part of the school's requirements, and items are purchased separately by families. The school provides details on uniform requirements and the approved vendors.
When was the Bunkyo Campus opened and what is notable about its setting?
The Bunkyo Campus opened in 1976. It is located in central Tokyo along the Yamanote Line, near Sugamo and Komagome stations, with modern facilities designed to support advanced curriculum and student life.
What events and traditions does the Bunkyo Campus host for the school community?
The campus hosts events such as the DP Arts Exhibition, Shredfest, and Halloween celebrations, offering students opportunities to showcase work, lead activities, and engage with the wider school community.
What is the learning emphasis for Grades 10–12 at Bunkyo Campus?
The Grade 10 curriculum emphasizes team- and research-based learning with real-life experiences like internships. Students choose between IB DP and GLD, with advisory teachers guiding their academic and leadership pathways.
Is there a school bus service and what are the costs?
Bus service is optional, with costs for one-way or both-ways travel charged separately from tuition. Parents can enroll their children in bus services if needed.
Who is the head of the Bunkyo Campus?
The head of school is Chris Hoddinott.
What is the IBO connection to the Bunkyo Campus and the Online IB Diploma Programme?
Aoba was selected by the IBO as the first school in Asia to pilot the Online IB Diploma Programme, offering options for in-person and online learning for Grades 11–12.
What support is available for non-native English speakers at Bunkyo Campus?
The school provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program with a dedicated team to support language development as part of the overall education.
