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Japan, Tokyo
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
1. Determine eligibility and grade placement. CIS Tokyo uses age-based placements with a December 31 cutoff; the Age Appropriation for 2026–2027 shows the exact age bands and birth date ranges for Kindergarten through Grade 12. All applicants must apply for the grade that matches their age, and exceptions may be made at the Head of School's discretion, including offering a start in a lower grade if the screening indicates it is necessary. At least one parent must be a functional English speaker to communicate with CIS staff.
2. Prepare the grade-specific application package. For Kindergarten (K4 and K5), required documents include the Application for Admissions, a Confidential Teacher Recommendation, a Student Health Record, proof of birth, one photo, and 2 years of school transcripts if available; you must also provide proof of payment of the 35,000 yen application fee. The Kindergarten admission procedure also lists an assessment format and confirms these documents are part of the assessment package. For other grades, the process hinges on screening and testing (MAP Test for English and Math, plus a short English essay) and a family interview.
3. Download and submit the application package. The Admissions page provides links to the grade-specific forms and directs submission to the Admissions Office. Applications are accepted year-round, subject to seat availability.
4. Pay the application fee and attach payment proof. The standard application fee is 35,000 yen and must be paid by bank transfer; include the payment slip with the application submission. The 35,000-yen fee is non-refundable and is referenced on the Application Fee document.
5. Undergo grade-appropriate assessments. For KG, assessments include home-based worksheets (Part I) and a family interview with an English-speaking parent (Part II). For Elementary through High School, admission depends on performing the MAP Test (English and Mathematics) and completing a short essay in English, followed by a family interview with a CIS administrator. These assessments determine readiness for CIS's Canadian curriculum and language expectations.
6. Receive admission decisions. Admission decisions are communicated in writing by email and postal mail; accepted applicants receive an acceptance letter, registration information, and an invoice. The seat is guaranteed once the registration fee is paid, after which families receive further registration details.
7. Submit registration and secure the seat. After acceptance, the school issues an invoice for the registration fee and related enrollment charges; payment confirms the seat. The 2025–2026 fee structure shows the Registration Fee (300,000 yen) and Building Development Fee (600,000 yen) as one-time charges, with tuition and other annual fees payable on schedule.
8. Complete enrollment and begin at CIS. Enrollment completes once fees are settled and the student is registered; the annual tuition varies by grade (Kindergarten 2,350,000 yen; Grade 1–5 2,650,000 yen; Grade 6–8 2,750,000 yen; Grade 9–12 2,850,000 yen) with an annual Building Maintenance Fee of 250,000 yen. Returning students may pay in two installments with a 35,000 yen handling charge, and a sibling discount may apply. Fees for the 2025–2026 year are fixed for the period, and withdrawal policies require notice in advance.
9. Note about grade placement options. A student may be offered to start one grade lower than the expected level based on screening results and at the Principal's discretion; age eligibility and the official age appropriation table guide final placement. This reinforces that placement decisions can reflect both academic readiness and language proficiency.
Waitlist/Pool: CIS Tokyo does not publish a formal waitlist or pool system in its admissions materials. Admissions are year-round and depend on current seat availability at each grade level. Applicants are notified of admission after screening, and seats are allocated based on space rather than a numbered waiting list. There is no publicly posted waitlist policy.
Scholarships: CIS Tokyo does not publish a scholarships program on its admissions or fees pages. The fees page lists tuition and other charges and notes a sibling discount and payment options, but there is no mention of scholarship or financial-aid offerings. For families seeking financial assistance, scholarships do not appear to be publicly offered.
Canadian International School Tokyo (CIS Tokyo) is an international day school in Tokyo offering education from Kindergarten through Grade 12 with English as the language of instruction. It follows the Canadian curriculum and incorporates the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in the early years. In the upper grades, students have access to Advanced Placement course options. Japanese language is taught as part of the curriculum alongside core academic subjects. The school operates multiple campuses in the Shinagawa and Nakameguro areas, both of which are well connected to central Tokyo by public transport. Class sizes typically average around 15 students, with a maximum of about 20, allowing for close interaction between teachers and students. Annual tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year range from approximately ¥2,600,000 to ¥3,100,000. CIS Tokyo is accredited by the Prince Edward Island Department of Education, the International Baccalaureate for the PYP and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The program includes physical education, music and visual arts, and a contracted school bus service is available.
