Tokyo International Progressive School

The Tokyo International Progressive School is at 1-5-20 Kamata, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0077, Japan. The campus sits in a calm residential area in Setagaya along the Tama River, close to Futako-Tamagawa. Access from Futako-Tamagawa Station (Denentoshi Line and Oimachi Line) is about a 15-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride, and there is nearby car parking.

TIPS serves grades 4–12, organized as Elementary (G4–G5), Middle (G6–G8), and High School (G9–G12).

The school is coeducational and operates as a not-for-profit organization within the Tokyo International School Group.

Nationalities represented range widely; the school reports 22–25 different nationalities in a typical year. Approximately 65% of students hold foreign nationalities, with the student body representing more than 17 countries; common nationalities include Japan and the United States among others.

TIPS specializes in supporting students with mild learning differences. It offers individualized learning, small classes (up to about 10 students per class), and a team of specialists including an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, counselors, and a learning support coordinator.

No formal country affiliation. The school is part of the Tokyo International School Group.

No religious affiliation.

The school day typically runs from about 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A lunch service is organized by the ACE class every day, with students also able to buy lunch nearby if they prefer.

A regular bus service is available for registered riders, though it operates at cost. Bus routes focus on areas such as Minato-ku, Meguro-ku, and Shibuya-ku, with designated drop-off/pick-up locations and clear expectations for riders.

The school uses American Common Core standards for Grades 4–8, and the high school program mirrors the University of Nebraska High School (UNHS) curriculum for Grades 9–12. The high school diploma is earned through UNHS and UNHS is accredited by AdvancED and the Nebraska Department of Education; UNHS courses include NCAA-approved core courses and AP courses. The TIPS high school diploma requirements include 40 English credits, 40 Social Studies (including 10 American History, 5 American Government, 5 Multicultural Studies), 30 Mathematics, 30 Science, 10 Career and Finance, and 50 credits from Complementary Courses (including 30 PE credits), with additional requirements in Japanese language or English as an Additional Language (EAP) as needed. Course outlines cover Grades 4–12 in English, Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies, with electives and Complementary Courses such as ICT, Journalism, Art, and Life Skills, aligned to UNHS in the senior years. In addition, EAP (one academic year) and a Certificate of Completion (COC) program are offered; typically less than 10% participate; safety and wellness education is integrated into the curriculum.

1. Initial Communication: Prospective families can inquire by phone, email, or an initial contact form, and may arrange a school visit by appointment to learn about the programs. Parents provide a brief introduction of their child through the initial contact form so TIPS can determine if the child meets the school's application requirements. This step sets up the information exchange and helps families understand whether the school's program aligns with their child's needs.

2. Application: To apply, submit the application package with a 33,000 yen application fee; the package is sent to you by email. An interview with the Principal follows as part of the assessment. An English proficiency assessment may be required, and in some cases a writing sample may be requested. A 1–2 day trial period is offered to experience the class environment, and all applicants must provide transcripts in English.

3. Offer of Placement: After reviewing the application package and observing the trial day, if TIPS can meet the child's needs, an acceptance letter and the registration package are sent by email from the Principal within about one week. In some cases, an undiagnosed student may be referred to meet with the school psychologist to ensure the school can provide appropriate services. This step confirms the school's fit with the student's needs and outlines next steps for enrollment.

4. Registration: Enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of the registration package and the 378,000 yen registration fee, with the package and fee requested within two weeks of offer of placement. Families should complete the registration process within that two-week window to secure placement.

Source references: Admissions Process page (Initial Contact, Application, Offer of Placement, Registration).

Scholarships: Tokyo International Progressive School offers a scholarship program to assist new and returning students whose parents are solely responsible for education expenses and who require financial assistance. Scholarships are not available to students whose tuition is paid, in part or wholly, by an employer or other sponsoring organization. The program includes two tiers with specific discounts on tuition and related fees and requires annual reapplication.

Tier 1 Scholarship: School Development Fee reduced from 550,000 yen to 275,000 yen (before tax); 2022–2023 Scholarship Tuition reduced from 2,636,800 yen to 2,300,000 yen (before tax).

Tier 2 Scholarship: School Development Fee reduced from 550,000 yen to 275,000 yen (before tax); 2022–2023 Scholarship Tuition reduced from 2,636,800 yen to 2,300,000 yen (before tax); Educational Enhancement Fee reduced from 200,000 yen to 0 yen (before tax).

Application is annual for each enrolled child. Required submissions include a Scholarship Application Form, a Financial Worksheet, the most recent income certificate (gensenchoshuhyo) or equivalent, and any optional documents to support the application. The scholarship decisions are confidential and final, with notifications issued by the end of April.

Waitlist/Pool: The official admissions materials do not publish a waitlist or pool system. The Admissions Process page outlines the steps for inquiry, application, placement, and registration but does not describe any waiting list or pool process. Therefore, there is no publicly documented waitlist policy on the school's admissions pages.