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Tokyo International School

Japan, Tokyo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥3,000,000 - 3,300,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 470
Type Co-educational
Opened 1994
Bus Service Yes
Availability Are there places?
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Japanese
Typical class size 19
Strengths Sport, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Tokyo International School (TIS) is a non-profit IB World School in Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, with over 460 students representing 70+ nationalities. TIS delivers the IB Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten–Grade 5), serving about 230 students aged 5–11 and the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), serving about 160 students aged 11–16. The school also offers the IB Diploma Programme, with Grade 11 introduced from the 2025–26 school year. Japanese is taught alongside English (the language of instruction). TIS highlights its central Tokyo location and uses nearby parks, museums and landmarks as part of school life, alongside trips such as residential visits to Hakuba, Nara and Kanazawa, plus a Grade 10 overseas trip to Thailand.

2 Chome-13-6 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan

The Essentials

Tokyo International School has 470 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location

The school is located at 2-13-6 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047, in central Tokyo's embassy district. It is near Shirokane Takanawa Station (Namboku Line/Mita Line, Exit 4) and Azabu Juban Station (Namboku/Oedo Lines, Exit 1). The surrounding area includes landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, with good access by public transport and on-foot routes.

Stages

Tokyo International School currently serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 11, with Grade 12 planned to open in 2026-27. The school is organized into Lower School (Kindergarten to Grade 5) and Middle/Upper School (Grade 6 to 11). The IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) is now available, with Grade 12 scheduled to begin in SY 2026-2027.

Type

The school is co-educational and operates as an international IB World School. There is no on-site boarding; older students may access housing options through partner providers.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The student body comprises students from over 70 nationalities. No single nationality accounts for more than 20% of the population, and the largest represented nationalities are the United States and Japan. The school hosts a predominantly international student community with a small local proportion.

Additional learning support

TIS provides learning support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, along with counseling services. A dedicated learning support teacher and an EAL teacher are part of the provision to assist students with diverse learning needs.

Country affiliation

The school has no formal country affiliation and operates as a non-profit IB World School.

Religious affiliation

Religious affiliation is not listed; the school presents itself as an international IB World School without a specified religious affiliation.

School day structure

On campus from 8:00, classes begin at 8:10 and end at 15:20. Optional after-school activities run from 15:30 to 17:30, and a Beyond the Bell aftercare option extends supervision to 18:30 with additional bus options.

Bus service

The school offers a bus service; there are seven school buses and after-school buses in operation. Beyond the standard after-care, there are scheduled bus departures at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 pm for eligible students.

Fees

Annual tuition at Tokyo International School ranges from JPY 3,000,000 to JPY 3,300,000 for 2026/27.

One-time application / enrolment fees (new students; non‑refundable)
- JPY 30,000 — Application Fee.
- JPY 300,000 — Registration Fee.
- JPY 900,000 — Development Fee.
- One‑time fees total for new students: JPY 1,230,000.

Tuition and building fees (annual payment by year group)
- Kindergarten – Grade 2: Building Fee JPY 150,000; Tuition JPY 2,850,000; Annual total JPY 3,000,000.
- Grade 3 – Grade 5: Building Fee JPY 150,000; Tuition JPY 2,900,000; Annual total JPY 3,050,000.
- Grade 6 – Grade 9: Building Fee JPY 150,000; Tuition JPY 3,050,000; Annual total JPY 3,200,000.
- Grade 10 – Grade 11: Building Fee JPY 150,000; Tuition JPY 3,150,000; Annual total JPY 3,300,000.

Tuition (term payment option) — amounts and per‑term billing by year group
- General schedule for term payments: Term 1 payment due by Apr 30; Term 2 payment due by Oct 31; Term 3 payment due by Jan 31 (specific dates and annual term calendar shown below).
- Kindergarten – Grade 2 (Building Fee JPY 150,000):
- Term 1 payment (due by Apr 30): JPY 1,130,000.
- Term 2 payment (due by Oct 31): JPY 860,000.
- Term 3 payment (due by Jan 31): JPY 860,000.
- Grade 3 – Grade 5 (Building Fee JPY 150,000):
- Term 1 (due by Apr 30): JPY 1,160,000.
- Term 2 (due by Oct 31): JPY 870,000.
- Term 3 (due by Jan 31): JPY 870,000.
- Grade 6 – Grade 9 (Building Fee JPY 150,000):
- Term 1 (due by Apr 30): JPY 1,210,000.
- Term 2 (due by Oct 31): JPY 920,000.
- Term 3 (due by Jan 31): JPY 920,000.
- Grade 10 – Grade 11 (Building Fee JPY 150,000):
- Term 1 (due by Apr 30): JPY 1,250,000.
- Term 2 (due by Oct 31): JPY 950,000.
- Term 3 (due by Jan 31): JPY 950,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms (dates and deadlines)
- Academic term calendar for the 2025–26 year: Term 1: Aug 26 – Dec 19, 2025; Term 2: Jan 12 – Mar 26, 2026; Term 3: Apr 6 – Jun 19, 2026.
- For returning students, annual school fees must be paid in full by Apr 30, 2025.
- For newly enrolling students, school fees are due in full according to the dates stated in the acceptance letter.
- Term installment payment and formal withdrawal notice deadlines are tied to the term payment dates and must be completed by Apr 30, 2025 (Term 1 payment), Oct 31, 2025 (Term 2 payment) and Jan 31, 2026 (Term 3 payment).

Optional / additional fees and regular extras
- Bus service (optional): One‑way route JPY 200,000; Round‑trip JPY 340,000.
- Extended childcare (Beyond the Bell) — K to G5 unlimited plan (tax included): Term 1 JPY 172,000; Term 2 JPY 118,250; Term 3 JPY 118,250. On‑demand billing is JPY 1,800 per hour (rounded to nearest 15 minutes). The Beyond the Bell program is operated by an affiliated company (TIS‑AS).
- Some school activities, uniforms, school lunches, IT devices for Grade 6 and above, certain social events, private instrumental lessons, and some residential trip costs (for example transportation) are not included in the listed school fees and are charged separately. Families of students in Grade 6–11 are required to provide a laptop that meets TIS IT specifications.

Boarding / student housing
- Tokyo International School does not operate an on‑campus boarding program. A student housing option (facilitated through an independent housing provider) is offered for eligible international students aged 16+; fees for that housing are set by the independent provider and are not listed in the school fee schedule.

Refunds and non‑refundability
- The one‑time new student fees (Application Fee, Registration Fee and Development Fee) are explicitly non‑refundable.
- The School Fees page specifies deadlines for payment and withdrawal notice but does not provide a detailed tuition refund schedule on the public fee page. Where refund or withdrawal consequences are material (for example term‑by‑term tuition liability after a withdrawal), such terms are administered by the Business Office and are not fully itemized on the published fee summary.

Fee payment options and contact for payment administration
- The public School Fees summary does not list specific payment methods (for example, which cards or bank accounts will be accepted). Fee administration, payment instructions and corporate payment arrangements (Corporate Contribution Program / CCP) are handled by the Business Office; the Business Office contact is do@tokyois.com.

Notes on what is not included in this overview
- Exact costs for uniforms, lunches, specific extracurricular activities, required IT equipment models and the independent student housing fees are not listed in the public fee summary. The School Fees document and related guides referenced on the school information pages provide line items for many items but do not publish every ancillary price in the public summary.

Summary of sources used: fee schedule, term dates, one‑time non‑refundable fees, term payment amounts, optional service fees and notes about excluded items are drawn from the school's 2025–26 School Fees information and the Student Housing description.
Academics

Tokyo International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum

Tokyo International School offers the International Baccalaureate continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18; Grade 12 is planned to open in SY 2026–2027, and the school currently serves students up to Grade 11. The Primary Years Programme features two classes per grade from Kindergarten to Grade 5, with Mathematics, English literacy, Science, Social Studies and Personal & Social Education as core areas, plus specialist instruction in Art, Library, Music, Physical Education and Japanese, and integrated technology and allied supports (EAL, speech therapy, counseling). The Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–10 covers Mathematics, English, Science, Individuals & Societies, Art, Music, Drama, Physical & Health Education, Japanese and Design, and includes a Service as Action component and an Advisory program, with strong technology integration and a full range of student supports. The Diploma Programme is offered to students aged 16–18 as part of the IB continuum, with Grade 11 in operation and Grade 12 scheduled to open in 2026–2027. Across the IB framework, learning is described as student-centered and inquiry-based, with university counseling and a broad co-curricular program to support holistic development.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) support at Tokyo International School (TIS) is anchored in the Student Support framework built on Trust, Inspire, and Support, aiming to empower students academically, socially, and emotionally. The school uses an inclusive learning framework with tailored support for all students. Academic support is provided by the Learning Support team through in-class support, small-group instruction, and one-on-one sessions, with accommodations such as extended time or assistive technology to promote equitable learning opportunities. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program offers specialized instruction and support to help students gain confidence and proficiency in English, enabling full curriculum access, including in-class support, small-group instruction, and differentiated resources and activities. A counseling team works with students, families, and teachers to foster social-emotional health, helping students develop self-awareness, manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. The school aims to create an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Tokyo International School uses an inclusive Learning Support framework with a dedicated Learning Support Team that provides tailored academic support for students with identified learning needs. This includes in-class support, small-group instruction, and one-on-one sessions, with accommodations such as extended time or assistive technology to promote equitable learning opportunities. Admission for students with identified learning needs depends on the makeup of the current cohort and available resources, and the school welcomes such students only when it can provide the necessary support. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution; support for identified needs is delivered by the Learning Support Team working with regular teachers, rather than a separate specialist program. The Admissions FAQ notes that the school does not publish a detailed list of specific SEN categories it can support and that admission decisions are contingent on cohort makeup and resources.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports students from diverse linguistic backgrounds to gain confidence and proficiency in English, enabling full access to the curriculum. EAL provision includes in-class support, small-group instruction, and differentiated classroom resources and activities. New English language learners receive support in regular classes and additional English lessons while other students study Japanese. Admissions of new English language learners depend on the language makeup of the current cohort. As an international school serving expatriate families, the school frequently provides EAL support to help students integrate and succeed.

Mental Wellbeing

A counseling team at Tokyo International School collaborates with students, families, and teachers to foster social-emotional health. Counselors support students in developing self-awareness, managing emotions, building healthy relationships, and making responsible decisions. The school emphasizes holistic wellbeing as part of its learning approach, aiming to help students navigate school and life with resilience. The overall wellbeing framework is designed to ensure students feel supported as they engage in academically meaningful learning. Through ongoing collaboration among students, families, and staff, mental wellbeing is integrated into daily school life.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding at Tokyo International School is described as an unwavering commitment to student welfare. Safeguarding is a proactive, comprehensive approach that aims to prevent harm and protect students from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or any situation that could compromise safety. The safeguarding team includes a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and other safeguarding professionals who serve as primary contacts for concerns and oversee policy implementation. All staff undergo rigorous safeguarding training, and recruitment includes thorough criminal background and reference checks to maintain a safe community. The DSL and safeguarding team provide guidance, ensure clear communication pathways, and uphold the school's safeguarding policies and procedures.

Admissions

Admissions

1. Submit Online Application. Begin by submitting an online application through the school's admissions portal. The application is accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee, which is valid for one academic year. The school places students into grades based on age, with an August 31 birthday cut-off guiding grade placement. Tokyo International School offers IB programs (PYP, MYP, DP) and considers multiple factors in admissions during the review stage.

2. Submit Supporting Documents. After starting the online application, follow the documents checklist provided in the system and upload the required materials. The checklist guides what needs to be submitted; requirements may vary by age/grade and specific circumstances. Completing all items in the system is essential before the admissions team proceeds.

3. Admissions Team Review. Fully completed applications are reviewed by the Leadership Team and relevant teachers. The review considers factors such as cultural and language diversity, learning diversity, and the resources available to support the student. The process also weighs space availability and class size when determining suitability.

4. Admissions Decision. The school states that English language proficiency is a factor for admissions, but not a requirement, and that admissions are pursued only when there is sufficient support to ensure success. A seat must be identified before assessments are conducted, which may be deemed necessary at the discretion of the admissions team. There is a non-refundable processing fee for each application, and the fee remains valid for one academic year.

Scholarships

Scholarships. The school describes the Corporate Contribution Program (CCP) as a mechanism for corporate funding of scholarships for the dependent children of employees. The CCP is part of Tokyo International School's fundraising framework and is designed to be tax-efficient for participating companies, with scholarships funded by corporate contributions. Details about eligibility, funding, and administration are provided through the CCP, including contact instructions for inquiries (do@tokyois.com).

Waitlist

Waitlist/Pool. A formal waitlist or pool system is not described in the admissions materials. Admissions decisions hinge on space availability and current class sizes, with a maximum of 22 students per class in both lower (Kindergarten–G5) and upper (G6–G11) grades. Assessments are only performed when a seat has been identified, and space constraints drive the timing of any admissions decision.

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