Tokyo West International School

Tokyo West International School is located at 185 Umetsubo-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0013, Japan. The campus sits in a green, suburban area of western Tokyo with access via JR Hachioji Station and local buses. The environment emphasizes nature and garden-based learning as part of daily life on a spacious campus.

TWIS offers a continuous program from PreK through High School. The school is organized into PreK & Kindergarten, Elementary School (Grades 1–6), Middle School (Grades 7–9), and High School (Grades 10–12). The High School provides both Japanese and American diplomas.

Tokyo West International School operates as an international day school on a single campus in Hachioji, Japan.

The school community includes students and staff from more than 15 countries; about half of the student body is Japanese, with the remainder international.

The school uses an Educational Support Questionnaire in admissions to identify learning needs and maintains a strong learning support system with small class sizes. A full-time school nurse provides daily health care, and a visiting school counselor supports students' emotional well-being.

No formal country affiliation is listed; the school operates as an international school in Japan.

No religious affiliation is indicated.

Kindergarten ends at 3:00 p.m. and Elementary and above are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. The day runs a 7-period schedule of 40-minute periods for Elementary and above. Kindergarten offers after-school clubs from 3:00–3:30 p.m.; Elementary and above can join 8th-period programs, extending the day to 4:30 p.m.

A school bus operates in the Tama area. Bus stops include around JR Hachioji Station and other local stops, with travel times such as about 10 minutes to Hachioji Station, 30 minutes to Tachikawa Station, 40 minutes to Tamagawa Josui Station, 20 minutes to Akishima, 40 minutes to Tama Center, and 60 minutes to Machida Station.

Tokyo West International School offers a bilingual, inquiry-based curriculum from Early Childhood through High School, with an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework for the elementary years and Cognia-aligned standards recognized by multiple international bodies. The Elementary division (Grades 1–6) provides English–Japanese bilingual instruction built around Units of Inquiry, includes Singapore Math, integrates ICT/AI education, and incorporates garden-based learning in small classes of about 18 students. The Middle School (Grades 7–9) follows Cognia-aligned international standards, uses inquiry-based learning through Units of Inquiry, and integrates ICT/AI and STEAM projects, supported by robust learning-support and ongoing family communication in small classes (up to 10 students). The High School program emphasizes English academic skills, offers dual diploma pathways—Japanese high school diploma and an American/International high school diploma—and includes AI literacy and opportunities for short overseas programs and service learning. Across all divisions, graduates pursue university study in Japan or abroad, supported by a nature-rich campus, specialist instructors, and a bilingual, globally oriented educational environment.

TWIS supports social and emotional learning through a holistic education that addresses intellectual, emotional, physical and social well-being, with student voice fostered by the Student Council and the PYP Exhibition, and wellbeing supported by a full-time nurse and a visiting school counselor.

The school states small class sizes and robust student support, and offers general academic supports such as ESL, EEP, Tutoring, and Japanese Support; it does not publicly disclose information on specific SEN provisions or whether it is a specialist SEN institution.

EAL support includes ESL for core English skills, the English Enrichment Program (EEP), a Tutoring Program, on‑campus Japanese support, and the Online eitomo English Reinforcement Program, with Dekitasu available for home study.

Mental wellbeing is supported by a full-time school nurse providing daily healthcare and a professional counselor who visits weekly to support students' emotional well-being.

Safeguarding is supported by The TWIS Child Protection Policy, and safety and health measures include modern campus safety standards and on-site health provisions, including a full-time nurse.

Step 1 — Determine grade level by birth date. Grade placement at Tokyo West International School is determined by the child's birthday, with specific birthdate guidelines for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. For Preschool & Kindergarten, the ranges are: Preschool 4.2.2022 or older; K3 4.2.2021–4.1.2022; K4 4.2.2020–4.1.2021; K5 4.2.2019–4.1.2020. For Elementary and higher grades, G1–G12 follow corresponding birthdate cutoffs (G1 4.2.2018–4.1.2019; G2 4.2.2017–4.1.2018; and so on). These guidelines affect new entrants for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years.

Step 2 — Open House and school tours. Open House (group) and Private School Tours are offered throughout the year. Prospective families should book via the reservation form or by calling for details. Group Open House events and private tours are scheduled to help families understand the program and environment.

Step 3 — Submit the application form. Application materials are downloadable and can be submitted in person or by mail. Required documents include: Enrollment Application Form, Medical Certificate (issued within 3 months), Educational Support Questionnaire, Progress Report, and Graduation or Attendance Certificate from the previous school. Separate application forms exist for PreK & Kindergarten and for Elementary & Middle School.

Step 4 — Screening test and parents interview. The school schedules a screening test and a parents' interview for each child, and the registration fee for the screening test is ¥22,000 (tax included). The screening and interview are designed to assess academic ability, motivation, and fit with the program. For admissions in Grade, Middle & High School, the timing is typically approximately one month before the desired admission date, with the result announced about one week after screening.

Step 5 — Announcement of successful applicants and enrollment. The school communicates acceptance to applicants who meet the screening requirements via an official acceptance letter. Prospective students who pass the screening and have paid the entrance fee by the deadline are considered enrolled. Enrollment is completed within one week after acceptance. For inquiries about enrollment, contact information is provided on the admissions page.

Step 6 — Fees and discounts. Tuition-related information notes that discounts and scholarships are available under certain circumstances; parents should inquire for details. This section also indicates that there is a screening test fee of ¥22,000 and mentions an entrance fee associated with admission.

TWIS offers a scholarship program for elementary, middle, and high school grades. The 2026 TWIS School Scholarship provides exemption from the entrance fee and a 50% tuition subsidy for one year, with renewal contingent on an annual examination. Three scholarships are planned for the 2026 academic year. Eligibility requires new G1–G12 students for 2026 who have either passed the TWIS entrance examination or are currently enrolled. Selection is based on document screening. Application period runs from December 8, 2025 to January 9, 2026, with results announced by the end of January 2026. Required documents include a scholarship application form, an English essay by the student (50–80 words), proof of annual household income, and school records or letters of recommendation (not required for current TWIS students). Contact for scholarship questions is admission@tokyowest.jp.

Tokyo West International School does not publish a formal waitlist. When classes reach capacity, admissions occur only as vacancies become available. In the 2025 mid-term enrollment status, K4 and G2 classes have reached capacity, and there are typically 1–2 spots remaining in other classes such as K5, G1, G4, G7, and G9. This vacancy-based approach means families may be admitted if a space opens, rather than through a numbered waitlist.