International Schools in Tokyo, Japan

Preschools, Primary Schools, and Secondary Schools for Expat Families Living in Tokyo

List of international schools and preschools (kindergartens and nursery schools) in Tokyo and Yokohama area. 

Most of the kindergartens, nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools and high schools are for foreign residents whose main language is English, such as American schools or British schools however, the listings also include information on curricula and languages in other countries, such as German and French schools.

Due to the overlapping application periods for prospective students, we recommend to decide on a school for your child and complete the necessary procedures as soon as possible after being assigned to Japan.

If you are looking for International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge A Level accredited schools, please refer to this page.

In addition, we have separate guides that focuse on Islamic Schools in Tokyo for those looking for Islamic education in the Greater Tokyo Area, Japanese education system if you would like to know which school is best for your child and Japanese public school's customs.

What Are International Schools in Japan?

Generally speaking, in Japan, the term “international schools” refers to educational institutions where English is the primary language of instruction. All International schools in Japan are privately owned, and the costs for attending them vary widely. While public schools are open to English-speaking children, there is often very little support available for non-Japanese speakers. In Tokyo, there are some public schools where they provide English-Japanese support. Please read further on the Public Schools' English and Japanese Language Support in Tokyo. 

Preschool & Primary School Curriculum

In general, there are two types of international schools. The first type is based on the curriculum of the country they’re affiliated with, like common core for elementary school students in the United States. This type of school is great for students who will be living in Japan for a short period of time and then returning to their home country.

The second type of international school is based on a more flexible curriculum—such as those taught at a Montessori or Waldorf school—and is widely available for younger children, especially in preschools. There are far more international preschools than primary or secondary schools as many Japanese parents now enroll their children in English preschools to help them get an edge in the public school system.

Secondary School Curriculum

As far as international standards go for secondary school, the most common is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

The IBDP is considered among the highest global standards for student excellence. Students take standardized tests with peers from around the world, so it’s also great for students who are transferring from other English-based schools within Japan. This curriculum is accepted by major universities throughout the world, with some even accepting it as equivalent to college credits. Some American universities will take up to 24 credits for good IB scores, knocking off an entire year of general education credits.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for international schools is often one of the biggest expenses for expat families living in Japan, with annual fees going as high as millions of yen. The average international school currently costs around ¥2,000,000 per year for pre-K, and steadily increases in cost with the age of the child.

For example, The American School in Japan, one of the most popular international schools in Tokyo, has a yearly tuition of ¥2,987,000 (about $27,000 USD). There are often first time registration fees and other expenses that are required as well, but these extra expenses vary between each school.

Selecting an International School

With so many different schools and teaching ideologies to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which school is best for your child. There are a few key factors to take into consideration.

Location

How is your child traveling to school each day? Will you be living near the school, or will it be necessary to take the train? Many Japanese children commute long distances to go to prestigious schools and it isn’t unheard of for a child to ride a train for over an hour without an accompanying parent. For many foreign children who don’t speak the language, however, this can be a difficult task. Make sure your child is capable commuting alone, and try to live close to avoid the possibility of the child becoming stranded due to a train delay.

Please also refer to: Residential area for commuting to International Schools in Tokyo

Accreditation

If the school is accredited by any major organization, those certificates will likely be placed somewhere prominently within the school. It’s recommended to inquire about them if you don’t see them on display anywhere.

> International Baccalaureate (IB) vs Cambridge A Level - What are the differences?

Suitability

What does your child like to do? Does the school have the facilities and mentors to foster that passion? More than academics or extracurriculars on their own, a good fit is essential for your child’s health and well-being, especially when living in a foreign country.

Once you have a solid understanding of these criteria, it will be much easier to create a short list of schools. The earlier you can do this, the better. An earlier start means a higher likelihood of getting in. *The more prestigious the school, the less space is available, so make a list of ranking your options of schools and visit all of them if possible.