Axis International School vs United School of Tokyo

	A Axis International School Tokyo, Japan	U United School of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥1,947,330 - 3,001,350	Fees / year ¥1,700,000 - 2,000,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 30	Pupils 230
Typical class size	Typical class size 8	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2003	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Axis International School is located in Kichijoji Hon-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo, Japan. The main campus address is Kichijoji Nanai Building, 1-35-14 Kichijoji Hon-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-0004. The preschool operates in Mitaka, with directions available from Mitaka Station; the main campus is reachable from Kichijoji Station, with walking directions provided for visitors.	Location United School of Tokyo is located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, in the Tomigaya district. The campus address is 151-0063 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Tomigaya 2-21-10, Central Tomigaya Building. It has convenient access to several stations: Komaba-Todaimae on the Inokashira Line is a 5-minute walk away; Shibuya Station is a 15-minute walk or a 7-minute bus ride (bus stops include Tokyu Bus 55 and Keio Bus 61, alighting at Todai Ura); Yoyogi-Hachiman on the Odakyu Line is about a 12-minute walk; and Yoyogi-Koen on the Chiyoda Line is about a 13-minute walk.
Stages	Stages Axis International School provides elementary, junior high, and high school. A separate Axis Preschool serves younger children, establishing an age range from preschool through high school.	Stages UST serves children aged 3 to 14 across three divisions: Kindergarten (K1–K3), Elementary (G1–G5), and Middle School (G6–G8).
School type	School type Axis International School is a private international program delivering a complete American-style curriculum in English through Griggs International Academy; a preschool program is offered as well. The school emphasizes a full academic pathway from elementary to high school, with a dedicated ESL option for language support.	School type Private, international, co-educational school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Foreign-national students represent about 52% of the student body. Nationalities include 48% Japanese, 10% American, 12% Chinese, 4% Ghana, 2% German, 4% Indian, 12% Korean, 2% Lithuanian, 2% Malaysian, 2% Filipino, 2% Singaporean, 2% British, and 2% Ukrainian.	Pupil nationality mix The student body represents 40+ nationalities, reflecting a genuinely international community; no official public ratio of local versus international students is published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Language support is provided through an English as a Second Language (ESL) program. ESL is designed for non-native English speakers and is limited to about 10% of the student body; applicants are assessed to determine English readiness before placement.	Additional learning support Learning support and ESL services are available. ESL and learning support fees include a pull-out service (3,850 yen per session) and in-class support (2,750 yen per session) per week.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The curriculum is based on the Griggs International Academy program and aligned with U.S. standards (Maryland State Education Department) through Griggs; official grades come from Griggs, USA. This establishes a U.S.-aligned framework for Axis's diplomas and coursework.	Country affiliation The school follows an American curriculum based on the American Common Core standards (American Curriculum).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Axis has no formal religious affiliation; Bible study is included as part of the program, with younger students covering Bible stories and older students engaging in Bible-related discussions.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is indicated in the official materials.
School day structure	School day structure The school day begins at 9:00 AM, with 9:30 AM as the main instructional start. There is a short break around 10:50–11:00 AM, lunch from 12:00–1:00 PM, and dismissal at 2:50 PM. Preschool daily routines start earlier (opening at 8:30 AM, with a typical end-of-day around 6:00 PM for those on the bus).	School day structure Regular school day start times are not published; extended care is available from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The school provides an organic lunch service during the day.
Bus service details	Bus service details Axis offers a school bus service with a monthly fee for morning and afternoon transportation (JPY 32,400). The preschool program notes that some students are picked up by the bus, with a final pick-up around 5:30 PM.	Bus service details UST operates four bus routes serving central Tokyo. Annual round-trip bus fees are 300,000 yen and annual one-way bus fees are 200,000 yen; payments can be made annually or by term. For specifics on stops and schedules, contact the school.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Entrance Fees - Preschool entrance fee: JPY 330,000. - Grade 1–12 entrance fee: JPY 550,000. Annual tuition (with per-semester and per-month breakdowns) - Preschool annual tuition: JPY 1,956,000 (12‑month year). - Per semester (two semesters per academic year): JPY 978,000. - Per month: JPY 163,000. - Grade 1–12 annual tuition: JPY 2,102,100 (10‑month academic year). - Per semester (two semesters per academic year): JPY 1,051,050. - Per month (10‑month academic year basis): JPY 210,210. Other compulsory fees and academic materials - Annual building fee: JPY 200,000 (Preschool and Grade 1–12). - Textbook / material fees: - Preschool: JPY 61,080. - Grade 1–5: JPY 196,350. - Grade 6–8: JPY 244,650. - Grade 9–12: JPY 501,417. Bus service, holiday school and optional fees - Bus service (monthly rates): - Morning only: JPY 21,400. - Afternoon only: JPY 21,400. - Morning and afternoon: JPY 42,800. - Spring / Summer school (per day): - Axis students: JPY 10,815 per day. - Non-Axis students: JPY 12,600 per day. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school operates two semesters per academic year: 1st Semester 01 Sept – 19 Dec and 2nd Semester 05 Jan – 30 Jun. All fees must be paid, or a payment plan put in place, 30 days before each semester begins. Fees are therefore billed on a per‑semester basis unless an approved payment plan is agreed. Family and other discounts - Family tuition discount: 10% discount for the second enrolled child. - Third child discount: 50% tuition discount for a third enrolled child where there is no company assistance and all other fees JPY 0 (conditions apply). - Diplomat discount: consumption tax is waived for eligible diplomats. Boarding - Boarding is not listed; no boarding fees are published for Axis International School. Uniform and other incidental costs - A specific uniform fee is not published on the school's fee schedule. Textbook/material fees (listed above) are published; other incidental costs such as uniforms, extracurricular clubs, overseas trip participation or special activity charges are not detailed in the published fee table. These items should be treated as potentially additional costs. Refunds - A refund policy is not published in the school's fee schedule. No specific refund terms or procedures are listed with the fee information. Fee payment options - The published fee information does not specify accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, etc.). For payment method details and to arrange payment plans, contact the school directly by phone or email.	Fee details One-time joining fees (new students) - Application Fee: JPY 25,000. - Registration Fee: JPY 400,000. - Development Fee: JPY 400,000. - Total one-time joining fees (new student): JPY 825,000. Annual fees & tuition (2025–2026) — by division (amounts shown per term where applicable and annual total) - Kindergarten (K1–K3): - Maintenance Fee (annual): JPY 300,000. - Fall Tuition: JPY 560,000. - Winter Tuition: JPY 455,000. - Spring Tuition: JPY 385,000. - Annual total: JPY 1,700,000. - Elementary School (Grades 1–5): - Maintenance Fee (annual): JPY 300,000. - Fall Tuition: JPY 645,000. - Winter Tuition: JPY 520,000. - Spring Tuition: JPY 445,000. - Annual total: JPY 1,910,000. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): - Maintenance Fee (annual): JPY 300,000. - Fall Tuition: JPY 690,000. - Winter Tuition: JPY 540,000. - Spring Tuition: JPY 470,000. - Annual total: JPY 2,000,000. Tuition discounts - Second sibling discount: 5% (applies to tuition only, self-paying families). - Third sibling discount: 10% (applies to tuition only, self-paying families). Other fees and typical additional costs - ESL and learning support (per 45-minute session): - Pull-out service (1 session/week): JPY 3,850 per session. - In-class (push-in) support (1 session/week): JPY 2,750 per session. - Technology requirements and likely costs: - Grades 3–5: students are required to have an iPad (specification detail available from school office). - Grades 6–8: students are required to have a MacBook. - Bus service (annual): - Annual round-trip bus fee: JPY 300,000. - Annual one-way bus fee: JPY 200,000. - Bus fees may be paid annually or by term. - School trips and activity costs (examples and ranges — family responsibility): - K1–G8 day field trips: ~JPY 500 per trip on average (varies by destination). - G3–G8 ski trip: JPY 50,000–70,000 (package-dependent). - G6–G8 residential trip: JPY 60,000–80,000 (destination-dependent). - PTA fee: JPY 25,000 (annual). - Extra-curricular activity fees: vary by activity; fees are charged separately. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed; the school operates as a day school with no separate boarding provision indicated. Billing schedule and payment terms - Term billing/payment deadlines (standard schedule): - Fall tuition due: April 25. - Winter tuition due: October 25. - Spring tuition due: January 25. - Invoices are issued 7–8 weeks before the end of the previous term. Parents remain responsible for timely payment even when a third party (e.g., employer) is paying. Students with unpaid tuition at the start of a term will not be permitted to attend and the school may reallocate the place. - Fees for the new academic year must be paid by April 28; failure to pay by that date may result in reallocation of the student's place. Joining fees for new students must be paid within one week of receiving the joining-fee invoice to secure the place. - Late enrollment: tuition and bus fees for students enrolling after the school year has started are calculated by the school's three academic terms; fees for partially attended terms are not prorated and must be paid in full before the student's start date. Re-enrolling students who previously left are required to pay the Registration Fee; the Development Fee is waived for returning students. Refunds and withdrawal notice - The Application Fee (JPY 25,000) is non-refundable once paid. One-time joining fees and annual fees are not refundable. Tuition is not refunded for partially attended terms. Refunds are issued only when the school receives notice in accordance with the school's notice rules and a term has been fully unattended. - Notice period: a minimum of one complete term's prior written notice is required to withdraw a student. If a parent does not provide at least one full term's written notice, one full term's fees must be paid in lieu of notice. The school will withhold report cards, recommendations, and release of records until outstanding fees are settled. Late payment policy and penalties - Late payments without prior notice may result in prohibition from class attendance and/or withholding of grades, transcripts, recommendations, or other school records. - A weekly late charge of JPY 10,000 applies to delinquent payments. Payment methods and bank details - All fees must be paid by bank transfer and paid under the student's name. - The Application Fee (JPY 25,000) may alternatively be paid in cash at the school office or by bank transfer. For overseas transfers, families must ensure the amount received in JPY equals the invoiced amount after all handling fees; applicants are responsible for all transfer fees. - Bank information (payable to Kabushiki Gaisha United School of Tokyo, Mizuho Bank, Shibuya Chuo Branch; Ordinary account 1609328; Swift Code: MHCBJPJT) is supplied for transfers. Important additional notes - All fees and tuition amounts include sales tax. - One-time fees are stated as non-refundable once paid. - Fees and tuition are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement UST requires all students to wear the prescribed school uniform during school hours and at school-organized events outside premises. The uniform policy aims to promote pride in the school, unity and community, and a consistent appearance, while reducing distractions and supporting health and safety guidelines. Details about the uniform items are provided in the UST Uniform Guide.
Food options	Food options Lunch is brought from home; the school has a kitchen for heating meals.	Food options UST provides an organic lunch service for students. The Summer School program also offers a lunch service using the regular organic lunch delivery; Summer School notes that the program is nut-free.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Axis International School is operated by Yugen Kaisha Mahr Corporation (Y.K. Mahr). It began in 2003 as a joint venture with a Japanese partner; the partnership was dissolved in 2007, after which Y.K. Mahr Corporation operated the school on its own.	Governance and ownership The school is organized as a kabushiki gaisha (corporation) named United School of Tokyo. It was founded in 2014 by parents and teachers.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Axis International School offers a full English-language curriculum for elementary through high school based on the Griggs International Academy program, with official grades issued by Griggs, USA. All full-time students study Bible, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, with elementary students also studying Handwriting, Music, and Spelling. High school students may enroll in dual-credit classes if their GPA is at least 3.0, enabling up to one year of college credit; AP is offered but does not grant college credit, and the IB program is not used for college credit. Assessments include annual Stanford standardized tests for Grades 4–12, and the most recent high school class achieved an SAT average of 1340 with a GPA of 3.89. Preschool features a customized age-appropriate curriculum with emphasis on language development, music, art, science, and field trips, with small class sizes. The school operates with a low student-to-teacher ratio (about 1:8) and prepares graduates for American university pathways.	Curriculum details The United School of Tokyo's curriculum is built around systematic skill development delivered through a theme-based program of 5–6 units per year, with four cross-cutting themes: responsibility and caring, global citizenship, environmental impact, and experiential education. In Early Childhood (K1–K3, ages 3–6), the curriculum is theme-integrated and learner-centered, with literacy via daily reading and Jolly Phonics, a Japanese program taught twice weekly in preschool and three times weekly in Kindergarten, and Math focusing on counting, numbers, simple operations, telling time, measurements and shapes; Science and Social Studies emphasize exploration of the environment and community, and Visual Arts, Music, and Technology are integrated. Elementary (G1–G5, ages 6–11) develops the whole child through 5–6 units per year, using Common Core math standards with Math in Focus (Singapore Math) as the main program, and Reading and Writing Workshop models for literacy; Japanese is taught daily according to the Japanese National Curriculum, while Social Studies uses Social Studies Alive!, and Visual Arts and Music follow National Standards for Arts Education. The curriculum also includes Technology and Information Science to build digital literacy, ESL and Learning Support beginning from K2, with pull-out or small-group assistance, and after-school tutoring to support English or other subjects. Field trips and experiential learning are embedded within units, with an emphasis on assessment through varied methods, targets, and feedback, and a commitment to fostering global-minded, environmentally aware, and socially responsible students.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Low student-to-teacher ratio; small classes (about 1:8).	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Grade 4–12 take Stanford standardized tests; the most recent high school class had an SAT average of 1340 and a GPA of 3.89; 60% of graduates go to the world's top 50 universities.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates typically continue at American universities, with potential dual-credit up to one year of college credit and transfer options to other countries; graduates have pursued programs in the US, Canada, Korea, Japan, Portugal, and Russia.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented No separate Gifted and Talented program is described in Axis International School pages.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Axis International School supports social and emotional learning through a holistic, values-based approach that emphasizes character development and the wellbeing of the whole person, including regular outdoor physical education and Bible-based spiritual education.	Social & emotional learning Social and Emotional Learning at United School of Tokyo is supported by a holistic, inquiry-based curriculum designed to address students' social‑emotional needs, and by weekly Guidance classes; leadership and collaboration are fostered through the Student Council.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose any dedicated SEN provision or a specialist SEN unit; ESL is described as the primary support for non-native English speakers.	Special educational needs (SEN) UST does not offer specialist support programs for students with learning difficulties or behavioral differences; exceptional admission may be granted if individual requirements can be met within the mainstream classroom, and the school provides Learning support and ESL services within the mainstream.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language An English as a Second Language program is available for non-native speakers; students lacking English are required to start with ESL classes, ESL classes are limited to no more than 10% of the total student body, and all applicants are tested to determine ESL needs.	English as an additional language EAL support is provided through Learning support and ESL services, and the school offers ability-based daily Japanese language classes; ESL and learning support services have associated fees.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported via a holistic approach that includes regular physical education and Bible classes as part of a values-based curriculum.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through weekly Guidance classes as part of a values-based, holistic education that emphasizes social-emotional development, complemented by student leadership opportunities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is addressed through emergency procedures for disasters (evacuation, staff supervision, and parent communications) and through related policies such as the Non-Discrimination Policy and privacy protections.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is governed by a formal Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy; staff must report suspected abuse to designated safeguarding leads promptly, with a case management team and liaison with authorities as required by law.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Axis International School operates from a campus in Kichijoji Hon-cho, Musashino. The daily program includes outdoor time starting from preschool, weather permitting. On Fridays, physical education takes place at local gymnasiums with activities such as swimming, basketball, and badminton. A school kitchen supports heating meals during lunch breaks, which provide time for students to relax and socialise. The school supports the arts with music and visual arts specialists, and after-school clubs include ART CLUB, BUSINESS CLUB, and COMPUTER CLUB.	Facilities overview United School of Tokyo is located in central Tokyo, in Shibuya Ward, with multiple transit options within walking distance. The campus is surrounded by parks with play structures, providing space to explore, exercise, and learn. The school provides access to a range of sports facilities including a sports ground, track field, basketball court, swimming pool, soccer pitch, and two indoor gyms. Nearby nature spaces with greenery, water, a BBQ area, and a rice paddy support outdoor play and outdoor science lessons. The early childhood program includes a well-stocked classroom library, reflecting the school's literacy emphasis, and the school uses a low-tech approach in the younger years with iPads introduced from Grade 3 and computers used in middle school.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities There is no explicit on-site sports facility listed; PE and sports activities take place in local gymnasiums and facilities, including swimming, basketball, badminton, and other activities.	Sports facilities Sports facilities include a sports ground, track field, basketball court, swimming pool, soccer pitch, and two indoor gyms.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities A well-stocked classroom library is available within the early childhood program. UST also follows a low-tech approach in the younger years, introducing iPads from Grade 3, with computers used in middle school for research, writing, and other tasks.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities ART CLUB, BUSINESS CLUB, and COMPUTER CLUB are offered as after-school activities.	Extra curricular facilities There is a rich after-school program with daily extended care available until 5 PM. An organic lunch service is provided. The campus environment supports outdoor education and field trips.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Axis International School was founded in 2003 as a joint venture between Yugen Kaisha Mahr Corporation and a Japanese partner, opening with the Home Study International program from Maryland, USA. The first high school graduate completed the program in 2005 and progressed to an American university. In 2007 the partnership dissolved and Mahr operated the school independently; the Preschool opened in Mitaka and a shuttle bus connected it to the main Kichijoji campus. The main campus expanded with new classrooms in 2010 and 2012, and in 2013 the Home Study International program was purchased by Andrews University and renamed Griggs International Academy. In 2018 the language school was separated as Axis Global Languages, and in 2021 the first Axis students were admitted to Japanese universities such as Sophia University and Temple University; Japanese language classes began in 2025.	History United School of Tokyo (UST) was founded in 2014 by a group of parents and teachers who sought affordable, quality international education in Tokyo. From its inception, UST has operated as a multinational, multicultural school serving children aged 3 to 14, organized into Kindergarten (K1-K3), Elementary (G1-G5), and Middle School (G6-G8). The school emphasizes a family-like, values-based environment that balances warmth, acceptance, respect, flexibility, and creativity with academic rigor. UST is governed by a School Leadership Team (the principal, vice-principal, and curriculum coordinator) and a School Advisory Board made up of selected parents and community representatives, meeting periodically to advise on strategy and accountability. The Advisory Board oversees strategic planning, budget and financial accountability, and facility expansion, providing checks and balances while guiding long-term planning.
Community	Community Axis International School serves a diverse, multinational student body with a values-based program. Students participate in clubs such as Art Club, Bible Club, Media Club, and Computer Club, which meet on Fridays and Thursdays and support social learning outside the classroom. Bible study is an integral part of the curriculum, with younger students exploring Bible stories and older students taking part in weekly Bible sessions. Annual school trips augment learning with experiences to places such as the Kennedy Space Center, St. Augustine, Colonial Williamsburg, and Washington DC (along with other destinations like EPCOT).	Community UST's student body represents more than 40 nationalities, reflecting a diverse and global learning community. School life emphasizes monthly events, field trips, and outdoor education as part of its experiential learning approach, alongside celebrations of major holidays and cultural diversity. The school runs social responsibility programs and environmental initiatives, including a sister-school partnership in Cambodia, fundraising activities, and local community service projects. Student leadership is encouraged through the UST Student Council, with involvement in Community Outreach programs that connect students and families to broader service efforts.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association There is no dedicated PTA page published for Axis International School; however parent involvement is described as important for student progress and is supported through parent communications. Parent engagement occurs through after-school clubs such as Art Club, Bible Club, Media Club, and Computer Club, which provide opportunities for family involvement and volunteer participation. The school notes that parent participation is facilitated via an email list to share updates about children's activities. Open houses, such as the International School Open House on February 15, 2026, invite families to visit and learn more about the program. Annual family-facing events and trips also offer avenues for parent involvement in the school community.	Parent teacher association UST describes four types of parental involvement: volunteering, learning at home, decision making (including involvement with PTA or becoming a class-parent), and collaborating with the community. Parents can participate by serving on the PTA or as class parents, linking families with teachers in school decisions. The school supports active parent leadership through the PTA structure and related roles. A PTA fee of 25,000 yen covers a range of activities, programs, and resources aimed at supporting the school community and enhancing the educational experience for students. PTA involvement is designed to complement other forms of parental participation, including volunteering and class-parent roles that help strengthen communication and support across the school."
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Axis International School follows the Griggs International Academy program, an American curriculum. High school students with a GPA of at least 3.0 may enroll in dual-credit classes, with the AP program available and the Griggs pathway capable of providing up to one year of college credit. There is a Computer Club where students learn programming using Liberty BASIC.	Academic & intellectual UST offers more than 30 after-school extracurricular classes across six categories: sports, performing arts, visual arts, games and activities, STEAM, and learning assistance. In elementary grades, the ECA program is organized into sports, arts/drama and music, leadership, and hobby clubs. ECAs take place mainly after school, with some classes during lunch, and the school year is divided into three sessions with online sign-ups. The program provides opportunities to discover new interests, develop new skills, and pursue passions.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art Club meets every Friday from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Axis supports fine arts development with music and visual arts specialists. Art-related after-school activities are included as part of extended school programs.	Arts & creative UST's elementary ECAs include arts/drama and music, and visual arts. The program supports performing arts and visual arts, enabling students to express themselves creatively and participate in performances. ECAs are updated each term.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language UST runs school celebrations and events to acknowledge major holidays in Japan and around the world, and to celebrate the cultural diversity at UST. The ECAs are available Monday through Friday. The school promotes global citizenship through a Cambodia SSR initiative, encouraging students to engage with underprivileged elementary schools in Cambodia and contribute ideas on how to help. SSR initiatives include Helping Hand and Eco Drives.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Axis runs after-school clubs including Art Club (Fridays 3:15–5:00 p.m.), Bible Club (Fridays 4–5 p.m.), Media Club (Thursdays 3:00–4:00 p.m.), and Computer Club (programming with Liberty BASIC). A Business Club exists as part of the after‑school program (ages 7–17). Special-interest after-school clubs are available as part of the school life.	Social & hobbies The elementary ECA program includes hobby clubs and games and activities that promote social interaction and personal interests. Clubs cover sports, arts, and other pursuits, providing a range of after-school options. ECAs run Monday through Friday, with a three-term schedule and online sign-up.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service UST engages in SSR initiatives such as Helping Hand and Eco Drives, involving students in community service and environmental projects. The Cambodia collaboration project invites students to work with an underprivileged elementary school in Cambodia, fostering global awareness and service. These programs aim to empower students to be aware, able, and active contributors to the world community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Business Club is an after-school program focusing on how business works (current members are aged 7–17). The after-school program includes special-interest clubs. Special-interest clubs are part of Axis's extracurricular offerings.	Leadership & professional UST promotes student leadership through participation in the UST Student Council. An elementary ECA category includes leadership as part of the program. These experiences provide leadership development and opportunities to practice teamwork and decision-making.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical education is a core part of wellbeing; preschoolers go outside daily, weather permitting, with regular outdoor activity for older students. Students participate in badminton, basketball, soccer, swimming, and table tennis. Axis offers annual school trips and a Summer Camp to extend learning, including experiences such as Kennedy Space Center and Washington DC sights. The overseas trip is described as part of the FUN CURRICULUM.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Workout Fridays occur once a month, when children go to a large park for an extended play or PE period. School field trips take place each term, tied to units of study in Science or Social Studies, and annual team-building trips (overnight ski trips or camping trips) are organized for elementary students. The central Tokyo location provides access to parks, nature spaces, and outdoor learning environments that support physical activity and wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction across Axis International School. The Preschool program lists English Language as a subject. Non-native English speakers receive ESL support, with assessments used to determine eligibility. Japanese-speaking staff are available to assist families, and Japanese children may enroll if their English ability is adequate.	Language provision English is the language of classroom instruction. Japanese language instruction occurs daily in ability-based classes. ESL services and learning support are available to non-native English speakers. The curriculum overview notes that the program emphasizes learning multiple languages and foreign language study, but does not specify which languages beyond Japanese are offered or whether language study is mandatory.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Axis International School delivers instruction in English with native English-speaking teachers. A formal bilingual classroom program is not described. ESL support is provided for non-native English speakers, with placement determined by testing. The school offers bilingual support to parents, and Japanese-speaking staff assist families when possible.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs No language immersion program is described. All core instruction is conducted in English, and ESL is available for non-native speakers. There is no separate immersion track for other languages.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Axis International School lists six accreditations on its International School homepage: Adventist Education; Griggs International Academy; Maryland State Department of Education; Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS); National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA); and University of California, Berkeley. Adventist Education is the Adventist Church's network for K–12 schooling; Griggs International Academy provides the U.S. program and issues official grades through Griggs, USA; Maryland State Department of Education indicates alignment with Maryland standards; MSA-CESS is a U.S. regional accrediting body for precollegiate schools; NCPSA is a private-school accreditor; UC Berkeley is listed as an accrediting entity with the site not detailing the exact nature of the partnership.",	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1 – Eligibility: Axis International School serves elementary through high school and begins with an eligibility check to confirm the student fits the program scope. The school emphasizes strong pastoral care and a supportive environment, with the Student Services team guiding families through the application journey. Enrollment includes an assessment to determine the student's ability to complete English coursework and to confirm the appropriate grade level. If a student cannot study entirely in English, intensive private classes and a structured adjustment period are arranged, with bilingual support available to families as needed. Step 2 – Application: Families submit an application to Axis International School. The admissions materials emphasize delivering high quality education and maintaining ongoing pastoral care and support during the process, with the Student Services team assisting applicants through the application journey. After submission, the school reviews the materials to determine fit and to plan next steps in the process. There are admission forms available to complete as part of this step. Step 3 – Review Process: The admission review assesses the materials to determine whether the applicant is a good match for the school's program and community. The process is described as rigorous, with the school noting a strong reputation in its statements about the review. The outcome of this step leads to a decision about next steps for enrollment. Step 4 – Success (Offer and Enrollment): If the review is favorable, the family is welcomed into a thriving student‑led learning environment. Once admitted, families move to enrollment and fee arrangements, with payment due or a payment plan set up 30 days before each semester begins. The school operates with a 12 month year for preschool and a 10 month year for other grade levels, and offers family and diplomat discounts as described in the fee schedule.	Admissions 1. Check availability and divisions. United School of Tokyo operates three divisions: Early Childhood (K1–K3), Elementary (G1–G5), and Middle School (G6–G8). The annual admissions process opens in October of the year prior to the next academic year, and space must be available for an applicant to be considered. Admissions priorities favor international families with no local educational alternatives, and Japanese families relocating back to Japan from an English-speaking educational setting; all applications are reviewed to determine fit. 2. Tours and interviews. Tours and interviews are scheduled within the admissions window to help families assess fit and to allow UST staff to learn about the applicant and family. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tours and interviews were held from October 20, 2025 to December 5, 2025. 3. Enrollment application deadline. The enrollment application deadline for the 2025–2026 cycle was January 9, 2026. 4. Screening and assessments. Screening and assessments take place from January 12, 2026 to March 30, 2026. 5. Acceptance announcements. Acceptance announcements are issued between March 9, 2026 and April 3, 2026. 6. Joining fees due date. Joining fees are due two weeks after the Acceptance Letter is issued. One-time joining fees total 825,000 JPY (Application 25,000; Registration 400,000; Development 400,000). 7. Fall term tuition due. Fall term tuition is due on April 25, 2026. Tuition can be paid by term or annually; all fees include sales tax, and one-time joining fees are non-refundable.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships: Axis International School does not publish a merit‑based scholarship program. They do offer tuition‑related discounts, including a 10% family tuition discount for the second enrolled child and a 50% discount for a third enrolled child when there is no company assistance and all other fees are waived. A Diplomat Discount is also available, defined as a waiver of the current consumption tax. All fees are subject to change, and last update was October 1, 2025. Fees must be paid or arranged via a payment plan 30 days before each semester begins.	Scholarships The United School of Tokyo offers a Scholarship Program that provides a reduction in tuition and joining fees for eligible families. Scholarships are available to students in Elementary and Middle School (Grades 1–8). In addition to regular admission requirements, applicants must demonstrate the need for international education, the family's inability to pay full tuition and/or joining fees, native English proficiency, and high academic potential. The number of scholarships is limited to five per year, and awards are for one academic year but may be renewed subject to satisfactory progress and reassessment of family means. Documents that may be requested include an annual tax certificate, an employment certificate, a housing rental agreement, and bank statements. Scholarships are valid for one academic year.
Waitlist	Waitlist There is no published waitlist or pool policy on Axis International School's admissions materials. The available admissions steps are Eligibility, Application, Review Process, and Success, with no mention of a waiting list or waiting pool.	Waitlist There is no published formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions operate on space availability; applicants may be considered when seats are open, and the school indicates that students may join at any time during the year if a place is available. Priority is given to international families without local educational alternatives, and to Japanese families relocating back to Japan from an English-speaking setting.
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