K. International School Tokyo vs St. Mary's International School

	K K. International School Tokyo Tokyo, Japan	S St. Mary's International School Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥2,802,000 - 3,020,000	Fees / year ¥2,850,000 - 3,000,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Boys School
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Catholic Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 660	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 26	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1997	Opened 1954
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Location: 1-5-15 Shirakawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0021, Japan. The campus sits on the western edge of Koto-ku near the intersection of Kiyosubashi-dori and Kiyosumi-dori. It is a short walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, which provides easy subway access to central Tokyo.	Location St. Mary's International School is located at 1-6-19 Seta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8668, Japan. Setagaya is a western Tokyo ward with residential neighborhoods and good rail connections to central Tokyo. The campus is accessible by multiple train lines and the school operates its own bus network to support travel around Tokyo.
Stages	Stages School levels follow four program stages: Primary Years Programme (K1–G5), Lower Secondary Programme (G6–G8), Edexcel International GCSE (G9–G10), and the IB Diploma Programme (G11–G12). This structure supports a continuum from early years through to pre-university study.	Stages The school provides a K–12 program, comprising an elementary school, a middle school (junior high), and a high school, all on the Setagaya campus.
School type	School type K. International School Tokyo is a private, co-educational, non-denominational day school serving students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12.	School type St. Mary's International School is a single-sex, all-boys international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school represents around 50 nationalities; the largest represented nationalities are the United States and Japan, with no single nationality dominating the student body. The exact local-to-international ratio is not publicly disclosed.	Pupil nationality mix Students come from around 45–50 countries, reflecting a strong international mix. The most common nationality is not publicly published, and there is a mix of international and Japanese students.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Additional learning needs (SEN) support is provided through the Learning Enhancement Academic Program (LEAP), which is designed to assist elementary students with English and Mathematics.	Additional learning support Student Support Services include Learning Support, Academic Support, English Language Support, a School Nurse, and a Campus Minister. The school aims to accommodate a range of learning differences but notes that it may not be able to support all needs; full disclosure during admissions is requested.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has no formal country affiliation; it operates as an international, non-denominational day school.	Country affiliation The school is Catholic in affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation Catholic.
School day structure	School day structure The school day typically starts at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m. on Mondays, and at 3:20 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday; breaks and lunch times vary by grade level.	School day structure Elementary hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. with buses leaving at 3:20 p.m.; Middle School runs 8:25 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. with a 3:20 p.m. bus and campus-off time by 5:00 p.m.; High School operates 8:25 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. with lunch 11:00–11:55 a.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service is available for elementary students, operating on defined routes with limited seats and not guaranteed; secondary students are not eligible. Routes, stops, and fees are reviewed annually, and bus fees are invoiced three times per year.	Bus service details The school operates its own bus network with a fleet of buses serving Tokyo; typical routes include Futako-Tamagawa Station on the Den-en-toshi Line and other connections. After-school buses are used to transport students, with the middle school bus schedule noted as leaving promptly at 3:20 p.m. (the fleet is owned by the school).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Application Fee: JPY 30,000 (non-refundable). Payment of the application fee is required at the time of application and should be made by bank transfer; bank transfer charges are the responsibility of the sender. One-time enrollment and capital fees (first-time enrollees) - Enrollment Fee (one-time): JPY 300,000 (re‑enrollments within three years are charged a reduced rate of JPY 60,000). - Capital Fee (one-time): JPY 700,000 (re‑enrollments within three years are charged a reduced rate of JPY 140,000). Tuition fees (annual) by year group - K1–K3: JPY 3,020,000 per year. - Grades 1–9: JPY 2,850,000 per year. - Grades 10–12: JPY 2,970,000 per year. Tuition fees (installment / per-term breakdown — installment payment option) - Payment may be made in three installments by bank transfer. For new enrollments the instalment schedule and amounts (tuition portion shown) are: - K1–K3: 1st instalment JPY 1,208,000; 2nd JPY 906,000; 3rd JPY 906,000. - Grades 1–9: 1st instalment JPY 1,140,000; 2nd JPY 855,000; 3rd JPY 855,000. - Grades 10–12: 1st instalment JPY 1,188,000; 2nd JPY 891,000; 3rd JPY 891,000. - With the instalment option, full payment of the other general fees (enrollment fee, capital fee, building maintenance fee and Community Association fee) is required with the first instalment. - Standard instalment due dates for continuing families (second year of enrollment onward): 1st instalment due May 15; 2nd instalment due September 15; 3rd instalment due December 15. For certain new‑entry intake periods the school uses alternative due dates (for example specific March/September/December dates shown for new enrollments). Building maintenance and family fees - Building Maintenance Fee (annual, all grades): JPY 200,000. (This fee may be reduced for students first enrolling from April.) - Community Association (CA) Fee (per family, annual): JPY 2,000. Other costs and optional fees - Camp Fees: Students in Grades 5, 7, 9 and 11 attend camps; camp fees vary by destination and are invoiced with the first payment instalment. - Program Progression Fee (Grades 1, 6, 9 and 11): JPY 5,000 at the time of progression. - School bus service (optional, elementary only): JPY 110,000–JPY 440,000 per year; seats are limited and routes/stops are set by the school. - School uniform: A uniform (summer and winter formal sets plus PE uniform) is required for all grade levels; uniform costs are charged separately. Textbooks: some are included in tuition but certain textbooks must be purchased by families; school lunches and optional services are invoiced separately. Handling of late payments - Overdue invoice handling fee: JPY 3,000 per invoice. The handling fee is not charged if the Accounts Department has been informed in advance by e-mail of an expected delay. Refund information - The Application Fee and the Enrollment Fee are non‑refundable. - Tuition and other general fees paid at the time of initial enrollment (capital fee, building maintenance fee, CA fee) will be refunded in full if enrollment is cancelled by e‑mail prior to the first day of school (Japan Standard Time). Information on refunds for other school fees is provided to families after enrollment. Boarding fees - K. International School Tokyo is a day school for ages 3–18 and does not operate boarding facilities; therefore boarding fees are not applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms (summary) - The school year begins in mid‑August and is organized into two semesters (Aug–Dec and Jan–Jun). School fees may be paid as a lump sum (annual payment) or split into three instalments by bank transfer. For new enrollments the initial instalment is due as indicated in the offer of enrollment (initial instalment deadlines vary by intake); for continuing families instalments are due May 15, September 15 and December 15. Where applicable, all other general fees (enrollment, capital, building maintenance and CA fee) are payable with the first instalment. Fee payment options and bank details (payment method) - Payments of school fees (application and tuition) are by bank transfer. Bank transfer details for application fee payment (Mizuho Bank) and instruction that transfers must be in Japanese yen and include the applicant's name are provided in admissions documentation and invoices; bank transfer charges are the responsibility of the sender. (For the most used fee line items above, the school's Admissions Handbook provides full line‑by‑line details, instalment tables, and additional items such as optional service fees and the conditions that apply to mid‑year enrollments, re‑enrollments and discounts.)	Fee details Application and Admission Fees - Application fee: ¥50,000 (non‑refundable). - Registration fee (new students): ¥400,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable). - Development Fund (new students): ¥1,000,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable). Annual and Per‑Year Tuition (School Year 2025–2026) - Elementary School tuition: ¥2,700,000 per year. - Middle School tuition: ¥2,800,000 per year. - High School tuition: ¥2,850,000 per year. Per‑term / Billing schedule - The school publishes a full, school‑year Tuition & Fees schedule (School Year 2025–26) that contains the detailed billing schedule and installment information for the year; that document is the school's official tuition & fees schedule. For specifics of term‑by‑term billing and exact installment due dates you should use the school's published 2025–26 Tuition & Fees schedule. Fees for Returning Students - Re‑Enrollment Seat Deposit: ¥300,000 (non‑refundable; credited toward tuition). - Building Maintenance (annual): ¥150,000 (returning students). - Tuition for returning students is the same annual amount by level as above (Elementary ¥2,700,000; Middle ¥2,800,000; High ¥2,850,000). Transportation (School Bus) - One way (morning or afternoon): ¥310,000 per year. - Both ways: ¥420,000 per year. Device / Level‑specific mandatory costs and other academic charges - Elementary (Grades 3–5): iPad and cover are provided and the mandatory one‑time cost is charged on the student invoice; the device cost is included in the school fees invoice and is non‑refundable. - Middle School (Grade 6 and incoming Grades 7–8): MacBook Air fee is included on the invoice (one‑time mandatory cost for these cohorts). - High School IB exam fees: billed in December for students who register for IB exams; ¥20,000 per subject. - Graduation fee for Grade 12 students: ¥30,000 (cap and gown, reception and related ceremony expenses). - Additional items charged or available through the school: cafeteria/food service, school accident insurance, and any Corporate Contribution Program charges as applicable. School Accident Insurance - Students are enrolled in a school personal accident insurance policy upon payment of school fees with coverage commencing September 1: medical reimbursements up to ¥1,000,000 and loss of life/physical impediment benefits up to ¥3,000,000. Uniforms and Uniform Costs - Uniforms are purchased through the school's authorized vendor (Top of the Class). Ordering and payment are handled through the vendor; payment options offered by the vendor include PayPal and credit card. Specific uniform prices are set by the vendor and are purchased separately via that vendor. Non‑refund and Refund Information (explicitly stated items) - Non‑refundable charges explicitly stated: application fee (¥50,000); registration fee (¥400,000 for new students); development fund (¥1,000,000 one‑time); building maintenance fee (¥150,000 annual where indicated); device costs charged on invoice for required iPad/MacBook (one‑time, non‑refundable); re‑enrollment seat deposit (¥300,000) is non‑refundable but will be credited toward tuition. These items are described as non‑refundable in the school's published fees information. Boarding (if applicable) - Boarding is not listed as a program or fee category for this school; there are no boarding fees published for St. Mary's International School for the 2025–26 school year. Transportation is offered via school bus instead. Billing and Payment Terms (what is stated publicly) - Credit card payments are accepted for application fees only; credit cards are not accepted for other fees and tuition payments. - The school encourages payment of tuition and fees by bank transfer. Any bank transfer fees or lifting fees (particularly for payments from abroad) must be covered by the payer. The school provides bank transfer details (MUFG Bank, Jiyugaoka Branch) including the account number and SWIFT code for international remittance. Payments should be made in the student's name and include the student's school ID where requested. - The Re‑Enrollment Seat Deposit for returning students is credited toward tuition. Other costs parents should anticipate (examples shown on published schedule) - Field trips, retreats, ski trip charges (elementary/middle/high as described for specific grades) and optional cafeteria payments are additional to tuition and will be invoiced or charged as appropriate. Where detailed term‑by‑term instalment dates and full billing schedule are published - The school's official two‑page School Year 2025–26 Tuition & Fees document contains the complete billing schedule, instalment/due‑date information and the full fee table for the year. That published school document is the official source of the term‑by‑term billing schedule and any fine‑print payment terms for 2025–26. Summary of primary sources used: St. Mary's International School official Tuition & Fees page and the school's published School Year 2025–26 Tuition & Fees document; the school's uniform ordering page for vendor/payment details.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements St. Mary's International School operates as a day school with no on-site boarding provision. The school is listed as having boarding facilities: DAY, which indicates there is no boarding accommodation for students. Transportation to and from campus is provided via the school bus network, with options for morning-only, afternoon-only, or round-trip service. For the 2025–26 academic year, bus fees are ¥310,000 for one-way service and ¥420,000 for both ways.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required and are supplied by Top of the Class, a domestic vendor. Ordering is done through Top of the Class and is available in English, with sizing and delivery details provided by the vendor. For Elementary, students wear a blue polo shirt with the school logo (plus other items such as black socks and black shoes); for Middle School, students wear a long-sleeved white shirt with the logo and a navy tie, with accompanying items including black socks, a black belt, and black shoes. Shoes must be all black with solid black soles and no secondary colors or logos.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school operates an on-site cafeteria with lunch service during the school day; lunch hours vary by level and students may eat in the cafeteria. A light snack is available during the day at certain grade levels. The Kindergarten site describes a canteen that offers Western and Asian lunch options, a full salad bar, and an online canteen system for ordering meals, indicating on-site meal options and a digital ordering process.
House system	House system —	House system In St. Mary's Kindergarten, a Grizzly House System is in place. Houses are represented by trees—Pine, Birch, Cedar, and Oak—and students participate in monthly house challenges; points are awarded to encourage teamwork, school spirit, and positive behavior.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership St. Mary's International School is a non-profit, tax-exempt educational institution (gakkō hōjin) incorporated under Japan's Private School Law and supervised by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The governance structure comprises a Board of Directors, a Board of Trustees, and Statutory Auditors, which provide strategic direction and financial stewardship for the school.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details K. International School Tokyo offers a K-12 program built on the International Baccalaureate framework, with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for K1 to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6 to 10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11 and 12. In Grades 9–10, the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE pathway is available as an additional qualification option alongside the IB track. Instruction is provided in English and Japanese, with English used across the curriculum. The school holds CIS accreditation and was reaccredited in June 2024, confirming international standards. The learning approach is inquiry-based, emphasizing knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and action across transdisciplinary units.	Curriculum details St. Mary's International School in Tokyo delivers a holistic, standards-based curriculum across elementary, middle, and high school, rooted in a Catholic values framework and a focus on the whole child.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning SEL is supported through KIST's Lower Secondary Programme (G6–G8), which aims to nurture critical thinking, act confidently, and thrive in a changing world, and the school emphasises a safe and caring environment with guiding principles of Respect, Responsibility and Safety.	Social & emotional learning St. Mary's International School supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) through age-appropriate Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) across all grades, and a comprehensive Elementary SEL curriculum (K-5) that includes Child Protection and Bullying Prevention Units, all taught within the school's safeguarding framework.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN provision or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) Student Support Services are listed as Learning Support, Academic Support, English Language Support, a School Nurse, and a Campus Minister; the Admissions Policy mentions a Learning Differences section, but the school does not publicly state that it operates as a specialist SEN institution beyond these shared services.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Language support for non-native English-speaking students is provided throughout the school to help access the curriculum.	English as an additional language English Language Support aims to enable students whose first language is not English to overcome language-related difficulties and integrate into mainstream classes; language support is offered for students from RP through Grade 8, with no English language support for Grade 11 and limited support for Grades 9–10.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through safeguarding measures that aim to provide a safe, secure, healthy, and caring environment for all students.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the SEL/PSHE programs described above, plus pastoral care elements such as the Campus Minister and health support from the School Nurse.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding includes a safeguarding policy, staff training, a designated child protection team, and clear reporting and investigation procedures; the full policy is shared with families via the MyKIST Family platform.	Safeguarding Safeguarding and Child Protection are led by a dedicated Safeguarding and Child Protection Team; there is a secure CPOMS-based reporting system, age-appropriate PSHE health and safety instruction, annual safeguarding training for faculty, staff, and parents, and a designated Safeguarding Coordinator (Hiromi Sawamura) with an anonymous reporting option.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located less than one minute from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station in Koto-ku, Tokyo. It serves pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. The school operates a KIST School Bus Service for convenient transportation. The student body consists of more than 630 students representing around 50 nationalities. The school year has at least 180 days across two semesters.	Facilities overview St. Mary's International School sits on a single campus in Setagaya with facilities to support academics, the arts, and athletics. The campus includes a library and Learning Commons with extensive digital resources for research, and there is an on-site cafeteria for meals and lunch breaks. Elementary, middle, and high school sections each have library or learning commons spaces and dedicated computer rooms for student use. Fine arts and performing arts are supported by music groups, choirs, instrumental lessons, visual arts, and drama opportunities, including a tri-school Spring Musical. The campus is described as safe and modern with first-rate athletic facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school offers a range of after-school sporting clubs. The co-curricular program includes sporting and cultural clubs, excursions, and other activities, supporting a broad athletic and cultural program.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The curriculum combines two IB programs with the Edexcel IGCSE. English is the language of instruction at all levels and language support is provided for non-native English speakers. The Diploma Programme is offered in Grades 11–12, with online DP options available through Pamoja Education. In 2025, 21% of KIST students attained a bilingual IB Diploma. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and is an IB World School; Edexcel is authorized to deliver IGCSE, and the school is recognized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a library and Learning Commons across grade levels. The Elementary Library provides Destiny Discover, BrainPOP, PebbleGo, and TumbleBooks for research and literacy support. The Middle School and High School Learning Commons offer Destiny Discover, EBSCOhost, JSTOR, Classroom Video on Demand, and Sora, with access to a range of digital databases and media. Elementary students have a Computer Room for dedicated technology use.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities In addition to the regular curriculum, students enjoy a variety of co-curricular activities including a range of after-school sporting and cultural clubs, excursions, school concerts and festivals, camps and more.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities center on fine arts and athletics. There are 14 music groups, including choirs, and an Instrumental Music program with concert band and jazz ensemble. The Visual Arts program offers exhibitions and studio work, and there are drama opportunities including a tri-school Spring Musical. The program also includes clubs and service activities that complement athletics and the arts.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History K. International School Tokyo was established in 1997 by Yoshishige and Takako Komaki to serve Tokyo's international community. It began as an early childhood program in Higashi-suna and expanded to elementary grades in 1998 and secondary grades by 2000. The school earned authorization for the IB Primary Years Programme in 2002, the IB Middle Years Programme in 2003, and the IB Diploma Programme in 2004, with PYP re-authorization in 2006. In 2006 the campus relocated to Shirakawa, Koto-ku; a West Building opened in 2009, and the LEAP program began in 2010. The school attained full accreditation by the Council of International Schools in January 2017 and was re-accredited on 10 June 2024; it also joined the East Asia Regional Council of International Schools in 2018.	History St. Mary's International School was founded in 1954. It moved to its current Setagaya campus in 1971. The school operates as an all-boys international school. The student body includes nearly 50 countries, and English is the language of instruction.
Community	Community KIST serves a diverse international community with students representing many nationalities. It hosts community events such as KISTival, its annual festival featuring food, performances and activities, which serves as a major fundraising event. Family Day is a school-wide gathering that brings together students, parents and staff for games and activities. Volunteer activities are a mandatory part of student life and community service is embedded in the program.	Community The school has students from nearly 50 countries. The school offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, fine arts, the performing arts, and other areas. The campus is safe and modern and supports a comprehensive student life. The school participates in intercultural programs and events, including UNESCO exchange activities with Japanese partner schools.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The PTA coordinates major community initiatives at KIST, most notably KISTival, the school's largest annual fundraising festival. KISTival raises funds to purchase learning materials and support facility improvements, and its program typically includes a World Food Court, raffles and live performances. Family Day is another PTA-supported community event that brings the entire school community together for games and activities. Volunteer opportunities for families are a hallmark of KIST life, with parents and students contributing to events and service projects. KISTival has paused during campus construction in recent years, with plans to resume and a date listed for October 25, 2025.	Parent teacher association The St. Mary's Parent Association (SMPA) is a volunteer body that engages families in school life. The SMPA runs the annual Carnival, a long-standing community tradition and the school's largest fundraising event. Carnival features food, games, live entertainment, and booths, with all funds supporting student trips, projects, campaigns, uniforms, clubs, and sustainability initiatives. Volunteering opportunities are organized through signups for Carnival day, including booth responsibilities and coordinating donations. Donations to St. Mary's support a broad range of programs through the school's development office, and the U.S. Friends of St. Mary's International School foundation assists fundraising in the United States.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual St. Mary's offers after-school programs that emphasize academic enrichment. The program includes speech and debate, Brain Bowl, and math contests to foster critical thinking and time management. Robotics is offered as a STEM-focused activity, giving students hands-on opportunities to code and work with robots. These activities extend learning beyond the classroom and support analytical thinking, collaboration, and resilience.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative St. Mary's has a robust Fine Arts & Activities program. The school operates 14 music groups, including choirs, a concert band, and a jazz ensemble, with regular concerts and ensemble events. The Visual Arts program offers painting, drawing, ceramics, and printmaking, and drama opportunities exist from Elementary through High School, including a tri-school Spring Musical with sister schools. The arts program also includes trips, competitions, exhibitions, and involves service clubs connected to the arts.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language St. Mary's supports cultural and language activities through events and clubs. The school participates in Model United Nations conferences, and hosts intercultural events such as the International Interkultur Choir Competition Kobe. Debating appears in KPASS events and debate meets, providing opportunities to engage in competitive discussions. The Summer Adventure program offers language-rich experiences to support international students and cross-cultural learning.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Beyond academics, students can pursue informal interest-based activities and clubs. After-school options include board games and other social clubs that help students socialize and develop teamwork skills. These activities are designed to complement classroom learning and foster peer connections.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community service and service clubs are part of student life at St. Mary's. The Fine Arts & Activities program notes that the school supports numerous organizations and service clubs, offering opportunities to give back and engage with the local and global community. Students may participate in service projects coordinated by clubs or through advisory programs. These activities foster social responsibility and lay the groundwork for ongoing community involvement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership and professional development are supported through advisory programs and university counseling. The High School Advisory helps students reflect on values and goals. The University Counseling program runs from Grade 10 with an introduction to standardized testing and ongoing guidance through Grade 12, including PSAT practice and families' conferences for planning. Career Day invites industry professionals and supports resume building and interview skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing St. Mary's emphasizes physical wellbeing through athletics. Major sports include swimming, baseball, and basketball, with inter-scholastic competitions in the middle and high school and weekend fixtures such as ball hockey, soccer, and tennis. An annual ski trip is part of the Elementary program, contributing to fitness, teamwork, and outdoor activity.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The language of instruction is English. In the IB Diploma Programme, language offerings include English A Language and Literature HL/SL; Japanese A Language and Literature HL/SL; Japanese B HL/SL; Japanese Ab Initio; French B HL/SL; French Ab Initio; and Spanish Ab Initio. English language support is available for non-native speakers from Readiness Program through Grade 8, with limited support for Grades 9 and 10 and none for Grade 11 due to IB DP requirements.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Summer Adventure 2025 is a language-rich summer program for Grades 1–6 designed for non-English-speaking children, but all students are welcome to join, learn, and make new friends. The program uses hands-on activities and language-focused experiences to provide immersion in an international school setting. There are two sessions: Session A from July 28 to August 1 and Session B from August 4 to August 8, 9:00–15:00, with registration via ClubsBuddy. The program aims to support language development and social integration in a multilingual context.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards There is no publicly posted list of school-wide awards for St. Mary's International School on the site for the past five years.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations St. Mary's International School is fully accredited by two agencies: the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). WASC is one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges and universities in the United States and East Asia. CIS is a membership organization of international schools around the world. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in its High School, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Read the KIST Admissions Handbook. The handbook outlines admissions policies, application procedures and school fees, and all applicants are expected to read it thoroughly before applying. This is the foundational document for the process and context for every step that follows. 2. Confirm availability, especially if you are applying outside the main intake. For applications outside the main intake periods, contact the KIST Admissions Office by email to confirm whether there is space before submitting an application. When checking availability, provide your child's date of birth, the nationalities of both parents at birth, the child's current grade (if applicable), the grade you wish to apply for, and your child's general English level. 3. Pay the application fee (non-refundable) by bank transfer. Include your child's name in the transfer to ensure proper identification. Bank transfer fees are the sender's responsibility, and the fee may be quoted in yen or converted to yen for international transfers. 4. Prepare supporting documents. Gather documents required for your child's grade level and upload them with the application, plus arrange any documents that must come directly from your child's current school. Examples include birth certificates or passports, school reports, and any grade-specific references or statements. 5. Submit the online application form. Complete the Application for Admission through the online system; information must be entered by a parent or guardian. Ensure you select the correct school year and that you are entering data in English, as the forms are designed for English submission. 6. Application screening. The school screens completed applications and supporting documents to determine eligibility. This screening typically takes about one week, though it can take longer during peak intake periods (April/August main intake). 7. Notification of screening result. Screening results are sent to applicants by email. Unsuccessful applicants cannot proceed to the next stage, and the application fee is non-refundable in that case. 8. Admissions testing and interviews. Applicants who pass the screening will receive an email invitation specifying the date and time for admissions testing; a parent interview follows for those who pass the testing stage. Invitations are issued at least about one week in advance. 9. Notification of final result. After testing and interviews, the admissions panel makes a decision and typically sends the final result by email within about one week after the last testing/interview component, except during the main August/September intake periods. 10. Payment of school fees and securing a place. Successful applicants are required to pay the non-refundable enrollment fee and other applicable school fees by the due date to secure placement in the class. Fees include the enrollment fee, capital fee, tuition, and other charges as outlined in the admissions materials. The exact fee schedule is provided in the Admissions Handbook and associated documentation. 11. Additional details for timing and documents. The main intake is August, with occasional admissions from January or April if space allows. Applications outside main intake are processed on a rolling basis and scheduled for testing on Thursday mornings when possible; you will be added to the next available schedule. The online application and most supporting documents must be submitted in English. 12. Required documents and explicit submission rules. All applications must be submitted in English, with the required documents uploaded through the online system, and some documents sent directly to the Admissions Office as applicable. The process requires proof of identity, photos, and appropriate school references or statements for certain grades. 13. Contact and inquiries. If you have questions about admissions, you can reach the Admissions Office during posted hours (Mon–Fri) and the general inquiries line is posted in the contact details.	Admissions 1. Admissions Process Step 1 — Inquire and arrange a campus visit. Prospective families should start by making an inquiry or signing up for a campus tour. Applications are welcome at any time, and visiting the campus is encouraged to understand the school's environment. Note that there is no parking available for school tours. The school can be contacted via the Admissions team for questions or to schedule a visit. Step 2 — Prepare and submit the application with supporting documents and fees. Begin by completing the online application and paying the non-refundable application fee of ¥50,000 for each application. The application requires an Application Form, Confidential Information Form, Record Release Form, a copy of the applicant's birth certificate or passport page, a recent family photo, and the applicant's school records for the past two years plus the current year's progress report. For Readiness Program (kindergarten) and Grade 1, a Kindergarten Teacher's Recommendation is also needed; for older grades there are grade-specific recommendations. The application fee can be paid by credit card or wired to the school's account. Step 3 — The admissions evaluation includes academic records, testing, and interviews. Students are admitted on the basis of transcripts from previous schools, standardized test results, a screening test, and a personal interview with both the prospective student and the parents. The school reviews documentation and test results to determine fit with the English-based curriculum. Some grades also require teacher recommendations and counselor/principal references as part of the evaluation. Step 4 — Grade-specific screening steps and timelines. For Readiness Program (RP) and Grade 1, there are on-campus activities such as a group observation (RP) and an on-campus screening (Grade 1) followed by on-campus family interviews. For RP, the process includes a teacher recommendation deadline and a family interview window, with admission decisions communicated after the interview period. For Grade 1, the on-campus screening occurs in early November, followed by observations and a family interview in November–December, with admission decisions typically issued in late January. Step 5 — Admission decision, offer, and enrollment. Admission decision letters are issued on set dates (e.g., February 28, 2026 for RP and January 31, 2026 for Grade 1 in the 2026–2027 cycle). If offered a seat, enrollment requires payment of the Registration fee within two weeks of the offer. The Re-Enrollment Deposit for returning students is non-refundable but credited toward tuition, and a School Bus or other transportation option may be selected with its own fee. Step 6 — Post-acceptance steps and forms. After acceptance, families must complete and submit Health Record forms, the Student ID Card Application Form, the School Bus Application Form (if applying for transport), and provide the Final School Report for the current school year. These steps complete enrollment and help the school finalize records. Notes on fees and payments (embedded in the process): The school lists the following for new entrants: Application Fee ¥50,000; Registration ¥400,000; Development Fund ¥1,000,000; Building Maintenance ¥150,000 per year; Tuition by level: Elementary ¥2,700,000; Middle ¥2,800,000; High ¥2,850,000. Returning students pay a Re-Enrollment Seat Deposit of ¥300,000 and Building Maintenance ¥150,000 plus tuition at the applicable level. Transportation by school bus is available at ¥310,000 one-way or ¥420,000 for both ways. Payments can be made by credit card (for the application fee only) or by bank transfer for the other items; remittances should be made in the student's name with the English spelling of the name and the school ID number. The Re-Enrollment Deposit is credited toward tuition. Cafeteria, accident insurance, and the Corporate Contribution Program are listed as separate items or programs. For full details, view the current Tuition & Fees schedule. Language of instruction and curriculum: The school operates with an English-based curriculum, and families are expected to support their child's success within that framework. The school does not discriminate in admissions on race, creed, or national origin. References: Admissions overview, RP / Grade 1 admissions timeline for 2026–2027, application requirements, and the general admissions policy are publicly posted. Fees for new entrants and returning students, as well as transportation and payment methods, are listed in the Tuition & Fees page. The Admissions section notes that inquiries and campus tours are available and that applications are welcome at any time. The language of instruction is described as English-based in the admissions policy. Waitlisted applicants are governed by a separate policy (see the Waitlist section). Faculty and staff contact information is included in the Admissions and Contact pages. Citations: Admissions overview and steps (turn1view0), RP / Grade 1 admissions timeline (turn2view0, turn4search5), Application Requirements (turn4search6), Tuition & Fees (turn5view0). Waitlist/Pool 2. Waitlist Policy and Process If a grade level is full, students may be placed on a waitlist. Waitlisted students are expected to continue their education while on the waitlist rather than remaining at home; the waitlisted status is valid only until a designated date set by Admissions. Importantly, waitlist placement is not based on a first-come, first-served basis but rather on the individual screening results. Students on the waitlist will be considered for enrollment as soon as a seat opens at their grade level. The waitlist policy applies to each grade-level as appropriate. References: Admissions Policy (turn4search0). Waitlist/Pool details (additional context): The policy specifies that the waitlist is used when a grade is full and that the process is driven by screening results rather than order of application. The policy indicates the waitlist is grade-specific and has an expiration date determined by Admissions. References: Admissions Policy (turn4search0). Scholarships 3. Scholarships There is no publicly posted scholarship program listed for St. Mary's International School in Tokyo. The site describes the school as a not-for-profit institution and notes a Corporate Contribution Program and fundraising activities, but it does not publish formal need-based or merit-based scholarships in the admissions or fees sections. Families may inquire with Admissions about any possible financial aid or external funding opportunities, but no scholarship details are published on the site. References: Support Us page (turn7view0) and Tuition & Fees page (turn5view0) which reference the Corporate Contribution Program and general fundraising, but no scholarship offerings are listed. Additional notes for context - The school teaches in English and uses an English-based curriculum. This is stated in the admissions policy. References: Admissions Policy (turn0search5). - The school is actively international in focus and emphasizes partnerships with families; inquiries and campus tours are encouraged, with admissions open to both local and overseas applicants per RP/G1 timelines. References: Admissions page (turn1view0) and RP / Grade 1 Admissions (turn2view0, turn4search5). - The latest published fee structure for new entrants is for School Year 2025-2026, with annual tuition by level and one-time and annual ancillary fees; the 2026-2027 timelines are available for RP and Grade 1 admissions, indicating the school publishes updated timelines for future cohorts. References: Tuition & Fees (turn5view0), RP / Grade 1 Admissions (turn4search5). If you'd like, I can format this into a printable guide or tailor a calendar with key deadlines based on the grade you're considering.
Scholarships	Scholarships KIST publishes a scholarship option for academically gifted students who require 100% tuition coverage and housing arrangements if necessary. This program is noted in external summaries of KIST fees and scholarships, indicating that such a full-tuition scholarship plus housing may be available to qualifying students. Details about eligibility, application timing, and housing arrangements are not fully published in the accessible materials; interested families should inquire with Admissions for the current year's scholarship process and criteria. The school also notes that tuition and related fees are not funded by the Japanese government and that tuition is adjusted annually; the general policy and the existence of a scholarship option are described in the Admissions Handbook and related summaries.	Scholarships 3) Scholarships - St. Mary's International School does not publish scholarships on its site. The school operates as a not-for-profit institution and relies on donations and fundraising; there is a Corporate Contribution Program, but no formal scholarship program is listed. Families interested in financial aid or scholarships should consult Admissions for any possible options or external funding, though no SMIS-based scholarship offerings are published. References: Support Us (turn7view0) and Fees page (turn5view0).
Waitlist	Waitlist There is no publicly published waitlist policy for K. International School Tokyo on the official admissions pages that are currently accessible. The standard admissions process described above covers steps from handbook review through final fee payment, and for outside main intakes the school indicates rolling admissions with testing slots scheduled as spaces become available. Because waitlists are not explicitly described in the publicly accessible materials, prospective families should contact the Admissions Office to confirm whether a waitlist or wait pool is used for a given grade and intake period. For reference, outside main intake admissions are described as rolling, with testing offered on Thursday mornings and applicants added to the next available schedule.	Waitlist 2) Waitlist / Pool - When a given grade level is full, applicants may be waitlisted. Waitlisted students are expected to continue their education while on the waitlist and not simply wait at home. Waitlisted students will be considered for enrollment when a seat opens at their specific grade level. The waitlisted status is valid only until the designated date as set forth by Admissions. Importantly, waitlisted students are not admitted based on a first-come, first-served basis but rather on their individual screening results. Reference: Admissions Policy (turn4search0).
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