KA International School and The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) are both in Tokyo, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes, and KA International School also offers IEYC. Published annual fees are close, at ¥2,249,000 - 2,503,333 for KA International School and ¥2,250,000 for The Innovation Fellowship (TIF). KA International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) from 14 to 18. Typical class sizes are 10 at KA International School and 5 at The Innovation Fellowship (TIF).
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K
KA International School
Tokyo, Japan
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The Innovation Fellowship (TIF)
Tokyo, Japan
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year ¥2,249,000 - 2,503,333 | Fees / year ¥2,250,000 |
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Age range
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Age range 3 - 18 years | Age range 14 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum | Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils — | Pupils 11 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 10 | Typical class size 5 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 2006 | Opened 2024 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location KA International School operates across three campuses in Tokyo, Japan. The Early Learning Center is near Sakurashinmachi Station in Setagaya (158-0081). The Elementary and Middle School share the Nakane campus in Meguro (1-6-8 Nakane, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0031), and the High School is located at Kami-Osaki (3-10-60 Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021). The campuses are well connected by Tokyo's rail network, providing convenient access from central Tokyo. | Location The Innovation Fellowship is based in Spark Shibuya, a purpose-built campus in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. The campus address is Spark Shibuya 7F, 3-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042. It is within a short walk of Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park, providing easy access by public transport. The campus opened in 2024. |
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Stages
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Stages KAIS offers Early Learning for ages 3–5, followed by Elementary and Middle School on one campus, and a separate High School campus for Grades 9–12. The Early Learning Center serves Pre-K and Kindergarten; Elementary & Middle School span the lower and middle years on the same site, with the High School on a different site catering to older students. | Stages TIF is a full-time international high school serving grades 9-12. |
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School type
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School type KAIS is a private international day school serving students from Pre-K through Grade 12. It operates across three campuses to accommodate different age groups and does not list boarding facilities. | School type The Innovation Fellowship is an international high school with a campus-based, in-person program in Shibuya, Tokyo. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix KAIS represents a broad mix of nationalities, with approximately 20–25 nationalities represented. The most common nationality is Japanese, and the local to international student ratio is around 1:1. | Pupil nationality mix Not published. |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support KAIS provides a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program to support student wellbeing. Published information on a dedicated SEN (Special Educational Needs) department or learning needs specialist is not listed. | Additional learning support Health, well-being and safeguarding are integral to student care; mindfulness practices and mental health education are part of the curriculum. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation KAIS has no formal country affiliation listed; it operates as an independent private international school with international accreditation. | Country affiliation Based in Japan. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is listed or stated for KAIS. | Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated. |
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School day structure
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School day structure The school day timings vary by campus. Elementary & Middle School typically begin around 8:40–9:00 and finish around 15:45 on most days (14:45 on Wednesdays), while High School typically finishes around 16:00 on most days (15:15 on Wednesdays). | School day structure A typical school day runs from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details KAIS does not offer a school bus service. | Bus service details The school does not publish details of a dedicated bus service; the campus is walkable from Shibuya Station, and students commute to campus. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application fee - The school's application is free; there is no separate application charge to start an enrollment application. One‑time enrollment / registration and maintenance fees - Enrollment (registration) fee (one‑time): ¥350,000. - Building maintenance fee (one‑time): ¥300,000. Grade 8 families matriculating into the high school pay a reduced building maintenance fee of ¥200,000 and are not required to re‑pay the enrollment fee. *Registration and building maintenance fees are charged once upon registration.* Annual tuition by year group (amounts shown are annual tuition) - Pre‑K to Grade 2: Annual tuition ¥2,094,358. - Grades 3–8: Annual tuition ¥2,144,358. - Grades 9–12: Annual tuition ¥2,260,659. Materials and trip/event fees (annual / per‑year additions listed separately from tuition) - Materials fee (Pre‑K to Grade 8): ¥154,642. - Materials fee (Grades 9–12): ¥242,674. - Trip & event fee (Pre‑K to Grade 8): ¥40,000. - Trip & event fee (Grades 9–12): ¥96,800. Tax and refund policy - Annual tuition amounts include 10% tax. - All fees are stated as non‑refundable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is published as an annual amount. Registration and building maintenance fees are one‑time payments charged on registration. Specific published per‑term billing amounts or a published billing schedule (for example, semester or term invoices) are not provided in the publicly available fee schedule. Boarding - Boarding is not listed as part of the school's fee schedule; no boarding fees are published. The school operates as separate Early Learning / Elementary & Middle and High School day campuses. Other costs and typical additional charges - The fee schedule lists materials and trip/event fees above; other typical costs (for example: optional extracurriculars, uniforms, instrument hire, extra‑curricular trips beyond the standard trip/event fee, external examination fees, or lunch) are not broken out in the published summary fee page. The published schedule therefore should be taken as the core items explicitly specified: annual tuition, enrollment fee, building maintenance fee, materials fee, and trip/event fee. Refunds and cancellations - The published policy states that all fees are non‑refundable. No separate refund schedule for partial terms or mid‑year withdrawals is published in the public fee summary. Fee payment options and contact for billing - Specific accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, online payment portals, etc.) are not listed in the public fee summary. For billing queries and to confirm acceptable payment methods and invoicing procedures, use the school's admissions / contact channels (telephone numbers and admissions email provided for each campus). Summary of findings and missing details - The published fee information provides: annual tuition by grade band, one‑time enrollment and building maintenance fees, materials fees, and trip/event fees, together with the statements that annual tuition includes 10% tax and that all fees are non‑refundable. - The published information does not provide per‑term invoice amounts or a detailed public billing schedule (for example, exact term installments, due dates, or explicit payment methods). No boarding fees are published because boarding is not provided. For any required per‑term figures, installment amounts, exact due dates, or accepted payment channels, those specific items are not published in the fee summary and must be confirmed directly with the school's admissions/finance contacts. | Fee details Application Fees - No separate application fee is shown in the publicly available Tuition & Fees summary published by the school. Tuition fees (by year group and term) - Grades 9–12 (full-time, local students): Annual tuition is JPY 2,250,000 per student. The published fee listing presents this as the annual tuition figure for each grade 9–12. - Study Abroad students (students relocating to Japan without a parent/guardian): Semester tuition is listed as JPY 1,125,000. A separate Study Abroad Program fee is shown for these students (see the Study Abroad / program fees line below). Study Abroad / additional program charges - Study Abroad Program fee (applies to students in the Study Abroad intake): JPY 1,225,000 (one-off program charge as published for Study Abroad participants). - Boarding and accommodation (applies to Study Abroad students who require full boarding services): JPY 1,475,000 (published as the boarding/accommodation charge for students requiring housing). Note: the school's full-time local program is operated as an in-person day program; boarding/accommodation charges relate to Study Abroad / incoming students requiring placement. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented as an annual amount for full-time local students (JPY 2,250,000) and as a per-semester amount for Study Abroad students (JPY 1,125,000). The publicly published fee summary lists amounts by annual or semester basis but does not provide an itemized public calendar of exact invoice dates in the summary itself. - Specific billing dates, deadlines for payment, information about enrollment deposits, and any schedule of penalties for late payment are not listed in the publicly available fee summary. Those operational details are set out in the school's full tuition & fees document. Boarding - The regular full-time TIF program in Tokyo is a day school; there is no standard boarding program for local full-time students. Boarding / accommodation charges shown in published fee listings apply only to Study Abroad students who require placement and accommodation. Other costs and one-off charges - The Study Abroad pathway shows a separate Study Abroad Program fee (JPY 1,225,000) and a boarding/accommodation fee (JPY 1,475,000) in published fee summaries. For full-time local students, the publicly listed summary shows tuition only (JPY 2,250,000) and does not list additional mandatory one-off registration or capital-development fees in that headline summary. - Common additional family costs that are frequently charged by international schools (for example: uniforms, textbooks, activity trips, personal insurance, optional school bus, and some extracurricular programs) are not itemized in the headline fee summary published in the school's tuition document summary. The public fee summary does not list a separate uniform fee in the top-level figures. Refunds and withdrawal - The publicly available tuition summary does not list detailed refund or withdrawal penalty language within the top-line fee figures. Refund terms for deposits or tuition are set out in the school's full tuition & fees document and enrollment agreement rather than in the headline fee table. The top-level published summary does not include a specific public refund policy text. Accepted fee payment methods - The headline Tuition & Fees summary published publicly does not itemize accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, local bank details, or other payment channels) in the summary itself. Payment method options and instructions are provided in the school's formal billing documentation. Notes on program types and applicability - The amounts above differentiate the full-time day program (annual tuition JPY 2,250,000 for grades 9–12) from the Study Abroad pathway (semester tuition JPY 1,125,000 plus Study Abroad and accommodation charges) as published. The school operates its full-time program in-person in Shibuya and the Study Abroad pathway includes accommodation arrangements and a program fee where indicated. Sources - Official Admissions page and published Tuition & Fees document link on the school site. - Published fee summary entries aggregated by international school data services (yearly tuition JPY 2,250,000). - Published School profile and Study Abroad fee breakdown as shown in third-party school listing (semester tuition, study-abroad program fee, and boarding/accommodation charge). If you require this exact fee breakdown in another presentation format, the numbers above are taken from the school's published Tuition & Fees summary and the third-party fee listings that reproduce that published summary. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements The Innovation Fellowship is a day school with in-person attendance on its Shibuya campus. It is a full-time program for grades 9–12 that culminates in an American high school diploma recognized by leading universities worldwide. Remote learning is not offered. A typical school day runs from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement — | Uniform requirement — |
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Food options
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Food options — | Food options — |
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House system
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House system The school has a House system with four houses: Seiryu, Byakko, Suzaku, and Genbu. | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership — | Governance and ownership The school operates as The Innovation Fellowship K.K., a private company based in Tokyo. It is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) as of December 1, 2025. It is a member of NACAC and has a CEEB Code 664040. The campus address is Spark Shibuya 7F, 3-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya City Tokyo, Japan 150-0042. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details KA International School (KAIS) in Tokyo serves Pre-K through Grade 12, delivering an English-language curriculum supplemented by a Japanese language program. In Middle School (Grades 5–8), Language Arts follows American Common Core Standards, Mathematics uses Singapore Math (Math in Focus) aligned to CCSS, Science follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and Social Studies emphasizes global themes; a Japanese language track, Physical Education, Differentiated Labs using i-Ready, and a Social Awareness program support holistic development with project-based learning and elective Wednesdays. High School (Grades 9–12) offers Advanced Placement and Honors courses to drive university preparation, with a Mastery and Challenge ethos and opportunities to build a resume and participate in leadership activities. Elementary School (Pre-K to Grade 4) focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy with a personalized approach, supported by Visible Learning and Love & Logic and an emphasis on individualized instruction. KAIS applies Visible Learning and data-driven pedagogy across the school, reinforcing high-quality teaching and ongoing reflective practice. | Curriculum details The Innovation Fellowship is a full-time international high school for grades 9–12 in Tokyo, culminating in an American high school diploma. The curriculum rests on three pillars—project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based learning—and core subjects (Math, Science, English, and Social Studies) are taught through an interdisciplinary approach that exceeds US Common Core Standards. English and Social Studies use research-based modules while Math and Science are delivered through a mastery-based online platform with instructional coaching. Students receive preparation for SAT and AP exams, and the institution is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) as of December 1, 2025, with NACAC membership and a CEEB code 664040. A college advisory program supports admissions to best-fit universities worldwide, and the campus is located in Shibuya, Tokyo. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning KAIS supports social and emotional learning through a culture of connection, community, and reflection, and through regular teacher check-ins that monitor academic progress and social growth. | Social & emotional learning At The Innovation Fellowship, SEL is supported by a staff-driven mentoring model where students are paired with industry mentors and coaches to guide projects and internships, and by mindfulness practices and mental health education embedded in the curriculum; accreditation standards explicitly recognize Student Well-Being as a core area of evaluation. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding a dedicated SEN program or specialist SEN staff; learning support is described as personalized learning with small classes and a Homework Lab to assist with assignments. | Special educational needs (SEN) The Innovation Fellowship does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, including which kinds of SEN it can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language KAIS provides an English-language environment with explicit EAL support for students learning English, including an English-only environment to help EAL students improve speaking skills quickly. | English as an additional language The Innovation Fellowship does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the Health & Safety Policy promoting health and safety, a Behavior Management Policy fostering a positive community, and a school culture that reflects on thoughts and feelings and resilience. | Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through mindfulness practices and mental health education incorporated into the curriculum, alongside regular physical education and a safeguarding framework. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding Safeguarding is addressed by the Child Safeguarding Policy, which outlines procedures to identify and respond to potential abuse, training requirements for staff, and reporting mechanisms. | Safeguarding Safeguarding is fundamental to student care, with rigorous safeguarding policies and practices to maintain a secure environment and protect students' physical and emotional well-being. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview KAIS operates in Tokyo across four schools: the Early Learning Center for ages 3-5 near Sakurashinmachi Station, plus Elementary School (Pre-K to Grade 4), Middle School (Grades 5–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). The Early Learning Center is a brand-new facility located near Sakurashinmachi Station. The school emphasizes personalized learning with small class sizes and regular progress check-ins. A Homework Lab/Study Hall provides time for students to complete assignments at school with teacher support. Co-curricular options include robotics, filmmaking, cooking, soccer, manga drawing, and boxing fitness, along with broader sports, arts, music, broadcasting, Model UN, history bowl, and robotics programs. | Facilities overview The Innovation Fellowship operates from a purpose-built campus in Spark Shibuya, 7F, 3-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo, which opened in 2024. The campus is co-located with partner companies and is within a short walk of Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park. A typical school day runs in-person from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The on-site spaces are designed to support creativity and collaboration for project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based learning. Health and well-being are supported through weekly physical education sessions (badminton, volleyball, basketball), with access to outdoor spaces near Yoyogi Park. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities — | Sports facilities Weekly physical education sessions include badminton, volleyball, and basketball. The campus is located near Yoyogi Park, offering outdoor spaces for exercise and recreation. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities — | Academic facilities Math and Science courses are delivered through Khan Academy and aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, using a mastery-based online platform with instructional coaching. The program centers on three pillars—project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based learning—with dedicated coaches guiding individualized pathways. As of December 1, 2025, TIF is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities KAIS offers diverse co-curriculars including sports, arts, music, broadcasting, Model UN, history bowl, and robotics. Electives expand into robotics, filmmaking, cooking, soccer, manga drawing, and boxing fitness. The program also features Project Weeks with immersive, major projects such as Humanities or Science Fair to build resilience, resourcefulness, and motivation. | Extra curricular facilities Student life includes monthly, student-led excursions and cross-school exchanges, with planned trips to destinations such as Hakuba, and annual Demo Day where student projects are presented to a public audience. The campus hosts health and well-being initiatives, mindfulness practices, and mentorship opportunities from industry professionals due to its co-location with partner companies. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History KA International School was co-founded in 2006 by Jonathan Yaffe and Charles Knudsen. It began in a small house in Tokyo with a focus on high school education, aiming to provide a nurturing and supportive environment. The school operates under Kikokushijo Academy, the parent company, and in 2014 expanded to include Elementary and Middle School, creating a continuous educational pathway from Pre-K to Grade 12. As KAIS grew, it began serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, building a cohesive, globally oriented learning community. Today, KAIS emphasizes academic excellence, creativity, and a global perspective within a small, international setting. | History The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) was founded in 2023 by Scott Smoler, founder and head of project coaching; Kai Childs, co founder and head of student experience; and Jason Cody Douglass, PhD, co founder and head of academics, with the first 9th-grade founding cohort beginning on August 24, 2023. The school opened a purpose-built campus in 2024 in Shibuya near Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park. It is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) as of December 1, 2025. The Innovation Fellowship operates as The Innovation Fellowship K.K., with its Spark Shibuya campus address. Founding faculty include Scott Smoler, Jason Cody Douglass, and Kai Childs. |
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Community
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Community KA International School fosters a welcoming, curious, and compassionate community. The school uses a House system with four houses—Seiryu, Byakko, Suzaku, and Genbu—to unite students through competition and collaboration. The KAIS community offers diverse co-curriculars, including robotics, filmmaking, broadcasting, Model UN, history bowl, sports, and arts, with Project Week events that pause regular classes for major projects such as Humanities and Science Fair. This environment supports social growth, peer learning, and a sense of belonging among students from many nationalities. | Community Student life at TIF is designed to center the learner and foster a close-knit community. The campus opened in 2024 and is co-located with partner companies, enabling mentorship and industry exposure for students. Monthly student-led excursions and off-campus exchanges are part of the routine, and school trips such as the 2023 Hakuba trip deepen engagement with local contexts. There is an annual Demo Day when students present the culmination of their project work to a public audience. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association KA International School does not publish a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) on its public materials. The school's governance features a Board of Trustees and active school leaders, rather than a named PTA. Parents engage with the school through admissions events and campus visits, such as High School Open House and Elementary/Middle School Open House, as well as online information sessions. Public pages describe family involvement through school communications and events rather than a dedicated PTA structure. Volunteer opportunities or parent groups are not listed on the site; inquiries about parent involvement are handled through the school's contact channels. | Parent teacher association A traditional PTA page or listing is not published on the official site. Parental involvement is represented on the Governing Board, with Yinuo Li listed as a TIF Parent and Governing Board Member. Li is described as an author, entrepreneur, and educator, and is noted as a former McKinsey partner. A parent testimonial from Li appears on the site, illustrating parental perspectives on student progress. Overall, parental engagement at TIF occurs through governance and parent voices rather than a formal PTA program. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual KAIS integrates academic inquiry with hands-on learning beyond the classroom. In Middle School, Wednesdays are dedicated to a full day of electives, offering options such as cooking, robotics, sports, art, engineering, and role-playing games. Project-based learning is embedded in Middle School afternoon classes to foster collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. High School electives extend this approach with choices including arts and technology, and with trips that connect learning to real-world contexts. | Academic & intellectual TIF's academic program is organized around three pillars: project-based learning, problem-based learning, and inquiry-based learning. Students spend about half of each school day on mission-driven projects guided by coaches and entrepreneurs, linking classroom work to real-world challenges. Math and science courses are delivered through Khan Academy with self-paced progression, supported by coaches and subject-area specialists. Students conduct rigorous interdisciplinary inquiries, developing research methods and communication skills. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative Arts and creative activities are provided through KAIS electives and co-curricular programs. Middle School electives include art among options such as cooking, robotics, sports, engineering, and role-playing games. Elementary School electives reference the arts as part of the range, and High School electives explicitly include arts and technology as example topics. | Arts & creative Creative work is integrated into student life with dedicated time for creative projects that align with each student's project goals. Student-led excursions are organized monthly to connect learning with real-world creative disciplines, including themes such as contemporary art, traditional craftsmanship, and sustainable architecture. The campus environment is co-located with partner companies, enabling collaboration with industry mentors and access to design-oriented experiences. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language KAIS offers cultural and language-oriented experiences beyond class through field trips and excursions. The High School page notes that learning extends beyond the classroom via trips, excursions, electives, and after-school athletics clubs. The school runs the Experience Japan Trip, exposing students to regional cultures, language, history, and landscapes across Japan. These trips are designed to connect with the curriculum and deepen cultural understanding. | Cultural & language Cross-school exchanges and school trips provide cultural exposure and opportunities for collaboration with peers. Off-campus excursions are planned in collaboration with peer institutions and align with students' project goals. Past Tokyo-based excursions have explored sustainable architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary art. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies KAIS provides social and hobby opportunities through electives that cover cooking, robotics, sports, art, engineering, and role-playing games. Athletics Clubs offer volleyball, basketball, and futsal with regular practices and competitions. These activities help students develop teamwork, leadership, and personal interests beyond core academics. | Social & hobbies On-campus social and recreational opportunities are integrated into the daily routine, with a focus on physical education and wellness. Weekly PE sessions include badminton, volleyball, and basketball, and the campus location near Yoyogi Park offers outdoor recreation. Mindfulness practices and mental health education are part of the well-being program. |
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Community & service
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Community & service — | Community & service Civic engagement is a core part of TIF's mission, guiding students to create value through entrepreneurial endeavors and civic projects. Students are mentored by industry professionals and pursue internships and project work with startups and community organizations. The four-year college advisory helps students identify priorities, build balanced college lists, and craft portfolios that reflect community-minded goals. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional KAIS highlights leadership opportunities as part of the High School program. The High School page notes leadership opportunities and a focus on personal growth as part of preparing students for their futures. Co-curricular activities balance academic rigor with leadership development and character building. | Leadership & professional Industry mentors guide students as they design internships and projects with leading startups and organizations. Student-led excursions help develop leadership, planning, and facilitation skills. A four-year college advisory provides ongoing support to shape students' academic and professional trajectories. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing KAIS promotes lifestyle and wellbeing through Athletics Clubs and a range of electives that include outdoor pursuits. Athletics Clubs provide volleyball, basketball, and futsal with regular practices and competitions, supporting physical health and teamwork. Electives also include outdoor pursuits and other topics that contribute to a balanced approach to wellbeing alongside academics. Co-curricular activities are designed to foster wellbeing and a sense of community. | Lifestyle & wellbeing Health, well-being, and safeguarding are integral to student life. Weekly PE sessions include badminton, volleyball, and basketball, with on-campus facilities and nearby parks offering outdoor opportunities. Mindfulness practices and mental health education are embedded in the curriculum. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision English is the primary instruction language at KAIS. Japanese is offered as a language program, primarily in Elementary, with differentiated tracks for non-native and native speakers. Non-native learners receive essential language development, while native speakers work on more advanced reading, writing, and kanji. An English-language support framework is in place to assist non-native speakers in developing English proficiency. | Language provision English is the language of instruction for core subjects. The curriculum includes Math and Science delivered through an online platform with instructional coaching, while English and Social Studies are taught in English. Admissions support is offered in English or Japanese. The site does not publicly describe other languages taught or language-support programs for non-native English speakers. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching The primary language of instruction at KAIS is English. The school offers a Japanese language program with two Japanese classes per week to support bilingual learning. An English-only environment supports English as an additional language (EAL) learners to develop speaking skills quickly. The Japanese program is designed to accommodate both non-native and native speakers with differentiated coursework. | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs The Study Abroad Program offers a Tokyo-based immersion experience for high school students. Participants live with carefully selected host families, engage in curated excursions, and participate in authentic cultural experiences, including language learning and community partnerships. Project- and inquiry-based learning are central, and the program provides transferable credits toward an American high school diploma and supports admission to selective universities. Seats are limited to ten for the 2026–27 fall cohort. |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations Internationally Accredited School — KA International School publicly presents itself as internationally accredited, displaying an accreditation badge on its About Us page. The site notes KAIS serves Tokyo's international community and offers programs from Early Learning through High School, indicating alignment with international standards. | Accreditations Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). As of December 1, 2025, The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is fully accredited by MSA-CESS, which the school describes as a global leader in accreditation since 1887. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Get to know KAIS. Book a school tour or contact the admissions office for more information. Tours help families understand KAIS programs and entry points, and admissions staff can answer questions about grade levels and how to proceed. The initial visit provides insight into whether KAIS aligns with your child's needs and learning style. 2. Create an Alma Account. Start your application by creating an Alma account, KAIS's student information system. This account is used to initiate and track the enrollment process and submit documents. A properly created Alma account is required before you can begin the formal enrollment application. 3. Start Enrollment Application. Once your Alma account is created, begin the application and provide the required documentation listed below. Required documents include the admissions application (through Alma), school transcripts/records from the past two years, two reference letters from the child's current or recent Math and English teachers, and detailed information on any special educational support needs. For Pre-K or Kindergarten (ages 3-6), you must also provide a Pre-Enrollment Medical Examination form and a medical check record by your doctor every six months until entry to Grade 1. Please ensure all learning needs are fully disclosed to avoid issues. 4. Document Screening. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Admissions Team. Our Admissions Director will track your progress and provide support along the way. This step ensures that KAIS understands the applicant's background and needs and helps coordinate next steps. 5. Trial Day. After reviewing all documents, we invite the student for a trial day. During the visit, the student will take placement tests in Mathematics and Language Arts to assess their level and needs. For overseas applicants, KAIS conducts an online interview instead of an in-person trial. 6. Acceptance Review and Enrollment Fees. After the trial day, KAIS educators review the child's performance to determine if KAIS is a good fit. If accepted, the family is notified by email and begins enrollment. The enrollment process includes paying the Enrollment Fee (one-time) and Building Maintenance Fee (one-time), along with Materials Fee and Trip & Event Fee as applicable to the grade. Tuition is charged on an annual basis. 7. Required Enrollment Documentation (summary). You will need to provide the admissions application (through Alma), school transcripts/records from the past two years, two reference letters from the child's current or recent Math and English teachers, and detailed information on any special educational needs. For Pre-K or Kindergarten (ages 3-6), you must also provide a Pre-Enrollment Medical Examination form and a medical check record from your doctor every six months until entry to Grade 1. Open communication about learning needs is essential to a positive enrollment experience. | Admissions 1. Step 1: Watch Our Demo Day Video. Start by watching the Demo Day Video with your child. The video provides insight into TIF's approach to learning and helps determine whether your child is genuinely excited about joining. Watching together supports a shared understanding of the school's project-based, real-world impact focus. 2. Step 2: Schedule an Information Session. Connect with the admissions team in a one-on-one session to learn more about the curriculum, ask questions, and discuss your child's interests. The session is an opportunity to assess fit, ask practical questions about daily routines, and understand the supports available to students. 3. Step 3: Complete an Application Questionnaire. After the information session, you will complete the Application Questionnaire to share more about your child's background, interests, and goals. This information helps the admissions team evaluate alignment with TIF's selection criteria and the school's mission. 4. Step 4: Student Interview. Shortlisted applicants participate in two interview rounds with faculty members. The interviews explore your child's mindset, values, and potential fit within the TIF community. 5. Step 5: Experience a School Day. Before final admissions decisions, applicants spend a day at TIF. The day offers peer interactions, conversations with coaches, and a Grand Mission brainstorming exercise to show how a student engages in the school's collaborative environment. 6. Step 6: Notifications and Enrollment. Successful applicants receive an official offer of admission via email, with detailed enrollment instructions. To secure a place, families must complete the enrollment process, including tuition payment and submission of required documents, by the specified deadline. 7. Step 7: Study Abroad Program Admissions. TIF also runs a separate admissions process for the Study Abroad Program. For priority consideration for the following academic year, submit your initial inquiry by December 1; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled. 8. Step 8: Tuition and Fees (and how to review). Tuition and Fees are published in the dedicated Tuition and Fees document for the 2025-26 school year. The Admissions page directs families to review that document and contact the admissions team with any questions. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships KAIS International School does not publish scholarship information on its admissions pages. There is no indication of scholarship awards or an application process on the site. Families should plan on standard tuition and fees as listed. | Scholarships Scholarships: No scholarships are described or advertised on the admissions pages. There is no published information about any scholarship programs or financial-aid processes; families are advised to contact the admissions team with questions about funding options. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist KAIS International School does not publish a waitlist or pool policy on its admissions pages. There is no publicly posted waitlist process or stated priority system. If you need updated details, contact the admissions office for confirmation. | Waitlist Waitlist/Pool: There is no published waitlist or pool system described on the admissions pages. The process is outlined as a sequence from initial inquiry to enrollment for Japan-based applicants, with a separate Study Abroad admissions path; no waitlist procedure is mentioned. This means spaces are filled through the stated steps and subsequent offers rather than a formal waitlist. For priority planning, the Study Abroad path notes a rolling review until spaces are filled. |
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