Kunimoto Alberta International School vs Tokyo West International School

	K Kunimoto Alberta International School Tokyo, Japan	T Tokyo West International School Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥682,000 - 1,282,000	Fees / year ¥1,109,000 - 1,892,000
Age range	Age range 12 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Girls School	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), American Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 10
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Japanese	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2020	Opened 2010
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Kunimoto Alberta International School is located at 8-15-33 Kitami, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0067, Japan. The campus sits in a quiet residential area of Setagaya and is a short walk from Kitami Station on the Odakyu Line.	Location Tokyo West International School is located at 185 Umetsubo-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0013, Japan. The campus sits in a green, suburban area of western Tokyo with access via JR Hachioji Station and local buses. The environment emphasizes nature and garden-based learning as part of daily life on a spacious campus.
Stages	Stages KAIS is a six-year program for girls, spanning Grade 7 to Grade 12. It combines the Alberta curriculum with the Japanese local curriculum, with Grades 7–9 following the Alberta stream and Grades 10–12 offering the Alberta Double Diploma Program.	Stages TWIS offers a continuous program from PreK through High School. The school is organized into PreK & Kindergarten, Elementary School (Grades 1–6), Middle School (Grades 7–9), and High School (Grades 10–12). The High School provides both Japanese and American diplomas.
School type	School type KAIS is a private, all-girls school that operates as part of Kunimoto Gakuen.	School type Tokyo West International School operates as an international day school on a single campus in Hachioji, Japan.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Public materials do not publish exact numbers on nationalities represented; KAIS emphasizes global citizenship and diversity as part of its Alberta/Japanese double diploma program.	Pupil nationality mix The school community includes students and staff from more than 15 countries; about half of the student body is Japanese, with the remainder international.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support An English language support framework is provided through the English Lab, including access to native-English teachers and Eiken preparation. An Overseas English Training Fee applies for Grade 8 and Grade 11.	Additional learning support The school uses an Educational Support Questionnaire in admissions to identify learning needs and maintains a strong learning support system with small class sizes. A full-time school nurse provides daily health care, and a visiting school counselor supports students' emotional well-being.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation KAIS holds Tier 3 accreditation from Alberta Education in Canada, enabling the Alberta diploma on graduation.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is listed; the school operates as an international school in Japan.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Not specified in KAIS materials.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is indicated.
School day structure	School day structure Hours of operation and the bell schedule are defined in the policy document. Doors are opened at 7:00am, and the policy includes a Bell Schedule and Hours of Operation.	School day structure Kindergarten ends at 3:00 p.m. and Elementary and above are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. The day runs a 7-period schedule of 40-minute periods for Elementary and above. Kindergarten offers after-school clubs from 3:00–3:30 p.m.; Elementary and above can join 8th-period programs, extending the day to 4:30 p.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details KAIS does not offer a school bus service.	Bus service details A school bus operates in the Tama area. Bus stops include around JR Hachioji Station and other local stops, with travel times such as about 10 minutes to Hachioji Station, 30 minutes to Tachikawa Station, 40 minutes to Tamagawa Josui Station, 20 minutes to Akishima, 40 minutes to Tama Center, and 60 minutes to Machida Station.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Summary — which program this covers This overview describes fees for the Kunimoto Alberta International School (KAIS) program as operated within Kunimoto Girls' Junior & Senior High School (Grades 7–12), and also lists related entrance and payment rules that apply across the academy (kindergarten, elementary and middle/high entry where relevant). The amounts are shown in JPY. Application / entrance exam fees (KAIS / DD program and related entry points) - Grade 7–9 (KAIS / middle-level entry): application / examination fees for admission and related web-payment processing for entrance/entry are charged at the time of application; prescribed exam/entry payment methods include credit card, convenience-store payment and Pay-easy. Payment processing fees are borne by the payer. - Grade 10–12 (Double Diploma / DD course) and senior-high entry: application / exam fee (one-time) JPY 25,000. One-time entrance deposit /入学金 is JPY 240,000 for Grade 10–12 DD applicants; entrance-deposit deadlines are set at admission and must be met to complete enrollment procedures. Payment for entry is handled through the school's web payment flow (mirai-compass / related payment site); payment processing fees apply. Tuition and recurring annual fees — KAIS (Grades 7–9 and Grades 10–12 DD) - Grades 7–9 (KAIS, 2024/2025 published schedule): - Annual tuition (yearly): JPY 432,000. - Annual facility maintenance fee: JPY 96,000. - PTA fee (annual): JPY 3,600. - Student council fee (annual): JPY 9,600. - Annual estimated教材費 (materials): JPY 240,000 (listed as a program-related materials/education enhancement amount). - One-time / enrollment (charged at entry): entrance fee JPY 200,000; facility usage / facility fee JPY 120,000; uniform approx. JPY 110,000; tablet device cost JPY 130,000; overseas English training (Grade 8) approx. JPY 800,000 (payable in installments). The overseas training cost is collected in multiple installments (the site indicates five installment payments for overseas training). - Grades 10–12 (Double Diploma course / Kunimoto Alberta International School, 2024/2025 published schedule): - Annual tuition (Japanese-side / listed annual tuition): JPY 1,032,000. (Note: the DD program also includes a separate Canadian-side tuition component; the school's policies and notices show the Canadian tuition component is handled separately and is not covered by certain Japanese-side scholarship reductions.) - Annual facility maintenance fee: JPY 96,000. - PTA fee (annual): JPY 3,600. - Student council fee (annual): JPY 9,600. - Annual estimated教材費 (materials): JPY 240,000. - One-time / enrollment (charged at entry): application / exam fee JPY 25,000; entrance fee JPY 240,000; facility usage fee JPY 160,000; uniform cost approx. JPY 110,000; tablet device cost JPY 130,000; overseas English training (Grade 11) approx. JPY 1,100,000 (payable in installments). The school indicates overseas training fees are collected in multiple installments (typically five times). - Additional note: the DD program's Canadian tuition line item (the site references a Canadian-side tuition figure in admission notes) is treated separately from the Japanese-side tuition and is excluded from some Japanese-side fee-waiver arrangements. Billing schedule and payment terms (how and when fees are billed and paid) - One-time enrollment charges (entrance fee, facility-use fee, one-time uniforms/tablet purchases and other one-time startup charges) are payable at the time of the admission procedure and must be paid by the deadline specified in the successful-candidate instructions. Payment channels for entry / exam payments include credit card, convenience-store payment and Pay-easy (ATM / internet banking) via the web payment flow. Payment processing fees (service fees) are passed to the payer. Overseas training fees are commonly collected in multiple instalments (the school states overseas training fees will be split into five payments). - Recurring annual fees (tuition, facility maintenance, PTA, student-council fees, materials) are listed as yearly amounts; the school presents these as the standard annual billing amounts. Specific intra-year billing cycles (for example, whether tuition is invoiced by semester or by month) are handled through the school's finance office and by the enrolment documentation supplied to accepted families; overseas training fees are split across multiple payments as noted above. The school's admissions and enrolment materials require adherence to stated payment deadlines for each entry round. Boarding / dormitory fees - Boarding / dormitory is not listed as a standard, published fee for KAIS or the junior/senior high structures; the school's admissions guidance states that, in principle, students commute from the parent/guardian home (requests to attend from a relative's home or from a dormitory require prior consultation). There is no standard dormitory fee schedule published. Other costs and typical ancillary fees - Uniforms, bag, shoes, P.E. kit and related one-time uniform purchases: listed approximations appear (typical uniform package values appear in admission materials; e.g., uniform approx. JPY 110,000 in KAIS fee lists and uniform / supplies estimates for middle/high entries). - Tablets / ICT device purchase: one-time tablet charge JPY 130,000 (listed for both Grade 7–9 and Grade 10–12 in the KAIS fee schedule). - Overseas language / study-tour fees: Grade-specific amounts shown in program materials: Grade 8 overseas English training JPY 800,000 (Grade 7–9 schedule) and Grade 11 overseas English training JPY 1,100,000 (Grade 10–12 schedule). These overseas training fees are collected in multiple installments. The school also lists larger overseas training items for middle/high (e.g., an overseas training item for 中学3年 is shown in middle-school materials). These overseas training fees can vary with exchange rates and program costs. - Materials / 教育充実費 (textbooks, tablet communications, domestic language training, other curriculum enhancement items): the school lists education-enhancement / materials charges by year (examples include initial-year tablet purchase and communications expenses and recurring materials charges). For middle/high students the initial-year education-enhancement charge and subsequent-year smaller recurring amounts are shown in the admission materials. - For kindergarten: one-time 入園金 and a named “施設費 (initial-year)” and monthly保育料 and monthly items (material, health/hygiene, utilities). Specific kindergarten cost examples: application/exam fee JPY 6,000; 入園金 (3-year-old cohort) JPY 130,000; 入園金 (5-year-old cohort) JPY 120,000; first-year facility fee JPY 50,000; monthly保育料 JPY 30,000; monthly教材費 JPY 2,500; monthly衛生費 JPY 1,500; monthly光熱費 JPY 3,000; bus-cost JPY 4,500/month; lunch (on listed days) JPY 550/meal. - For elementary (published example): entrance-exam fee JPY 20,000; entrance fee JPY 160,000; initial facility fee JPY 100,000 (one-time at entry); monthly tuition JPY 46,000; monthly maintenance JPY 7,000; materials and lunch charges are additional. Refund policy (application, exam and entrance payments) - Application and exam payments are not refundable after submission in the school's published admissions notes. Entrance/entry payments and submitted documents are described in the admissions documents as not refundable once paid/submitted. Families should follow the school's published payment deadlines closely because the school's admission materials state that payments already made are not returned. Fee payment options and payment notes - The school uses a web-based payment flow for application and entrance payments (mirai-compass and related payment sites) and accepts credit card, convenience-store payments and Pay-easy (ATM / online banking) for the listed application/entrance payments; transaction/handling fees are charged to the payer. Overseas training fees and certain other fees are collected in multiple instalments as noted in program materials. For recurring tuition billing the school issues enrolment and billing instructions to accepted families and specifies due dates/terms in the admission documents. Important operational notes (how fees appear in published materials) - The KAIS fee pages and the school admission documents present one-time, annual and program-specific charges separately: one-time enrollment charges (entrance fee / facility usage / devices / uniform), annual recurring charges (tuition, facility maintenance, PTA, student-council, materials), and program-specific large items (overseas-study / language training). Overseas-study fees are collected in multiple instalments and may be adjusted according to exchange rates or program changes. Some scholarship / special-award arrangements apply to Japan-side tuition only and may explicitly exclude the Canadian-side tuition component of the DD program. (End of fees overview.)	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Registration / screening (application) fee: JPY 22,000 (tax included). Annual tuition (by division) - Kindergarten (annual): JPY 1,140,000. - Elementary School (annual): JPY 1,463,000. - Junior High School (annual): JPY 913,000. - High School (annual): JPY 913,000. Per-term breakdown - A per-term (term-by-term) fee schedule and explicit per-term amounts are not published on the school's publicly accessible admission pages or in the publicly available documents linked from those pages; only annual figures (as listed above) are available in public school listings. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school's admission materials note that successful applicants must pay required entrance fees by the published deadline to complete enrollment, but a full, detailed billing schedule and the school's standard payment deadlines for tuition instalments are not published on the publicly accessible pages. Boarding fees - The school does not operate or publish any boarding-program fees; no boarding facilities or boarding tariffs are listed in the publicly available school information. (School bus service is identified as available in external school listings.) Other costs and typical additional fees - No public, detailed breakdown for additional routine costs (uniforms, textbooks, activity fees, building/maintenance fees, bus fees, lunches, materials, extracurricular fees) is published on the school's publicly accessible admission pages. External school directories list varying additional charges or ranges for similar schools, but those directory figures are not a published fee schedule from the school itself. Refund information - A formal refund policy or explicit rules governing refunds/withdrawals and any prorated reimbursements are not published on the school's publicly accessible admission pages or on the password‑protected students document page. Fee payment options (methods) - The school's publicly accessible pages do not publish specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, or other). No public schedule of accepted payment channels is available on the admission pages or in the publicly accessible documents. Notes on sources and missing detail - The figures above reflect the only explicit fee amounts that are publicly accessible (application screening fee and annual tuition figures reported in public school listings). Detailed fee schedules, per-term invoices, payment methods, refund terms, and line-item additional fees are either contained in internal/student-only documents or not published publicly; the school's student documents area is password-protected and the detailed tuition/fee PDFs are not accessible without those credentials.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement KAIS has a school uniform. The uniform incurs a one-time fee of 110,000 yen for Grade 7-9.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Warm lunches are freshly prepared in an on-site kitchen. Accommodations for allergies and cultural needs are available. Students may also bring their own meals.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership KAIS is a six-year, all-girls program located in Tokyo and established in April 2020 as a brand-new program within Kunimoto Gakuen. Alberta Education accredits KAIS at tier three, enabling the school to confer the Alberta diploma; Kunimoto Gakuen awards a Japanese diploma. The program offers a Double Diploma (Japanese and Alberta) pathway and KAIS instruction is integrated with the Japanese and Alberta curriculums.	Governance and ownership Yoshinori Kato is the founder and Chairperson. The Director General, who also serves as High School Principal, is Sockchong Han. The Principal for Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School is Monina Liza Mendez. The campus in Hachioji was completed in 2015. The school is Cognia-accredited, IB PYP authorized, and a member of EARCOS and CIS.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Kunimoto Alberta International School (KAIS) is a 6-year, all-girls program within Kunimoto Gakuen in Tokyo, offering Grades 7–12. KAIS combines the Alberta curriculum with the Japanese national curriculum, delivering a double diploma program in which students graduate with both a Japanese high school diploma and an Alberta high school diploma. The Alberta program centers on the Three E's: critical thinking and problem solving; creativity/innovation and leadership; and communication with a sense of responsibility to society, plus ICT literacy and independence. The curriculum is a double diploma stream with Alberta-accredited courses taught in English by Alberta-qualified teachers, alongside Japanese-language subjects taught by Japanese teachers; a Grade 10 timetable shows ELA 10, Social Studies 10, Science 10, and Math 10 among Alberta-aligned credits. A Global Studies course was launched in 2025 and is integrated into KAIS as part of the Alberta/Japanese DD program. The campus is located near Kitami Station in Setagaya, Tokyo, with facilities such as Ariki Memorial Hall, a library, a computer room, and athletic facilities.	Curriculum details Tokyo West International School offers a bilingual, inquiry-based curriculum from Early Childhood through High School, with an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework for the elementary years and Cognia-aligned standards recognized by multiple international bodies. The Elementary division (Grades 1–6) provides English–Japanese bilingual instruction built around Units of Inquiry, includes Singapore Math, integrates ICT/AI education, and incorporates garden-based learning in small classes of about 18 students. The Middle School (Grades 7–9) follows Cognia-aligned international standards, uses inquiry-based learning through Units of Inquiry, and integrates ICT/AI and STEAM projects, supported by robust learning-support and ongoing family communication in small classes (up to 10 students). The High School program emphasizes English academic skills, offers dual diploma pathways—Japanese high school diploma and an American/International high school diploma—and includes AI literacy and opportunities for short overseas programs and service learning. Across all divisions, graduates pursue university study in Japan or abroad, supported by a nature-rich campus, specialist instructors, and a bilingual, globally oriented educational environment.
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 KAIS formalizes Social and Emotional Learning through its policy framework. The school explicitly includes Self-Advocacy and Self-Efficacy as core expectations, with students encouraged to speak up for what they need and to build confidence, supported by Grade Coordinators, Grade Level Counselors, teachers and parents. Respectful Communication and Interactions are emphasized, with a climate that promotes dignity and a duty to report and not tolerate bullying. The policy also notes that staff model positive behavior and are responsible for fostering a safe, respectful, and collaborative learning environment. Professional Growth Plans for all staff reinforce ongoing staff development to support student well-being and SEL-related learning.	Social & emotional learning TWIS supports social and emotional learning through a holistic education that addresses intellectual, emotional, physical and social well-being, with student voice fostered by the Student Council and the PYP Exhibition, and wellbeing supported by a full-time nurse and a visiting school counselor.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) KAIS adopts an inclusive education approach under the Kunimoto Inclusive Ed Policy. The Alberta-based policy states that all students belong and receive a quality education regardless of ability, disability, language, cultural background, or age, and that supports and services are provided to access and succeed. It emphasizes that the success of inclusive education relies on engagement from students, parents, staff and the community. The school describes individualized program plans for all students based on strengths and goals. The policy does not list specific SEN categories; rather, it frames SEN support through inclusive education and required supports.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school states small class sizes and robust student support, and offers general academic supports such as ESL, EEP, Tutoring, and Japanese Support; it does not publicly disclose information on specific SEN provisions or whether it is a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language EAL support is provided through the English Lab, where native English teachers are available and tutors provide English language support; EIKEN preparation is offered in the lab. KAIS also highlights Alberta Education's emphasis on English language literacy and numeracy as foundational to learning, which underpins the EAL approach. The faculty page indicates a diverse staff with Alberta-licensed teachers contributing to the Alberta program. English language support is integrated into the Alberta-program pathway, with core classes increasingly delivered in English starting in Grade 8. The Alberta Diploma pathway aims to build English proficiency to a level suitable for graduation and further study.	English as an additional language EAL support includes ESL for core English skills, the English Enrichment Program (EEP), a Tutoring Program, on‑campus Japanese support, and the Online eitomo English Reinforcement Program, with Dekitasu available for home study.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing KAIS supports mental wellbeing through a safety-oriented and inclusive school climate, with explicit statements that students deserve a safe and healthy environment. The policy outlines emergency procedures and drills to prepare for incidents, including fire, lockdown, and earthquake scenarios. There is a nurse on site for medical needs, and staff must follow procedures for illness, injury, and reporting, including accident reports to the principal. A Harassment Policy governs inappropriate behavior, with clear reporting channels, privacy protections, and steps for remediation. Students are supported in developing self-advocacy and self-efficacy, with Grade Coordinators and Grade Level Counselors playing a role in student wellbeing and decision-making.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by a full-time school nurse providing daily healthcare and a professional counselor who visits weekly to support students' emotional well-being.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding KAIS has comprehensive safeguarding provisions. Medical care is available on site via a nurse, with established procedures for illness, injury, and emergency medical attention. Emergency procedures for fire, lockdowns, and evacuations are documented, and students are to be escorted to designated safe meeting points. A robust Harassment Policy sets out definitions, reporting, and protective measures, including privacy considerations and corrective actions. The school also emphasizes a safe climate and anti-bullying stance, requiring respectful interactions and zero tolerance for bullying, with clear expectations for staff and students.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is supported by The TWIS Child Protection Policy, and safety and health measures include modern campus safety standards and on-site health provisions, including a full-time nurse.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Kunimoto Alberta International School (KAIS) is a six-year, all-girls program embedded within Kunimoto Gakuen in Tokyo. The campus is located in Setagaya Ward, within a short walk from Kitami Station on the Odakyu Line. The facilities include a library, computer room, and science laboratories to support Alberta and Japanese curriculum delivery. A tea ceremony room and kitchen facilities support cultural learning and home economics. Outdoor spaces include a gymnasium and dedicated fields for lacrosse and tennis, with additional outdoor areas for recreation.	Facilities overview The Tokyo West International School campus in Hachioji sits in a natural setting with spacious classrooms and a range of specialist spaces. Facilities include a gymnasium, music and art rooms, science labs, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, and an expansive educational garden. All classrooms are ICT-equipped to support bilingual English–Japanese instruction. An on-site kitchen prepares warm lunches with dietary accommodations, and student health is supported by a full-time nurse and a visiting school counselor. The campus also includes a library, a multipurpose hall (MPH), and outdoor spaces such as fields and an outdoor gym.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has a gymnasium for indoor physical education and team activities. Outdoor facilities include a lacrosse field and a tennis court.	Sports facilities The campus features a gymnasium and a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool for physical education. It also has on-site fields for outdoor sports and an outdoor gym for fitness activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus houses a library for study and research, and science laboratories to support hands-on experiments. A computer room and other technology resources, including a 1:1 tablet program, support digital learning across subjects. The Alberta program is delivered on site and is integrated with the Japanese curriculum as part of KAIS.	Academic facilities ICT-equipped classrooms support bilingual instruction in English and Japanese. Science facilities include dedicated science labs and a science room. The campus houses a library for research and reading, with staff teaching library skills. AI literacy education is integrated from upper elementary through high school.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, including arts, sports, language and service activities. These extracurricular options supplement classroom learning and support a global-minded education.	Extra curricular facilities Weekly clubs cover sports such as soccer and volleyball and cultural activities including art, music, gardening, and library work. Kindergarten offers after-school clubs, and elementary students have access to additional programs extending the day to 4:30 p.m. (ESL, EEP, tutoring, and Japanese support are also offered).
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Kunimoto Gakuen was founded in 1942 and has a long history within Tokyo's private education sector. KAIS was established in April 2020 as a brand-new program within Kunimoto Gakuen, offering both the Alberta curriculum and the Japanese local curriculum starting from Grade 7. KAIS is a six-year, all-girls program located in Tokyo. KAIS holds Alberta Education Tier 3 accreditation, enabling graduates to receive the Alberta high school diploma, while Kunimoto Gakuen awards a Japanese diploma as well. The program blends Alberta's international curriculum with the Japanese system to foster English proficiency and global perspectives.	History Tokyo West International School opened in April 2010 as Tokyo West International Elementary School in Shibasaki, Tachikawa. It moved to Sunagawa later in 2010 and was renamed Tokyo West International School to reflect its broader mission. In April 2015 the Umetsubo, Hachioji campus opened, enabling the addition of a middle school and expansion of grade levels. The school earned Cognia accreditation in 2013, became an IB PYP candidate in February 2020 and an IB PYP authorized school in May 2022, and joined CIS in March 2023. In April 2024 the high school department commenced, completing the Pre-K through High School continuum.
Community	Community KAIS sits within Kunimoto's Tokyo campus and maintains an active calendar of school events and student activities. KAIS publishes KAIS Quarterly Newsletters and has an official Instagram account to share updates on student life and events. The annual events calendar includes entrance ceremonies, training trips, campus tours, student assemblies, arts events, choir festivals, athletic days, and graduation ceremonies. Instagram posts describe field trips to the Canadian Embassy and simulations of international conferences, illustrating global engagement and cultural learning.	Community TWIS describes its community as international, with students and teachers from 15 countries, creating a vibrant, multicultural environment. Community life includes Student Council, the PYP Exhibition, and Community Service, which provide opportunities for student leadership, inquiry, and service. The school also hosts a Winter Festival and other cultural events that celebrate diversity. These elements are supported by a garden-based learning program and a bilingual English-Japanese environment that connect students with both local and global communities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Kunimoto Alberta International School has a Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA is listed with a 3,600 yen annual fee for Grade 7–9 and a 3,600 yen annual fee for Grade 10–12 Alberta Double Diploma Program, with a separate 9,600 yen Students Council Fee noted in the tuition schedule. The school's calendar shows a broad set of annual events—such as entrance ceremonies, memorial concerts, and graduations—events that PTA involvement typically supports as part of school life. KAIS maintains parent-facing channels, including KAIS newsletters and the official Instagram, to keep families informed about events and student life.	Parent teacher association The TWIS PTA supports not only school events but also contributes to enhancing the learning environment through volunteer activities. Volunteer activities include facility improvements. Volunteer activities include library maintenance. These efforts reflect the PTA's role in supporting TWIS's community life. The PTA involvement is described as a part of TWIS's family and school-life engagement ecosystem.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual KAIS offers a double diploma program blending Alberta Education with the Japanese curriculum. The Alberta program includes a Global Studies course scheduled to open in April 2025, and graduates receive an Alberta diploma. Alberta Education emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, and communication, as well as the ability to utilize ICT within the learning process. The timetable shows core subjects including Japanese ELA, Social Studies, Science, Math, and Arts, with Alberta- and Japanese-qualified teachers delivering instruction.	Academic & intellectual From Elementary to High School, Tokyo West International School runs weekly clubs with diverse options that extend learning beyond the classroom. Clubs include sports such as soccer and volleyball; cultural activities like art, music, gardening, library, and the school newspaper; and academic enrichment through STEM and sustainability projects. The school also offers Singapore Math as part of its math program, reinforcing logical thinking and problem-solving. Kindergarten students have optional after-school clubs four days a week (3:00–3:30 p.m.) including Music & Me, Young Authors, Forest and Garden Kitchen Program, Art Club, and FitKids Academy. External programs include a Saturday School and seasonal Spring, Summer, and Winter Schools.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Ariki Memorial Hall and a tea ceremony room are used for physical education, club activities, and cultural arts, including tea ceremony classes. The Alberta timetable includes Arts as a subject in the course sequence. The facilities support arts and cultural activities, with spaces for performances, rehearsals, and related events as part of the school program.	Arts & creative Arts and creative life is supported through weekly clubs and dedicated spaces. Specialist instructors teach music and art, and the campus includes dedicated music and art rooms. Students participate in cultural activities such as gardening and the school newspaper, integrating arts with broader cultural learning. The garden program provides hands-on experiences that connect artistic expression with environmental awareness.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The English Lab provides interaction with native English teachers and Eiken exam preparation. KAIS operates an Alberta curriculum alongside the Japanese program, exposing students to international perspectives through courses such as Global Studies. Social media posts show field trips to the Canadian Embassy and a Paris Peace Conference simulation, illustrating language and cultural learning opportunities. Tea ceremony classes and a dedicated tea ceremony room support traditional cultural education as well.	Cultural & language The school maintains a Bilingual Education Program that emphasizes English as the primary language of instruction while offering Japanese language study. The bilingual approach includes daily English-language communication with dedicated Japanese language classes for non-native learners, supported by native Japanese instructors. Travel and Learn provides cross-cultural experiences through short-term overseas programs, with destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines and activities including cross-cultural exchanges and community outreach. These programs and the school's language initiatives foster cultural awareness and language development across the student body.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Club activities are held at the Ariki Memorial Hall, and the lounge is used for meetings and club activities throughout the school year. The school maintains a Students Council, reflected in a Students Council fee within the tuition schedule. CALM (Career and Life Management) is included in the timetable, supporting teamwork, communication, and social skills in a formalized course.	Social & hobbies Weekly clubs across Elementary to High School provide opportunities for social interaction and hobbies beyond academics. Active clubs include sports such as soccer and volleyball, as well as arts and cultural activities like art, music, gardening, library, and the school newspaper. Kindergarten offers after-school clubs four days a week (3:00–3:30 p.m.) such as Music & Me, Young Authors, Forest and Garden Kitchen Program, Art Club, and FitKids Academy. The school also runs external programs like a Saturday School and seasonal Spring, Summer, and Winter Schools to broaden social and extracurricular experiences.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Student leadership and community involvement are encouraged through the Student Council, which includes representatives from each grade and plans school-wide events. Community service and volunteer opportunities are integrated into school life, with projects linked to the PYP Exhibition and other student initiatives. Short-Term Study Abroad and outreach activities provide additional chances to engage with local and international communities beyond the campus. These programs support TWIS's emphasis on social responsibility and global citizenship.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional CALM (Career and Life Management) is included in the Alberta timetable, addressing personal development and prepared planning for life beyond school. The Career Guidance Room provides study support and guidance for post-secondary planning. A Students Council exists to foster leadership, collaboration, and representative student voices.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is supported through the Student Council, which brings together student representatives to plan events and initiatives. In High School, internships and workplace visits are integrated into the AI and Career Education pathway to connect learning with real-world opportunities. The school provides career counseling, portfolio development, and assistance with university applications as part of post-graduation pathways. Mentoring and professional skill-building opportunities help students prepare for further education and careers.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus features athletic facilities including a main gymnasium, a smaller gymnasium, an outdoor tennis court, and an enclosed rooftop activity area. Physical Education is part of the timetable (P.E.10) and Health inquiries appear in the schedule. CALM also addresses well-being and life management as part of the curriculum.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus includes a gymnasium, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, and an expansive educational garden that underpins physical and environmental education. A full-time school nurse and a visiting school counselor support students' physical and emotional well-being. The school offers on-site meal service with accommodations for allergies and cultural needs to support healthy daily life. These facilities and services contribute to a holistic approach to student wellness and daily life at TWIS.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the primary language of KAIS instruction; KAIS classes are taught in English as part of the middle school curriculum. Japanese language instruction supports the program, with Japanese teachers focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and syntax to build a foundation for English proficiency. There is an Overseas English Training component for Grade 8 with an associated training fee. In high school, students follow the fusion of Alberta and Japanese curricula to earn the Alberta Double Diploma.	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction for most subjects; the Programme of Inquiry is conducted in English. Japanese is taught from Preschool as the host country language, with additional Japanese language classes for non-native speakers. Approximately 60% of TWIS students speak Japanese as their first language, while the remaining 40% speak Korean, Hindi, Chinese, English, and other languages; more than half of students are English Language Learners. Mother tongue support is provided, and language level assessments (ISA) and language proficiency tests such as EIKEN and KANKEN are used to monitor progress.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching KAIS is a six-year program within Kunimoto Gakuen that offers both the Alberta curriculum and the Japanese local curriculum starting from Grade 7. KAIS courses are delivered in English and are integrated into the middle school curriculum. The program continues into high school as the Alberta Double Diploma (DD) program, blending the two curricula to prepare students for graduation with both diplomas. KAIS holds Alberta Education Tier 3 accreditation, enabling the Alberta diploma to be conferred.	Bilingual teaching Tokyo West International School provides bilingual education in English and Japanese. From Preschool onward, Japanese is taught as the host language, and English language and literacy are taught daily from Kindergarten through Elementary. The Programme of Inquiry is delivered in English, and most single subjects are taught in English. The Elementary environment is clearly bilingual, with English and Japanese used interchangeably, and mother tongue support is provided for non-native speakers.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards 2025 Grand Prix and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Technology Award (MEXT) at the Japan Wind Ensemble Contest, National Finals, High School A Division, awarded to the Kunimoto Girls' Junior & Senior High School wind ensemble.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Alberta Education Tier 3 Accreditation (Canada) — This is a provincial accreditation that allows Kunimoto Alberta International School to confer the Alberta high school diploma to graduates, reflecting compliance with Alberta Education standards.	Accreditations Cognia Accreditation (since 2013; Cognia is the largest accreditation agency and international school community of educators in the world). The school has been Cognia-accredited since 2013 and continues to be recognized under the Cognia framework.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Decide on the KAIS Alberta International School program and your child's grade. KAIS is a six‑year, all‑girls program located in Tokyo that begins at Grade 7 and combines the Alberta curriculum with the Japanese local curriculum, offering a Double Diploma pathway in high school. The Alberta component is integrated within Kunimoto Gakuen, and KAIS students typically pursue both the Alberta and Japanese diplomas on graduation. 2. Prepare and submit the online Application Form. Interested families apply by completing the Application Form through the KAIS admissions portal, selecting either the junior/senior high track or the KAIS track integrated with the Alberta program. The form collects basic student information and program preferences. 3. Pay the non‑refundable Application Fee and gather required documents. The non‑refundable Application Fee is ¥25,000; the admissions materials indicate there is a defined list of supporting documents to prepare, which is outlined on the Admission Form. 4. Participate in an admission interview and take the admission test. All applicants must attend an admission interview and complete an admission test; further details about the test and required components are provided in the Admission Form. 5. Wait for the test results and admission decision. Parents will be notified of the test results and whether admission is granted, with next steps provided if admission is offered. 6. Complete enrollment and pay the required fees. If admitted, families finalize enrollment by paying the relevant one‑time fees (such as Application Fee, Registration Fee, Facility Fee, School Uniform, Tablet, and Overseas English Training Fee where applicable) and the annual fees (Tuition, Maintenance Fee, PTA Fee, Students Council Fee, Books and Course Supplies). The 2024/2025 fee schedule shows both Grade 7–9 and Grade 10–12 structures and notes that overseas training fees may be paid in installments and are subject to currency and policy changes.	Admissions Step 1 — Determine grade level by birth date. Grade placement at Tokyo West International School is determined by the child's birthday, with specific birthdate guidelines for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. For Preschool & Kindergarten, the ranges are: Preschool 4.2.2022 or older; K3 4.2.2021–4.1.2022; K4 4.2.2020–4.1.2021; K5 4.2.2019–4.1.2020. For Elementary and higher grades, G1–G12 follow corresponding birthdate cutoffs (G1 4.2.2018–4.1.2019; G2 4.2.2017–4.1.2018; and so on). These guidelines affect new entrants for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. Step 2 — Open House and school tours. Open House (group) and Private School Tours are offered throughout the year. Prospective families should book via the reservation form or by calling for details. Group Open House events and private tours are scheduled to help families understand the program and environment. Step 3 — Submit the application form. Application materials are downloadable and can be submitted in person or by mail. Required documents include: Enrollment Application Form, Medical Certificate (issued within 3 months), Educational Support Questionnaire, Progress Report, and Graduation or Attendance Certificate from the previous school. Separate application forms exist for PreK & Kindergarten and for Elementary & Middle School. Step 4 — Screening test and parents interview. The school schedules a screening test and a parents' interview for each child, and the registration fee for the screening test is ¥22,000 (tax included). The screening and interview are designed to assess academic ability, motivation, and fit with the program. For admissions in Grade, Middle & High School, the timing is typically approximately one month before the desired admission date, with the result announced about one week after screening. Step 5 — Announcement of successful applicants and enrollment. The school communicates acceptance to applicants who meet the screening requirements via an official acceptance letter. Prospective students who pass the screening and have paid the entrance fee by the deadline are considered enrolled. Enrollment is completed within one week after acceptance. For inquiries about enrollment, contact information is provided on the admissions page. Step 6 — Fees and discounts. Tuition-related information notes that discounts and scholarships are available under certain circumstances; parents should inquire for details. This section also indicates that there is a screening test fee of ¥22,000 and mentions an entrance fee associated with admission.
Scholarships	Scholarships KAIS offers scholarships and merit-based awards. The school provides a structured scholarship system with tiered options for middle school and a separate high school framework, plus a Kanagawa resident tuition subsidy and an annual financial‑assistance option for economically challenged students. Middle School scholarships (S1–S3) are awarded based on percentiles or test scores and result in exemptions from the enrollment procedure fee (320,000 yen) and partial or full tuition waivers: S1 (85%+): enrollment procedure fee exempt and 480,000 yen per year tuition waived for 3 years; S2 (75%+): enrollment procedure fee exempt and 480,000 yen per year tuition waived for 1 year; S3 (65%+): enrollment procedure fee exempt only. High School scholarships (for the Double Diploma course) are based on entrance results or internal grades; the scholarship covers Japanese tuition (480,000 yen) but not the Canadian tuition (600,000 yen). Scholarships are reviewed annually based on grades and attendance, and new recipients are determined each year. In addition, there is a Kanagawa Prefecture tuition subsidy for eligible Kanagawa residents, and an economic‑hardship tuition reduction program. Details and application steps are published on the KAIS scholarship page and are subject to annual policy revisions.	Scholarships TWIS offers a scholarship program for elementary, middle, and high school grades. The 2026 TWIS School Scholarship provides exemption from the entrance fee and a 50% tuition subsidy for one year, with renewal contingent on an annual examination. Three scholarships are planned for the 2026 academic year. Eligibility requires new G1–G12 students for 2026 who have either passed the TWIS entrance examination or are currently enrolled. Selection is based on document screening. Application period runs from December 8, 2025 to January 9, 2026, with results announced by the end of January 2026. Required documents include a scholarship application form, an English essay by the student (50–80 words), proof of annual household income, and school records or letters of recommendation (not required for current TWIS students). Contact for scholarship questions is admission@tokyowest.jp.
Waitlist	Waitlist KAIS does not publish a waitlist policy on official admissions materials, and public listings indicate there is no waiting list for KAIS. There is no published waitlist process or pool system beyond standard admission notifications.	Waitlist Tokyo West International School does not publish a formal waitlist. When classes reach capacity, admissions occur only as vacancies become available. In the 2025 mid-term enrollment status, K4 and G2 classes have reached capacity, and there are typically 1–2 spots remaining in other classes such as K5, G1, G4, G7, and G9. This vacancy-based approach means families may be admitted if a space opens, rather than through a numbered waitlist.
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