Laurus International School of Science - Aoyama vs UIA International School of Tokyo

	L Laurus International School of Science - Aoyama Tokyo, Japan	U UIA International School of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥1,560,000	Fees / year ¥1,515,200 - 2,450,700
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 1,500	Pupils 564
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size 23
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2001	Opened 2010
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Laurus International School of Science, Aoyama campus is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Address: 6-13-14 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062. It is near Shibuya, Omotesando, Roppongi, Hiroo and Ebisu. Hours are Mon–Sat 8:30–18:00; train access includes an 11-minute walk from Omotesando Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line) and a 17-minute walk from Shibuya Station.	Location UIA International School of Tokyo is located at 3-14-4 Kiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0042, Japan. The campus is housed in the HAGA PAPER building along Kasaibashi-dori in Kiba, a residential district on Tokyo's eastern edge. The closest rail access is Kiba Station on the Tozai Line, about a 10–15 minute walk away, with additional nearby stations reachable by a short walk. There is no designated visitor parking space at the campus.
Stages	Stages Preschool and Kindergarten; ages 1.5 to 6 years.	Stages UIA serves Early Years through Upper Secondary (Grade 12). The school is organized into four sections: Early Years (EY1–EY3), Primary (Grade 1–5), Lower Secondary (Grade 6–8), and Upper Secondary (Grade 9–12).
School type	School type —	School type UIA is a co-educational private day school. Boarding is not offered.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix UIA has students from more than 28 countries. Current data lists 29 nationalities represented among the student body. The site does not publish a formal local-to-international ratio.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support UIA states that it does not have facilities or resources to accommodate significant learning, emotional or physical disabilities. Enrollment requires students to function within the regular program; families must disclose any additional services being provided; documentation from professionals may be requested; the school may reevaluate the applicant. ESL support is provided for certain grade levels, including a pullout ESL option in Primary and collaborative ESL support in Secondary.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Japan	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is listed. The school operates in Japan and offers the Cambridge Curriculum.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is listed.
School day structure	School day structure Hours are Mon–Sat 8:30–18:00. 5-hour option (9:00–14:00) and full-day option (8:30–18:00) are available.	School day structure The school day starts at 8:40 AM. Early Years finish at 1:40 PM; Grades 1–12 finish at 3:30 PM. In Primary, there are scheduled recess and lunch periods (e.g., recess at 10:30, lunch at 12:20).
Bus service details	Bus service details A School Bus service is available, subject to age and height restrictions.	Bus service details UIA offers a free school bus service. Routes are developed and fixed at the start of each academic year. For Early Years, a parent must be at the bus stop wearing a lanyard; if a parent is not present, the child cannot disembark and will be returned to the Kiba campus with a penalty. The bus may arrive earlier or later depending on traffic; if the bus does not arrive within 20 minutes of the scheduled time, contact 080-1187-9407. If you need to cancel the service for the day, inform UIA in advance.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Overview of fee structure - Tuition is shown as monthly rates and is charged on a monthly basis. Kindergarten tuition (age 3–6) — published monthly rates, per term and per year - 5 days/week — 5-hour option (9:00–14:00): Monthly ¥128,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥512,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,536,000. - 5 days/week — Full-day option (8:30–18:00): Monthly ¥177,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥708,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥2,124,000. - 6 days/week — 5-hour option (9:00–14:00): Monthly ¥136,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥544,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,632,000. - 6 days/week — Full-day option (8:30–18:00): Monthly ¥191,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥764,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥2,292,000. Preschool tuition (age 1.5–3) — published monthly rates, per term and per year - 1 day/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥39,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥156,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥468,000. - 1 day/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥56,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥224,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥672,000. - 2 days/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥65,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥260,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥780,000. - 2 days/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥94,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥376,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,128,000. - 3 days/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥83,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥332,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥996,000. - 3 days/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥122,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥488,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,464,000. - 4 days/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥105,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥420,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,260,000. - 4 days/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥155,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥620,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,860,000. - 5 days/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥128,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥512,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,536,000. - 5 days/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥177,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥708,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥2,124,000. - 6 days/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥136,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥544,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,632,000. - 6 days/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥191,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥764,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥2,292,000. How term and annual figures are derived (billing rhythm) - The school operates with three academic terms in the school year (Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3). Each term spans approximately four calendar months (April–July, August–November, December–March), so per-term figures above are calculated as four times the published monthly rate and annual figures as twelve times the monthly rate. One-time and recurring non-tuition fees - Entrance Fee (one-time): ¥120,000 — payable upon enrolment. - Educational Service Charge (annual): ¥90,000 — charged annually. - Additional common items (amounts charged separately or provided after enrolment): materials and printed texts, school uniform, lunch (optional), school bus (optional). Exact amounts for these items are provided to families at enrolment. Other regular charges and incidental fees - Extended childcare / late pickup fees: charged by time (examples listed in the parent handbook: e.g., ¥1,000 per 30 minutes after dismissal time; higher incremental rates for later pickup). Extended fees are automatically withdrawn from the bank account. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition figures are presented as monthly rates and will be billed on a monthly basis. - Families may choose one of two payment options: Annual payment (due in full on March 27) or Installment payments scheduled three times during the school year. Specific installment dates are set by the school. - The school's bank account is provided for transfers; transfer fees must be borne by the payer and the school requests that the school name be added before the payer name on transfers. (Bank details are supplied in school payment instructions.) Payment methods and practical notes - Bank transfer / domestic remittance and automatic withdrawals from a bank account are used for fee collection; the parent handbook provides the school bank account details and instructs families to include transfer fees. Credit-card payment is not listed as a standard tuition payment method in the school's parent handbook. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The Aoyama campus is a day preschool/kindergarten with published hours (Full-day 8:30–18:00; Half-day 9:00–14:00). No boarding fees are charged. Refund, withdrawal and late-payment terms - Refunds: There are no refunds for tuition, the annual membership/educational service fee, the entrance fee, or other fees in the event of disaster, unforeseeable circumstances, or circumstances of the parents. Absence for more than a calendar month does not trigger tuition or fee refunds. - Withdrawal: A written notice of withdrawal must be submitted two months before the intended date of departure; the withdrawal date is at the end of a calendar month. The school's policy states that no tuition or other fee refunds will be given upon withdrawal. - Late or unpaid tuition: If tuition payment is delayed for more than three months, the school may require withdrawal of the student; unpaid balances remain payable. Summary of immediate, payable items on enrolment - Entrance Fee: ¥120,000 (one-time, upon enrolment). - First month's tuition (monthly rate based on chosen days and schedule) — payable according to the school's invoicing schedule. - Educational Service Charge: ¥90,000 (annual). Notes on optional charges - School bus, lunch, uniforms and materials are additional optional or one-off costs; these are itemised separately and communicated to families during enrolment. The Aoyama campus offers a school bus service subject to age/height restrictions.	Fee details Application / Assessment Fees - Admissions (application) fee: JPY 11,000 (non‑refundable). Payment of the application fee is required on the day of assessment (cash is requested for the assessment-day payment). One‑time / Enrollment Fees (charged at enrolment) - Registration fee (one‑time): JPY 77,000. - Building / Facilities maintenance fee (one‑time): JPY 77,000. Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) - Early Years / Kindergarten (example figures reproduced from the published fee structure): - K1 / Kindg. 1 — Total annual fees shown by published sources: approximately JPY 1,685,200. - K2 / Kindg. 2 — Total first‑year figure example (including one‑time items): JPY 1,680,200 (example breakdown in published fee documents shows an annual tuition figure plus book and one‑time fees). - K3 / Kindg. 3 — Total annual fees shown: approximately JPY 1,691,200. - Primary and Secondary (annual totals by grade, examples reproduced from published fee materials): - Grade 1 — Total annual fees shown: JPY 2,055,100. - Grade 2 — JPY 2,059,500. - Grade 3 — JPY 2,063,900. - Grade 4 — JPY 2,060,600. - Grade 5 — JPY 2,062,800. - Grade 6 — JPY 2,248,700. - Grade 7 — JPY 2,246,500. - Grade 8 — JPY 2,253,100. - Grade 9 — JPY 2,624,500. - Grade 10 — JPY 2,615,700. - Grade 11 — JPY 2,154,900. - Grade 12 — JPY 2,154,900. - Note: the figures above reflect the published annual totals used in the school's fee documents for the current academic cycle. The school's formal Fee Structure and Fee Policy documents include the detailed line‑by‑line breakdown (tuition, books, management/miscellaneous items) that make up the totals cited here. Per‑term / instalment billing - Tuition amounts are quoted as annual figures. The school publishes an official payment schedule that sets the exact instalment options, per‑term or monthly breakdowns and payment deadlines for the academic year; those payment schedule documents determine the per‑term instalment amounts and due dates. Parents are expected to follow the published payment schedule. Billing schedule and payment terms (procedural points) - Withdrawal notice: the school requires formal notice of withdrawal at least 14 days prior to the desired date of withdrawal. Transcripts/records require 14 days' notice. If fees remain unpaid at the time of withdrawal, outstanding amounts must be paid by manual bank transfer at least seven (7) days prior to the withdrawal date. - Refunds: refund rules are set out in the school's Fee Policy documents; the Withdrawal Policy directs parents to those fee policy documents for the refund schedule and conditions. Boarding / Residential fees - There is no boarding or homestay program; UIA is not a boarding school, so no boarding fees apply. Other recurring or optional costs - Textbook / book fees: published fee summaries include book fees (examples show book fees in the range shown per grade—e.g., a book fee example for Early Years/Kindergarten is noted around JPY 20,000 in published fee breakdowns). - Management / miscellaneous fees and activity fees: published fee documents show management/other miscellaneous charges and activity/insurance items as separate line items in the first‑year and annual breakdowns (examples include management fees and miscellaneous/activity fees). - After‑care / After‑school program: after‑care is available for Early Years and carries an extra fee; the school publishes a separate aftercare fee policy. - Summer school and short programs: the school offers summer‑school weeks with separate weekly fees (example published weekly fees are shown for Summer School sessions). Refunds and adjustments - The school's Withdrawal Policy requires the formal Notice of Withdrawal and payment of outstanding balances before documents are released. The published Withdrawal Policy refers parents to the Fee Policy for precise refund entitlement and timing. Specific refund percentages or pro‑rata calculations are set in the Fee Policy document. Fee‑discounts and concessions - Sibling discount: a discount is applied for multiple siblings enrolled concurrently — 10% off the tuition fee for the first (younger) sibling and 15% off for additional (younger) siblings, per the school's fee policy. Returnee waiver: in certain circumstances the registration fee (one‑time JPY 77,000) may be waived for returning students who meet the school's returnee conditions. Payment methods and where to pay - Application fee at assessment: the admissions process requires the application fee (JPY 11,000) to be paid in cash on the assessment day. - General tuition and other fees: the school's accounts office administers payment arrangements and publishes the payment schedule and acceptable payment methods; parents should use the payment instructions and account details provided by the school's accounts administration (the school lists accounts@uia.jp for payment enquiries). Summary points to note - Annual tuition figures and one‑time enrolment fees are published in the school's formal Fee Structure and Fee Policy for the 2025–2026 academic cycle; the figures shown above reflect the published annual totals and common one‑time charges (application, registration, building/facilities). - The school issues a formal payment schedule that sets the instalment amounts and deadlines; the Withdrawal Policy sets notice periods and requires settlement of outstanding balances prior to withdrawal.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements UIA International School of Tokyo does not offer boarding or homestay options. It is not a boarding school. The school operates a bus service for student transport, with parents required to be at bus stops for pick-up and drop-off, including Early Years. There is no on-site housing or dormitory.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform.	Uniform requirement UIA does not require a school uniform; there is a dress code for all students.
Food options	Food options Lunch is available through a school catering partner, or a packed lunch can be provided by parents.	Food options The school does not provide school lunches; students are asked to bring their own lunch box. After-care includes an afternoon snack.
House system	House system —	House system UIA uses a four-house system: Genbu, Seiryuu, Suzaku, and Byakko. Students are sorted into a house during admissions and remain in that house for the duration of their time at UIA. Houses participate in events and activities such as monthly house meetings, team-building, interdivisional activities, charity drives, and Sports Day.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Laurus International School Co., Ltd owns Laurus International School of Science. Headquarters: 5F Hokkai Shiba Bldg 2-31-15 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0014. Key people: Kiyomi Hioki (Chairman); Mami Hioki (Head of School); Donna van Heyningen (Primary & Secondary Acting Principal); Paul E. Cizdziel (Science Advisor). Date of establishment: 2003 (foundation 2001).	Governance and ownership UIA is governed within a formal structure led by a President/CEO; the current President/CEO is Mr. Kazumasa Sugita, and the principal, Mr. Taylor, has clearly defined operational leadership. The school is managed by UIA INTERNATIONAL Co., Ltd., the company that oversees UIA's governance and operations.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers an International STEM curriculum for ages 1.5 to 6 years in Aoyama. Laurus Curriculum builds a strong foundation through inquiry-based STEM learning. Preschool is taught in an all-English setting, building social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills. Kindergarten emphasizes science experiments, outdoor play, and development of communication. After-school options include ESL, dance and the STEM Academy; Saturday School supports English fluency with Math, Science/STEM and PE in an all-English environment; Seasonal STEM Camps offer flexible enrollment for Laurus and non-Laurus students.	Curriculum details UIA International School of Tokyo delivers a Cambridge Curriculum from Early Years through Grade 12, with English as the medium of instruction. Preschool Education (K3) begins with Cambridge Curriculum Stage 1 (Dolphins, age 5) and continues through to Grade 12, culminating in A Levels. Primary (K1–Grade 5, typically ages 5–11) uses Cambridge Primary with core subjects—English, Maths, Science, Social Studies—plus a second language and access to ICT, library, and science facilities. Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8) combines Cambridge Secondary with UIA's internal curriculums, offering core subjects along with Music, Art & Design, Computing, Values Education and a second language. IGCSE pathway begins in Grade 9 with Cambridge IGCSE exams at the end of Grade 10, followed by Cambridge AS & A Levels in Grades 11–12. Assessment includes Cambridge Progression Tests and Cambridge Checkpoint, alongside ongoing classroom assessment, with English-only instruction across the school.
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 The school builds social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills in an all-English setting.	Social & emotional learning UIA emphasizes the social, academic, and physical well-being of students as a core part of its learning environment. The Cambridge Learner Attributes framework guides students to become confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged lifelong learners. The Early Years Level curriculum explicitly includes social-emotional development as a learning area. Extracurricular Activities provide weekly activities led by teachers for Grades 1–10, supporting social engagement and collaboration. A Student Council Tutor Program connects capable student tutors with peers, promoting leadership, peer support, and a sense of community belonging.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) UIA states that it does not have facilities or resources to accommodate children with significant learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Enrollment decisions are based on the student's ability to function within the regular program, with ongoing enrollment contingent on that capability. ESL students can be accepted with no knowledge of English up to Grade 8, provided they have a strong academic background and perform well on the assessment. Parents must disclose any additional services the student receives, and supporting documentation from health professionals may be requested during admissions. UIA is not described as a specialist SEN institution and public SEN facilities are not indicated.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Afterschool Programs include ESL. Saturday School supports English fluency; Kindergarteners are engaged in Math, Science/STEM and PE in an all-English environment.	English as an additional language The medium of instruction at UIA is English. ESL support is referenced through ESL policy documents, including a dedicated ESL fee policy. ESL students can be accepted with no knowledge of English up to Grade 8, subject to strong academic performance and assessment. Public disclosure of a dedicated EAL department or staff is not evident; EAL provisions are described through ESL policies rather than a named program. UIA does publicly disclose ESL-related policies and admission criteria supporting English-language learners.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing We create a safe learning space for the little ones to grow with confidence.	Mental wellbeing UIA is committed to providing a learning environment focused on students' social, academic, and physical well-being. The Cambridge Learner Attributes framework supports wellbeing by promoting confidence, responsibility, reflectiveness, innovation, and engagement. The University and Career Counsellor provides personalized guidance to develop self-awareness, academic direction, and future readiness, contributing to student wellbeing. Extracurricular activities and leadership or peer-support programs (such as the Student Council Tutor Program) foster social connectedness and wellbeing. Safeguarding and health guidelines further support student welfare through trained staff and clear policies.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding UIA has a Child Safeguarding Policy that aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and emphasizes protection from abuse and sexual exploitation. The policy includes age-appropriate personal-safety lessons, parent materials and information sessions, and annual faculty training to recognize and report abuse or neglect. A designated safeguarding lead (DSL) oversees safeguarding and welfare, with partnership between the school and families. The policy stresses safe practices and procedures for emergencies and student safety. These safeguards are in place to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview An international STEM preschool and kindergarten in Aoyama for ages 1.5 to 6 years old. The campus is located in Minami-Aoyama, near Shibuya, Omotesando, Roppongi, Hiroo and Ebisu. It features a spacious indoor playroom and a dance studio for rainy days. Students have PE and Karate lessons at the campus, regardless of weather. A school bus service is available.	Facilities overview UIA International School of Tokyo's Kiba campus provides a compact but well-equipped set of on-site facilities to support its Cambridge curriculum. Key academic spaces include a fully-equipped Science Laboratory, an ICT/technology room, and a library. Creative spaces include an Art Room and a Music Room, with a Multipurpose Room available for performances and group activities. The campus also includes a Nurse Room and access to nearby Kiba Park for outdoor activities; Early Years visit the park daily. There is no on-site cafeteria; students bring their own lunch.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities UIA does not list on-site sports facilities such as gymnasiums or swimming pools. Primary and Secondary physical education is conducted outdoors or at nearby outdoor spaces like Kiba Park.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Laurus Curriculum builds a foundation through inquiry-based STEM learning. Preschool life focuses on building social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills in an all-English setting. Kindergarten life includes science experiments and outdoor play, with emphasis on communication.	Academic facilities The Kiba campus houses core academic facilities to support the Cambridge curriculum. A fully-equipped Science Laboratory supports science instruction across Primary and Secondary. An ICT/Technology Room provides digital learning resources. A Library offers space for reading, research, and study. Creative spaces include an Art Room and a Music Room, and a Multipurpose Room supports flexible class activities and performances.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Afterschool Programs at Aoyama include ESL, dance and STEM Academy, and are open to the public. Saturday School offers English fluency development; kindergarteners engage in Math, Science/STEM and PE in an all-English environment and are open to the public. Seasonal Camps offer Winter, Spring and Summer STEM experiences with flexible enrollment for Laurus and non-Laurus students. Non-Laurus students are welcome to participate in extracurriculars at Aoyama.	Extra curricular facilities UIA provides a range of extracurricular options through the School Life program. Extracurricular activities include a House System, Model United Nations (MUN), and Student Council, with a Summer School offering in some years. An After-Care program operates from 2 PM to 5 PM for Early Years, with an additional fee. The school hosts events such as Sports Day, Annual Day, and Autumn Fair that involve families.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded by Mr. Kiyomi Hioki and Mrs. Mami Hioki, Laurus began with a clear purpose to equip children to flourish in a connected, changing world. The foundation date is October 1, 2001, and the company was established on November 21, 2003. Laurus International School of Science is one of Tokyo's established educational institutions and the only international science school in Japan. Laurus International School Co., Ltd administers the schools, based in Tokyo, serving about 1,500 students and 320 staff.	History UIA International School of Tokyo traces its origins to the December 2010 grand opening of Tathva International School. In 2016, UIA Holdings acquired Tathva and integrated it into its network. In April 2020 the school was renamed UIA International School of Tokyo, and in November 2020 it relocated to the Kiba Campus. The Kiba Campus opened in January 2021 and was expanded in 2022. By 2023 the school enrolled about 520 students, and in 2024 earned Cambridge Early Years Centre accreditation, with plans to align the calendar to Cambridge exams for 2025–2026.
Community	Community An International STEM preschool and kindergarten in Aoyama for ages 1.5 to 6 years old. Surrounded by Shibuya, Omotesando, Roppongi, Hiroo and Ebisu, it features a spacious indoor playroom and a dance studio for rainy days. Preschool & Kindergarten School Life builds social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills in an all-English setting, with science experiments and outdoor activities. Afterschool programs include ESL, dance and STEM, Saturday School enhances English fluency, and Seasonal STEM Camps are open to Laurus and non-Laurus students.	Community UIA's student body includes learners from more than 25 countries, creating a diverse and globally minded community. The school hosts and participates in events such as Sports Day, Graduation, Annual Day, and Autumn Fair that engage families and celebrate student achievement. UIA offers a range of clubs and activities, including art, chess, debate, science, and more, with student-led clubs developing during the year. UIA also participates in interschool competitions, including the History Bee and Bowl and Book Bowl, with UIA students achieving notable results.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association UIA structures parent involvement through events and formal channels rather than a standalone PTA. Parents are encouraged to participate in events such as Sports Day, Annual Day, and Autumn Fair. Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) are held three times a year to discuss student progress. Communication between the school and parents is emphasized as important to the school's operations. UIA is governed by a President/CEO, Kazumasa Sugita, with a governance structure that empowers the principal and is guided by an advisory board. A formal advisory board includes members from academia, business, and non-profit sectors who help guide the school.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Laurus Curriculum builds a foundation through inquiry-based STEM learning. Preschool life builds social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills in an all-English setting. Kindergarten life features science experiments and outdoor play, with a focus on learning to communicate. Afterschool Programs include ESL and STEM Academy.	Academic & intellectual UIA runs Friday ECAs for Grades 1–10, with teachers leading activities that extend learning beyond the Cambridge curriculum. The options span academic enrichment, STEM, and competitions, including STEM Club, History Bee & Bowl, and Model United Nations at various levels. The school also hosts Spelling Bee contests and annual science-related events such as the Science Fair.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative A spacious indoor playroom and a dance studio support arts and movement. Afterschool Programs include dance. This adds opportunities for creative expression beyond core academics. Seasonal camps focus on science and hands-on activities.	Arts & creative UIA offers a broad arts program through student-led clubs and activities. Primary and lower secondary students can engage in art, choir, drama, film and media projects, origami, sewing, and dance. Secondary-level options include film making, photography, art club, and board games or media editing, with opportunities for students to showcase work.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Preschool life is conducted in an all-English setting. Afterschool Programs include ESL. Saturday School enhances English fluency. Kindergarten activities include Math, Science/STEM and PE in an all-English environment.	Cultural & language UIA provides cultural and language activities, including the Japanese Culture Club, Survival Japanese, and Tanabata celebrations. Secondary programs include Spanish Club and Indian Culture Club to broaden language exposure and cultural awareness. These clubs complement broader intercultural experiences such as Model United Nations and other school-wide events.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Afterschool Programs include ESL, dance and STEM Academy. Saturday School supports English fluency with math, science/STEM and PE. Seasonal Camp offers Winter, Spring and Summer STEM camps with flexible enrollment for Laurus and non-Laurus students. The programs are open to Laurus and non-Laurus students.	Social & hobbies UIA's clubs cover a wide range of interests, including chess, board games, art, debate, film, origami, sewing, drawing, and sports such as table tennis. There are also performing arts and club activities such as dance and drama. The clubs operate during non-graded time, giving students space to explore interests and build peer connections.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service UIA incorporates service and community outreach through Service Learning as a school-wide event. The Autumn Fair is a fundraising event with stalls and activities, raising funds for charities such as Second Harvest, and field trips and programs support outreach and community engagement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional UIA supports leadership through a student council and opportunities to lead clubs. There are mentoring and professional-skill-building opportunities through Model United Nations, newspaper and media clubs, translation and film-making programs, and other student-led initiatives.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus features a spacious indoor playroom and a dance studio for physical activity and movement. P.E. and Karate lessons are offered. Preschool life emphasizes social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in an all-English setting. Kindergarten life includes science experiments and outdoor play.	Lifestyle & wellbeing UIA promotes wellbeing through sports and fitness programs, Yoga and Movement clubs, and mindfulness activities such as Yoga and meditation. Regular activities include ISTAA-affiliated sports and after-school recreation. The program also includes outdoor activities and field trips that support physical and mental health.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision All-English setting for Preschool and Kindergarten; ESL support available through afterschool programs and Saturday School.	Language provision The medium of instruction is English across Early Years to Upper Secondary. Languages offered as second-language options are French, Hindi, Japanese, and Kokugo. Kokugo provides native-level instruction in Japanese. Non-native English speakers receive ESL support.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching UIA does not offer a bilingual education program. The medium of instruction across Early Years to Upper Secondary is English. Second-language courses are offered in French, Hindi, Japanese, and Kokugo. ESL support is available for non-native English speakers.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards Awards won by UIA (past 5 years) include the following publicly posted recognitions related to Model United Nations and related competitions: - 2022 – Best Delegation at the Diplomatic Youth International Model United Nations (DYIMUN): UIA reported that six students won the Best Delegation award, the highest school-level prize at the conference. - 2023 – Best Delegation at Tokyo International University Model United Nations (TIU MUN): UIA's delegation won the Best Delegation prize, the conference's top award. - 2023 – Global Indian International School Model United Nations (GIISMUN) 2023: Twenty-five UIA students participated; ten were recognized for outstanding performance, including Best Delegate, Best Position Paper, and Verbal Commendations among others. - 2023 – TogetherMUN Korea: Four UIA students were awarded Verbal Commendations for their performance at TogetherMUN Korea. - 2023 – IIMUN @ IISJ (IISJ Model United Nations 2023): UIA students earned individual awards such as High Commendation; for example, Praneel Chakraborty received a High Commendation.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations UIA International School of Tokyo holds several formal accreditations and affiliations that publicly appear on the school's site. These include: - Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge): UIA is described as a Cambridge International School serving Early Years to Grade 12, reflecting use of the Cambridge curriculum across the full age range. This is supported by the site's Cambridge branding and explicit statement of being a Cambridge International School. - Cambridge Early Years Centre (CEYC): UIA received Cambridge accreditation for its Early Years Centre, confirming recognition of the Cambridge Early Years programme at the preschool level. - Cambridge Early Years Curriculum (CEY): UIA publishes Cambridge Early Years Curriculum content, aligning with Cambridge CEY standards for early learning. This underpins the CEYC accreditation and Cambridge pathway into later levels. - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) – initial accreditation visit: UIA notes a WASC initial accreditation visit scheduled for May 7, 2025, indicating ongoing pursuit of WASC accreditation. - Times Higher Education (THE) – university guidance accreditation (Counsellor): UIA announced that its University Counselor, Ms. Mami, received accreditation from Times Higher Education, enhancing the university guidance program. - Times Higher Education (THE) – ongoing THE accreditation: UIA later announced continuing accreditation related to THE as part of its university guidance, published in October 2025. - SENIA membership: UIA renews SENIA membership for 2024–2025, indicating participation in SENIA's inclusive-education community.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions We are currently accepting admissions applications for the 2026/27 school year. Upper Secondary School open for the 2026/27 academic year - Apply today. Mid-year applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. How to Apply: 1) Attend an Information Session. In-person school visits provide invaluable insight into the learning environment where your child will flourish. Information Sessions are held regularly, in both Japanese and English. Sign up for an Information Session or inquire about private school tours. 2) Application, Required Documents & Fees. Application forms for all year groups are available for download. Be sure to check your child's year level eligibility and additional document requirements. Send the documents by registered mail. Examination Fee: Preschool ¥2,200 (no exams; trial lesson fee); Kindergarten ¥10,000; Primary ¥25,000; Secondary ¥35,000. 3) Student Exam and Parent Meeting. Admissions assessments are required for some grade levels. New Preschool and Kindergarten students do not have an admissions assessment, however attending a trial lesson is required; Kindergarteners have in-class assessments for English reading, writing and speaking. Primary & Secondary students are assessed for their English and Math competencies. Results are available within one month of completing the assessment. 4) Enrollment Notification. Enrollment steps include submission of final documents, enrollment fees, ordering uniforms and textbooks, and preparation for the Entrance Ceremony. Welcome to Laurus! Parents will be guided on next steps.	Admissions 1. Review the Admissions Handbook. Download and study the Admissions Handbook to understand the full admissions process and school rules. The handbook also covers class placement, the fee structure, and bus routes, which are important for planning and timelines. This step ensures you know exactly which documents and deadlines apply to your application. 2. Apply and arrange a school tour or inquiry online. Submit the OpenApply registration of interest and you can list up to three possible tour dates. The school welcomes visitors from 9:00 to 15:00, Monday through Friday, and the on-site tour is free of charge. 3. School visit and assessment. During the visit you will receive an overview of UIA's mission, philosophy, and curriculum, followed by an in-school assessment conducted by the academic team with a prior appointment. The assessment can take place on the same day as the visit or on a different day. On the day of the assessment, bring the completed Admissions Application Form (in English or Japanese), all documents listed in Section 8 of the Admissions Handbook, and an application fee of ¥11,000 (non-refundable). Additional items required include proof of date of birth, copies of residence cards, health insurance proof, a Health History Form, a Student-Parent Agreement, copies of the last two years' report cards (for EY3 and above), a letter of recommendation, and a transfer/Leaving certificate if applicable. 4. Respond to admissions decision. After the tour and assessment, the admissions team verifies the documents and sends the results by email within five working days. The parent must acknowledge acceptance within seven business days and pay the initial invoice to secure the admission. The academic decision is final, and the school may cancel admission if any information provided is falsified. 5. Eligibility and placement details. Admissions depend on available vacancy and appropriate class placement, plus submission of all required documents and a valid visa for foreign residents. For Early Years, there may be a one-day trial class; for older grades, applicants are evaluated with a written test.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships UIA offers the Future Leaders Scholarship Program for Grades 9–12. Eligible students must be in or entering Grades 9–12 and have a grade average of A* (90%) or above to be invited to apply. The process requires a written essay and an in-person interview; notices of selection or rejection are final. Scholarships are reviewed on a semester basis and must be maintained at an A* average to continue; if the average falls below 90%, the scholarship is canceled, and renewal is possible if eligibility is reestablished. The scholarship awards 50% of tuition for each eligible grade (two scholarships per grade level: Grades 9–12), and are not combinable with other tuition reductions. End-of-year continuation may be possible if eligibility criteria continue to be met. The application deadline for the current academic year is Friday, April 12th. Scholarships apply to tuition fees only and do not cover other school-related fees. Note: UIA's FAQs indicate that scholarships are not offered for applying students, which may reflect alternative or outdated guidance.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist UIA maintains waiting pools for some year groups due to classroom size limits. Maximum seats per class are EY1: 19–21; Grade 1–12: 24. A child may be placed on the waiting list after completing the application process, passing the assessment with a positive result from the Academic Team, and paying the Admissions Application Fee of ¥11,000. The waiting-list offer is valid for one academic year; if no vacancy opens by the end of the year, families may need to reapply for the next academic year's grade level, and a student cannot be on waiting lists for two different grade levels. Priority on the waiting list is not first-come, first-served; criteria such as gender balance are considered, and the Academic Team makes the final decision. The waiting list is capped at 10 students per grade level for the academic year, and admissions may close once the limit is reached. Waitlisted students should continue their current education and may be asked to provide updated transcripts. UIA will contact families as seats become available and they must respond within 10 working days; starting dates can be chosen within a 3-month window.
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