Saint Maur International School vs The American School in Japan

	S Saint Maur International School Tokyo, Japan	T The American School in Japan Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥2,857,000 - 3,626,000	Fees / year ¥2,987,000 - 3,783,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge IGCSE, Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 470	Pupils 1,731
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1872	Opened 1902
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Saint Maur International School is located at 83 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-8654, Japan. The campus sits in Yamate, a historic, residential district known for its international character and central location in Yokohama. The on-site facilities include Montessori spaces, a Fine Arts Center, a Science Center, and the Cougar Café/Activity Center on a historic yet modern campus.	Location ASIJ operates on two Tokyo campuses: the Chofu Campus at 1-1-1 Nomizu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0031, and the Early Learning Center at 6-16-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032. The Chofu Campus hosts the main school divisions, while the Early Learning Center serves nursery through kindergarten in central Tokyo. The bus system serves neighborhoods across downtown Tokyo and ASIJ provides transport as part of campus life.
Stages	Stages The school serves mixed-gender students from Montessori preschool through Grade 12, covering ages around 2½ years to high school. It offers elementary, middle, and high school divisions, with a unified kindergarten/early years program in the Montessori pathway.	Stages ASIJ is organized into four divisions: the Early Learning Center (Nursery–Kinder), Elementary School (Kinder–5th), Middle School (6th–8th), and High School (9th–12th).
School type	School type Saint Maur operates as a co-educational day international school. It is presented as a Christian-oriented institution with a long-standing community focus; boarding facilities are not described as part of the school's offering, reinforcing its day-school model.	School type ASIJ is a non-profit, co-educational international day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Nationalities represented are reported as approximately 35. The school describes itself as a multi-cultural, multi-national community, but a detailed breakdown by country and the local-to-international ratio is not published.	Pupil nationality mix The school represents students from over 50 nationalities. American families make up about half of the student body, and roughly half of the families are bi-cultural with parents from the United States and Japan.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Saint Maur provides Learning Support through a dedicated Learning Support Coordinator and team, who develop individual educational plans or intervention plans in consultation with families and teachers. Programs include After School Academic Support and an Advisory Program; Elementary and Middle School offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, with a focus on integrating learners into the curriculum. However, due to the school's relatively small size, the range of services is limited and some accommodations may be bounded by institutional capacity.	Additional learning support ASIJ offers a K–12 learning support program for students with mild learning needs. Each applicant is reviewed individually to determine whether the school can support their learning needs within the curriculum.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is stated; the school is an international institution based in Yokohama, Japan.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Saint Maur has a Christian orientation and Catholic roots. It is described as a Catholic-founded school with moral values guiding the community, and it traces its origins to the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure A typical day begins around 8:00 a.m. For older students, dismissal commonly occurs around 3:20 p.m.; Montessori students may be dismissed earlier, around 2:15 p.m. Early releases on Wednesdays are noted in calendars; a Prime Time program provides on-site supervision from 7:30–8:15 a.m. and 3:15–6:00 p.m. on specified days. Lunch is served by an outsourced cafeteria service.	School day structure At the Chofu campus, classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. The Early Learning Center schedule runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details Saint Maur does not operate a dedicated school bus service; students generally use local transportation or cycle to campus.	Bus service details ASIJ operates a transportation system with 33 buses serving about 276 bus stops across downtown Tokyo. About 1,300 riders use the buses daily. The fleet includes GPS tracking, two-way radios, iPhones, seat belts, and 170 bus monitors. Parents may ride the bus to school for events at no charge.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and one‑time enrollment fees - Application fee: JPY 35,000, payable at the time of application. - Registration fee (newly accepted students): JPY 950,000; non‑refundable and payable within the timeframe required after acceptance. - Reservation fee (re‑enrolling or securing a place): JPY 300,000 (may be credited toward tuition when re‑enrolment is completed). Annual tuition fees (by program / year group) — stated annual amounts and how they are applied - Montessori (half‑day): JPY 1,663,000 per year. - Montessori (full‑day): JPY 2,557,000 per year. - Pre‑1st Grade: JPY 2,752,000 per year. - Elementary (Grades 1–5): JPY 3,072,000 per year. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): JPY 3,142,000 per year. - High School Grade 9: JPY 3,142,000 per year. - High School Grades 10–11: JPY 3,153,000 per year. - High School Grade 12: JPY 3,326,000 per year. Per‑term / instalment detail - Tuition is payable in two instalments. The standard instalment schedule is: first instalment due by the end of May and second instalment due by the end of November. Each instalment is equal to one half of the annual tuition unless otherwise stated. - Late or mid‑term enrolment may be charged pro‑rated tuition based on academic quarters; any portion of a quarter attended is billed as the full quarter amount. Recurring annual additional fees - Annual Campus Development and Maintenance Fund (per child): JPY 300,000 (listed separately from tuition). - Annual PSG (Parent Support Group) dues: JPY 2,000 per family (annual). - Student Council fees (for Grades 6 and above): Middle School JPY 1,000; High School JPY 2,000 (annual). - Textbooks, external examination fees (for IB/IGCSE/PSAT) and school medical examinations are covered by the tuition charge; other optional items or activities may incur separate charges. Other programs and their fees - Prime Time (before / after school supervision for younger children): spot reservation JPY 1,500 per hour per child; multi‑day plan options and fixed half‑year/monthly plans are available with published rates (examples: Plan A up to 3 days/week JPY 100,000 per half‑year; Plan C up to 5 days/week JPY 160,000 per half‑year). Prime Time fees are billed as described in the Prime Time programme terms. - Summer school and holiday programmes: published per‑course tuition applies; cancellation and refund deadlines apply to these programmes (example refund schedule listed for summer school cancellations). - Uniforms, team kit, certain extracurricular activities and personal music lessons are additional costs and are billed or purchased separately; the school requires uniforms but specific uniform pricing is handled at point of purchase. Boarding fees - Not applicable. Saint Maur operates as a day school and does not provide boarding accommodation. Families should plan for daily commuting rather than on‑campus residence. Refunds and withdrawal - No refunds are issued for withdrawals that occur during the half‑year payment periods (the half‑years run August–December and January–June); mid‑term withdrawals therefore do not result in a refund for the half‑year already billed. Summer school and short courses have their own cancellation/refund deadlines. Billing schedule and payment terms (summary) - Instalment schedule: first instalment due by end of May; second instalment due by end of November. Each instalment equals half the annual tuition unless another schedule is agreed. The Registration Fee and other one‑time fees carry the payment deadlines described above and are non‑refundable when so stated. Late enrolment may be billed pro‑rata by quarter. Accepted currencies and methods of payment - All school payments are accepted in Japanese Yen (JPY) only. All bank charges for international transfers are borne by the remitter. - Bank transfer options: Bank of Yokohama (Honmoku branch) and Japan Post (Yucho) accounts are provided for JPY transfers. SWIFT details are supplied for international wire transfers. - Credit card payments: an online payment process via the school's inquiry/admissions channel is available for card payments; the admissions office will process credit‑card payments via that route. In‑person payment at the main office is also accepted for certain fees. Discounts, corporate contribution plan and sibling arrangements - A corporate contribution plan is offered for companies sending employees' children to the school; details and enrolment are managed through the school's admissions/finance office. Sibling discounts, if any, are not listed as a standard published item and should be discussed with admissions/finance. Notes for budgeting - A family enrolling a child for the first year should budget for the one‑time non‑refundable Registration Fee and the Application Fee in addition to the annual tuition and the Campus Development and Maintenance Fund. Example first‑year totals combine the listed one‑time fees with the annual tuition and development fund shown above. Annual recurring charges (PSG dues, Student Council fees where applicable) should also be included in ongoing budgets. (Information compiled from the school's published tuition/fees notes and recent fee summaries for the current academic year.)	Fee details Application & one-time fees - Application fee: ¥50,000 (non-refundable). - Registration fee (seat deposit): ¥300,000 (non-refundable). - Building Maintenance Fee (one-time): ¥1,525,000 (non-refundable). - Re‑enrollment fee: described as a non‑refundable tuition deposit that secures a seat and is applied to the first tuition installment (amount not listed on the tuition summary page). Annual fees and capital assessment - Capital Assessment (annual): ¥250,000 (non-refundable). Annual tuition — amounts by year group (2025–26) - Nursery–Pre‑K: ¥2,987,000 per year. - Kinder–Grade 5: ¥3,269,000 per year. - Grade 6–8: ¥3,425,000 per year. - Grade 9–12: ¥3,533,000 per year. (These tuition amounts are refundable as noted by the school's published schedule.) Per‑term / billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and fees (except the application fee) are due in full upon receipt of the school's invoice. Individuals paying from personal funds may request an installment plan through the Accounting Office; corporations/organizations are not eligible for the installment option. A carrying charge applies to installment arrangements. - Tuition and other fees are payable by bank transfer only. Application fees may be paid by credit card or bank transfer. All payments are accepted in Japanese yen. The billing office email provided for payment enquiries and invoice requests is billing@asij.ac.jp. - For students enrolled after the school year starts, tuition and bus fees are calculated based on academic quarters; attendance for any portion of a quarter requires payment for the entire quarter. Delinquent accounts can result in prohibition from class attendance and/or withholding of grades, transcripts, or other records. Per‑term amounts / instalments (note on availability of detailed schedule) - The publicly posted tuition page lists the annual totals above and explains billing, instalment eligibility and quarter‑based proration for late enrollment. A detailed Schedule of Tuition & Fees is provided by the school and itemises invoice and instalment amounts; the tuition page links to that schedule for the full, itemised per‑term breakdown. The tuition page itself does not display every per‑term numeric split directly in the summary text. Transportation (bus) fees - Annual regular bus service fee: ¥390,000 per student. The bus fee may be prorated on a quarter basis if necessary. ASIJ is not obligated to provide bus service if a family's housing location is outside existing routes. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. ASIJ operates two campuses (Early Learning Center and the Chofu campus) as a day school for nursery through high school students. Other costs and typical additional charges - Travel programs and curricular/co‑curricular trips: most trip costs are the responsibility of families; costs vary by trip and will be published with payment deadlines. Certain exceptions (e.g., Grade 5 trip, Middle School Extended Campus Program and some High School Exploration Program trips) are noted as school exceptions. - Food services: on‑campus hot meal program and other food services at the Chofu Campus are charged separately; an optional lunch delivery service is available at the Early Learning Center. Menu pricing is published with the food program information. - Technology requirements: students in Grades 3–5 are required to have an iPad; students in Grades 6–12 are required to have a MacBook (specifications and purchase details are provided by the school). - Uniforms are not listed as a mandatory school charge on the tuition/fees summary; no compulsory uniform fee is published on the tuition page. Refund information - To be eligible for a refund of tuition and bus fees for any full academic quarter during which the student will not attend, parents must notify the school in writing of the student's last expected day of attendance. That written notification must be received by the first day of classes in August (if withdrawing during the first semester) or by the first day of the second semester (if withdrawing during the second semester). Tuition and bus fee refunds are calculated on the quarter basis described above. Fee payment options - Currency accepted: Japanese yen. - Application fee: acceptable by credit card or bank transfer. - Tuition and other recurring fees: bank transfer only. - Invoice and detailed payment instructions are issued by the school's billing office; families may request information about the installment program from the Accounting/Billing Office (a carrying charge applies).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school and does not offer boarding or homestay options; students live with their parent/guardian in Tokyo during enrollment; instruction is in English.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Saint Maur requires a school uniform. The uniform system includes a summer uniform, a regular (winter/formal) uniform, and a PE uniform. Uniform items are purchased via Top of the Class, the school's uniform vendor.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The cafeteria is outsourced to Cesar's Kitchen, providing breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. The program is mindful of allergies and religious/national dietary needs, and parents can view meals and manage cafeteria accounts via Cesar's website.	Food options The cafeteria offers hot meals with a vegetarian option and a salad bar every day; the kiosk provides ready-made salads, sandwiches, soup of the day, fruit, freshly baked items, snacks and beverages including coffee.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Saint Maur International School is governed by two boards: the Board of Directors, which handles fiduciary and strategic oversight, and the Board of Trustees, which provides advisory input. The school was established by the Infant Jesus Sisters and reflects its Catholic foundation.	Governance and ownership The school is formed as a gakko hojin (incorporated educational institution) under Japan's Private School Law and is a non-profit, tax-exempt entity. The governance structure includes a Board of Directors, a Board of Trustees, and two independent Statutory Auditors; Directors oversee the school's mission and finances, Trustees approve fundamental matters and budgets, and the Auditors oversee governance and finances.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Saint Maur International School offers Montessori Kindergarten (2½ years and up) through High School (Grade 12), organized as Montessori, Elementary, Middle School, and High School. In Elementary School, the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) forms the base for History, Science, Social Studies and Geography, with a program that also includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Japanese, EAL, Religious Studies, PSHE, Technology, Art, Music, Physical Education, Maker Space and Library Skills. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), students study English, Natural Science, Mathematics, Social Studies (Geography in Grades 6–7 and World History in Grade 8), Technology, Fine Arts, and World Language (Japanese plus French or Spanish); Grade 8 offers electives such as IGCSE Computer Science, IGCSE Visual Arts, IGCSE Drama and IGCSE Music, with a second-language option (Japanese, IGCSE French B or IGCSE Spanish B). In High School (Grades 9–12), students follow the IGCSE pathway in Grades 9–10 and enter the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grade 11, with six IB subjects chosen from about 22 offerings; there is one non-IB option (International Relations) and external exams include IB, IGCSE, PSAT and SAT. Languages are taught from early middle school through Grade 12 in French and Spanish, with preparation for IGCSE and IB, including IGCSE French B and IGCSE Spanish B as available options.	Curriculum details The American School in Japan (ASIJ) offers an English-language, American-style curriculum from the Early Learning Center through Grade 12, operating on two Tokyo campuses. The Elementary School (ages five to 11) emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy with social-emotional development and inquiry-based learning aligned to the school's Portrait of a Learner competencies. The Middle School (grades 6–8) provides a broad, hands-on program with daily Advisory and an Approaches to Learning framework, plus exposure to language, humanities, science, math, arts, and electives and regular extended-campus experiences. The High School (grades 9–12) leads to an ASIJ diploma requiring four years and 22 credits, and offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses (including the AP Capstone Diploma), with opportunities for concurrent enrollment via Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) and a personalized pathway through the IMPACT program. For the Class of 2026 and beyond, graduation requirements increase to 24 credits, with Wellness: Physical Education & Health and new elements such as Design and Innovation and digital-literacy components replacing or augmenting prior offerings.
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 Saint Maur supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its pastoral team, which provides learning and emotional support to students. In Elementary School, the homeroom program fosters a positive classroom environment and helps students develop interpersonal skills, teamwork, and problem-solving. A Secondary Advisory Program assigns an advisory teacher to support student progress in assessments and overall wellbeing. An on-site bilingual counselor (English and Japanese) is available to assist students with personal and emotional concerns in a confidential setting. Referrals can be made by teachers, parents, or students, and, when appropriate, referrals to external counseling can be arranged.	Social & emotional learning ASIJ identifies social emotional learning (SEL) as a strategic priority and has engaged external expertise to support its implementation, notably with the Institute for Social and Emotional Learning (IFSEL). The school notes SEL as a priority within its Strategic Design Framework and has integrated SEL into professional learning and family engagement, including parent workshops. Vision of Learning presents SEL as a core component, with a dedicated SEL crest and a focus on interpersonal, intercultural, and collaboration skills. These elements show that SEL is embedded in ASIJ's approach to learning and wellbeing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Saint Maur has a Learning Support team that provides individualized support through an IEP or intervention plan created in consultation with the Learning Support Committee, teachers, and parents. The student body includes a small percentage of students with special learning needs. Availability of special needs services is limited due to the school's size. The Learning Support Coordinator plans the support with the committee, teachers, and parents, with frequent review meetings to track progress. The admissions criteria note that the level of learning support is limited and that the school may not be able to accommodate students with substantial needs, with probationary/conditional admission used in some cases.	Special educational needs (SEN) ASIJ states a learning support program for mild learning needs from kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12). Each applicant is reviewed individually to assess whether ASIJ can support their learning needs within the school curriculum. Public materials do not specify a broader range of Special Educational Needs or indicate that ASIJ operates as a dedicated SEN specialist institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) support exists in the Elementary International section, providing push-in and/or pull-out support for beginning language learners. The lessons are tailored to students' language needs and focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing to access the curriculum and cope with language demands. Specialists from the Student Support team, including Learning Support teachers, work with students, parents, and teachers to provide support for students who may require additional assistance or minor learning differences.	English as an additional language ASIJ offers a language support program in grades 1–8 to support multiple language learners, alongside English as the medium of instruction. English language instruction remains the primary medium for communication at the school.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Saint Maur offers mental wellbeing support through its Learning & Emotional Support program. The school has an on-site bilingual (English and Japanese) counselor who is available to assist students and provide a confidential, supportive environment. Referrals can be made by teachers, parents, or students, and sessions can be arranged as individual, group, or family appointments depending on need. The pastoral team and leadership emphasize student wellbeing and privacy, and referrals to external counseling agencies can be made when appropriate.	Mental wellbeing ASIJ places emphasis on student wellbeing, supported by safeguarding structures and a dedicated safeguarding coordinator who acts as a school counselor. Safeguarding procedures include annual training for staff and background checks for all employees, along with a safeguarding policy and handbook. The Vision of Learning also ties wellbeing to Global Citizenship, underscoring the school's commitment to well-being as part of its learning framework.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Saint Maur maintains Safeguarding and Child Protection policies to promote wellbeing and protect students from harm, including procedures for reporting concerns. Safe recruitment is conducted for all staff, with reference checks and eligibility to work with children assessed according to country requirements. A Safeguarding Team oversees policies and on-campus safety, with guidelines for visitors and a Child Protection Handbook. All adults on campus, including contractors and regular volunteers, must complete child protection training and sign the school's Code of Conduct. Contact details for safeguarding resources and reporting concerns are published by the school.	Safeguarding ASIJ's safeguarding framework centers on a full-time Safeguarding Coordinator, Level 2 Keeping Children Safe certification, a safeguarding policy and handbook, and annual safeguarding training. There are background checks for all employees and a Code of Conduct for faculty and staff. The safeguarding coordinator is Emily Hopwood, and the school articulates formal safeguarding procedures aligned with accrediting bodies such as WASC, CIS and Keeping Children Safe.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Saint Maur campus comprises five main buildings in Yokohama's Yamate district, including an award-winning Fine Arts Center, a state-of-the-art Science Center, academic buildings, and the Cougar Café, Activity & Sports Center. The campus includes a library, a cafeteria, robotic and computer labs, recreation halls, and several outdoor play areas. The Cougar Café, Activity & Sports Center opened in 2021 and provides a cafeteria, a competitive indoor sports area with a spectator area, and two additional activity rooms. The Montessori Building houses Pre-School, Early Years & Recreation Centre, with a Maker Space and a rooftop for outdoor play. Outdoor facilities include Peverley Place, a three-minute walk away, plus additional outdoor recreation spaces and roof spaces. The Science Center features four labs (about 450 m²) and solar panels on the roof.	Facilities overview ASIJ operates on two campuses: the Chofu campus for elementary through high school, and the Early Learning Center in Roppongi Hills for nursery through kindergarten. Learning spaces are flexible and technology-enabled, with specialist spaces for art, music, design, robotics, and science. Each division has an age-appropriate library with print and digital resources, and the elementary library includes a maker space. Athletic facilities include a main field, a middle school field, gyms, and a 25-meter indoor pool. Creative and performing spaces include dedicated music rooms, a video studio, art rooms, the Japan Center for authentic cultural experiences, and expansive outdoor learning spaces around a central courtyard.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Cougar Café, Activity & Sports Center provides a gymnasium and indoor sports area with spectator seating. The facility spans over 800 m² and includes digital scoreboards and a high-quality sound system. Peverley Place is the main outdoor sports area, located a three-minute walk from the main campus. Outdoor spaces include a large recreation facility and two large outdoor roof spaces for activities.	Sports facilities ASIJ's athletic spaces include a main field with artificial turf and a middle school field for day use and after-school activities. The campuses house gyms for PE and activities, six rooftop tennis courts with lighting, and a 25-meter indoor pool used year-round. A fitness center and a wrestling/gymnastics room support strength training and a wide range of physical education programs.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Science Center, completed in 2011, hosts science classes and robotics with four labs totaling 450 m² and moveable benches. Solar panels on the roof support sustainable energy use. The campus library provides a substantial collection for study and research. The Montessori Building houses Pre-School and Early Years classrooms, three Elementary classrooms, a Maker Space, and rooftop outdoor play.	Academic facilities ASIJ maintains libraries in each division with print and digital resources to support literacy and inquiry, including a maker space in the elementary library. The school provides design, robotics, and science laboratories equipped for hands-on learning. Middle and high school students have access to a digital composition space, a video studio, and dedicated music rooms for performance and production.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Fine Arts Center houses Music, Drama and Visual Arts and includes an acoustically designed auditorium for performances and a chapel for religious ceremonies. The Montessori Building includes a Maker Space for hands-on projects. The campus supports clubs and performances with on-site rehearsal rooms and spaces for arts and robotics activities. Outdoor spaces and the Sports Grounds support PE, clubs and events throughout the year.	Extra curricular facilities ASIJ offers more than 170 co-curricular activities across divisions. The Japan Center provides authentic Japanese cultural experiences and partnerships with local institutions. Outdoor spaces, courtyards, and the campus facilities support outdoor learning and community events.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Saint Maur International School was founded in 1872 by the Infant Jesus Sisters from the Saint Maur Rue in Paris. It has remained on its hilltop Yokohama campus since its founding, overlooking the port. The school has endured natural disasters and war, rebuilding and adapting through the eras to educate the international community. In 1947, Sister Carmel O'Keeffe was sent to Japan to reopen the school and would serve as principal from 1967 to 1991, guiding its postwar development. In the 21st century, Saint Maur expanded its facilities and programs to support a growing, diverse student body.	History ASIJ's history begins in 1902 with the Tokyo School for Foreign Children, which started in rented rooms at the Kanda YMCA and later moved to other sites as the school expanded. It moved to the Tsukiji area, then to the Shibaura site by 1921, and in 1927 opened the Nakameguro campus with Antonin Raymond assisting in the redesign. The Chofu campus opened in 1963, introducing the iconic elementary building and subsequent expansions for the high school, gym, and theater. The Community Nursery School in Roppongi merged with ASIJ in 1968 and relocated to Nakameguro in 1973, enlarging ASIJ's early childhood offerings. ASIJ celebrated its Centennial in 2002 with a series of events in Tokyo and an alumni reception in San Francisco.
Community	Community Saint Maur emphasizes a strong, family-like community that fosters cross-cultural interactions. The campus hosts a range of activities and clubs that involve students, families and staff. The school's community groups include the Parent Support Group (PSG), the Saint Maur Charity Committee, and an active Alumni Network, all of which contribute to events and service projects throughout the year.	Community ASIJ has a highly engaged community of families, faculty, and students, supported by hundreds of active PTA members. The PTA contributes thousands of volunteer hours each year to create a welcoming, connected environment and to coordinate community events. Parents volunteer as mystery readers, chaperones for trips, and library helpers, and participate in campus celebrations such as the elementary Halloween Parade and the Senior Walk. Spirit Day is a signature ASIJ event that showcases the breadth of the school's life, with over 170 co-curricular activities and extensive student and parent participation coordinated through the PTA.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Saint Maur's Parent Support Group (PSG) functions as the school's parent-teacher association, run by volunteers and automatically includes all parents of Saint Maur students. The PSG organizes activities and events for parents, students and staff, including Welcome Meetings, monthly Coffee Mornings with guest speakers, the Welcome Picnic, and social events, bake sales at Fine Arts performances, and the annual Christmas Bazaar. It supports school life through volunteer participation and fundraising to enhance student activities and events. The Saint Maur Charity Committee coordinates charity projects that involve the entire school community in service and fundraising. Alumni relations are coordinated through the Alumni Group, which helps connect current students with Saint Maur graduates for events and mentoring. Through these volunteer-led efforts, the PSG and related groups help sustain a collaborative atmosphere across the school.	Parent teacher association ASIJ's Parent Teacher Association is a central, active organization with hundreds of members who contribute thousands of volunteer hours annually. PTA volunteers support day-to-day life by serving as mystery readers, trip chaperones, library helpers, and by organizing events such as the elementary Halloween Parade and the Senior Walk. Spirit Day is a flagship PTA-driven event, with a Booster Committee coordinating food booths, vendor logistics, and special visits such as performing guests; the event illustrates the scale of PTA-led community activities. The PTA also helps coordinate hundreds of co-curricular opportunities and connects families, faculty, and students across campuses. Parents participate in ASIJ governance, with opportunities to serve on the Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and various committees, and they are encouraged to share their professions, expertise, and hobbies with classrooms.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Saint Maur offers a range of academic enrichment beyond the classroom. Elementary clubs include athletic activities, dance, Lego, crafts, arts, cooking, woodworking, robotics, and martial arts. In secondary, students participate in competitive, academically oriented activities and in Model United Nations (MUN) through the KPASS network, with teams attending multiple conferences in Tokyo. After-school sessions for elementary clubs run on Monday, Tuesday (sports emphasis), Thursday and Friday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.	Academic & intellectual ASIJ offers extensive co-curriculars beyond class. STEM is active with VEX Robotics, iGEM, and NEA math and International Academic Competitions. A Space Conference with NASA and JAXA broadens exposure, and the Computer Science Club develops coding and problem solving skills.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Saint Maur's arts program spans music, drama, and visual arts. The Music Department provides opportunities to learn, perform, and study music across grade levels, including instrumental study and IGCSE/IB Music options in high school. The school collaborates with external institutions, including Tokyo College of Music, to enrich ensembles and performances. The campus hosts drama and visual arts activities supported by dedicated faculty and showcases through performances and exhibitions.	Arts & creative Arts range from ELC hula to traditional Japanese theater in upper grades. Divisions stage annual musicals, and students can join Kanto Plain honor band, choir, orchestra, and AMIS programs.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Saint Maur is multinational and multifaith, uniting students from over 40 nationalities in a global community. Language clubs and cultural societies form part of student life, complemented by the school's emphasis on global citizenship through its Saint Maur Essential Outcomes. The school participates in Model United Nations conferences and other international exchanges to develop cross-cultural understanding and global awareness.	Cultural & language Model UN and Amnesty International are offered as part of cultural and global awareness. Service activities include the elementary rice project and Habitat for Humanity trips.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Saint Maur offers a broad range of social and hobby clubs. Elementary and middle/high school students participate in sports and non-sport clubs, including Ping Pong Club, Tennis Club, and Running Club, with activities scheduled after school. Elementary clubs cover athletic activities, dance, Lego, crafts, arts, cooking, woodworking, robotics, and martial arts, offered on Monday, Tuesday (sports emphasis), Thursday and Friday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. The campus hosts outside clubs and associations year-round, expanding opportunities for students to pursue their interests.	Social & hobbies ASIJ has over 170 co-curriculars. High school offers 15 sports; middle school offers 20. The arts include musicals, ASIJ TV, and VEX robotics.
Community & service	Community & service Saint Maur runs a Charity Committee that engages students, teachers, and families in fundraising and outreach projects. The school community also organizes service-oriented activities through the Saint Maur Charity Committee and related initiatives. The Parent Support Group (PSG) coordinates events and volunteer activities for the school community, enhancing engagement among families and staff.	Community & service Service includes Model UN, Amnesty, and 25 projects. There are over 600 service group members and activities such as rice projects and Habitat trips.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Saint Maur promotes leadership and professional development through its Saint Maur Essential Outcomes, which emphasize global citizenship, moral citizenship, and lifelong learning. Participation in Model United Nations helps students develop research, collaboration, public speaking, and diplomatic skills. The school has hosted and sent students to multiple MUN conferences, including TJMUN and other KPASS events, contributing to leadership growth and international engagement.	Leadership & professional Leadership develops through debate and public speaking opportunities in high school. The program encourages exploration beyond predefined tracks and involvement in clubs, service groups, and athletics.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and fitness are integrated into school life with seasonal teams and clubs in cross country, volleyball, basketball, and soccer, among others. The campus also supports wellness and emotional well-being through on-site counseling and guidance services. Additionally, adult enrichment options on campus include Wellness-related activities such as Yoga, which complements the school's emphasis on balanced, healthy living for the broader Saint Maur community.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is promoted through athletics and the Positive Coaching Alliance partnership. Karate and kendo are offered across divisions; musicals and ASIJ TV provide creative outlets.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English, French, Spanish, and Japanese are taught at Saint Maur. English is the primary language of instruction in most programs, with IGCSE and IB English offerings, and language support for non-native speakers including the Linguist of the Year award. French is taught through the French & Spanish Department and the École Française, including CNED‑based options for distance French study, with daily French sessions for early learners. Spanish is offered within the French & Spanish Department, and Japanese is taught from Grade 1 through Grade 12 with three courses (A, B, and H) aligned to IB and AP.	Language provision ASIJ's language provision centers on English as the language of instruction. Japanese is taught as a foreign language beginning in first grade (Chofu campus), with formal Japanese as a Foreign Language instruction documented for Grades 1–2 and Grades 3–5. In addition, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are offered as foreign‑language options, with high school students able to pursue Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish as part of their language track. The school provides an English Language Learners (ELL) support program for non‑native English speakers in grades 1–8. In the Early Learning Center, language and cultural experiences, including Japanese language exposure, are integrated into daily learning.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Saint Maur offers a bilingual program through the École Française on campus. In the youngest year groups, Kindergarten is English‑medium, and daily French language sessions are offered for pupils who join École Française in the final year of kindergarten. From Kindergarten through CM2, the French program is delivered in a bilingual format, with English-language instruction integrated in the Elementary International Section. Approximately 20% of school time is dedicated to English instruction, including music and physical education.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs École Française emphasizes cultural immersion through a team of four native speakers (France, Canada, Spain, and Colombia) who integrate language learning with cultural experiences. The school follows a French curriculum and provides CNED‑based French study options after the regular day; CNED sessions include Saturday morning French language offerings for early years, with CNED enrollment available at multiple levels. In Elementary, selected lessons and activities are conducted in English as part of the International Section, and about 20% of school time is in English.	Immersion programs ASIJ does not publish a year‑round language‑immersion program. Immersion opportunities exist in summer through the ASIJ Summer Passport program, a three‑week session in which most classes are taught in English, while native Japanese classes are offered to heritage speakers in grades 2, 3, 4 and 5–9. The Summer Passport program includes language arts, mathematics, technology, the arts, and sports, with native Japanese language study included as part of the curriculum. It serves as ASIJ's primary immersion‑style offering for language development during the summer.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations The American School in Japan (ASIJ) holds two primary accreditations publicized by the school: - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation. WASC is a regional accrediting body that evaluates schools to ensure they meet established standards for quality and continuous improvement, supporting ASIJ's American-style college-preparatory program. - Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation. CIS is a global organization that provides international school accreditation against international standards, reflecting ASIJ's compliance with high-quality international-school practices.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1. Inquiry: Begin by submitting an online pre-application Inquiry Form to determine eligibility for Saint Maur International School. The submission assigns the correct staff to the file and allows clarifying questions to be asked. After an inquiry is submitted, a family may visit the school if they are eligible for admission. Important eligibility notes: Saint Maur is a day-school that considers applicants who reside in Japan with one or both parents; a non-Japanese student must have a proper residential visa; at least one parent must speak and read English fluently to engage in the partnership with the school; the campus is not barrier-free. Step 2. Application: If the family is eligible to apply, they receive an admissions link. The application requires copies of passport(s) and two years of academic records in English (with exceptions for the French school), and contact details for two Confidential Teacher's Recommendations. For preschool, some documentation may be limited. An application fee is collected, paid by credit card, and the fee is ¥25,000 per student. Payment can proceed via online credit card, bank transfer, or other payment methods listed by the admissions portal. Step 3. Evaluations (Grades 4–11): All incoming students from Grade 4 through 11 are evaluated prior to acceptance. Evaluations cover English language skills and Mathematics and may be conducted remotely for applicants outside Japan or unable to travel. Step 4. Evaluations (Grades 1–3): All incoming students from Grade 1 through 3 are also evaluated prior to acceptance. For students not in Japan or unable to travel, a tentative acceptance may be issued with the actual evaluation taking place on arrival before starting classes. Step 5. Acceptance: A full acceptance or probationary/conditional acceptance may be issued to allow enrollment. For students living in Japan, the family has five business days to decide and enroll; an enrollment Registration fee is collected. For students outside Japan, the family is given ten business days to decide. Step 6. Waiting Pool: If an opening is not available, the student will be placed in the Waiting Pool. Waiting Pool Guidelines exist, and the waiting pool is not sequentially structured; Saint Maur will prioritize accepting the best overall match for the school.	Admissions Step 1: Inquiry and open houses. The process starts with submitting the ASIJ INQUIRY FORM to share your family's needs and educational goals. Completing the inquiry gives you access to register for Open House sessions at ASIJ's campuses. Open House dates for the 2025–26 school year include October 2 and 16, November 6 and 13, and December 4 in 2025, with additional sessions in January and February 2026; pre-registration is required and space is limited. Step 2: Create an admission portal account and begin the online application. After submitting the inquiry, you will receive guidance to open an application account (Veracross) to start the online application. Within the portal you will see a checklist and can begin the Online Application Form, then submit the required items on the Admission Portal. Applications for the 2026–27 school year open in November 2025, and the portal supports multiple applicants for a family, though you should sign up for only ONE child to avoid duplicates. Step 3: Submit required documents on the Admission Portal. The required items vary by grade but typically include school reports or transcripts when available, and confidential teacher recommendations. Recommendations in languages other than English are acceptable, though English is preferred, and translations may be requested at your expense. You may also need mid-year report cards for certain grades; the admissions portal guides you on exactly what to upload for Nursery–Kindergarten through Grade 1. Step 4: Initial review and possible screening. There is no general entrance examination. The Admissions team reviews school reports, test scores, and recommendations, and may request academic, English, or other screening prior to a decision. The process focuses on alignment with ASIJ's philosophy, diversity balance, resource availability, and the school's English-medium education requirement. Local and overseas applicants are both considered during this review. Step 5: Admissions decision timeline. Admissions decisions typically begin in late February or early March and continue through the summer. Decisions consider how well the family's educational goals align with ASIJ's approach, as well as current seat availability and the school's ability to support the applicant. Both local and overseas applicants are evaluated within this timeline. Step 6: Offer, acceptance, and enrollment. If admitted, families receive an admissions decision and must respond to secure a seat. To finalize enrollment, the non-refundable Registration Fee of ¥300,000 is due, and the seat is reserved for the first day of school; additional annual fees and tuition apply as outlined below. Annual fees include Capital Assessment of ¥250,000 (non-refundable) and Building Maintenance Fee of ¥1,525,000 (non-refundable). 2025–26 tuition is ¥2,987,000 for Nursery–Pre-K, ¥3,269,000 for Kindergarten–Grade 5, ¥3,425,000 for Grades 6–8, and ¥3,533,000 for Grades 9–12. Bus service is available for ¥390,000 per year, with pricing for trips, meals, and technology requirements published in advance. Tuition and fees are due upon receipt of the invoice in Japanese yen; personal installment plans may be available. Corporate Contribution Program offers a way for participating organizations to sponsor educational benefits, potentially reducing the net cost to families through corporate funding and scholarships funded by the program. Step 7: Language and campus logistics. One or both parents must be fluent in English to ensure effective communication and support for the child's education; English is the medium for all ASIJ communications. If language support is needed, ASIJ provides programs for language learners in Grades 1–8. Kindergarten is offered at two campuses—ELC in Roppongi and K–12 in Chofu—and applicants should indicate their campus preference during the application. ASIJ also notes mid-year transfer considerations, with the school year running August to June and certain transfer rules for families already in Tokyo.
Scholarships	Scholarships Saint Maur International School does not publish a scholarships program on its site. The Tuition Fees page outlines non-refundable fees (including Application Fee and Registration Fee) and various School Fees (such as Tuition Fee, Campus Development and Maintenance Fund, PSG Dues, and Student Council Fees) as well as policies on payments and late enrollment. There is a Corporate Contribution Plan for companies wishing to sponsor employee children, but no formal need- or merit-based scholarship program is described.	Scholarships ASIJ does not offer scholarships or need-based financial aid for new applicants. The admissions page states clearly that new applicants are not eligible for scholarships or financial aid. The school does offer a Corporate Contribution Program, which allows participating corporations to donate to ASIJ to fund corporate scholarships for dependents of employees; this program can influence admissions decisions as part of consideration of overall enrollment. ASIJ also maintains a Financial Aid Endowment fund with various named funds that support financial aid in general, though specific award processes and eligibility are not detailed publicly. Families should consider corporate sponsorship options if applicable and note that donor-funded financial support exists as part of the school's long-term financial structure.
Waitlist	Waitlist Yes. Saint Maur uses a Waiting Pool for cases where no immediate opening exists. The Waiting Pool is not sequentially structured, and the school will typically select the best overall match for the program when an opening becomes available. Waiting Pool Guidelines are published by the school.	Waitlist ASIJ does not publish a formal waitlist or pool system on its admissions materials. Admissions decisions are driven by seat availability and the school's stated criteria, including alignment with ASIJ's philosophy, diversity goals, and resource capacity. Mid-year transfers are subject to seat availability and campus policies, and local applicants may face timing constraints due to the August–June school year. In practice, families may need to plan around the annual admissions cycle (with decisions typically issued from late February through the summer) rather than a published waitlist.
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