St. Mary's International School vs The American School in Japan

	S St. Mary's International School Tokyo, Japan	T The American School in Japan Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥2,850,000 - 3,000,000	Fees / year ¥2,987,000 - 3,783,000
Age range	Age range 5 - 19 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Boys School	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Catholic Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 1,731
Typical class size	Typical class size 21	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1954	Opened 1902
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location St. Mary's International School is located at 1-6-19 Seta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8668, Japan. Setagaya is a western Tokyo ward with residential neighborhoods and good rail connections to central Tokyo. The campus is accessible by multiple train lines and the school operates its own bus network to support travel around Tokyo.	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 provides a K–12 program, comprising an elementary school, a middle school (junior high), and a high school, all on the Setagaya campus.	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 St. Mary's International School is a single-sex, all-boys international school.	School type ASIJ is a non-profit, co-educational international day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Students come from around 45–50 countries, reflecting a strong international mix. The most common nationality is not publicly published, and there is a mix of international and Japanese students.	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 Student Support Services include Learning Support, Academic Support, English Language Support, a School Nurse, and a Campus Minister. The school aims to accommodate a range of learning differences but notes that it may not be able to support all needs; full disclosure during admissions is requested.	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 The school is Catholic in affiliation.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Catholic.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure Elementary hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. with buses leaving at 3:20 p.m.; Middle School runs 8:25 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. with a 3:20 p.m. bus and campus-off time by 5:00 p.m.; High School operates 8:25 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. with lunch 11:00–11:55 a.m.	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 The school operates its own bus network with a fleet of buses serving Tokyo; typical routes include Futako-Tamagawa Station on the Den-en-toshi Line and other connections. After-school buses are used to transport students, with the middle school bus schedule noted as leaving promptly at 3:20 p.m. (the fleet is owned by the school).	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 Admission Fees - Application fee: ¥50,000 (non‑refundable). - Registration fee (new students): ¥400,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable). - Development Fund (new students): ¥1,000,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable). Annual and Per‑Year Tuition (School Year 2025–2026) - Elementary School tuition: ¥2,700,000 per year. - Middle School tuition: ¥2,800,000 per year. - High School tuition: ¥2,850,000 per year. Per‑term / Billing schedule - The school publishes a full, school‑year Tuition & Fees schedule (School Year 2025–26) that contains the detailed billing schedule and installment information for the year; that document is the school's official tuition & fees schedule. For specifics of term‑by‑term billing and exact installment due dates you should use the school's published 2025–26 Tuition & Fees schedule. Fees for Returning Students - Re‑Enrollment Seat Deposit: ¥300,000 (non‑refundable; credited toward tuition). - Building Maintenance (annual): ¥150,000 (returning students). - Tuition for returning students is the same annual amount by level as above (Elementary ¥2,700,000; Middle ¥2,800,000; High ¥2,850,000). Transportation (School Bus) - One way (morning or afternoon): ¥310,000 per year. - Both ways: ¥420,000 per year. Device / Level‑specific mandatory costs and other academic charges - Elementary (Grades 3–5): iPad and cover are provided and the mandatory one‑time cost is charged on the student invoice; the device cost is included in the school fees invoice and is non‑refundable. - Middle School (Grade 6 and incoming Grades 7–8): MacBook Air fee is included on the invoice (one‑time mandatory cost for these cohorts). - High School IB exam fees: billed in December for students who register for IB exams; ¥20,000 per subject. - Graduation fee for Grade 12 students: ¥30,000 (cap and gown, reception and related ceremony expenses). - Additional items charged or available through the school: cafeteria/food service, school accident insurance, and any Corporate Contribution Program charges as applicable. School Accident Insurance - Students are enrolled in a school personal accident insurance policy upon payment of school fees with coverage commencing September 1: medical reimbursements up to ¥1,000,000 and loss of life/physical impediment benefits up to ¥3,000,000. Uniforms and Uniform Costs - Uniforms are purchased through the school's authorized vendor (Top of the Class). Ordering and payment are handled through the vendor; payment options offered by the vendor include PayPal and credit card. Specific uniform prices are set by the vendor and are purchased separately via that vendor. Non‑refund and Refund Information (explicitly stated items) - Non‑refundable charges explicitly stated: application fee (¥50,000); registration fee (¥400,000 for new students); development fund (¥1,000,000 one‑time); building maintenance fee (¥150,000 annual where indicated); device costs charged on invoice for required iPad/MacBook (one‑time, non‑refundable); re‑enrollment seat deposit (¥300,000) is non‑refundable but will be credited toward tuition. These items are described as non‑refundable in the school's published fees information. Boarding (if applicable) - Boarding is not listed as a program or fee category for this school; there are no boarding fees published for St. Mary's International School for the 2025–26 school year. Transportation is offered via school bus instead. Billing and Payment Terms (what is stated publicly) - Credit card payments are accepted for application fees only; credit cards are not accepted for other fees and tuition payments. - The school encourages payment of tuition and fees by bank transfer. Any bank transfer fees or lifting fees (particularly for payments from abroad) must be covered by the payer. The school provides bank transfer details (MUFG Bank, Jiyugaoka Branch) including the account number and SWIFT code for international remittance. Payments should be made in the student's name and include the student's school ID where requested. - The Re‑Enrollment Seat Deposit for returning students is credited toward tuition. Other costs parents should anticipate (examples shown on published schedule) - Field trips, retreats, ski trip charges (elementary/middle/high as described for specific grades) and optional cafeteria payments are additional to tuition and will be invoiced or charged as appropriate. Where detailed term‑by‑term instalment dates and full billing schedule are published - The school's official two‑page School Year 2025–26 Tuition & Fees document contains the complete billing schedule, instalment/due‑date information and the full fee table for the year. That published school document is the official source of the term‑by‑term billing schedule and any fine‑print payment terms for 2025–26. Summary of primary sources used: St. Mary's International School official Tuition & Fees page and the school's published School Year 2025–26 Tuition & Fees document; the school's uniform ordering page for vendor/payment details.	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 St. Mary's International School operates as a day school with no on-site boarding provision. The school is listed as having boarding facilities: DAY, which indicates there is no boarding accommodation for students. Transportation to and from campus is provided via the school bus network, with options for morning-only, afternoon-only, or round-trip service. For the 2025–26 academic year, bus fees are ¥310,000 for one-way service and ¥420,000 for both ways.	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 Uniforms are required and are supplied by Top of the Class, a domestic vendor. Ordering is done through Top of the Class and is available in English, with sizing and delivery details provided by the vendor. For Elementary, students wear a blue polo shirt with the school logo (plus other items such as black socks and black shoes); for Middle School, students wear a long-sleeved white shirt with the logo and a navy tie, with accompanying items including black socks, a black belt, and black shoes. Shoes must be all black with solid black soles and no secondary colors or logos.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school operates an on-site cafeteria with lunch service during the school day; lunch hours vary by level and students may eat in the cafeteria. A light snack is available during the day at certain grade levels. The Kindergarten site describes a canteen that offers Western and Asian lunch options, a full salad bar, and an online canteen system for ordering meals, indicating on-site meal options and a digital ordering process.	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 In St. Mary's Kindergarten, a Grizzly House System is in place. Houses are represented by trees—Pine, Birch, Cedar, and Oak—and students participate in monthly house challenges; points are awarded to encourage teamwork, school spirit, and positive behavior.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership St. Mary's International School is a non-profit, tax-exempt educational institution (gakkō hōjin) incorporated under Japan's Private School Law and supervised by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The governance structure comprises a Board of Directors, a Board of Trustees, and Statutory Auditors, which provide strategic direction and financial stewardship for the school.	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 St. Mary's International School in Tokyo delivers a holistic, standards-based curriculum across elementary, middle, and high school, rooted in a Catholic values framework and a focus on the whole child.	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 St. Mary's International School supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) through age-appropriate Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) across all grades, and a comprehensive Elementary SEL curriculum (K-5) that includes Child Protection and Bullying Prevention Units, all taught within the school's safeguarding framework.	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) Student Support Services are listed as Learning Support, Academic Support, English Language Support, a School Nurse, and a Campus Minister; the Admissions Policy mentions a Learning Differences section, but the school does not publicly state that it operates as a specialist SEN institution beyond these shared services.	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 Language Support aims to enable students whose first language is not English to overcome language-related difficulties and integrate into mainstream classes; language support is offered for students from RP through Grade 8, with no English language support for Grade 11 and limited support for Grades 9–10.	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 Mental wellbeing is supported through the SEL/PSHE programs described above, plus pastoral care elements such as the Campus Minister and health support from the School Nurse.	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 Safeguarding and Child Protection are led by a dedicated Safeguarding and Child Protection Team; there is a secure CPOMS-based reporting system, age-appropriate PSHE health and safety instruction, annual safeguarding training for faculty, staff, and parents, and a designated Safeguarding Coordinator (Hiromi Sawamura) with an anonymous reporting option.	Safeguarding 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 St. Mary's International School sits on a single campus in Setagaya with facilities to support academics, the arts, and athletics. The campus includes a library and Learning Commons with extensive digital resources for research, and there is an on-site cafeteria for meals and lunch breaks. Elementary, middle, and high school sections each have library or learning commons spaces and dedicated computer rooms for student use. Fine arts and performing arts are supported by music groups, choirs, instrumental lessons, visual arts, and drama opportunities, including a tri-school Spring Musical. The campus is described as safe and modern with first-rate athletic facilities.	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 —	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 Academic facilities include a library and Learning Commons across grade levels. The Elementary Library provides Destiny Discover, BrainPOP, PebbleGo, and TumbleBooks for research and literacy support. The Middle School and High School Learning Commons offer Destiny Discover, EBSCOhost, JSTOR, Classroom Video on Demand, and Sora, with access to a range of digital databases and media. Elementary students have a Computer Room for dedicated technology use.	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 Extracurricular activities center on fine arts and athletics. There are 14 music groups, including choirs, and an Instrumental Music program with concert band and jazz ensemble. The Visual Arts program offers exhibitions and studio work, and there are drama opportunities including a tri-school Spring Musical. The program also includes clubs and service activities that complement athletics and the arts.	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 St. Mary's International School was founded in 1954. It moved to its current Setagaya campus in 1971. The school operates as an all-boys international school. The student body includes nearly 50 countries, and English is the language of instruction.	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 The school has students from nearly 50 countries. The school offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, fine arts, the performing arts, and other areas. The campus is safe and modern and supports a comprehensive student life. The school participates in intercultural programs and events, including UNESCO exchange activities with Japanese partner schools.	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 The St. Mary's Parent Association (SMPA) is a volunteer body that engages families in school life. The SMPA runs the annual Carnival, a long-standing community tradition and the school's largest fundraising event. Carnival features food, games, live entertainment, and booths, with all funds supporting student trips, projects, campaigns, uniforms, clubs, and sustainability initiatives. Volunteering opportunities are organized through signups for Carnival day, including booth responsibilities and coordinating donations. Donations to St. Mary's support a broad range of programs through the school's development office, and the U.S. Friends of St. Mary's International School foundation assists fundraising in the United States.	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 St. Mary's offers after-school programs that emphasize academic enrichment. The program includes speech and debate, Brain Bowl, and math contests to foster critical thinking and time management. Robotics is offered as a STEM-focused activity, giving students hands-on opportunities to code and work with robots. These activities extend learning beyond the classroom and support analytical thinking, collaboration, and resilience.	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 St. Mary's has a robust Fine Arts & Activities program. The school operates 14 music groups, including choirs, a concert band, and a jazz ensemble, with regular concerts and ensemble events. The Visual Arts program offers painting, drawing, ceramics, and printmaking, and drama opportunities exist from Elementary through High School, including a tri-school Spring Musical with sister schools. The arts program also includes trips, competitions, exhibitions, and involves service clubs connected to the arts.	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 St. Mary's supports cultural and language activities through events and clubs. The school participates in Model United Nations conferences, and hosts intercultural events such as the International Interkultur Choir Competition Kobe. Debating appears in KPASS events and debate meets, providing opportunities to engage in competitive discussions. The Summer Adventure program offers language-rich experiences to support international students and cross-cultural learning.	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 Beyond academics, students can pursue informal interest-based activities and clubs. After-school options include board games and other social clubs that help students socialize and develop teamwork skills. These activities are designed to complement classroom learning and foster peer connections.	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 Community service and service clubs are part of student life at St. Mary's. The Fine Arts & Activities program notes that the school supports numerous organizations and service clubs, offering opportunities to give back and engage with the local and global community. Students may participate in service projects coordinated by clubs or through advisory programs. These activities foster social responsibility and lay the groundwork for ongoing community involvement.	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 Leadership and professional development are supported through advisory programs and university counseling. The High School Advisory helps students reflect on values and goals. The University Counseling program runs from Grade 10 with an introduction to standardized testing and ongoing guidance through Grade 12, including PSAT practice and families' conferences for planning. Career Day invites industry professionals and supports resume building and interview skills.	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 St. Mary's emphasizes physical wellbeing through athletics. Major sports include swimming, baseball, and basketball, with inter-scholastic competitions in the middle and high school and weekend fixtures such as ball hockey, soccer, and tennis. An annual ski trip is part of the Elementary program, contributing to fitness, teamwork, and outdoor activity.	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 The language of instruction is English. In the IB Diploma Programme, language offerings include English A Language and Literature HL/SL; Japanese A Language and Literature HL/SL; Japanese B HL/SL; Japanese Ab Initio; French B HL/SL; French Ab Initio; and Spanish Ab Initio. English language support is available for non-native speakers from Readiness Program through Grade 8, with limited support for Grades 9 and 10 and none for Grade 11 due to IB DP requirements.	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 —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Summer Adventure 2025 is a language-rich summer program for Grades 1–6 designed for non-English-speaking children, but all students are welcome to join, learn, and make new friends. The program uses hands-on activities and language-focused experiences to provide immersion in an international school setting. There are two sessions: Session A from July 28 to August 1 and Session B from August 4 to August 8, 9:00–15:00, with registration via ClubsBuddy. The program aims to support language development and social integration in a multilingual context.	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 There is no publicly posted list of school-wide awards for St. Mary's International School on the site for the past five years.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations St. Mary's International School is fully accredited by two agencies: the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). WASC is one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges and universities in the United States and East Asia. CIS is a membership organization of international schools around the world. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in its High School, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).	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 1. Admissions Process Step 1 — Inquire and arrange a campus visit. Prospective families should start by making an inquiry or signing up for a campus tour. Applications are welcome at any time, and visiting the campus is encouraged to understand the school's environment. Note that there is no parking available for school tours. The school can be contacted via the Admissions team for questions or to schedule a visit. Step 2 — Prepare and submit the application with supporting documents and fees. Begin by completing the online application and paying the non-refundable application fee of ¥50,000 for each application. The application requires an Application Form, Confidential Information Form, Record Release Form, a copy of the applicant's birth certificate or passport page, a recent family photo, and the applicant's school records for the past two years plus the current year's progress report. For Readiness Program (kindergarten) and Grade 1, a Kindergarten Teacher's Recommendation is also needed; for older grades there are grade-specific recommendations. The application fee can be paid by credit card or wired to the school's account. Step 3 — The admissions evaluation includes academic records, testing, and interviews. Students are admitted on the basis of transcripts from previous schools, standardized test results, a screening test, and a personal interview with both the prospective student and the parents. The school reviews documentation and test results to determine fit with the English-based curriculum. Some grades also require teacher recommendations and counselor/principal references as part of the evaluation. Step 4 — Grade-specific screening steps and timelines. For Readiness Program (RP) and Grade 1, there are on-campus activities such as a group observation (RP) and an on-campus screening (Grade 1) followed by on-campus family interviews. For RP, the process includes a teacher recommendation deadline and a family interview window, with admission decisions communicated after the interview period. For Grade 1, the on-campus screening occurs in early November, followed by observations and a family interview in November–December, with admission decisions typically issued in late January. Step 5 — Admission decision, offer, and enrollment. Admission decision letters are issued on set dates (e.g., February 28, 2026 for RP and January 31, 2026 for Grade 1 in the 2026–2027 cycle). If offered a seat, enrollment requires payment of the Registration fee within two weeks of the offer. The Re-Enrollment Deposit for returning students is non-refundable but credited toward tuition, and a School Bus or other transportation option may be selected with its own fee. Step 6 — Post-acceptance steps and forms. After acceptance, families must complete and submit Health Record forms, the Student ID Card Application Form, the School Bus Application Form (if applying for transport), and provide the Final School Report for the current school year. These steps complete enrollment and help the school finalize records. Notes on fees and payments (embedded in the process): The school lists the following for new entrants: Application Fee ¥50,000; Registration ¥400,000; Development Fund ¥1,000,000; Building Maintenance ¥150,000 per year; Tuition by level: Elementary ¥2,700,000; Middle ¥2,800,000; High ¥2,850,000. Returning students pay a Re-Enrollment Seat Deposit of ¥300,000 and Building Maintenance ¥150,000 plus tuition at the applicable level. Transportation by school bus is available at ¥310,000 one-way or ¥420,000 for both ways. Payments can be made by credit card (for the application fee only) or by bank transfer for the other items; remittances should be made in the student's name with the English spelling of the name and the school ID number. The Re-Enrollment Deposit is credited toward tuition. Cafeteria, accident insurance, and the Corporate Contribution Program are listed as separate items or programs. For full details, view the current Tuition & Fees schedule. Language of instruction and curriculum: The school operates with an English-based curriculum, and families are expected to support their child's success within that framework. The school does not discriminate in admissions on race, creed, or national origin. References: Admissions overview, RP / Grade 1 admissions timeline for 2026–2027, application requirements, and the general admissions policy are publicly posted. Fees for new entrants and returning students, as well as transportation and payment methods, are listed in the Tuition & Fees page. The Admissions section notes that inquiries and campus tours are available and that applications are welcome at any time. The language of instruction is described as English-based in the admissions policy. Waitlisted applicants are governed by a separate policy (see the Waitlist section). Faculty and staff contact information is included in the Admissions and Contact pages. Citations: Admissions overview and steps (turn1view0), RP / Grade 1 admissions timeline (turn2view0, turn4search5), Application Requirements (turn4search6), Tuition & Fees (turn5view0). Waitlist/Pool 2. Waitlist Policy and Process If a grade level is full, students may be placed on a waitlist. Waitlisted students are expected to continue their education while on the waitlist rather than remaining at home; the waitlisted status is valid only until a designated date set by Admissions. Importantly, waitlist placement is not based on a first-come, first-served basis but rather on the individual screening results. Students on the waitlist will be considered for enrollment as soon as a seat opens at their grade level. The waitlist policy applies to each grade-level as appropriate. References: Admissions Policy (turn4search0). Waitlist/Pool details (additional context): The policy specifies that the waitlist is used when a grade is full and that the process is driven by screening results rather than order of application. The policy indicates the waitlist is grade-specific and has an expiration date determined by Admissions. References: Admissions Policy (turn4search0). Scholarships 3. Scholarships There is no publicly posted scholarship program listed for St. Mary's International School in Tokyo. The site describes the school as a not-for-profit institution and notes a Corporate Contribution Program and fundraising activities, but it does not publish formal need-based or merit-based scholarships in the admissions or fees sections. Families may inquire with Admissions about any possible financial aid or external funding opportunities, but no scholarship details are published on the site. References: Support Us page (turn7view0) and Tuition & Fees page (turn5view0) which reference the Corporate Contribution Program and general fundraising, but no scholarship offerings are listed. Additional notes for context - The school teaches in English and uses an English-based curriculum. This is stated in the admissions policy. References: Admissions Policy (turn0search5). - The school is actively international in focus and emphasizes partnerships with families; inquiries and campus tours are encouraged, with admissions open to both local and overseas applicants per RP/G1 timelines. References: Admissions page (turn1view0) and RP / Grade 1 Admissions (turn2view0, turn4search5). - The latest published fee structure for new entrants is for School Year 2025-2026, with annual tuition by level and one-time and annual ancillary fees; the 2026-2027 timelines are available for RP and Grade 1 admissions, indicating the school publishes updated timelines for future cohorts. References: Tuition & Fees (turn5view0), RP / Grade 1 Admissions (turn4search5). If you'd like, I can format this into a printable guide or tailor a calendar with key deadlines based on the grade you're considering.	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 3) Scholarships - St. Mary's International School does not publish scholarships on its site. The school operates as a not-for-profit institution and relies on donations and fundraising; there is a Corporate Contribution Program, but no formal scholarship program is listed. Families interested in financial aid or scholarships should consult Admissions for any possible options or external funding, though no SMIS-based scholarship offerings are published. References: Support Us (turn7view0) and Fees page (turn5view0).	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 2) Waitlist / Pool - When a given grade level is full, applicants may be waitlisted. Waitlisted students are expected to continue their education while on the waitlist and not simply wait at home. Waitlisted students will be considered for enrollment when a seat opens at their specific grade level. The waitlisted status is valid only until the designated date as set forth by Admissions. Importantly, waitlisted students are not admitted based on a first-come, first-served basis but rather on their individual screening results. Reference: Admissions Policy (turn4search0).	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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