Tamagawa Academy (K12) and University vs Tokyo West International School

	T Tamagawa Academy (K12) and University Tokyo, Japan	T Tokyo West International School Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥1,756,500 - 2,085,630	Fees / year ¥1,109,000 - 1,892,000
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Japanese Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), American Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 219	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 10
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Japanese	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1929	Opened 2010
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Tamagawa Academy (K-12) and Tamagawa University are on a single campus in Machida, western Tokyo, Japan. The campus spans about 59 hectares of landscaped grounds and is about an hour from central Tokyo. The official address is 6-1-1 Tamagawa Gakuen, Machida, Tokyo 194-8610. The campus is accessible by the Odakyu Odawara Line, with Tamagawagakuen-Mae Station a three-minute walk from the main gate.	Location Tokyo West International School is located at 185 Umetsubo-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0013, Japan. The campus sits in a green, suburban area of western Tokyo with access via JR Hachioji Station and local buses. The environment emphasizes nature and garden-based learning as part of daily life on a spacious campus.
Stages	Stages Education runs from kindergarten through graduate school on a single campus, with the middle and upper divisions offering International Baccalaureate programmes. The Tamagawa campus therefore provides a continuous K–12 and university pathway on-site.	Stages TWIS offers a continuous program from PreK through High School. The school is organized into PreK & Kindergarten, Elementary School (Grades 1–6), Middle School (Grades 7–9), and High School (Grades 10–12). The High School provides both Japanese and American diplomas.
School type	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school. This is reflected in external school profiles describing Tamagawa as a co-educational day program on one campus.	School type Tokyo West International School operates as an international day school on a single campus in Hachioji, Japan.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Publicly available data on the exact nationality mix is not published. The admissions materials indicate support for overseas returnees and international students, and the IB offerings include English-language instruction and options such as Chinese in DP, reflecting an international student presence.	Pupil nationality mix The school community includes students and staff from more than 15 countries; about half of the student body is Japanese, with the remainder international.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support SEN guidance in the Middle and Upper Divisions is not described as a formal, blanket policy; learning needs are addressed on a case-by-case basis, and families may need to arrange long-term specialist support if higher-level needs are present.	Additional learning support The school uses an Educational Support Questionnaire in admissions to identify learning needs and maintains a strong learning support system with small class sizes. A full-time school nurse provides daily health care, and a visiting school counselor supports students' emotional well-being.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation; Tamagawa Academy and Tamagawa University are private institutions located on the Tamagawa Gakuen campus in Japan.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is listed; the school operates as an international school in Japan.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation. Zenjin Education is the guiding philosophy, and religion is incorporated as one of the six aspects of human culture taught within the school, not as a denominational affiliation.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is indicated.
School day structure	School day structure A typical school day starts at 8:20 with a homeroom, followed by a sequence of periods through the day, with a lunch break from 12:30 to 13:10. The schedule includes a second half of periods, a short afternoon break, and club activities after school ending around 18:00.	School day structure Kindergarten ends at 3:00 p.m. and Elementary and above are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. The day runs a 7-period schedule of 40-minute periods for Elementary and above. Kindergarten offers after-school clubs from 3:00–3:30 p.m.; Elementary and above can join 8th-period programs, extending the day to 4:30 p.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details A dedicated school bus service is not described in the access information. The campus is primarily accessed by train, with Tamagawagakuen-Mae Station (Odakyu Odawara Line) located a short walk from the campus.	Bus service details A school bus operates in the Tama area. Bus stops include around JR Hachioji Station and other local stops, with travel times such as about 10 minutes to Hachioji Station, 30 minutes to Tachikawa Station, 40 minutes to Tamagawa Josui Station, 20 minutes to Akishima, 40 minutes to Tama Center, and 60 minutes to Machida Station.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / examination fees - K–12 (Tamagawa Academy): entrance examination / application fee for K–12 entrance tests (幼稚部・小学部・中学部・高等部の入園・入学検定料) is JPY 30,000 per test. - Tamagawa University (undergraduate general admissions): standard examination (受験料) for general selection is JPY 35,000 (different schemes such as certain English-external-score options and common-test routes have different amounts). Tamagawa Academy (K–12) — tuition and mandatory fees by school division and year (2025 academic-year figures shown as published for the current school year) - Kindergarten (幼稚部) — per year (2025): - Entrance fee (入園金): JPY 200,000. - Tuition (授業料): JPY 801,000 (Year: 年少), JPY 808,000 (年中), JPY 815,000 (年長). - Education-related fees (教育諸料): JPY 135,300 per year. - Facility/equipment fee (施設設備金): JPY 130,000. - Total (tuition + other fees, excluding entrance fee): JPY 1,066,300 (年少) / JPY 1,073,300 (年中) / JPY 1,080,300 (年長). - Elementary School (小学部, JP class typical figures) — per year (2025): - Entrance fee (入学金) for entering grade 1 (where applicable): JPY 220,000. - Tuition (授業料) by grade: JPY 821,000 (1st) → JPY 828,000 (2nd) → JPY 835,000 (3rd) → JPY 842,000 (4th) → JPY 849,000 (5th) → JPY 856,000 (6th). - Education-related fees (教育諸料): JPY 147,300 per year. - Education information fee (教育情報料): JPY 24,000 per year. - Facility/equipment fee (施設設備金): JPY 160,000. - Annual subtotal (tuition + fees, excluding entrance fee): ranges by year; examples: JPY 1,152,300 (1st grade, JP class) and rising each grade per the published schedule. - EP / special program classes have higher tuition and an entrance/procedure deposit (EP-class initial payment differs; see EP-class notices). - Middle School / High School — General class (2025 figures): - Middle-school (中学部) typical year items: Entrance fee (入学金): JPY 150,000 (for new entrants where listed). Annual tuition (授業料) examples for middle grades: amounts published show annual tuition in the mid–eight-hundred-thousands range (for 10年生/11年生/12年生 notation used on site for grades), with accompanying education fees and facility fees. - High-school (高等部) general class (2025): Entrance fee JPY 150,000; annual tuition examples: JPY 876,000 (10年生/高校1年相当), JPY 883,000 (11年生), JPY 890,000 (12年生); education-related fees and facility fees are added (education-related fees JPY 147,300; education information fee JPY 44,000; facility fee JPY 220,000), producing a typical annual total (tuition + fees, excluding entrance fee) in the JPY 1,287,300–1,301,300 range depending on year. - IB class (International Baccalaureate stream within the Academy) — per year (2025): - Entrance fee (入学金) where applicable: JPY 150,000 (for entry years listed). - Annual tuition (授業料): JPY 1,361,000 for many IB-year levels (some later IB years slightly higher: JPY 1,363,000–1,370,000). - Education-related fees (教育諸料): JPY 157,300; education information fee: JPY 44,000; facility fee: JPY 220,000. - Annual subtotal (tuition + fees, excluding entrance fee): approximately JPY 1,782,300–1,791,300 depending on year. How K–12 fees are billed and payment terms (Academy) - K–12 fee components: many fees are itemised as entrance/enrolment fees (入園金 / 入学金), annual tuition (授業料), education-related fees (教育諸料), education information fees, facility/equipment fees (施設設備金), and parent association (父母会) or student association dues. Specific items (e.g., facility fees, PTA fees, student association fees) are typically due at the time of enrollment or in April for the academic year; some items are collected as monthly or termly instalments (examples:学年積立金 or monthly breakdowns noted as collected April–January). - Payment structure options (examples published for K–12 offerings): schools show an option to pay tuition in full or to use staged / instalment schedules (the admissions and fee guidance for entry years indicate all‑in or multi‑term payment choices for initial-year payments and periodic instalments thereafter). Specific divisions publish which items are payable at enrollment (入学手続時納付) and which are invoiced or collected monthly/termly. Tamagawa University — tuition and fee structure (2026-admission / 2025 figures published for the current cycle) - Basic structure shown for each faculty / department: an admission (入学金) component plus annual tuition (授業料), an education/research fee (教育研究諸料), and a facility/equipment fee (施設設備金), plus smaller “諸費” items; initial-year totals and the split (one‑time vs. half-year) are published per faculty. Examples (initial-year totals and standard annual tuition): - Education (全学科): Entrance fee JPY 250,000; annual tuition JPY 1,038,000; education/research fee JPY 245,900; facility equipment fee JPY 200,000; initial-year total (one‑time) approximately JPY 1,796,370; the published “入学手続時納付額（分割）” (if choosing split payment) shows the portion to pay at the time of enrollment. - Arts (例: 音楽学科): Entrance fee JPY 250,000; annual tuition JPY 1,208,000; education/research fee JPY 275,900; facility fee JPY 280,000; initial-year total ≈ JPY 2,085,630. - Engineering / Computer / Management‑science type faculties: annual tuition commonly JPY 1,118,000 with education/research fees and facility fees that produce initial-year totals in the JPY 1.9M–2.0M range for first‑year aggregated amounts. - Year‑to‑year: the university publishes 2nd/3rd/4th year annual totals per faculty (授業料 and other annual recurring fees); these are listed as the standard year‑by‑year charges and vary slightly by year (increments shown in the official fee table). University billing schedule and payment terms - Payment options: Tamagawa University requires either a lump‑sum payment (一括納付) or an annual two‑installment option (年２回分納). The university instructs that the initial enrollment payment (一括 or first instalment when choosing split) be made by bank transfer at the time of completing enrollment procedures; the published “入学手続時納付額（分割）” shows the exact amount due on acceptance when the split option is chosen. - Refund on admission/withdrawal: the university publishes specific deadlines and conditions for refunding paid initial fees when an admitted applicant withdraws (入学辞退). The university's admission guidance sets concrete deadlines and states the refund is made by bank transfer after the applicant completes the designated online withdrawal procedure; deadlines determine whether the full paid amount or the paid amount excluding entrance fee will be returned. Boarding / dormitory fees - K–12 (Academy): Tamagawa Academy's K–12 programme is presented as a day school system with commuting access information and typical day‑school arrangements; no K–12 boarding fees are published for the Academy divisions. (K–12 pages detail commuting and daily schedules rather than boarding options.) - Tamagawa University (undergraduate): the university does not present a single, university‑run mandatory boarding fee schedule on the admission pages; instead, the university provides housing support and introduces partner student‑housing operators and student‑apartment options for new students. Dorm / student‑housing fees therefore vary by provider and room type; the university's campus‑life housing pages refer applicants to partner companies and student‑housing services. Other costs and mandatory incidental charges - School‑supplied items and uniforms / supplies: Tamagawa's campus purchasing department operates a campus store and web store that sells uniforms, gym wear, school bags, shoes, calculators, and other required items; these items and their costs are additional to published tuition and can be purchased through the campus purchasing department (payment methods for purchases include major credit cards, convenience-store payment, and cash‑on‑delivery per the purchasing site). - Year‑level / program‑specific charges: in K–12 many divisions list “学年積立金”, “旅行積立金”, or program‑specific levies (e.g., funds for iPad, class events, school trips, overseas programs) collected as monthly instalments or as one‑time levies; for high/middle school and IB classes these appear as explicitly itemised line items in the fee schedules. These are mandatory additional costs to budget for. - University: some faculties list program‑specific additional costs (e.g., study‑abroad / fieldwork fees for certain years, lab/experiential fees for agricultural/engineering programs, or 留学追加費用 for mandated study‑abroad terms) that are charged in the relevant year or semester; such special‑program additional charges are published on the faculty fee pages. Refunds / cancellation rules (summary) - K–12: published admission guidance for K–12 entry years shows a refund/return policy for initial payments in many divisions: if an admitted applicant formally notifies withdrawal by the published deadline, amounts other than the entrance fee are returned; conditions and exact deadlines are set in each division's admission instructions. - University: the university's admission notices include specific refund rules and deadlines for admitted applicants who decline enrollment; there are published cutoff dates determining whether the entire paid sum or the paid sum minus entrance fee is refunded, and the refund is made to a specified bank account after the online withdrawal procedure is completed. Accepted payment channels / practical payment notes - K–12 tuition: published materials and admission instructions show that initial enrollment payments and term payments are handled via bank transfer / specified school payment procedures and that multi‑term payment options are available; the admission pages and fee guidance list the amounts due at the enrollment procedure (入学手続時納付額) and the options to pay in full or in instalments. Exact available payment channels (bank transfer, in‑person payment options) are indicated in the admission instructions for the enrolling division. - University: the university instructs that initial payments be made by bank transfer at the time of enrollment and offers either lump‑sum or two‑installment payment schedules; some university notices also reference the university's online enrollment/payment system and the requirement to follow the bank‑transfer instructions provided at acceptance. - Campus purchasing (uniforms, supplies): accepts major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, Diners), convenience‑store payments, and cash‑on‑delivery for online purchases. Notes on currency and presentation - All amounts above are reported in Japanese yen and presented with the JPY currency code (e.g., JPY 1,208,000). Figures are drawn from the Academy's published K–12 fee pages and the University's published fee schedule and admission pages for the current admission cycle; exact per‑grade totals and the timing (which fees are payable at enrollment versus billed later) are listed in each division's admission documents and fee tables.	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Registration / screening (application) fee: JPY 22,000 (tax included). Annual tuition (by division) - Kindergarten (annual): JPY 1,140,000. - Elementary School (annual): JPY 1,463,000. - Junior High School (annual): JPY 913,000. - High School (annual): JPY 913,000. Per-term breakdown - A per-term (term-by-term) fee schedule and explicit per-term amounts are not published on the school's publicly accessible admission pages or in the publicly available documents linked from those pages; only annual figures (as listed above) are available in public school listings. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school's admission materials note that successful applicants must pay required entrance fees by the published deadline to complete enrollment, but a full, detailed billing schedule and the school's standard payment deadlines for tuition instalments are not published on the publicly accessible pages. Boarding fees - The school does not operate or publish any boarding-program fees; no boarding facilities or boarding tariffs are listed in the publicly available school information. (School bus service is identified as available in external school listings.) Other costs and typical additional fees - No public, detailed breakdown for additional routine costs (uniforms, textbooks, activity fees, building/maintenance fees, bus fees, lunches, materials, extracurricular fees) is published on the school's publicly accessible admission pages. External school directories list varying additional charges or ranges for similar schools, but those directory figures are not a published fee schedule from the school itself. Refund information - A formal refund policy or explicit rules governing refunds/withdrawals and any prorated reimbursements are not published on the school's publicly accessible admission pages or on the password‑protected students document page. Fee payment options (methods) - The school's publicly accessible pages do not publish specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, or other). No public schedule of accepted payment channels is available on the admission pages or in the publicly accessible documents. Notes on sources and missing detail - The figures above reflect the only explicit fee amounts that are publicly accessible (application screening fee and annual tuition figures reported in public school listings). Detailed fee schedules, per-term invoices, payment methods, refund terms, and line-item additional fees are either contained in internal/student-only documents or not published publicly; the school's student documents area is password-protected and the detailed tuition/fee PDFs are not accessible without those credentials.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Tamagawa Academy (K-12) is a day school with no on-site boarding facilities. The IB World School listing indicates boarding facilities as DAY, reinforcing that students do not stay on campus overnight. There is no published information about on-campus housing for Tamagawa University on the Tamagawa campus.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms: kindergarten does not have a uniform. Information about uniforms for primary and secondary levels is not published for the K-12 sections.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Food options: Tamagawa Academy does not provide school meals; students bring a lunch from home, with a Lunch Support program introduced in 2024. Tamagawa University has on-campus dining facilities: the student cafeteria 朔風館 on the 2F and a Snack Bar Green House for take-out; 1F serves staff and visitors.	Food options Warm lunches are freshly prepared in an on-site kitchen. Accommodations for allergies and cultural needs are available. Students may also bring their own meals.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Tamagawa Academy and Tamagawa University are operated by the private school corporation Tamagawa Gakuen (学校法人玉川学園). The group runs a single campus that houses K-12 education, the university, and graduate programs, under the leadership of the organization's director and president.	Governance and ownership Yoshinori Kato is the founder and Chairperson. The Director General, who also serves as High School Principal, is Sockchong Han. The Principal for Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School is Monina Liza Mendez. The campus in Hachioji was completed in 2015. The school is Cognia-accredited, IB PYP authorized, and a member of EARCOS and CIS.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Tamagawa Academy operates a fully integrated K‑12 program since 2006, uniting kindergarten through grade 12 on a single campus with levels Kindergarten, First Division (grades 1–4), Middle Division (grades 5–8), and Upper Division (grades 9–12). The International Baccalaureate (IB) program began in 2007, with instruction in English for grades 7–12 and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in grades 6–10 and the Diploma Programme (DP) in grades 11–12, offered bilingually in English and Japanese. The primary division runs an English Predominant (EP) program for grades 1–5, with about 60% of lessons in English; each class has two homeroom teachers, and by grade 5 students are expected to reach CEFR level B1. In the IB curriculum, language offerings include Japanese A and B, English A and B, with science and humanities courses aligned to DP requirements, culminating in the IB Diploma. Tamagawa University comprises 17 undergraduate departments across 8 faculties, eight master's programs, a Teaching Profession professional degree, and three doctoral programs; since 2024, the College of Arts and Sciences uses a Double Field System spanning Human, Society, Culture, and STEAM.	Curriculum details Tokyo West International School offers a bilingual, inquiry-based curriculum from Early Childhood through High School, with an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework for the elementary years and Cognia-aligned standards recognized by multiple international bodies. The Elementary division (Grades 1–6) provides English–Japanese bilingual instruction built around Units of Inquiry, includes Singapore Math, integrates ICT/AI education, and incorporates garden-based learning in small classes of about 18 students. The Middle School (Grades 7–9) follows Cognia-aligned international standards, uses inquiry-based learning through Units of Inquiry, and integrates ICT/AI and STEAM projects, supported by robust learning-support and ongoing family communication in small classes (up to 10 students). The High School program emphasizes English academic skills, offers dual diploma pathways—Japanese high school diploma and an American/International high school diploma—and includes AI literacy and opportunities for short overseas programs and service learning. Across all divisions, graduates pursue university study in Japan or abroad, supported by a nature-rich campus, specialist instructors, and a bilingual, globally oriented educational environment.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Tamagawa Academy's IB programmes provide structured SEL support through on-site counseling, mentoring, and targeted academic and language help. The IB policy framework specifies a dedicated Student Counseling Room with four qualified school counselors (psychologists) and clear pathways for referring students to counseling when needed. Morning Language Support and Academic Support/Study Hall are available to assist students, including those learning in a second language, with bespoke group and one-to-one sessions. There is formal peer mentoring and a Teacher Mentor scheme to support at-risk students and promote social-emotional growth, while Morning Support is used to help bilingual and EAL students access the curriculum. The school also emphasizes social, emotional, and physical well-being in its inclusion framework and uses planning and staff collaboration to address student needs.	Social & emotional learning TWIS supports social and emotional learning through a holistic education that addresses intellectual, emotional, physical and social well-being, with student voice fostered by the Student Council and the PYP Exhibition, and wellbeing supported by a full-time nurse and a visiting school counselor.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Tamagawa Academy's MYP and Diploma Programme SEN policy states an accessibility aim to support a broad range of learners and to provide a safe learning environment; it notes that students' needs are identified and managed with input from school counselors and specialist staff, and that communication with families is essential. The policy defines several SEN categories (including emotional/behavioural issues and mental health) and describes case-by-case handling of needs, since there is not a rigid SEN framework across the school. When students require SEN support beyond what the school can provide, parents/families are expected to facilitate ongoing specialist assistance. The four school counselors and the Student Counseling Room are the primary internal supports for SEN-related needs, with referral and planning to differentiate instruction as required. For examinations in the Diploma Programme, IB allows reasonable adjustments and other accommodations coordinated with the DP Coordinator and relevant staff.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school states small class sizes and robust student support, and offers general academic supports such as ESL, EEP, Tutoring, and Japanese Support; it does not publicly disclose information on specific SEN provisions or whether it is a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language EAL support is provided under Tamagawa's bilingual IB framework, with explicit language development provisions and two-language policy. Morning Language Support targets English and Japanese language development, using CEFR and WIDA data to place and monitor students, with group and individual sessions offered as needed; attendance is compulsory for eligible students. The Language Policy confirms a two-language programme and ongoing support to help students access IB curricula in English and Japanese, with teachers responsible for language development and for facilitating communication across languages. Internal testing and ongoing language placement determine appropriate class placement for English and Japanese in the MYP and DP. Official communications with stakeholders are in English with Japanese translation where necessary, reflecting the bilingual approach.	English as an additional language EAL support includes ESL for core English skills, the English Enrichment Program (EEP), a Tutoring Program, on‑campus Japanese support, and the Online eitomo English Reinforcement Program, with Dekitasu available for home study.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported on campus by the Campus Health Care Center, which provides medical care, health care, and psychological health counseling as part of preventive health and wellness. The Center engages in health theory research and emphasizes self-help, health maintenance, and preventive care. The four school counselors mentioned in the inclusion policy provide access to counseling services for students, with routine office hours and a designated Student Counseling Room. The inclusion framework requires explicit attention to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of students and teachers, with pedagogical leadership supporting students' well-being. Together, these resources form Tamagawa's approach to holistic student wellbeing across K‑12 and the university context.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by a full-time school nurse providing daily healthcare and a professional counselor who visits weekly to support students' emotional well-being.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and student protection are embedded in Tamagawa's inclusion framework, which allocates spaces and resources to support students' social, emotional, and physical well-being and requires consistent communication with parents when concerns arise. The Student Counseling Room and four qualified school counselors provide confidential support, with hours and contact details published for easy access. The policy also highlights procedures for identifying and supporting students with special learning needs and arranging appropriate accommodations, including collaboration with counselors and parents. Campus security further supports safeguarding with a dedicated Security Management Section focusing on fire/disaster prevention, crime prevention, and safety drills across all divisions. When necessary, schools coordinate with families and external specialists to ensure student safety and well-being.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is supported by The TWIS Child Protection Policy, and safety and health measures include modern campus safety standards and on-site health provisions, including a full-time nurse.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Tamagawa campus covers about 610,000 square meters (approximately 61 hectares) and houses Tamagawa Academy (K-12) and Tamagawa University on a single site. The K-12 complex is arranged across four adjacent campuses: the Kindergarten campus; the K-12 Keizuka campus for Grades 1–5; the K-12 Higashiyama campus for Grades 6–8; and the K-12 Chuo campus for Grades 9–12. Facilities include the SciTech Center with science laboratories and a digital planetarium, and the Starleck Dome, a 360-degree planetarium for astronomy learning. The Art Center connects the SciTech Center to the Higashiyama campus and offers wood and metal workshops, textiles, dyeing and weaving, and ceramics, with a built-in gallery space. Other core facilities include the Memorial Ground (artificial turf with night lighting), a Memorial Gymnasium with a dojo, judo hall, and multiple basketball courts, and a 50-meter indoor heated pool used by students from kindergarten through university. The campus also houses the Chapel, the University Concert Hall for performances, and the Tamagawa Library for on-site and digital resources for the school community.	Facilities overview The Tokyo West International School campus in Hachioji sits in a natural setting with spacious classrooms and a range of specialist spaces. Facilities include a gymnasium, music and art rooms, science labs, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, and an expansive educational garden. All classrooms are ICT-equipped to support bilingual English–Japanese instruction. An on-site kitchen prepares warm lunches with dietary accommodations, and student health is supported by a full-time nurse and a visiting school counselor. The campus also includes a library, a multipurpose hall (MPH), and outdoor spaces such as fields and an outdoor gym.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Memorial Ground is a full artificial turf field with night lighting for games and events. The Memorial Gymnasium includes a dojo and a judo hall on the first floor, a three-court basketball facility on the second floor, and a gymnastics space on the third floor. The complex supports both PE classes and extracurricular activities with ample indoor space for team sports. In addition, the campus features a 50-meter indoor heated pool approved by the national swimming federation and used across grade levels for lessons and clubs.	Sports facilities The campus features a gymnasium and a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool for physical education. It also has on-site fields for outdoor sports and an outdoor gym for fitness activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The SciTech Center is a dedicated science education facility with floors organized by chemistry, biology, and physics, plus wall murals, ceiling artwork, and exhibits designed to stimulate inquiry; it also houses a state-of-the-art digital planetarium. Adjacent to the SciTech Center is the Starleck Dome, a digital planetarium that can project the night sky and self-produced visuals in a 360-degree dome for astronomy classes and independent projects. The Art Center, linking the SciTech Center with the Higashiyama campus, provides advanced facilities for woodworking, metalworking, textiles and weaving, and ceramics, with a color-coded floor system and an in-building gallery. The Tamagawa Library, part of the campus information resources, offers library services and digital pamphlets to support student learning and admissions information.	Academic facilities ICT-equipped classrooms support bilingual instruction in English and Japanese. Science facilities include dedicated science labs and a science room. The campus houses a library for research and reading, with staff teaching library skills. AI literacy education is integrated from upper elementary through high school.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Chapel adjacent to the Kindergarten building serves as a space for worship, lectures, and musical or theatrical performances, aided by a pipe organ. The University Concert Hall offers a formal venue for student recitals and public performances. The campus also hosts the Tamagawa Adventure Program (TAP) ropes course, which provides experiential activities to develop teamwork and communication. The on-campus spaces support a range of arts, music, and performance-related activities across the K-12 to university levels.	Extra curricular facilities Weekly clubs cover sports such as soccer and volleyball and cultural activities including art, music, gardening, and library work. Kindergarten offers after-school clubs, and elementary students have access to additional programs extending the day to 4:30 p.m. (ESL, EEP, tutoring, and Japanese support are also offered).
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Tamagawa Academy (K-12) and Tamagawa University were founded in 1929 by Kuniyoshi Obara on a single campus in Machida, Tokyo, built around his Zenjin (Whole Person) education philosophy. The school began with 111 students and 18 teachers, and the campus gradually expanded to include Kindergarten, Elementary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary, and later university facilities. In 1947, Tamagawa University received approval to establish the Faculty of Arts and Education and the Faculty of Agriculture, marking the formal expansion of the university on the same campus. From 2006, the school implemented a K-12 integrated program that treats kindergarten through grade 12 as levels within a single school on the same site. The academy was authorised as an International Baccalaureate World School in 2009, offering the IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, with English-language instruction for grades 7–12; the campus has also pursued ISO 14001 environmental certification (awarded in 2000) and the Privacy Mark (awarded in 2005).	History Tokyo West International School opened in April 2010 as Tokyo West International Elementary School in Shibasaki, Tachikawa. It moved to Sunagawa later in 2010 and was renamed Tokyo West International School to reflect its broader mission. In April 2015 the Umetsubo, Hachioji campus opened, enabling the addition of a middle school and expansion of grade levels. The school earned Cognia accreditation in 2013, became an IB PYP candidate in February 2020 and an IB PYP authorized school in May 2022, and joined CIS in March 2023. In April 2024 the high school department commenced, completing the Pre-K through High School continuum.
Community	Community The Tamagawa campus combines the K‑12 academy and the university on a single, 59-hectare site in Machida, enabling cross‑generational collaboration and a cohesive, campus-wide community. International engagement is a hallmark of the community, with Tamagawa Academy authorized to offer IB programmes (MYP and DP) and active participation in Round Square, which connects Tamagawa to about 240 partner schools worldwide. The Round Square IDEALS—Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, and Service—guide student leadership and service activities across divisions. The campus hosts a range of cultural and athletic events, including the annual Music Festival and a large sports festival at the Memorial Athletic Field, supported by the school's auditorium and facilities. These elements together foster a campus culture that blends arts, athletics, and global-minded learning.	Community TWIS describes its community as international, with students and teachers from 15 countries, creating a vibrant, multicultural environment. Community life includes Student Council, the PYP Exhibition, and Community Service, which provide opportunities for student leadership, inquiry, and service. The school also hosts a Winter Festival and other cultural events that celebrate diversity. These elements are supported by a garden-based learning program and a bilingual English-Japanese environment that connect students with both local and global communities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Tamagawa Academy maintains a Parents Association that coordinates family involvement in school life. The association runs parent education activities, including Parent Education Lectures led by school counselors or invited experts to discuss parenting and child development. It also organizes seminars and reading groups to support families in understanding the school's approach to learning and student well‑being. The Parents Association serves as a channel for dialogue between parents and staff and encourages participation in school events and counseling resources. In addition to parent‑focused activities, the Tamagawa University Alumni Association (Gakuyukai) maintains local chapters and hosts events that connect graduates, current students, and families, helping to extend the Tamagawa community beyond graduation.	Parent teacher association The TWIS PTA supports not only school events but also contributes to enhancing the learning environment through volunteer activities. Volunteer activities include facility improvements. Volunteer activities include library maintenance. These efforts reflect the PTA's role in supporting TWIS's community life. The PTA involvement is described as a part of TWIS's family and school-life engagement ecosystem.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual TRCP links robot-related activities across Tamagawa Academy K-12 and Tamagawa University, with grade 4 students building robots and older students designing and competing in robots through grade 12 and beyond. The project aims to provide a unified, university-spanning STEM program that develops teamwork, problem-solving, and project-based learning. The program integrates with broader STEM initiatives, including competitions such as RoboCup and the World Robot Olympiad. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School since 2009, offering MYP and DP bilingually, which reinforces a rigorous academic environment.	Academic & intellectual From Elementary to High School, Tokyo West International School runs weekly clubs with diverse options that extend learning beyond the classroom. Clubs include sports such as soccer and volleyball; cultural activities like art, music, gardening, library, and the school newspaper; and academic enrichment through STEM and sustainability projects. The school also offers Singapore Math as part of its math program, reinforcing logical thinking and problem-solving. Kindergarten students have optional after-school clubs four days a week (3:00–3:30 p.m.) including Music & Me, Young Authors, Forest and Garden Kitchen Program, Art Club, and FitKids Academy. External programs include a Saturday School and seasonal Spring, Summer, and Winter Schools.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Tamagawa Academy offers a robust set of music and performance clubs beyond the classroom. There are brass band and hand bell choir, with the Tamagawa Orchestra including members from multiple grades and performing at school events. Other arts offerings include theatre arts, English drama, dance, chorus, and various visual arts clubs.	Arts & creative Arts and creative life is supported through weekly clubs and dedicated spaces. Specialist instructors teach music and art, and the campus includes dedicated music and art rooms. Students participate in cultural activities such as gardening and the school newspaper, integrating arts with broader cultural learning. The garden program provides hands-on experiences that connect artistic expression with environmental awareness.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Outbound international education programs, including the Study Abroad Experience (SAE), provide language training and cultural immersion. Long-term programs span four months to a year and may include academic subjects plus English language study or volunteer experience. Short-term programs run roughly two to five weeks, usually in summer or spring recess, with credits awarded.	Cultural & language The school maintains a Bilingual Education Program that emphasizes English as the primary language of instruction while offering Japanese language study. The bilingual approach includes daily English-language communication with dedicated Japanese language classes for non-native learners, supported by native Japanese instructors. Travel and Learn provides cross-cultural experiences through short-term overseas programs, with destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines and activities including cross-cultural exchanges and community outreach. These programs and the school's language initiatives foster cultural awareness and language development across the student body.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A wide range of clubs operates beyond the classroom, spanning sports, arts, and games. Sports options include judo, soccer, rugby, softball, badminton, skiing, archery, track and field, swimming, basketball, tennis, golf, and Shaolin martial arts. Arts and culture clubs include wind music, theatre arts, English drama, dance, chorus, orchestra, broadcasting, art, science, robot, coral reef, and shogi.	Social & hobbies Weekly clubs across Elementary to High School provide opportunities for social interaction and hobbies beyond academics. Active clubs include sports such as soccer and volleyball, as well as arts and cultural activities like art, music, gardening, library, and the school newspaper. Kindergarten offers after-school clubs four days a week (3:00–3:30 p.m.) such as Music & Me, Young Authors, Forest and Garden Kitchen Program, Art Club, and FitKids Academy. The school also runs external programs like a Saturday School and seasonal Spring, Summer, and Winter Schools to broaden social and extracurricular experiences.
Community & service	Community & service Service learning is an essential part of Tamagawa's IB program, giving students opportunities to engage with community issues and work with others to address them. The approach emphasizes responsible action, inquiry, reflection, and the development of the learner profile. Examples include beach cleanups and tree planting linked to Zenjin's Respect for Nature.	Community & service Student leadership and community involvement are encouraged through the Student Council, which includes representatives from each grade and plans school-wide events. Community service and volunteer opportunities are integrated into school life, with projects linked to the PYP Exhibition and other student initiatives. Short-Term Study Abroad and outreach activities provide additional chances to engage with local and international communities beyond the campus. These programs support TWIS's emphasis on social responsibility and global citizenship.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Cross-grade mentoring and collaborative projects support leadership development through programs like the Tamagawa Robot Challenge Project (TRCP). TRCP coordinates robot-related activities from elementary through graduate levels to strengthen teamwork, project design, and communication. Service learning, outbound study abroad, and the IB Diploma Programme provide opportunities to develop professional and global competencies. IB DP programs and international partnerships promote lifelong learning and global leadership skills.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is supported through the Student Council, which brings together student representatives to plan events and initiatives. In High School, internships and workplace visits are integrated into the AI and Career Education pathway to connect learning with real-world opportunities. The school provides career counseling, portfolio development, and assistance with university applications as part of post-graduation pathways. Mentoring and professional skill-building opportunities help students prepare for further education and careers.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Campus facilities support lifestyle and physical wellbeing, including an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool, a memorial gymnasium with spaces for Kendo and Judo, and a 400-meter track. The Tamagawa Adventure Program emphasizes communication, confidence, and teamwork as core elements of student development. Regular athletic events and wellness activities are integrated into school life.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus includes a gymnasium, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, and an expansive educational garden that underpins physical and environmental education. A full-time school nurse and a visiting school counselor support students' physical and emotional well-being. The school offers on-site meal service with accommodations for allergies and cultural needs to support healthy daily life. These facilities and services contribute to a holistic approach to student wellness and daily life at TWIS.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught at Tamagawa Academy include English, Japanese, and Mandarin (Mandarin is offered within the Diploma Programme). The MYP delivers several subjects in English while others are taught in Japanese, and the DP uses English for most subjects with Japanese and Mandarin as Group 1/2 options. The school supports non-native speakers with language development programs and language support, and official communications are in English with Japanese translation; most internal students begin via the EP or JP tracks and language groups reflect a bilingual environment.	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction for most subjects; the Programme of Inquiry is conducted in English. Japanese is taught from Preschool as the host country language, with additional Japanese language classes for non-native speakers. Approximately 60% of TWIS students speak Japanese as their first language, while the remaining 40% speak Korean, Hindi, Chinese, English, and other languages; more than half of students are English Language Learners. Mother tongue support is provided, and language level assessments (ISA) and language proficiency tests such as EIKEN and KANKEN are used to monitor progress.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Tamagawa Academy offers IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) with bilingual instruction in English and Japanese. The DP uses English as the language of instruction for most subjects, with Japanese A: Language and Literature and Mandarin A: Language and Literature available in Group 1 and Japanese B and Mandarin B in Group 2. The school supports bilingual development and official communications are in English with Japanese translation as needed. Internal progression to the IB is tied to the school's English Programme (EP) and Japanese Programme (JP), and EP leads into the MYP pathway.	Bilingual teaching Tokyo West International School provides bilingual education in English and Japanese. From Preschool onward, Japanese is taught as the host language, and English language and literacy are taught daily from Kindergarten through Elementary. The Programme of Inquiry is delivered in English, and most single subjects are taught in English. The Elementary environment is clearly bilingual, with English and Japanese used interchangeably, and mother tongue support is provided for non-native speakers.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Tamagawa Academy offers an English Predominant (EP) program as an English immersion–style option in the primary division (grades 1–5). The EP is a partial immersion approach, with about 60% of lessons taught in English, and two-homeroom-teacher classes (one Japanese and one non-Japanese) to support language development. The EP feeds into the IB MYP from grade 6, aligning language development with IB requirements; since 2024 there are entry thresholds for EP students entering the MYP.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Tamagawa Academy and Tamagawa University – Awards (past 5 years) - 2021年度 Machida 3R Award: First time Tamagawa学園 was awarded the Machida City's 3R Award for reducing general waste and promoting proper waste sorting across the organization; cited as the initial recognition of the school's-wide environmental efforts. - 2022年度 Machida 3R Award: Second consecutive year Tamagawa学園 received the Machida City's 3R Award. - 2023年度 Machida 3R Award: Third consecutive year Tamagawa学園 received the Machida City's 3R Award. - 2024年度 Machida 3R Award: Fourth consecutive year Tamagawa学園 received the Machida City's 3R Award (表彰式 held for 2023年度; announced in 2024). - 2023 Good Life Award – Special Prize (Children Empowerment Award) for the Tamagawa Mokurin Project: The Tamagawa Mokurin Project received Environment Ministry of Japan's Good Life Award, Executive Committee Special Prize for Children Empowerment, recognizing campus environmental education and community engagement activities. - 2025 まちだ3R賞 – 4年連続: The school organism Tamagawa Gakuen was awarded the Machida City 3R Award for the fourth consecutive year (awarded at Machida City Hall on March 1, 2025). This confirms a continued, multi-year commitment to waste reduction and environmental stewardship across the school community.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Tamagawa Academy (K-12) and Tamagawa University – Accreditations - Tamagawa Academy (K-12): - IB World School: Tamagawa Academy began exploring International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes in 2007 and became an accredited IBO World School in March 2009. It is authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). - Round Square member: Tamagawa Academy is a member of Round Square, with exchange programs spanning about 240 schools; it is the only Japanese school in Round Square. - Tamagawa University (higher education): - JUAA accreditation: Tamagawa University completed its 2010 self-study and a 2011 review; it has been certified to satisfy JUAA accreditation standards and is accredited by JUAA for seven years from April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2026. The JUAA accreditation serves as a government-recognized quality assurance mechanism for university activities. - Institute for the Evaluation of Teacher Education: In 2020, the Tamagawa University Graduate School of Education (Teaching Profession) was accredited by the Institute for the Evaluation of Teacher Education, reflecting approved curricula and program standards for teacher education.	Accreditations Cognia Accreditation (since 2013; Cognia is the largest accreditation agency and international school community of educators in the world). The school has been Cognia-accredited since 2013 and continues to be recognized under the Cognia framework.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Tamagawa Academy (K-12) and Tamagawa University – detailed information on fees and admissions. All figures reflect the school's published materials for the 2026 admission cycle where shown. Where multiple tracks exist (K-12), procedures differ by grade and program; the notes below group by school level.	Admissions Step 1 — Determine grade level by birth date. Grade placement at Tokyo West International School is determined by the child's birthday, with specific birthdate guidelines for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. For Preschool & Kindergarten, the ranges are: Preschool 4.2.2022 or older; K3 4.2.2021–4.1.2022; K4 4.2.2020–4.1.2021; K5 4.2.2019–4.1.2020. For Elementary and higher grades, G1–G12 follow corresponding birthdate cutoffs (G1 4.2.2018–4.1.2019; G2 4.2.2017–4.1.2018; and so on). These guidelines affect new entrants for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. Step 2 — Open House and school tours. Open House (group) and Private School Tours are offered throughout the year. Prospective families should book via the reservation form or by calling for details. Group Open House events and private tours are scheduled to help families understand the program and environment. Step 3 — Submit the application form. Application materials are downloadable and can be submitted in person or by mail. Required documents include: Enrollment Application Form, Medical Certificate (issued within 3 months), Educational Support Questionnaire, Progress Report, and Graduation or Attendance Certificate from the previous school. Separate application forms exist for PreK & Kindergarten and for Elementary & Middle School. Step 4 — Screening test and parents interview. The school schedules a screening test and a parents' interview for each child, and the registration fee for the screening test is ¥22,000 (tax included). The screening and interview are designed to assess academic ability, motivation, and fit with the program. For admissions in Grade, Middle & High School, the timing is typically approximately one month before the desired admission date, with the result announced about one week after screening. Step 5 — Announcement of successful applicants and enrollment. The school communicates acceptance to applicants who meet the screening requirements via an official acceptance letter. Prospective students who pass the screening and have paid the entrance fee by the deadline are considered enrolled. Enrollment is completed within one week after acceptance. For inquiries about enrollment, contact information is provided on the admissions page. Step 6 — Fees and discounts. Tuition-related information notes that discounts and scholarships are available under certain circumstances; parents should inquire for details. This section also indicates that there is a screening test fee of ¥22,000 and mentions an entrance fee associated with admission.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships TWIS offers a scholarship program for elementary, middle, and high school grades. The 2026 TWIS School Scholarship provides exemption from the entrance fee and a 50% tuition subsidy for one year, with renewal contingent on an annual examination. Three scholarships are planned for the 2026 academic year. Eligibility requires new G1–G12 students for 2026 who have either passed the TWIS entrance examination or are currently enrolled. Selection is based on document screening. Application period runs from December 8, 2025 to January 9, 2026, with results announced by the end of January 2026. Required documents include a scholarship application form, an English essay by the student (50–80 words), proof of annual household income, and school records or letters of recommendation (not required for current TWIS students). Contact for scholarship questions is admission@tokyowest.jp.
Waitlist	Waitlist There is no separate waitlist system published for Tamagawa Academy (K-12). Admissions are handled via rolling entries for specific IB and non‑IB tracks when seats become available, rather than a formal waitlist. For IB, rolling admissions are offered “随時” (as needed). For non‑IB tracks, rolling admissions are also described for certain entry paths. This means seats are filled as they open, rather than via a fixed pool.	Waitlist Tokyo West International School does not publish a formal waitlist. When classes reach capacity, admissions occur only as vacancies become available. In the 2025 mid-term enrollment status, K4 and G2 classes have reached capacity, and there are typically 1–2 spots remaining in other classes such as K5, G1, G4, G7, and G9. This vacancy-based approach means families may be admitted if a space opens, rather than through a numbered waitlist.
	View full profile →	View full profile →