Compare American Curriculum International Schools in Japan

Axis International School in Kichijoji started in 2003 and serves students from ages 1 to 18. The international school offers an English-language academic program based on Griggs International Academy (U.S.) and students graduating from the high school program earn a U.S. high school diploma. Classes are kept small, with a maximum of 8 students per class and students take required coursework including Bible, English Language, Mathematics, Reading, Science and Social Studies. For eligible high school students (GPA 3.0+), the school describes a dual credit option that can provide college credit while still in high school. The school is about an 8-minute walk from JR Kichijoji Station and also lists paid bus service options.

Canadian International School Tokyo (CIS Tokyo) is an international day school in Tokyo offering education from Kindergarten through Grade 12 with English as the language of instruction. It follows the Canadian curriculum and incorporates the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in the early years. In the upper grades, students have access to Advanced Placement course options. Japanese language is taught as part of the curriculum alongside core academic subjects. The school operates multiple campuses in the Shinagawa and Nakameguro areas, both of which are well connected to central Tokyo by public transport. Class sizes typically average around 15 students, with a maximum of about 20, allowing for close interaction between teachers and students. Annual tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year range from approximately ¥2,600,000 to ¥3,100,000. CIS Tokyo is accredited by the Prince Edward Island Department of Education, the International Baccalaureate for the PYP and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The program includes physical education, music and visual arts, and a contracted school bus service is available.

Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ) is a K–12 co-educational day school in Higashi Kurume, in Tokyo’s northwest suburbs, established in 1950. Instruction is in English and follows a North American curriculum model with Bible classes across grades. In high school, students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and complete a required Senior Capstone research-and-project course. Each fall, “School Without Walls” replaces normal classes for a week so students practice leadership and service around Japan. World languages include Japanese and Spanish, offered from beginning levels through advanced/AP options. Students join co-curricular programs such as robotics, Student Council, National Honor Society, drama and music ensembles. Campus spaces include the ARK building, which houses the cafeteria/kitchen, band room and a multi-purpose room for events and activities. Athletics in the high school profile include basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis and track.

International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH) in Tokyo was founded in 1908 and is located in Shibuya-ku, about three minutes from Hiroo Station. The school enrolls approximately 585 students and is co-educational in Kindergarten (ages 3–5), then girls-only from Grade 1 through Grade 12. ISSH describes its programme as an in-house curriculum and uses the Early Years Foundation Stage in Kindergarten and the International Primary Curriculum in Junior School. In Grades 11–12, students can take Advanced Placement courses. ISSH lists 22 AP subjects including sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Computer Science A and languages (French and Japanese). Outside class, the school offers competitive sporting teams through the Kanto Plain Association of Secondary Schools (KPASS) and participates in arts and academic activities through KPASS such as Model United Nations, Debate, and Artscape (an annual exhibition event). Particularly of note are Sacred Heart's award-winning orchestras and choirs, which routine receive top scores at domestic and international competitions.

KA International School (KAIS) is an English-based international school in Tokyo serving children from Pre-K through Grade 12. Students study an American standards-aligned program (including references to American Common Core Standards) and KAIS offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. The school emphasizes English as its first priority and teaches Japanese as a subject. Facilities highlighted by the school include science labs, libraries, a gym, a music room and an art room. A distinctive feature is KAIS’s “Visible Learning” focus. This is possible as the school has earned Visible Learning Certification through Corwin. High school life also includes an annual “Experience Japan Trip”.

Founded in 1949, Nishimachi International School is a coeducational K–9 day school in central Tokyo. The school enrolls about 480 students, with approximately 20 students per class in Kindergarten through Grade 6 and middle school classes typically ranging from 10–20. Instruction is in English and all students study Japanese. The school describes its curriculum as based on American Common Core standards alongside its Japanese language and culture program taught daily through Grade 9. Beyond academics, students can join activities such as drama, band, ikebana, and sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country and badminton. The school also runs overnight trips to Kazuno (Grades 4–8) and winter ski trips (Grades 4–9).

Saint Maur International School is a co-educational day school in Yamate, a historical, cultural and residential area of central Yokohama, on the same site where it was founded in 1872. The school accepts children from age 2½ through Grade 12. In Grades 9–10, Saint Maur uses the IGCSE framework and in Grades 11–12 most courses are IB courses. Students may take the IB Diploma or take individual IB courses. The school also offers students the opportunity to take Advanced Placement exams. Facilities highlighted by the school include Fine Arts spaces, science facilities, a Sports & Activities Center and Robotics Labs.

St. Mary’s International School is an all-boys school in Tokyo that educates students from kindergarten through Grade 12 and was founded in 1954. The campus is in Setagaya ward and the school describes itself as located in the heart of Tokyo. English is the language of instruction. In high school, students can pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), a programme designed for ages 16–19. The school profile also notes class sizes are capped at 24, with many classes under 20. Beyond academics, the school highlights activities such as the fall play and clubs like Brain Bowl, debate and speech. Transportation support is available through a school bus service.

The American School in Japan (ASIJ), founded in 1902, is a non-profit, co-educational school in Tokyo serving students from nursery through high school on two campuses. Younger children attend the Early Learning Center in Roppongi (nursery–kindergarten), while the main campus in Chofu serves kindergarten–grade 12 next to Nogawa Park. ASIJ follows an American-model curriculum and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Capstone. High school students also have structured support through a seminar program and grades 11–12 can complete a two-year Deep Learning Signature Program. Beyond classes, students can choose from 170+ co-curricular options, including VEX Robotics, iGEM, Model UN and extensive arts and athletics opportunities.

The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is an independent international high school in Shibuya, Tokyo for students in grades 9–12. Its campus opened in 2024 and is located at Spark Shibuya, a short walk from Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park. Academics are built on three pillars: project-based, problem-based and inquiry-based learning. Students spend half the school day designing and executing real-world projects, supported by coaches and industry mentors. Math and Science are delivered through Khan Academy and aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. TIF culminates in an American high school diploma, and students are described as preparing for SAT and AP exams. A signature annual event is Demo Day, where students present their projects to a public audience.

Tokyo International Progressive School (TIPS) is a small international school in Setagaya, Tokyo, serving students from Grades 4 to 12. Founded in 2000, the school is located near the Futako-Tamagawa area and provides guidance for access from Futako-Tamagawa Station. TIPS is designed to support students with mild learning differences and learning challenges, offering an individualized academic environment with very small class sizes, averaging six students and capped at ten. The school follows an American-based curriculum, using Common Core standards in the middle grades and University of Nebraska High School (UNHS) online courses and Advanced Placement (AP) options at the high school level. Instruction is delivered in English, with opportunities for students to engage in Japanese language and culture activities. Beyond academics, students can participate in clubs such as coding, band, board games and sports, as well as the ACE program, which focuses on student-led projects and entrepreneurship.

Tokyo West International School (TWIS) is located in Hachioji in western Tokyo (Tama area) and welcomes children from PreK through High School. In PreK and Kindergarten, TWIS serves ages 2–5 and teaches in a primarily English setting while also offering Japanese learning time. In Elementary (Grades 1–6), classes are capped at about 18 students and learning is grounded in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), with subjects integrated through Units of Inquiry. A distinctive feature is the school’s garden-based learning, used for hands-on projects connected to sustainability. TWIS also describes a progressive AI education plan from Grade 6 to 12.

Tokyo YMCA International School (TYIS) is an English-language international school in Koto-ku, Tokyo, near Toyocho Station (Tozai Line). In elementary, core subjects are structured around North American content standards, and TYIS also offers Academic Support for Kids (ASK) for students who need additional academic or language support. The high school program is described as modeled after a U.S. high school experience, with elective options including arts, physical education, foreign language, information technology and vocational skills, plus university guidance and SAT test prep support. TYIS also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and states it is an authorized AP school through the College Board. School traditions and activities highlighted on the site include events such as a science fair, spelling bee, talent show, sports day, seasonal concerts and camps.

United School of Tokyo (UST) is an international school in Shibuya, founded in 2014 by parents and teachers, serving children ages 3 to 14 across Kindergarten (K1–K3), Elementary (G1–G5) and Middle School (G6–G8). Classroom instruction is conducted in English and the school references American Common Core standards for benchmarks. UST highlights small classes and notes 16 students per class and a total of ~220 students. Japanese is taught daily, with additional language options mentioned for older students. Beyond lessons, UST runs an extracurricular program with 30+ classes across sports, performing arts, visual arts, games/activities and STEAM. A distinctive feature described under school life is its Social Responsibility work, including projects like eco drives and a partnership-building effort with an elementary school in Cambodia.

Yokohama Christian School (YCS), founded in 2002, is located in Yokohama’s historic Bluff (Yamate-cho) area and serves children from Preschool through Grade 5. The elementary program uses an American Classical Christian curriculum, including resources such as Shurley English, Saxon Math and Bible materials. The school notes that social studies draws on students’ backgrounds and the school’s Japan location. YCS also offers an enrichment program across ages that includes art, music, PE, Latin, library, technology and worship, with Japanese listed as part of enrichment in the admissions FAQ. For after-school options, the school lists clubs such as Children’s Choir, Book Club, Homework Club, Multimedia Club and Running Club. The school also describes an After School Care program with extended options.

The Jinnan Campus serves students from Grade 2 to Grade 8. The school is an authorised IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), and the school states that learning in the upper grades incorporates a project-based learning approach. English is the main language of instruction, with Japanese taught as part of the programme. Class sizes are capped, with students limits ranging from approximately 18 students in lower grades to 20 in middle school. After-school activities for Jinnan Campus students include sports such as soccer and volleyball, creative arts activities, Pilates and coding programmes.

Yoyogi International School – Yoyogi Campus is located in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, next to Yoyogi Park and within easy reach of central Tokyo by public transport. The school is an authorized IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Its curriculum is also described as being cultivated from the US Common Core and the UK National Curriculum, providing a structured international framework for learning. The Yoyogi Campus serves younger students, with small class sizes of up to 16 students, allowing teachers to give close attention to each child. English is the main language of instruction, with Japanese taught as part of the programme. After-school activities include options such as soccer, volleyball, taekwondo, Pilates, arts and coding, which includes junior coding programmes. Founded in 1999, with the Yoyogi Campus opening in 2015, the school offers an international education setting in a green, urban neighbourhood familiar to many families living in Tokyo.

Kansai Christian School (KCS) is an all-English Christian school serving students in grades 1–12, established in 1970. Teaching and instruction are rooted in biblical values, and the school emphasizes small classes and low student-to-teacher ratios. KCS offers extracurriculars including athletics such as basketball, cross country and ultimate frisbee as well as an annual drama production through its Eagle Theater Company for students in grades 1–8. The campus is located in Heguri-cho, Nara, about a five-minute walk from Kintetsu Heguri Station, and students commute by train from areas including Osaka and Kyoto. The school is accredited through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International).

KIU Academy in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, is a bilingual international school serving Grades 1–12. The Academy combines an American-based curriculum with Japanese curriculum awareness and delivers instruction in both English and Japanese across elementary, middle and high school programs. KIU Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), offering students a pathway that meets international and Japanese educational standards. The school’s admissions pages list a structured fee package for tuition, entrance, and other costs for annual enrollment. KIU Academy emphasizes bilingual fluency, cross-cultural communication and preparation for university study. While specific clubs and class sizes are not detailed on the official site, the Academy positions itself as a place where students gain practical bilingual skills and global perspectives designed to support further education in Japan and abroad.

Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) in Kobe, Japan, is an international day school serving students from Early Years through Grade 12 with instruction primarily in English. Founded in 1951, the school offers International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP, MYP and DP) This allows the school to form a continuous curriculum designed to support global learning from early childhood through the diploma years. The campus is situated in the residential Suma area of Kobe, near both mountains and the sea, providing a peaceful setting within easy reach of urban amenities. MBIS embraces a diverse community, with students from many backgrounds learning in a multilingual environment. Athletics, arts and service are integral to student life alongside formal academic programmes. The school also provides transportation services and a broad range of extracurricular clubs. Marist emphasises character development, teamwork and personal growth, with English as the core language of instruction and a wide range of co-curricular opportunities for students.

Move To Learn Global School, established in August 2021 in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, is an international day school offering education and support for children aged 3 to 12 with diverse learning needs. The school provides a bespoke curriculum designed from the best elements of British, IB, American and other global curricula, delivered in English and Japanese to build foundational skills in English literacy, math, science and STEAM. Because of its small class sizes (around 7–8 students), instructors tailor instruction to individual learners, especially for students with special educational needs such as ASD, ADHD and learning difficulties. The campus supports inclusive education and individualized development, rather than fixed grade-level expectations, helping students progress at their own pace while strengthening communication, cognitive and social skills.

Hokkaido International School (HIS) in Sapporo opened in 1958 and is located in Toyohira-ku at 1-55, 5 jo 19 chome Hiragishi. The campus is accessible by subway, with directions provided from Odori Station to Sumikawa Station, followed by a 5–7 minute walk to the school. HIS offers education from the Early Years (ages 3–4) through Grade 12. In the Early Years, classrooms are described as Reggio Emilia inspired. At the elementary level, the school follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), while the middle school uses the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). In high school, students can take Advanced Placement courses, including the AP Capstone program with Seminar and Research, alongside a range of other AP subjects. Outdoor Education is identified by the school as an important part of the middle and high school curriculum, making use of Hokkaido’s natural environment as part of students’ learning experiences.

Sapporo International School (SIS) is an English-medium school in Sapporo serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 9. SIS implements an American curriculum aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), alongside an AIQ (Arabic, Islamic and Qur’an) curriculum and the Japanese National Curriculum. The school began in 2020 and consolidated into a larger, three-floor campus building by 2024. Beyond the regular program, SIS offers Summer School and an After School Program, including Arabic language and Qur’an tajweed/memorization classes. Families can also find short courses and events such as the SIS Robotic Course (robots, Arduino/Micro:bit and indoor drone learning).

Okinawa Christian School International (OCSI) is an English-language school in Yomitan, Okinawa, established in 1957. The campus is described as being in a suburban setting overlooking the East China Sea and about 23 km north of Naha, Okinawa’s capital city. OCSI serves students from PreK through Grade 12 and uses an American-based, Biblically integrated program. In high school (Grades 9–12), students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Beyond the school day, OCSI runs After-School Activities and student “Circles,” with examples such as coding, choir, basketball, Young Engineers, debate, chess, student council (STUCO) and NJHS. The athletics program includes competition with local schools and off-island tournaments in Asia.

New Life International School (NLIS), located in Kofu, Yamanashi, offers an American-style Christian education for students from grades 1 through 12. As the only school in the prefecture with accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the institution provides a structured learning environment that connects students to an international educational framework. The school maintains a small, family-like atmosphere where students participate in a variety of specialized activities. Offerings include ESL and EIKEN preparation, Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) classes for JLPT study, non-contact karate, and after-school care. Students also participate in elective clubs, such as sports for grades seven and up, and student-led Bible clubs. By integrating daily English-language instruction with community-focused projects, the school encourages students to communicate clearly while learning to apply their skills to help others within their community.

Learning Tree International School’s Tsukishima campus provides an English-immersion U.S. Common Core curriculum for children aged six months through elementary school. Students learn in multi-age cohorts, starting in the "Baby Seeds" and "Little Sprouts" groups, where instruction relies on phonics songs, puppetry, and tactile art projects. Rather than utilizing an on-site gymnasium, physical education takes place in neighboring local parks, integrating outdoor activity directly into the daily routine. The school introduces elementary science concepts through practical gardening activities and offers a robust music program where students learn to coordinate as an ensemble using ukuleles, xylophones, and percussive instruments. The Tsukishima campus specifically focuses on early childhood and elementary phases, requiring students to pass an annual exam to confirm they meet grade-level national standards. Japanese language instruction is also integrated into the schedule to ensure students can communicate functionally in their host country.

Learning Tree International School’s Kiba Prekinder campus provides early childhood education based on U.S. Common Core standards for children aged six months to six years. The program divides into specific developmental stages, starting with "Baby Seeds," where infants learn phonics and engage in tactile painting, progressing to the "Saplings" group, where students use ukuleles and xylophones to develop hand-eye coordination. The campus enforces a strict dietary policy, providing school lunches made entirely from organic, low-chemical ingredients sourced from Hokkaido and western Japan. Meals contain zero preservatives or white sugar, and students drink reverse-osmosis filtered water. A distinct requirement is the "Family Support System," mandating that parents align their home behavioral expectations with the school's philosophy. Additionally, students take part in environmental education at the school's dedicated Nature Camp facility in Kamogawa.

UPBEAT International School operates across three Nagoya campuses—Tempaku, Atsuta, and Nagoya District—providing continuum education from 57 days to 12 years. It is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, with instruction in English and Japanese. The curriculum focuses on English, reading and writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and Japanese, supplemented by IT, calligraphy, music, arts and crafts, and physical education. Integrated subjects such as discussion, field trips and practical work support all-round learning within the IB framework. Facilities include a library, computer room, a first-aid room with a nurse on duty, and a nutritious hot lunch prepared by licensed chefs under a dietitian's guidance. Outdoor space features a school yard for PE and play. A UPBEAT School Bus supports transportation. Enrichment Courses run after school and on Saturdays; After School & Saturday School operates 1st through 6th grade, and UPBEAT Boys & Girls Club provides after-school inclusive activities.

UPBEAT International School’s Tempaku campus provides an elementary education for students ages 6 to 12. As an authorized IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), instruction is bilingual, blending Japanese and American educational practices. Students study core subjects—English, Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Japanese—while engaging in inquiry-based projects that require them to lead their own teams, particularly during school-wide events like the student-led Sports Day. The campus features an executive school building that opens directly onto a large outdoor school yard, heavily utilized for physical education and transitions between indoor and outdoor learning. A distinct feature of the school is its focus on nutrition and health; instead of requiring packed lunches, the school provides daily hot meals prepared on-site by licensed chefs under a dietitian’s guidance, with specialized menus available for children with allergies. The school also runs its own bus routes and offers an extensive After School Boys & Girls Club for continued supervised learning.

Learning Tree International School in Kiba, Tokyo, offers an American curriculum with an integrated Japanese language track, catering to students from six months through Middle School. The campus supports varied learning paths, including a unique Dual-Schooling program designed for children attending local Japanese schools who want to maintain their English proficiency. Core subjects are taught in English by homeroom teachers, while specialists instruct the Arts Program, covering art history, drama, and physical education. Classrooms are outfitted with projectors to integrate technology like Khan Academy and Micro:bit. A standout feature is the Extra Curricular Activity Program (ECAP) running daily from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, which includes piano, swimming, and their signature weekly ukulele and Hula classes. Students also participate in the annual Nature Camp in Kamogawa. Operating in a predominantly residential area, the school focuses on small class sizes, capping elementary classes at 18 students to support individual attention.

For parents relocating to Nagoya, UPBEAT International School provides a bilingual education for children from 57 days old through 12 years of age. As an authorized IB World School, UPBEAT integrates the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) with American and Japanese educational standards. The curriculum emphasizes English, Math, and Science, supplemented by dedicated IT programming classes where students collaborate using electronic smartboards.