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Aoba-Japan International School - Meguro Campus

Japan, Tokyo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥1,908,000 - 2,120,000
Ages 2 - 6 years
Pupil numbers 790
Type Co-educational
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP)
Taught languages Japanese
Typical class size 15
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Kindergarten
Introduction

Aoba-Japan International School's Meguro Campus caters specifically to early education for children aged 18 months to six years. Located in Tokyo's Aobadai neighborhood, the campus operates across two adjacent buildings: one dedicated to toddlers and another for four- to six-year-olds. The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), delivering transdisciplinary units in English. Students participate in a distinctive After School Program that features Taiko drumming, violin instruction, calligraphy, and STEAM activities. For older kindergarteners (K4 and K5), swimming lessons run throughout the academic year. The campus serves hot lunches prepared in halal-certified facilities by Cezars Kitchen, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus daily. The school caps class sizes at 16 children with two educators per room, ensuring individualized attention. K5 graduates from Meguro transition directly into Grade 1 at Aoba’s larger Hikarigaoka campus.

2 Chome-11-5 Aobadai, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0042, Japan

The Essentials

Aoba-Japan International School - Meguro Campus has 790 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
Aoba-Japan International School operates across three Tokyo campuses: Meguro Campus (K2-K5) in Meguro-ku; Hikarigaoka Campus (K3-G9) in Nerima-ku; and Bunkyo Campus (G10-G12) in Bunkyo-ku. The Hikarigaoka campus sits in a residential area about 30 minutes from central Tokyo and is within a short walk of Hikarigaoka Station on the Toei Oedo Line; Meguro and Bunkyo campuses are similarly situated near major rail access in their neighbourhoods.

Stages
Meguro Campus serves kindergarten through Grade 5 (K2–K5). Hikarigaoka Campus serves Kindergarten through Grade 9 (K3–G9). Bunkyo Campus serves Grades 10–12 (G10–G12). An online option, Aoba Global Campus, offers G11–G12 via Online IBDP.

Type
Private, international, co-educational day school. It offers the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) and the GLD pathway; there are no on-site boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix
There are representations of over 40 nationalities in the community. Approximately half of students hold Japanese passports, including many returnees or dual nationals. Official statistics list 46 nationalities represented among students, reflecting a diverse international body.

Additional learning support
The school provides an inclusive support program with a co-teaching model across PYP, MYP, DP, and GLD. Support includes language and literacy assistance, curriculum adaptations, wellbeing and behavior support, and environmental/sensory accommodations, delivered through collaboration among teachers, counselors, and families.

Country affiliation
The school is based in Japan and operates as a private international school with no formal country affiliation beyond its Japanese location and accreditation.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation; the school describes itself as secular and welcomes students from all faiths and backgrounds.

School day structure
School days run 8:30 to 15:30 for Kinder to Grade 9, and 9:30 to 15:30 for Grades 10 to 12.

Bus service
The school bus service is outsourced to Tosho bus company and operates eight routes across central Tokyo. Buses have seat belts, GPS tracking, and emergency supplies, with bus attendants on each vehicle. A shuttle is available from Hikarigaoka Station to the campus, and some routes are available to Secondary students depending on capacity.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school does not offer boarding facilities. Students must reside with their parent(s)/guardian(s). There are no on-site housing options or dormitories provided.

Uniform Requirement
All students are required to wear a school uniform. Uniforms can be purchased from Lands' End or Top of the Class; the Dress Policy provides age-specific requirements and supplier links. Daily wear is allowed at some campuses, while formal occasions require the school tie and blazer.

Food Options
Hikarigaoka campus has a full-service kitchen and on-site cafeteria with hot meals prepared by Caesar's Kitchen for Kinder to G9. Meguro and Bunkyo campuses are catered by offsite caterers delivering fresh lunches daily; lunch is optional and students may bring lunch from home. The program accommodates dietary restrictions, with nut-free facilities and vegetarian and halal options available.

Governance and Ownership
Aoba-Japan International School is part of the AOBA group, governed by its parent organization Aoba-BBT, Inc. The AOBA group includes affiliated institutions such as A-JIS, A-JIS Bilingual Preschool, Musashi International School Tokyo, Summerhill International School, and AOBA-BBT. Aoba-BBT is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker 2464), confirming its public company status.
Fees

Annual tuition at Aoba-Japan International School - Meguro Campus ranges from JPY 1,908,000 to JPY 2,120,000 for 2026/27.

Application and One-time Enrollment Fees

- Application fee (per student, non-refundable): ¥23,000.
- Registration fee (new students, one-time): ¥320,000.
- Building Development fee (new students, one-time): ¥320,000.
- Family Community Membership fee (annual, per family): ¥12,500.

Annual Tuition fees (per school year) and per-installment amounts

- Kindergarten K2: Annual ¥1,908,000. If paid in two installments, each installment = ¥954,000.
- Kindergarten K3–K5: Annual ¥2,120,000. If paid in two installments, each installment = ¥1,060,000.
- Grades 1–5: Annual ¥2,332,000. If paid in two installments, each installment = ¥1,166,000.
- Grades 6–12: Annual ¥2,650,000. If paid in two installments, each installment = ¥1,325,000.
- Online IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12, Online): Annual ¥1,650,000. If paid in two installments, each installment = ¥825,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is payable either in one payment or in two installments. Families may choose one or two payments.
- Standard due dates for the one- or two-payment options: first installment or single payment due by 15 June; second installment (if chosen) due by 15 November. New-student payments may be payable at the time of registration.
- For students entering after the school year commences, tuition is calculated on the school's four quarters; attendance for any portion of a quarter requires payment of the entire quarter. Building Maintenance and Family Community Membership Fees are billed in full with the first tuition invoice and are not prorated for mid-year entry.
- Late payments incur arrears charges: 1.20% per month, compounded monthly, on overdue accounts. Serious delinquency may result in restricted access to class attendance, reports, and transcripts.

Boarding

- Aoba-Japan International School does not offer boarding facilities; students must reside with their parent(s)/guardian(s). No boarding fees apply.

Other recurring and optional fees

- Building Maintenance Fee (annual): published schedules list this fee as billed annually; published examples for recent fee years show amounts in the range reported at ¥154,000–¥200,000 depending on campus/year. This fee is billed in full with the first tuition invoice.
- School Lunch fees and School Bus (transport) fees are charged separately from tuition and are billed in addition to the annual tuition. These services are optional and invoiced separately. School Lunch and Bus fees are refundable if withdrawal occurs before the published deadlines for semester refunds.
- School Trip Fee: mandatory for participation in compulsory curriculum trips; typically invoiced separately.
- After-School Program (ASP), Summer School and other extracurricular programme fees are charged separately and are generally non-refundable once the programme begins. Summer programme registration and fees follow separate published schedules.
- Uniform: all students are required to have a school uniform; uniform items and costs are charged separately. Daily uniform wear may be optional at some campuses.
- English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) / Inclusion or Communications Support fees may be charged when a student requires additional, program-specific support; amounts vary by programme and placement.

Sibling discount

- Sibling discounts apply: published examples show a 10% discount on the second child's tuition and 15% on subsequent children; the discount is applied to full-year tuition and adjusted in the final tuition payment.

Refunds and cancellation

- Application fee, Registration fee and Building Development fee are non-refundable.
- Refund deadlines for semester tuition and related fees:
- Withdrawal or enrollment cancellation by 31 July: full refund of First Semester tuition, Communications Support and Inclusion Support fees; Building Maintenance and Family Community Membership Fees refunded if withdrawal by 31 July.
- Withdrawal or notification of withdrawal by 8 January: full refund of Second Semester tuition, Communications Support and Inclusion Support fees. No refunds after these dates for the respective semester. Attendance of six days or more in a semester constitutes full-semester attendance and is not eligible for a refund.
- Leave of absence (semester-based): upon approval, 50% of tuition will be waived during an approved leave of absence; other fees are not billed for the leave term. Building Maintenance and Family Community Membership Fees will not be refunded for a leave taken in the second semester.
- Re-entry fees for students returning after withdrawal are charged as specified (examples: re-entry in same school year ¥100,000; next school year ¥150,000; second school year ¥200,000); cancellation of re-entry is subject to the Refund Policy.

Fee payment methods and invoicing

- The school uses an online Parent Portal (Veracross) for admissions and parent account access; invoicing and payments are managed through that system. Families receive invoicing details and payment instructions via the billing process.
- Typical accepted payment methods for schools using the Veracross Parent Portal include credit card payments and bank transfers/wire transfers; families should follow the payment instructions on their Aoba invoice for the available payment methods and any processing fees.
Academics

Aoba-Japan International School - Meguro Campus teaches IB (PYP) for students aged 2 to 6.

Curriculum
Aoba-Japan International School offers an IB continuum from early years to senior secondary: K2; K3–G6 in the Primary Years Programme (PYP); G7–G10 in the Middle Years Programme (MYP); and G11–G12 with either the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the Global Leadership Diploma (GLD). The PYP (ages 3–12) emphasizes inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning and develops core values such as global leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, effective communication, and wise risk-taking. The MYP (Grades 7–10) provides subject-linked inquiry across languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and arts, with assessment via internal tasks and external moderation where appropriate. The DP requires six subjects across languages, humanities, science, mathematics, and arts, plus Theory of Knowledge, a 4,000-word Extended Essay, and a service component, with external examinations; an Online DP is also offered as a pilot. The GLD is a flexible, two-year senior pathway with a Leadership Coach, awarding the Aoba High School Diploma and enabling online or on-campus study. English is the language of instruction, with integrated Japanese language studies and language support where needed; the school's IB credential is complemented by CIS and NEASC accreditation.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and emotional learning is supported through a dedicated wellbeing team that provides social and emotional guidance to students. The school employs Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) to remove barriers and provide inclusive lessons from the Primary Years Programme through the Diploma Programme and Global Leadership Diploma. Classrooms are designed for universal access with inclusive strategies that benefit all students. Targeted support includes small-group instruction and personalised guidance in literacy, numeracy, and communication. Wellbeing initiatives include advisory sessions and testing accommodations to support academic and personal development. Inclusion remains central to the school culture across all programs.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
An inclusive approach is described within the Learning Support framework. The program uses Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) to design flexible and inclusive lessons from PYP through DP. Targeted support includes small-group instruction and personalised guidance in literacy, numeracy, and communication. The dedicated wellbeing team offers social and emotional guidance in addition to academic support. Inclusion remains central to the school culture, and capacity is described within the resources available; no dedicated SEN specialist institution designation is stated.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided within Learning Support, including a Communication Support program. Communication Support reduces barriers for students when reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. Literacy classes are co-planned, co-taught and co-assessed with the subject teacher and a support teacher. The program uses Differentiated Instruction (DI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to help language learners access the curriculum. Inclusion is a guiding principle across the learning program.

Mental Wellbeing
The wellbeing team provides social and emotional guidance to students as part of the Support Program. Wellbeing initiatives include advisory sessions and testing accommodations to support students academically and personally. The program aims to build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships across the school. Inclusion remains central to wellbeing across programs.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and student well-being are guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Articles 19 and 34) and ITFC-informed policy. The school is a member of JCIS and EARCOS, reinforcing safeguarding commitments. Policies include safeguarding guidelines and a safeguarding agreement with employees, with site emergency procedures. Safety measures include fences and steel gates, regular drills for fire, earthquake, and lockdown, and an on-site school nurse. Medical insurance covers injuries for curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities on campus and off campus.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1976 by Regina Doi, Aoba-Japan International School began as Aoba International School, a bilingual program for nursery through pre-first grade. Growth led to the opening of a second campus near Daikanyama in 1979 and relocations to Harajuku, Shibuya, and Suginami during the 1980s and 1990s to accommodate a rising student body, with the school eventually adopting the Aoba-Japan International School name. In 2012 the school moved to a purpose-built campus in Hikarigaoka to become a full K–12 institution. In 2013 Business Breakthrough acquired Aoba, aligning it with a broader international education group, and the school earned IB World School status in 2015, with the MYP and DP authorized in 2016; the Bunkyo Campus was opened to extend high school access.

Community
Aoba-Japan International School maintains a diverse, globally minded community with students from many nationalities and a strong emphasis on alumni involvement through the Aoba Alumni Association. The Family Community, a parent-and-guardian-led group, works closely with faculty to enrich school life and support student success. The community is active in events and cultural activities, including a yearly Spring Carnival, Family Day, Sports Day, and School Festival, which bring families onto campus and strengthen ties across generations. The school encourages ongoing collaboration between students, families, and alumni to foster an internationally engaged learning environment.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association at Aoba-Japan International School is organized as the Family Community (FC), a parent-led committee whose members are all parents and guardians. The FC partners with the faculty and staff to enrich school life, run meetings, and support students through volunteer involvement and event planning. Key events coordinated by the FC include the Spring Carnival, Family Day, Sports Day, and the School Festival, which provide opportunities for family participation and community building. The FC maintains a dedicated contact channel and invites interested parents to become FC officers to help guide activities and initiatives.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Aoba-Japan International School operates on three Tokyo campuses: Hikarigaoka (K–G9), Meguro (K2–K5), and Bunkyo (G10–12). The Hikarigaoka campus sits on a forested, park-like site and offers a 6,600-square-meter main building with a full gymnasium and performance stage, a 25-meter outdoor pool, a turf soccer/futsal/football pitch, and indoor and outdoor basketball courts. It also houses fully equipped science laboratories, independent learning lounges for middle and high school, and dedicated spaces for music (including choir and band) and art (an art room with a pottery kiln), plus a full kitchen and cafeteria. The Meguro campus serves younger students in two adjacent buildings, provides nutritious meals, an after-care program until 5:45 pm, and a broad after-school program including Japanese, music, STEAM, Taiko, violin, and calligraphy/art, along with year-round swimming lessons. The Bunkyo campus supports senior-year learning with facilities such as a black-box theater, soundproof music studios, and multimedia rooms, plus a spacious cafeteria and lobby. A school bus fleet with Tokyo-wide routes supports families, and all campuses are set within park-like surroundings that support a holistic learning environment.

Sports Facilities
Primary sports facilities are on the Hikarigaoka Campus: a 25-meter outdoor pool, a full gymnasium with a stage, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, and a turfed soccer/futsal/football pitch. The campus design includes outdoor spaces that support PE and team sports within a forested setting. The Meguro and Bunkyo campuses contribute to physical education and after-school athletic activities through multi-purpose spaces and structured programs, though dedicated outdoor sports facilities are highlighted primarily at Hikarigaoka.

Academic Facilities
At Hikarigaoka, the campus provides fully equipped science laboratories and independent learning lounges for middle and high school. The main building features open-plan classrooms designed for collaborative, inquiry-based learning with technology integrated to enhance instruction. The Meguro campus emphasizes technology-enabled learning and inquiry-based units in the early years, guided by teachers who balance inquiry with explicit instruction. The Bunkyo campus offers modern spaces such as multimedia rooms to support senior-year programs and digital learning initiatives.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Each campus offers a range of after-school and co-curricular programs. The Meguro campus provides After Care until 5:45 pm and After School Programs including Japanese, music, STEAM, Taiko, violin, calligraphy and art, plus year-round swimming lessons. The Hikarigaoka campus supports music with dedicated facilities for choir and band and includes an art studio for creative activities and performances. The Bunkyo campus features a black-box theater, soundproof music studios, and multimedia rooms that support performing arts and media projects, along with other after-school options. A school bus network supports access to these programs across Tokyo.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Aoba-Japan International School offers an After School Program (ASP) that provides academic support and language learning, along with opportunities in performing arts, creative expression, and competitive sports. The program runs on weekdays after school, typically from 15:45 to 18:15, and is open to internal and external students; it also includes an after-school community English lesson for local residents. ASP includes subject offerings and provides a second-semester guide for planning enrichment activities. The program emphasizes developing leadership, communication, and collaboration through inquiry and action.

Arts & Creative
Arts and creative opportunities are integrated into the school's beyond-the-classroom offerings. The After School Program includes performing arts and creative expression, and the school features Visual Arts and Performing Arts as dedicated program areas. Summer School adds music-focused sessions and AI-oriented projects, expanding creative exploration beyond the regular curriculum.

Cultural & Language
Aoba operates community language initiatives such as Aoba Community English School (ACES) to help neighbors practice English with qualified teachers. The After School Program also includes a Language Community School component, offering English or Japanese lessons developed by Aoba for a range of learners. These programs reflect the school's commitment to language development and intercultural engagement within the community.

Social & Hobbies
ASP provides after-school opportunities in language learning, performing arts, creative expression, and competitive sports, supporting social development and teamwork. Seasonal programs emphasize physical activity and team-based activities, including camps and events that blend sport with exploration. The Winter Sports Camp offers activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile riding, and snowshoe hiking for eligible students, combining recreation with learning.

Community & Service
ASP is open to external students and includes an after-school community English lesson for local residents, demonstrating direct community outreach. ACES serves the surrounding community by offering English language practice through community-focused programming. These initiatives illustrate Aoba's commitment to serving its neighbors beyond the regular classroom setting.

Leadership & Professional
ASP explicitly aims to develop leadership, creativity, empathy, and fair play among participants. The school also supports high-level leadership development through pathways such as the Global Leadership Diploma (GLD) for senior students, which emphasizes research, collaboration, and reflective practice as part of the graduation pathway.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Hikarigaoka Campus includes a sports pitch, a pool, and a gymnasium to support ongoing physical activity and wellbeing. The school's offerings include Sports & Athletics as a formal program track alongside Visual and Performing Arts, promoting a well-rounded, holistic approach to student wellbeing. Seasonal programs further emphasize physical activity, with activities like Winter Sports Camp that focus on safe, supervised, active outdoor experiences.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include English for core classes and Japanese Studies delivered in Japanese. The school offers an IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) plus a Global Leadership Diploma, serving students from early years through Grade 12. Admissions include a language assessment, and in-class language support is available for non-native English speakers in Grades 1–9; some K–G1 entrants may join with limited English. The school serves students from around K2 to G12 across campuses.

Bilingual Teaching
The core curriculum at Aoba-Japan International School is taught in English. It is not a full bilingual program across the entire curriculum; Japanese Studies is taught in Japanese, providing exposure to the language within the curriculum. An in-class English language support program helps students in Grades 1–9 who are not yet at grade level in English. In the early years, the school may admit a small number of students with limited English (K-G1) with language development integrated into the program.

Immersion Programs
English is the language of instruction for most subjects, delivering an English-language immersion in core classrooms. Japanese Studies is delivered in Japanese, offering ongoing exposure to the language within the curriculum. The school provides in-class English language support for non-native speakers in Grades 1–9. Early-years admissions may include students with limited English, with language development embedded in the program.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. Plan entry timing and grade placement. Aoba-Japan International School follows an August–June academic year, with a September 1 cutoff date used for age placements. K2 students may join the Meguro campus from 18 months old, while K3 (3 years old) must be toilet trained; placement for K4–G12 is based on the student's completed or current grade level, with the principal's discretion in some cases. English is the language of instruction in all grades, and students not yet fluent may participate in an inclusive in-class support program; at least one parent/guardian must be able to communicate in English with school staff. Visa assistance is not provided, and housing is not offered; families should plan accordingly. (These placement rules and language expectations are part of the admissions framework.)

Scholarships
Step 3. Current status of financial aid and scholarships. The school states that there is no financial aid available for newly enrolled students at present. Historically, a Global Leaders Scholarship was announced in 2022, funded by the Ohmae Endowment, offering up to to JPY 4,000,000 per year toward tuition and living expenses; it was described as supporting talented students for paths to leading universities, but there is no indication that this program is active today. Families should not expect ongoing scholarships for new entrants, beyond any non-scholarship supports such as in-class English language assistance.

Waitlist
Step 2. Review the admissions cycle and waitlist expectations. For 2026–2027 entry, applications are being accepted for August 2026 across all grades and campuses, with the first-round interviews typically conducted after a December 2025 online submission and January 2026 review. For the 2025–2026 cycle, some grades may already be full and waitlists may be considered for Semester 2 entry; applications are accepted year-round depending on grade vacancy. Some grades may fill quickly, so families on waitlists should expect possible contact if spaces reopen.
School Events
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