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Christian Academy in Japan

Japan, Tokyo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥2,062,000 - 2,412,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 464
Type Co-educational
Opened 1950
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Taught languages Japanese, Spanish
Typical class size 17
Strengths Performing Arts, STEM, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

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.

1-2-14 Shinkawa-cho Higashi Kurume-shi, Tokyo 203-0013

The Essentials

Christian Academy in Japan has 464 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English.

Location
CAJ is located at 1-2-14 Shinkawa-cho, Higashi Kurume-shi, Tokyo 203-0013, Japan. The main CAJ campus covers about 4 acres in the western suburbs of Tokyo. Most students commute by public transportation, bicycle, or walking.

Stages
CAJ is a K-12 school serving kindergarten through high school. It operates a day school program and a Parallel Educational Services division for English-speaking homeschoolers.

Type
CAJ is a private, co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.

Pupil Nationality Mix
CAJ's student body includes students from over 20 countries. The most represented nationalities are Japan, the United States, and Korea; about 33% of students have multiple nationalities.

Additional learning support
CAJ admits students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for speech and language and/or specific learning disabilities, and accepts students with physical, emotional, or behavioral needs under defined conditions. Parallel Educational Services provides consultancy, resources, and programs for English-speaking homeschoolers and affiliated schools.

Country affiliation
CAJ has no formal country affiliation; it is operated in Japan by six evangelical mission organizations.

Religious affiliation
CAJ is a Christian school with a Christ-centered program; chapels are attended by all students as part of spiritual life. Founding missions underpin the school's Christian identity.

School day structure
Campus opens at 8:00 (9:00 on Wednesdays); classes begin at 8:30 (9:30 on Wednesdays). Elementary dismissal is at 3:30 p.m.; all students should leave campus by 5:00 p.m. unless in a supervised activity. High School runs a block-based schedule with Chapel during the day.

Bus service
CAJ does not operate a dedicated school bus service. Students typically commute by public transportation or bicycle; passes for trains or buses can be arranged, and bicycles must be parked in designated areas with safety rules observed.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
CAJ does not have a boarding program. All students must reside with a parent or legal guardian or in a school-recognized alternative residence (host family or relative). Families are responsible for reporting to CAJ if the student is not residing with the parents.

Uniform Requirement
CAJ does not have a fixed school uniform. It uses a dress code that applies on and off campus and requires modest, covered clothing. CAJ-branded apparel can be purchased with approval, and approved gear typically uses a color palette of royal blue, gold, gray, and white.

Food Options
CAJ provides meals through a contracted lunch program with Cezars Kitchen. The menu includes daily fresh baked goods, a variety of snacks, vegetables, and noodles available daily for middle and high school students.

Governance and Ownership
CAJ is governed by a two-tier Board of Directors and Board of Councilors. The nine-member Board of Directors includes representatives from the six founding evangelical mission organizations and the community, plus CAJ's head of school; the Board of Councilors comprises representatives from the founding missions and the community. The board sets the school's vision and the head of school implements it.
Fees

Annual tuition at Christian Academy in Japan ranges from JPY 2,062,000 to JPY 2,412,000 for 2026/27.

Application and Entrance Fees

- Application fee: ¥16,000 (payable per child; non-refundable).
- Testing fee: ¥11,000 (payable in advance for applicants requiring testing; non-refundable).
- Entrance fee: ¥430,000 (payable before commencement once applicants are accepted; non-refundable).
- Entrance EAL fee: ¥107,000 (one-off fee for new Grade 6–12 students requiring EAL support).

Registration and Annual Facility Fees

- Registration fee: ¥54,000 (non-refundable deposit to confirm initial enrollment and payable each May to confirm continuing enrollment).
- Facilities fee (annual): ¥165,000 (non-refundable; assists with continuing development of facilities).

Tuition Fees by Year Group (annual amounts)

- Kindergarten and Elementary (K to G5): ¥1,845,000 per year.
- Middle School (G6 to G8): ¥2,020,000 per year.
- High School (G9 to G10): ¥2,165,000 per year.
- High School (G11 to G12): ¥2,195,000 per year.

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms

- Annual billing: Annual fees are payable every school year before commencement unless a Deferred Payment Plan is used.
- Deferred Payment Plans available:
- 2-Payment Plan: non-refundable plan fee ¥6,000; two payments in August and January. The 2-payment plan applies to tuition fees only.
- 10-Payment Plan: non-refundable plan fee ¥11,000; ten payments August–May. The 10-payment plan schedules Tuition, Facilities Fee, and Plan Fees across the ten payments.
- Sibling discount: tuition reduced by 25% for the 3rd and 4th child after the 2nd child per family attending in the same year.
- Refunds: refund of tuition fees is available by semester only, and only if the student is wholly unattended, exiting, and a 30-day notice is given. Admissions fees (application, testing, entrance, etc.) are non-refundable.
- Overdue account policies: grades and transcripts may be withheld at semester break until 50% of annual tuition and fees are paid; diplomas and final transcripts withheld if accounts are not paid in full; overdue accounts can lead to loss of charging privileges or termination of enrollment. The Head of School may grant exceptions only after a written request.

Per-payment Examples (derived calculations based on published annual amounts and the stated Deferred Payment Plan structures)

Note: the following per-payment figures are calculated from the published annual tuition, the published facilities fee, and the stated plan fees. These per-payment numbers are presented to show how payments would break down under each plan structure.

- 2-Payment Plan (tuition split into two equal installments; plan fee ¥6,000 is an additional non-refundable annual charge):
- K–G5: ¥1,845,000 ÷ 2 = ¥922,500 per installment. (Plus the ¥6,000 plan fee annually.)
- G6–G8: ¥2,020,000 ÷ 2 = ¥1,010,000 per installment. (Plus the ¥6,000 plan fee annually.)
- G9–G10: ¥2,165,000 ÷ 2 = ¥1,082,500 per installment. (Plus the ¥6,000 plan fee annually.)
- G11–G12: ¥2,195,000 ÷ 2 = ¥1,097,500 per installment. (Plus the ¥6,000 plan fee annually.)

- 10-Payment Plan (ten equal monthly payments August–May; each monthly payment covers tuition, the annual facilities fee ¥165,000, and the annual plan fee ¥11,000):
- K–G5: (¥1,845,000 + ¥165,000 + ¥11,000) ÷ 10 = ¥202,100 per month.
- G6–G8: (¥2,020,000 + ¥165,000 + ¥11,000) ÷ 10 = ¥219,600 per month.
- G9–G10: (¥2,165,000 + ¥165,000 + ¥11,000) ÷ 10 = ¥234,100 per month.
- G11–G12: (¥2,195,000 + ¥165,000 + ¥11,000) ÷ 10 = ¥237,100 per month.

Additional and Activity Fees

- Zero Period class (7:20–8:20 am): ¥22,000 per class.
- AP classes: ¥32,000 per course.
- Private music lessons: ¥2,900 per half-hour (some lesson fees vary).
- Co-curricular participation fees:
- Elementary: ¥5,500 per after-school activity (half semester).
- Middle School: ¥11,000 per sport or robotics season.
- High School: ¥16,500 per sport season; ¥20,000 per robotics season.
- Co-curricular tournament travel fees (indicative and subject to change):
- Kanto area: ¥35,000.
- Honshu: ¥45,000.
- Okinawa, Korea: ¥55,000.
- Guam: ¥77,000.
- Food services: hot meal program and other food items available; prices vary by item.

Refunds and Special Cases

- Admissions fees (application, testing, entrance, etc.) are non-refundable. Refund of tuition is available only by semester under the stated conditions (student wholly unattended, exiting, and 30-day notice provided). Requests for leaves of absence of a semester or more should be made at least 30 school days before planned absence and may incur fees to guarantee a re-entry place.
- Fee assistance is available for families in financial need on application. Government subsidies may be available for Grades 10–12 subject to income and application.

Payment Methods and Business Office

- Accepted methods: bank transfer (domestic bank transfer; include Family ID). No cash accepted. The school lists Resona Bank (Higashi Kurume, Futsu Yokin Savings) with account details for transfers. US dollar checks may be paid at the Business Office. US bank transfer is available on request.
- Business Office / Cashier hours are published for payments handled in person. Overdue accounts and payment compliance are managed by the Business Office.
Academics

Christian Academy in Japan teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
CAJ offers a K–12, English-language program based on a North American curriculum model, with Bible study integrated across grades. In middle school, the curriculum comprises five required academic subjects—English, social studies, math, science, and Bible—plus exploratory courses (art, digital tools, home economics, industrial arts) and electives such as band, choir, Japanese, Spanish, and study hall. Across the grade bands, Bible literacy, English and math foundational work are emphasized, with science and social studies exploring global contexts; younger students access art, music, world languages and PE, while older students can deepen study in academic and creative disciplines with technology integrated. Graduation requires 50 credits: 4 Bible, 8 English, 8 Social Studies, 4 Mathematics, 4 Science, 4 World Language, 4 PE/Health, 2 Creative Arts, plus electives; for the Class of 2029 and beyond, math and science credits rise to 6 each. In high school, typical schedules include seven courses plus a study hall, with AP offerings across English, World Language, Math, Science and Social Studies; Senior Capstone is required for graduation. CAJ provides world language pathways in Japanese (I–V) and Spanish (I–IV), an English as an Additional Language track, and serves as an AP exam center for CAJ students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
CAJ supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through a coordinated school-wide approach led by the K-12 guidance office and the multi-disciplinary Support Team. The Support Team includes a Health Coordinator, Guidance Coordinator, Guidance Staff, Resource Staff, and Division Principals who identify students' needs, coordinate internal and external services, and advocate for families. EAL services sit under the Support Team umbrella and may inform next steps when language development affects learning; EAL input is integrated with subject teachers and EAL staff to support learners. The Guidance Center provides study skills, career testing and guidance, college guidance, academic support, and high school course scheduling; the guidance counselor offers limited, non-intensive personal counseling, with more serious issues referred to outside resources. The Health Center is staffed by a full-time nurse to promote health and safety, complementing wellbeing supports available through guidance and resource staff. These elements collectively support students' wellbeing and emotional learning within the academic program.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
CAJ supports students with special educational needs through a multi-disciplinary Support Team that identifies students, coordinates internal and external services, and communicates with and advocates for families. The team's members include Health Coordinator, Guidance Coordinator, Guidance Staff, Resource Staff, and Division Principals; EAL services are provided under the Support Team umbrella and can guide next steps when language learning affects achievement. CAJ does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution; accommodation plans are coordinated by the Support Team and related staff, with resource teachers assisting identified learners. The Learning Resources Center (LRC) offers one-on-one support, small-group work, and services such as reading/writing support, study skills, and organizational assistance to aid learners with diverse needs. Parallel Educational Services operates as a CAJ division offering additional educational support for affiliated homeschool families.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The EAL Department, led by Kathryn Lewis, is dedicated to supporting students as they acquire English across the curriculum. EAL works with subject teachers through co-teaching arrangements in selected Elementary and Middle School classes and runs separate EAL support classes from Elementary through High School, enabling learners to develop English while following content. Collaboration between EAL and content teachers, including co-teachers and EAL specialists, is a key feature of CAJ's approach to language support. EAL is described as a remediable learning difference, with EAL services overseen under the Support Team umbrella to guide appropriate interventions.

Mental Wellbeing
CAJ offers a Guidance Center providing study skills, career testing and guidance, college information, and academic support to promote student wellbeing. The guidance counselor provides limited, non-intensive personal counseling, with more serious concerns referred to outside resources. The Health Center is staffed by a full-time nurse who handles initial medical care and health information, contributing to students' overall wellbeing and safety. The Learning Resources Center provides personal support (advising, accountability, etc.) and academic assistance to help students manage stress and workload. CAJ's safeguarding policies further support mental wellbeing by ensuring safe, transparent responses to concerns and access to appropriate help.

Safeguarding
CAJ's Child Protection Policy establishes guiding principles of visibility, accountability, and appropriate use and balance of power to ensure student safety. The policy requires that adults on campus act openly in interactions with students, with clear expectations for behavior and boundaries. It emphasizes accountability and transparency for all staff, coaches, and volunteers working with students. Staff, students, and families are encouraged to report concerns, and CAJ commits to listening and protecting students when needed. The policy also includes a Mandated Reporting Form to facilitate reporting of suspected abuse or safety concerns.
Parent Experience

History
CAJ began in 1950 as the Japan Evangelical Christian School, established by missionary families seeking an English-language Christian education. It opened with 13 students and one teacher, Miss Nettie Dyk. In fall 1951 the school moved to Higashi Kurume on land purchased from an imperial dairy farm, and a boarding program began; by fall 1952 the student body reached 92. In 1961 the school reorganized under a board of directors drawn from six evangelical mission organizations. Today CAJ serves approximately 450 day-school students and more than 300 in Parallel Educational Services, operating in English with a North American curriculum.

Community
CAJ's community spans more than 25 countries, with day-school and Parallel students from a broad international mix. The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including Brain Bowl, Debate, Drama, Robotics, National Honor Society, Student Council, and numerous sports across middle and high school. The CAJ community also participates in regular events and gatherings organized by CAJ and the PTA, such as New Family Orientation, Welcome Parties, Fall Festival and Bazaar, and a Christmas Baked Goods Delivery to neighbors. Prayer and spiritual life are integrated into community life, with parent prayer meetings and a community forum that encourages prayer, feedback, and volunteering.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The CAJ PTA is an organization that supports the ministry of Christian Academy in Japan in fulfilling its mission of equipping students to serve Japan and the world for Jesus Christ. It is led by an executive committee, and all current CAJ families, Parallel families, and staff members are automatically PTA members. PTA members help fund scholarships, service projects, and equipment, and reach out to the greater CAJ community and neighborhood. Throughout the academic year the PTA hosts a variety of events and activities, with parents assisting in Scripture recitations, baking, setting up and serving food, and praying. BAND is used to stay up-to-date on PTA volunteer opportunities and events, and the PTA website provides information about events. The PTA maintains a program of annual and ongoing projects, including graduation receptions, the eighth-grade Kyoto trip, staff appreciation, a Summer Scripture Memory program, and other campus-support initiatives, such as Thrift Shop equipment funding.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
CAJ sits on a four-acre campus in the western suburbs of Tokyo. The campus includes a 370-seat auditorium and a 450-seat gymnasium. There are classroom buildings with science and computer labs, and facilities for home economics and industrial arts. The library contains about 25,000 volumes and offers periodicals, audiobooks, and ebooks. Students have access to a laptop or tablet for learning, and there is a dining hall with hot lunch service.

Sports Facilities
A 450-seat gymnasium supports indoor physical education and events. Outdoor facilities include a regulation-size turf soccer field, outdoor basketball courts, and two tennis courts.

Academic Facilities
Classroom buildings, science and computer labs support the curriculum. Home economics and industrial arts facilities provide practical learning spaces. The 25,000-volume library provides print and digital resources. Every student has access to a personal laptop or tablet for learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular programs include Brain Bowl, Debate, Drama, Math Field Day, National Honor Society, Praise Team, Robotics, Senior Council, Solo & Ensemble, Speech Contest, and Student Council. In athletics, students participate in girls and boys basketball, cross country, field hockey, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. The school also supports Handbells in middle school and offers arts activities through its Creative Arts and Performing Arts departments.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
CAJ offers a range of cocurricular activities to support academic and intellectual growth. Students participate in Brain Bowl, Math Field Day, Debate, and Robotics, with teams competing in inter-school events. The program also includes National Honor Society, Speech Contest, Solo & Ensemble, and Senior Council, fostering scholarship, communication, and leadership. These activities emphasize critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving across grade levels.

Arts & Creative
CAJ provides diverse arts and creative opportunities. The High School and Middle School offer Drama and Solo & Ensemble performances, and Handbells for middle school. The music program includes Praise Team and other ensembles; CAJ also offers private music lessons for band instruments, strings, piano, and voice, with instrument rentals and available practice rooms. These options support performance and creative expression across disciplines.

Social & Hobbies
Student life includes leadership and social clubs such as Student Council and Senior Council. CAJ also fields boys' and girls' varsity and junior varsity teams across multiple sports, providing social engagement through team participation and competitions. In addition, other student-led activities such as Drama, Speech Contest, and Solo & Ensemble offer peer connections and teamwork opportunities.

Community & Service
CAJ emphasizes community service and outreach through service-oriented activities and trips. The Sunday Activities policy generally does not schedule events on Sundays to respect sabbath, but exceptions are made for ministry opportunities, performances by music ensembles, and the senior international service trip that includes a worship component. The CAJ community participates in service and mission efforts through student leadership and outreach programs.

Leadership & Professional
CAJ provides leadership development through Student Council, Senior Council, and National Honor Society, which recognize student leadership and service. These programs cultivate teamwork, communication, and civic responsibility, and provide opportunities to mentor peers and organize school events. Participation in these organizations helps students build professional skills such as event planning and public speaking.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
CAJ supports lifestyle and wellbeing primarily through its athletics program. High School and Middle School teams participate in a regional league with other Kanto Plains international high schools, with sports including tennis, cross country, basketball, wrestling, soccer, and track for both genders. An annual physical examination is required for participation in athletics, and CAJ fields both varsity and junior varsity teams when possible. Additionally, CAJ's music and fine arts offerings provide creative outlets that contribute to well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include English (instruction language), Japanese, and Spanish. Japanese is offered with two tracks for native and non-native learners; the non-native track includes Japanese I–V and related composition and literature courses. Spanish is offered in tracks Spanish I–IV for non-native learners. EAL (Effective Reading and Writing) supports non-native English learners, and graduation requires four World Language credits (including Japanese Foundations through Comprehensive and Spanish I–IV). The World Languages Department emphasizes developing the four language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—and aims to cultivate culturally aware, biblically grounded communicators.

Bilingual Teaching
CAJ uses English as the language of instruction for all grades (K–12) and follows a North American curriculum. There is no bilingual education program at CAJ; instruction is conducted entirely in English. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for students who need to reach grade-level English proficiency. CAJ translates some information into Japanese and provides translators for events when needed.

Immersion Programs
CAJ does not describe a separate language immersion program beyond standard English instruction. All classes are conducted in English, and students are immersed in English during coursework and activities. Language learning beyond English is offered through the World Languages department with Japanese and Spanish courses. EAL support is available for non-native English learners as part of World Languages.
Reputation

Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): WASC is a regional accrediting body that certifies CAJ's overall educational quality and promotes ongoing school improvement; CAJ has been accredited by WASC since 1976, with a six-year accreditation cycle, a 2024 reaccreditation confirming CAJ through June 30, 2030, and a planned mid-cycle visit in 2027.
Admissions

Admissions
CAJ uses rolling admissions, and the school year runs from late August to early June. For April admission, CAJ strongly encourages applications before January 15 to enable timely processing, and applications submitted after May 1 may take longer due to the summer break. Parents should plan for a process that can extend through the school year and may involve conversations with the Admissions Coordinator before starting the formal steps.

1. Apply online. Complete the online application and assemble the required documents: birth certificate or passport, confidential teacher recommendation form, transcript, pastor's recommendation (if applicable), and pay the application fee. A testing fee may apply if testing is required. The admissions team reviews the complete application and notifies applicants after the review.

2. Notification of results. Once the complete application has been reviewed, applicants are notified of the outcome. This communication occurs in writing. The timing is not fixed and can depend on the overall review process.

3. Testing and interviews. Applicants who pass the initial screening are contacted to arrange any required testing and interviews. Kindergarten and Grade 1 receive a readiness test; non-native English speakers may need English language testing at any grade level; standardized test documentation is required for Grade 2 and above, and a test may be requested if documentation is unavailable. Both parents and the student are interviewed, and Skype or other digital options may be used for families outside the Tokyo area.

4. Admission decision. Decisions are based on factors including class availability, English language ability, presence of special needs, and classroom dynamics. Admission decisions are communicated in writing (email and postal mail), and most families are notified within 1–2 weeks of the testing and interview.

Note on fees and timing: CAJ publishes a fee schedule in Japanese Yen, with upfront application and testing fees and post-acceptance fees such as entrance, registration, and facilities charges, plus tuition by grade level. See the General Fee Schedule for specifics.

Scholarships
CAJ offers fee assistance for families in financial need, available on application. This assistance is in addition to standard tuition and fees and requires an application process. In Grade 10–12, government subsidies may be available to eligible families, subject to income and application timing. Tax-deductible donation options are also available to support CAJ; details are provided by CAJ's admissions/financial offices.

Waitlist
CAJ operates rolling admissions, meaning there is not a published waitlist system. Admissions are accepted over an extended period, and CAJ can consider admissions during the school year in many cases. Availability depends on class size and placement needs. There is no formal waitlist described in CAJ's admissions materials.
School Events
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