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The Innovation Fellowship (TIF)

Japan, Tokyo

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥2,250,000
Ages 14 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 11
Type Co-educational
Opened 2024
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Taught languages English
Typical class size 5
Strengths STEM, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages High School
Introduction

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.

Spark Shibuya, 7th Floor, 3-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan

The Essentials

The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) has 11 pupils, typical class sizes of 5, instruction in English.

Location
The Innovation Fellowship is based in Spark Shibuya, a purpose-built campus in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. The campus address is Spark Shibuya 7F, 3-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042. It is within a short walk of Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park, providing easy access by public transport. The campus opened in 2024.

Stages
TIF is a full-time international high school serving grades 9-12.

Type
The Innovation Fellowship is an international high school with a campus-based, in-person program in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Not published.

Additional learning support
Health, well-being and safeguarding are integral to student care; mindfulness practices and mental health education are part of the curriculum.

Country affiliation
Based in Japan.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated.

School day structure
A typical school day runs from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Bus service
The school does not publish details of a dedicated bus service; the campus is walkable from Shibuya Station, and students commute to campus.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The Innovation Fellowship is a day school with in-person attendance on its Shibuya campus. It is a full-time program for grades 9–12 that culminates in an American high school diploma recognized by leading universities worldwide. Remote learning is not offered. A typical school day runs from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Governance and Ownership
The school operates as The Innovation Fellowship K.K., a private company based in Tokyo. It is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) as of December 1, 2025. It is a member of NACAC and has a CEEB Code 664040. The campus address is Spark Shibuya 7F, 3-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya City Tokyo, Japan 150-0042.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) ranges from JPY 2,250,000 for 2026/27.

Application Fees

- No separate application fee is shown in the publicly available Tuition & Fees summary published by the school.

Tuition fees (by year group and term)

- Grades 9–12 (full-time, local students): Annual tuition is JPY 2,250,000 per student. The published fee listing presents this as the annual tuition figure for each grade 9–12.

- Study Abroad students (students relocating to Japan without a parent/guardian): Semester tuition is listed as JPY 1,125,000. A separate Study Abroad Program fee is shown for these students (see the Study Abroad / program fees line below).

Study Abroad / additional program charges

- Study Abroad Program fee (applies to students in the Study Abroad intake): JPY 1,225,000 (one-off program charge as published for Study Abroad participants).

- Boarding and accommodation (applies to Study Abroad students who require full boarding services): JPY 1,475,000 (published as the boarding/accommodation charge for students requiring housing). Note: the school's full-time local program is operated as an in-person day program; boarding/accommodation charges relate to Study Abroad / incoming students requiring placement.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is presented as an annual amount for full-time local students (JPY 2,250,000) and as a per-semester amount for Study Abroad students (JPY 1,125,000). The publicly published fee summary lists amounts by annual or semester basis but does not provide an itemized public calendar of exact invoice dates in the summary itself.

- Specific billing dates, deadlines for payment, information about enrollment deposits, and any schedule of penalties for late payment are not listed in the publicly available fee summary. Those operational details are set out in the school's full tuition & fees document.

Boarding

- The regular full-time TIF program in Tokyo is a day school; there is no standard boarding program for local full-time students. Boarding / accommodation charges shown in published fee listings apply only to Study Abroad students who require placement and accommodation.

Other costs and one-off charges

- The Study Abroad pathway shows a separate Study Abroad Program fee (JPY 1,225,000) and a boarding/accommodation fee (JPY 1,475,000) in published fee summaries. For full-time local students, the publicly listed summary shows tuition only (JPY 2,250,000) and does not list additional mandatory one-off registration or capital-development fees in that headline summary.

- Common additional family costs that are frequently charged by international schools (for example: uniforms, textbooks, activity trips, personal insurance, optional school bus, and some extracurricular programs) are not itemized in the headline fee summary published in the school's tuition document summary. The public fee summary does not list a separate uniform fee in the top-level figures.

Refunds and withdrawal

- The publicly available tuition summary does not list detailed refund or withdrawal penalty language within the top-line fee figures. Refund terms for deposits or tuition are set out in the school's full tuition & fees document and enrollment agreement rather than in the headline fee table. The top-level published summary does not include a specific public refund policy text.

Accepted fee payment methods

- The headline Tuition & Fees summary published publicly does not itemize accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, local bank details, or other payment channels) in the summary itself. Payment method options and instructions are provided in the school's formal billing documentation.

Notes on program types and applicability

- The amounts above differentiate the full-time day program (annual tuition JPY 2,250,000 for grades 9–12) from the Study Abroad pathway (semester tuition JPY 1,125,000 plus Study Abroad and accommodation charges) as published. The school operates its full-time program in-person in Shibuya and the Study Abroad pathway includes accommodation arrangements and a program fee where indicated.

Sources

- Official Admissions page and published Tuition & Fees document link on the school site.
- Published fee summary entries aggregated by international school data services (yearly tuition JPY 2,250,000).
- Published School profile and Study Abroad fee breakdown as shown in third-party school listing (semester tuition, study-abroad program fee, and boarding/accommodation charge).

If you require this exact fee breakdown in another presentation format, the numbers above are taken from the school's published Tuition & Fees summary and the third-party fee listings that reproduce that published summary.
Academics

The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum for students aged 14 to 18.

Curriculum
The Innovation Fellowship is a full-time international high school for grades 9–12 in Tokyo, culminating in an American high school diploma. The curriculum rests on three pillars—project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based learning—and core subjects (Math, Science, English, and Social Studies) are taught through an interdisciplinary approach that exceeds US Common Core Standards. English and Social Studies use research-based modules while Math and Science are delivered through a mastery-based online platform with instructional coaching. Students receive preparation for SAT and AP exams, and the institution is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) as of December 1, 2025, with NACAC membership and a CEEB code 664040. A college advisory program supports admissions to best-fit universities worldwide, and the campus is located in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
At The Innovation Fellowship, SEL is supported by a staff-driven mentoring model where students are paired with industry mentors and coaches to guide projects and internships, and by mindfulness practices and mental health education embedded in the curriculum; accreditation standards explicitly recognize Student Well-Being as a core area of evaluation.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Innovation Fellowship does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, including which kinds of SEN it can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Innovation Fellowship does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through mindfulness practices and mental health education incorporated into the curriculum, alongside regular physical education and a safeguarding framework.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is fundamental to student care, with rigorous safeguarding policies and practices to maintain a secure environment and protect students' physical and emotional well-being.
Parent Experience

History
The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) was founded in 2023 by Scott Smoler, founder and head of project coaching; Kai Childs, co founder and head of student experience; and Jason Cody Douglass, PhD, co founder and head of academics, with the first 9th-grade founding cohort beginning on August 24, 2023. The school opened a purpose-built campus in 2024 in Shibuya near Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park. It is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) as of December 1, 2025. The Innovation Fellowship operates as The Innovation Fellowship K.K., with its Spark Shibuya campus address. Founding faculty include Scott Smoler, Jason Cody Douglass, and Kai Childs.

Community
Student life at TIF is designed to center the learner and foster a close-knit community. The campus opened in 2024 and is co-located with partner companies, enabling mentorship and industry exposure for students. Monthly student-led excursions and off-campus exchanges are part of the routine, and school trips such as the 2023 Hakuba trip deepen engagement with local contexts. There is an annual Demo Day when students present the culmination of their project work to a public audience.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A traditional PTA page or listing is not published on the official site. Parental involvement is represented on the Governing Board, with Yinuo Li listed as a TIF Parent and Governing Board Member. Li is described as an author, entrepreneur, and educator, and is noted as a former McKinsey partner. A parent testimonial from Li appears on the site, illustrating parental perspectives on student progress. Overall, parental engagement at TIF occurs through governance and parent voices rather than a formal PTA program.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Innovation Fellowship operates from a purpose-built campus in Spark Shibuya, 7F, 3-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo, which opened in 2024. The campus is co-located with partner companies and is within a short walk of Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park. A typical school day runs in-person from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The on-site spaces are designed to support creativity and collaboration for project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based learning. Health and well-being are supported through weekly physical education sessions (badminton, volleyball, basketball), with access to outdoor spaces near Yoyogi Park.

Sports Facilities
Weekly physical education sessions include badminton, volleyball, and basketball. The campus is located near Yoyogi Park, offering outdoor spaces for exercise and recreation.

Academic Facilities
Math and Science courses are delivered through Khan Academy and aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, using a mastery-based online platform with instructional coaching. The program centers on three pillars—project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based learning—with dedicated coaches guiding individualized pathways. As of December 1, 2025, TIF is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS).

Extra Curricular Facilities
Student life includes monthly, student-led excursions and cross-school exchanges, with planned trips to destinations such as Hakuba, and annual Demo Day where student projects are presented to a public audience. The campus hosts health and well-being initiatives, mindfulness practices, and mentorship opportunities from industry professionals due to its co-location with partner companies.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
TIF's academic program is organized around three pillars: project-based learning, problem-based learning, and inquiry-based learning. Students spend about half of each school day on mission-driven projects guided by coaches and entrepreneurs, linking classroom work to real-world challenges. Math and science courses are delivered through Khan Academy with self-paced progression, supported by coaches and subject-area specialists. Students conduct rigorous interdisciplinary inquiries, developing research methods and communication skills.

Arts & Creative
Creative work is integrated into student life with dedicated time for creative projects that align with each student's project goals. Student-led excursions are organized monthly to connect learning with real-world creative disciplines, including themes such as contemporary art, traditional craftsmanship, and sustainable architecture. The campus environment is co-located with partner companies, enabling collaboration with industry mentors and access to design-oriented experiences.

Cultural & Language
Cross-school exchanges and school trips provide cultural exposure and opportunities for collaboration with peers. Off-campus excursions are planned in collaboration with peer institutions and align with students' project goals. Past Tokyo-based excursions have explored sustainable architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary art.

Social & Hobbies
On-campus social and recreational opportunities are integrated into the daily routine, with a focus on physical education and wellness. Weekly PE sessions include badminton, volleyball, and basketball, and the campus location near Yoyogi Park offers outdoor recreation. Mindfulness practices and mental health education are part of the well-being program.

Community & Service
Civic engagement is a core part of TIF's mission, guiding students to create value through entrepreneurial endeavors and civic projects. Students are mentored by industry professionals and pursue internships and project work with startups and community organizations. The four-year college advisory helps students identify priorities, build balanced college lists, and craft portfolios that reflect community-minded goals.

Leadership & Professional
Industry mentors guide students as they design internships and projects with leading startups and organizations. Student-led excursions help develop leadership, planning, and facilitation skills. A four-year college advisory provides ongoing support to shape students' academic and professional trajectories.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Health, well-being, and safeguarding are integral to student life. Weekly PE sessions include badminton, volleyball, and basketball, with on-campus facilities and nearby parks offering outdoor opportunities. Mindfulness practices and mental health education are embedded in the curriculum.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for core subjects. The curriculum includes Math and Science delivered through an online platform with instructional coaching, while English and Social Studies are taught in English. Admissions support is offered in English or Japanese. The site does not publicly describe other languages taught or language-support programs for non-native English speakers.

Immersion Programs
The Study Abroad Program offers a Tokyo-based immersion experience for high school students. Participants live with carefully selected host families, engage in curated excursions, and participate in authentic cultural experiences, including language learning and community partnerships. Project- and inquiry-based learning are central, and the program provides transferable credits toward an American high school diploma and supports admission to selective universities. Seats are limited to ten for the 2026–27 fall cohort.
Reputation

Accreditations
Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). As of December 1, 2025, The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is fully accredited by MSA-CESS, which the school describes as a global leader in accreditation since 1887.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Step 1: Watch Our Demo Day Video. Start by watching the Demo Day Video with your child. The video provides insight into TIF's approach to learning and helps determine whether your child is genuinely excited about joining. Watching together supports a shared understanding of the school's project-based, real-world impact focus.

2. Step 2: Schedule an Information Session. Connect with the admissions team in a one-on-one session to learn more about the curriculum, ask questions, and discuss your child's interests. The session is an opportunity to assess fit, ask practical questions about daily routines, and understand the supports available to students.

3. Step 3: Complete an Application Questionnaire. After the information session, you will complete the Application Questionnaire to share more about your child's background, interests, and goals. This information helps the admissions team evaluate alignment with TIF's selection criteria and the school's mission.

4. Step 4: Student Interview. Shortlisted applicants participate in two interview rounds with faculty members. The interviews explore your child's mindset, values, and potential fit within the TIF community.

5. Step 5: Experience a School Day. Before final admissions decisions, applicants spend a day at TIF. The day offers peer interactions, conversations with coaches, and a Grand Mission brainstorming exercise to show how a student engages in the school's collaborative environment.

6. Step 6: Notifications and Enrollment. Successful applicants receive an official offer of admission via email, with detailed enrollment instructions. To secure a place, families must complete the enrollment process, including tuition payment and submission of required documents, by the specified deadline.

7. Step 7: Study Abroad Program Admissions. TIF also runs a separate admissions process for the Study Abroad Program. For priority consideration for the following academic year, submit your initial inquiry by December 1; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled.

8. Step 8: Tuition and Fees (and how to review). Tuition and Fees are published in the dedicated Tuition and Fees document for the 2025-26 school year. The Admissions page directs families to review that document and contact the admissions team with any questions.

Scholarships
Scholarships: No scholarships are described or advertised on the admissions pages. There is no published information about any scholarship programs or financial-aid processes; families are advised to contact the admissions team with questions about funding options.

Waitlist
Waitlist/Pool: There is no published waitlist or pool system described on the admissions pages. The process is outlined as a sequence from initial inquiry to enrollment for Japan-based applicants, with a separate Study Abroad admissions path; no waitlist procedure is mentioned. This means spaces are filled through the stated steps and subsequent offers rather than a formal waitlist. For priority planning, the Study Abroad path notes a rolling review until spaces are filled.
School Events
The school has not added events
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