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The Montessori School of Tokyo

Japan, Tokyo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥2,937,000 - 3,096,500
Ages 2 - 15 years
Pupil numbers 170
Type Co-educational
Opened 2003
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages English, Japanese
Typical class size 24
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

The Montessori School of Tokyo in central Minato-ku offers Montessori education for children approximately 18 months to 15 years in a central Tokyo urban setting, with convenient access via Hiroo and Azabu-Juban stations. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, the school’s curriculum emphasises self-directed learning, independence and purposeful hands-on exploration across age-integrated classrooms. MST operates several programmes including Early Years (Little People & Sunshine), Elementary and Adolescent (Erdkinder), with a learning environment that includes spacious classrooms and a garden where children engage in outdoor experiences. Instruction is primarily in English, and the community reflects international participation from many countries. MST is fully accredited by the International Montessori Council and is a member of Japan Council of International Schools, reinforcing its commitment to authentic Montessori practice. Parents often note the school’s emphasis on confidence, respect, compassion and meaningful work as core to the student experience.

106-0047 Tokyo, Minato City, Minamiazabu, 2 Chome−1−18

The Essentials

The Montessori School of Tokyo has 170 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location
The Montessori School of Tokyo operates across three campuses in Minato Ward, Tokyo: Forest Campus at 3-5-13 Minami Azabu, Orchard Campus at 2-1-18 Minami Azabu, and Grove Campus in the Azabu Juban area. Forest and Orchard are within easy reach of Hiroo Station on the Hibiya Line and Azabu Juban Station on the Nanboku/Oedo Lines; Grove is a short walk from Azabu Juban Station. All campuses are situated in central Tokyo's Minami-Azabu/Azabu Juban corridor.

Stages
The school serves children from 18 months (Little People) through 15 years old, with programmes for Sunshine (ages 3–5), Lower Elementary (ages 6–8), Upper Elementary (ages 9–11), and Middle School (ages 12–14). An Adolescent Program for ages 15–18 is part of the school's long‑term planning and offerings. Adolescents up to 18 are addressed under the MST framework as the next stage after Middle School.

Type
The Montessori School of Tokyo is a co‑educational international Montessori program. It does not offer a boarding facility; families reside at home with a parent or guardian as the school does not sponsor student visas. The school emphasizes gender balance in classes and strives for inclusive access across the community.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school has an international community representing around 30 countries; there is no published local-to-international student ratio. The school emphasizes English-language communications and a diverse mix of nationalities among families.

Additional learning support
SEN (Special Educational Needs) support is limited: classrooms can accommodate a limited number of children with mild SEN, but the school is not currently accepting new students with SEN. The school employs a Learning Support Specialist to support eligible students.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation for MST. The school describes an international community representing around 30 countries, rather than alignment with a single nation.

Religious affiliation
There is no religious affiliation. MST admits students of any religion and supports an inclusive, faith-free framework for the student body.

School day structure
Exact daily start and end times are not published, but the MST Bus Service operates in the morning with stops that may depart around 7:30 a.m. and target arrival at Grove around 8:20 a.m. to Forest around 8:25 a.m.; there is no return bus after the school day, and students are dismissed by the regular dismissal system. Lunch arrangements include Upper Elementary and Eucalyptus students eating in the Grove Rooftop Garden.

Bus service
The MST Bus Service runs on regular school days and is available to 2025–2026 Elementary and Middle School students; Sunshine students may be eligible after teacher approval. The bus is supervised by an MST adult in addition to the driver. Routes include Akasaka Park Building, Lions Mansion Takanawa, and Park Tower Shibaura; if all stops are in use, departures occur between 7:30 a.m. and 8:25 a.m., and there is no return trip at the end of the day. Registration is via the school's contact channels.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The Montessori School of Tokyo does not offer a boarding programme. There is no on-site housing, and the school does not sponsor student visas. Families arrange daily transport to and from school. An MST Bus Service is available to transport eligible Elementary and Middle School students from select locations; the service is supervised by an MST adult.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is provided as MST Spiritwear, an MST-branded apparel line available through Top of the Class. Little People and Sunshine pupils wear either the MST T-shirt or MST polo shirt, while Elementary and Middle School pupils wear the MST T-shirt as part of the uniform. Top of the Class carries a range of items including polo shirts, navy T-shirts, and sportswear.

Food Options
Lunch is brought from home in a clearly labelled lunchbox and should not require heating. Alternatively, parents may order lunches online to be delivered to school daily from external catering services such as Luca Deli and Itadakimasu. Upper Elementary and Middle School students have access to a microwave to warm food; the school is nut-aware and will consider allergies when planning meals.

Governance and Ownership
The Montessori School of Tokyo is owned by the company R.project, which acquired MST as a wholly owned subsidiary in 2018. The MST operates as part of the R.project group. The Head of School is James Moore.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Montessori School of Tokyo ranges from JPY 2,937,000 to JPY 3,096,500 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Application fee: JPY 30,000 (one-time, non‑refundable).

One‑time (entry) fees

- Registration (enrolment) fee: charged once on acceptance; amounts vary by age/program. Typical published ranges: JPY 100,000–350,000 depending on age.
- Building development (capital) fee: payable once on acceptance (except for some youngest programmes); published examples show tiered amounts by age, roughly JPY 250,000–550,000. This fee becomes non‑refundable after the student's first day of attendance in most cases.

Tuition fees — annual and per‑term breakdown by programme

Note: the school lists programme names as Little People, Sunshine, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School (and a developing High School programme). The figures below reflect published fee schedules used for the current academic year and common two‑term billing splits where available.

- Little People (Nursery / Toddler programmes):
- Annual tuition (illustrative published range): JPY 1,040,000 to JPY 2,470,000. Per‑term amounts depend on the instalment schedule.

- Montessori Half‑Day (Early Years / Children's House / equivalent):
- Annual tuition: JPY 1,508,000.
- Typical term breakdown (two equal instalments as published by some school listings): Term 1: JPY 754,000; Term 2: JPY 754,000.

- Montessori Full‑Day (Early Years / Children's House / Kindergarten‑level full day):
- Annual tuition: JPY 2,319,000.
- Typical term breakdown (two equal instalments): Term 1: JPY 1,159,500; Term 2: JPY 1,159,500.

- Pre‑1st / Kindergarten‑equivalent (often listed as Pre‑1st Grade):
- Annual tuition: JPY 2,496,000.
- Typical term breakdown (two equal instalments): Term 1: JPY 1,248,000; Term 2: JPY 1,248,000.

- Lower / Upper Elementary (Primary):
- Annual tuition: commonly published figures fall in the JPY 2,470,000–2,787,000 range depending on stage and day‑length.
- Example annual / term amounts published by school‑listing services: Annual JPY 2,787,000 with Term 1: JPY 1,393,500; Term 2: JPY 1,393,500. Tuition for this level normally includes educational materials and listed excursions.

- Middle School (adolescent programme):
- Annual tuition: commonly published around JPY 2,590,000–2,850,000 depending on source and programme stage.
- Example term breakdown published by some directories: Annual JPY 2,850,000 with Term 1: JPY 1,425,000; Term 2: JPY 1,425,000.
- Middle School tuition generally includes scheduled overnight excursions and outdoor activities; optional additional trips (local or international) may be invoiced separately.

Sibling discount

- A 10% sibling discount is applied for the third and subsequent children enrolled concurrently.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard billing practice uses term or instalment invoices. Published re‑enrolment and tuition deadlines include a non‑refundable re‑enrolment deposit that is applied to Semester 1 tuition; Semester 1 tuition deadlines and other instalment deadlines are stated in the school's re‑enrolment/contract schedule (for example, Semester 1 tuition is required by listed deadlines such as early June in the re‑enrolment process). Families are required to meet stated invoice deadlines or the school may release the place.
- Credit card payments are accepted only for application fees; other fees and tuition are expected by bank transfer. Families must pay any bank transfer fees. The school does not operate a corporate contribution plan (CCP).

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The Montessori School of Tokyo operates as a day school across multiple campuses; published materials and campus descriptions list day programmes only.

Other costs and recurring charges

- Spiritwear / uniform: the school offers MST spiritwear (polo shirts, shorts, backpacks, sports clothing). Spiritwear is required for certain off‑campus activities and may be recommended for PE and events; spiritwear costs are charged separately.
- Optional or additional excursion costs: most standard field trips and specified annual excursions are included in tuition at each level as published, but certain optional local or international excursions (particularly for older students) will be invoiced separately to participating families.
- Yearbook and shipping: published yearbook shipping fees are charged when applicable (examples: JPY 4,000 within Japan; higher for overseas delivery).

Refund information and withdrawal terms

- Application and registration fees are non‑refundable. If a newly enrolled student withdraws for unavoidable reasons before the academic year begins, tuition and building development fees are refundable; for returning students only tuition (not re‑enrolment deposit) is refundable under stated conditions. Mid‑year refunds are handled on a quarterly basis and are limited to specific conditions (for example, departure from the Kanto region with adequate notice). A thirty‑day notice period is required for formal withdrawal procedures.

Fee payment options

- Accepted/payment methods and rules: application fees may be paid by credit card; all other school fees and tuition are expected to be paid by bank transfer, with the payer responsible for any transfer charges. The school requests that employer payments be registered formally where applicable. Specific instalment schedules and due dates are provided on invoice and in the re‑enrolment/contract documents.

What is included in tuition

- Published notes indicate that tuition covers educational and other materials and most field trips. Level‑specific inclusions published for 2025–2026 (for example) indicate Lower Elementary winter activity day, Upper Elementary camping and a ski trip, and Middle School overnight excursions are included; truly optional trips and some optional extra activities will be billed separately.

Summary of the most frequently charged items (examples of amounts published for the current academic year)

- Application fee: JPY 30,000.
- One‑time registration fee: typically JPY 100,000–350,000 (age/program dependent).
- Building development fee: typically JPY 250,000–550,000 (age/program dependent).
- Example annual tuition (typical published figures):
- Montessori Half‑Day: JPY 1,508,000 (Term 1: JPY 754,000; Term 2: JPY 754,000).
- Montessori Full‑Day: JPY 2,319,000 (Term 1: JPY 1,159,500; Term 2: JPY 1,159,500).
- Lower/Upper Elementary examples: JPY ~2,470,000–2,787,000 (term instalments shown in listings).
- Middle School examples: JPY ~2,590,000–2,850,000 (term instalments shown in listings).

If you need these fee lines reproduced in a particular format for your external database, they are based on the school's published 2025–2026 fee materials and common directory listings. The entries above include the school's published payment rules, refund policy, sibling discount, what tuition covers, and which items are invoiced separately.
Academics

The Montessori School of Tokyo teaches Montessori Curriculum for students aged 2 to 15.

Curriculum
The Montessori School of Tokyo offers five age-based programs: Little People (18 months–3 years), Sunshine (3–6), Elementary (6–12, with Lower Elementary 6–9 and Upper Elementary 9–12), Middle School (12–15), and an emerging Upper Adolescent/High School program for ages 15–18. The Elementary curriculum centers on Cosmic Education and the Great Lessons, with an individually paced, interdisciplinary approach and a three-hour morning work cycle. The Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary stages cover language, history, geography, biology, and mathematics through hands-on Montessori materials, as detailed in the MST Elementary Curriculum (6–12) document. The environment is multi-age and the prepared environment is designed to foster independence, with freedom within limits and teacher guidance. The school uses English as the language of instruction, with Japanese language materials available in classrooms across the programs. The Middle School program emphasizes adolescent development through seminars, debates, and real-world projects, with ongoing plans for a 15–18 Upper Adolescent/High School program.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Montessori School of Tokyo supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through the Sunshine program for ages 3-6, which fosters concentration and self-regulation; a freedom-within-limits approach provides ongoing support when students struggle, and a Learning Support Specialist is dedicated to student wellness.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
MST classrooms can accommodate a limited number of children with relatively mild Special Educational Needs (developmental, behavioural, and academic); currently MST is not accepting new students with SEN, and a Learning Support Specialist supports eligible students.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publicly disclose English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision; however, MST states that a majority of children in each class are native speakers or fluent in English.

Mental Wellbeing
MST supports mental wellbeing through the Learning Support Specialist focusing on student wellness; the MST Gardens and library/Multipurpose Room provide spaces for study, relaxation, and socializing.

Safeguarding
MST has a Student Protection Policy with a designated Child Protection Officer and clear reporting obligations; staff must report suspected abuse and there are procedures for escalation and safeguarding, including incident reporting and coordination with authorities.
Parent Experience

History
The Montessori School of Tokyo (MST) was officially founded in 2003, with earlier iterations known as the Sunshine Montessori School and the Little People Montessori School dating back to 1993. In 2014 MST added Japan's first adolescent Montessori programme. The Forest Campus—the main building for most classes—was enhanced in 2011 with a large garden to support outdoor learning. In 2019 MST opened the Grove Campus, relocating parts of Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School there; the adolescent community operates a rooftop farm and related micro‑economy enterprises that are central to MST life.

Community
MST hosts a diverse, international community of families, with children from about 30 countries and more than 100 families. The school maintains active community life documented in News and Updates and Stories from the Community, which highlight student projects, cultural programs, and school events. Cultural and athletic activities are a regular feature, including Korean Culture Week and the ISTAA cross‑country tournament that MST hosts alongside other international schools. Personal profiles and interviews, such as Humans of MST, illustrate the people and learning that shape the community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
There is no publicly documented stand‑alone Parent‑Teacher Association (PTA) at MST. Parent involvement is organized through the Parent Content area and through structured engagement in school planning, including a December 2025 Parent Visioning Session as part of the Branching into the Future process. In 2025 MST carried out a Parent Visioning Session facilitated by a consultant to help shape the school's direction alongside students and staff. Parents participate in cultural and community events and volunteer to support activities such as Korean Culture Week and athletic tournaments, reflecting active parent involvement in MST life. There are also parent‑led initiatives connected to study tours and other family‑driven programs that surface in MST's community stories.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Montessori School of Tokyo operates across Forest Campus, Orchard Campus, and Grove Campus, with bright, child-sized classrooms and a garden-based outdoor learning environment that forms a core part of the curriculum. The Forest Campus library houses close to 10,000 volumes, is staffed full-time by the MST librarian, and offers group visits for younger students as well as open access for older students; library accounts are available to the MST community and the space closes at 4:20 p.m. The Multipurpose Room (MPR) provides a flexible venue for enrichment programs, after-school activities, and school events, while the Art Studio opened in 2014 serves as a dedicated space for arts, design, and crafts with a stocked materials supply. The Music Studios are equipped with pianos, keyboards, recorders, flutes, percussion, guitars, and electric drums for daily practice and music education, and the outdoor MST Garden offers an age-inclusive outdoor classroom with a Montessori-trained teacher guiding activities. The school also utilizes nearby parks for recess and field activities and coordinates access to a local gymnasium for physical education and swimming facilities, with opportunities to attend public concert halls for performances and events.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Montessori School of Tokyo hosts academic competitions such as the MST Spelling Bee and the MST Book Bowl. The library supports independent study with over 10,000 volumes and is available for quiet reading and research during the school day. Since 2014, MST has offered Japan's first adolescent Montessori program to extend learning into adolescence.

Arts & Creative
Music Studios are open daily and equipped with a piano, recorders, flutes, percussion instruments, and more. Opened in 2014, the Art Studio provides space for small-group lessons and individual work in arts, design, and crafts. These studios serve as hubs for student creativity alongside the library and other facilities.

Cultural & Language
Korean Culture Week is part of MST's cultural programming, featuring Hangul language activities. Hangul language activities and demonstrations of Korean culture are highlighted during Korea Week. The Grove rooftop garden hosts various events throughout the year as part of MST's cultural and community programming.

Social & Hobbies
MST runs a three-week Summer Camp with art, music, and crafts, with access to the MST Garden and nearby parks. The Gardens provide spaces for study, play, relaxation, and socializing across age groups. Student life also includes competitions such as the MST Spelling Bee and Book Bowl, which foster teamwork and social interaction.

Community & Service
Middle School students engage in hands-on community activity through a rooftop garden and micro-economy enterprises that are central to MST life. They grow vegetables and sell the produce through the Honesty Shop project. The gardens and related programs host events and involve students and families in community life.

Leadership & Professional
MST introduced Japan's first adolescent Montessori program in 2014, supporting leadership development and independent study. The adolescent program includes leadership and enterprise activities through rooftop farming and micro-economy ventures that function as MST community hubs.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor learning spaces at MST include the Forest Garden and Grove Rooftop Garden, used for study, meals, and events. MST participates in inter-school athletic events such as ISTAA Cross Country and ISTAA Track & Field meets. MST Summer Camp offers indoor and outdoor activities with garden access and park visits.
Languages

Language Provision
The Montessori School of Tokyo offers instruction primarily in English. MST communications are delivered in English, and classes aim to include a majority of students who are native speakers or fluent in English. No explicit bilingual or language-immersion program is described in publicly available MST materials, and no other languages are listed as part of the curriculum or as language offerings.
Reputation

Awards
- ISTAA Cross Country 2025 medals — MST earned six medals across multiple age groups at the ISTAA Cross Country tournament held on November 21, 2025 (G1 Girls 3rd, G4 Boys 2nd, G4 Girls 3rd, G5 Boys 1st, G6 Girls 3rd, G8 Girls 2nd). This reflects athletic achievement and team participation at an international-school event.
- ISTAA Elementary Track & Field Meet 2025 — MST finished 3rd place overall (out of seven schools) at the ISTAA Elementary Track & Field Meet, showcasing strong performance across events. The report is from the May 30, 2025 post detailing the event.

Accreditations
- Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) membership — The Montessori School of Tokyo (MST) is a member of JCIS, an organization made up of the heads of the leading international schools in Japan.
- International Montessori Council (IMC) accreditation — MST is fully accredited by IMC, an accreditation body for public, independent, and proprietary schools worldwide; IMC issued commendations after MST's most recent re-accreditation in 2023.
- Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) alignment — MST is closely aligned with AMI, with the majority of classrooms led by AMI-trained teachers and many administrators holding AMI diplomas. MST supports AMI by hosting AMI teachers-in-training for observations and practicum requirements.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admissions Process (Tokyo/on-site path) The process begins when you submit the Enquiry and the online Application Form, including an application fee of 30,000 yen. You must also provide Progress Reports and Recommendation Letters if you have previously attended other schools; translations are required if any reports are not in English. This initial step starts the formal review, and your materials will be screened as part of the admissions decision.

2. Document Screening The Admissions team reviews your application together with the Progress Reports and Recommendations to assess fit and completeness. This step ensures that all required materials are in order and that the family and student meet the basic criteria for admission. You should expect a determination based on the documentation before moving to the next stage.

3. Notification of Document Screening Status After the document review, families are informed of the screening outcome. If the documents pass screening, you will be invited to the next stages of the process. If additional information is needed, you may be asked to supply it at this point.

4. Student Visit and Parent Interview The next step involves a Student Visit in a classroom with MST faculty and a Parent Interview with a member of the Admissions team. For the Little People programme, the Student Visit may be postponed if the child is not yet old enough to participate informatively. This stage provides firsthand observation of the child in a Montessori setting and a chance for families to ask questions.

5. Notification of Admissions Status Families receive a formal admissions decision after the interview and visit. This notification confirms whether the family has been offered a place in the school. In all cases, the decision is communicated to the family with any next steps and timelines.

6. Additional Notes (Tokyo residents) If you are visiting Tokyo and progressing through Steps 1–4, the parent interview is conducted in person, and the School News and Updates page notes that even families passing document screening may not be invited to a Student Visit or Parent Interview immediately due to capacity constraints. Admission timelines can thus vary.

Non-Tokyo Residents (alternate path) 7) Non-Tokyo process start The process for families not able to visit Tokyo begins with Steps 1–4 as described above, but the Parent Interview is held by video conference. This accommodates applicants who are outside Tokyo during the initial stages.

8. Provisional Admissions Status (non-Tokyo path) If you are not immediately able to relocate, you may receive a Provisional Admissions Status after the document screening and video interview. This provisional status allows for continued consideration while arranging relocation. The family will be notified of provisional status, and further steps follow once relocation is completed.

9. Student Visit after Relocation (non-Tokyo path) After the family relocates to Tokyo, the Student Visit is held in a MST classroom. This visit occurs once the family is in the country and reachable for enrollment within the current academic year.

10. Notification of Final Admissions Status (non-Tokyo path) Final admissions status is issued after the Student Visit, completing the formal decision process for those admitted via the non-Tokyo path.

Notes: The school reports that spaces open irregularly and that capacity constraints may affect invitation timing for Student Visits or Parent Interviews. This means that even applicants who pass documentation may experience delays in in-person visits. Current siblings and other admissions priorities are described in the eligibility criteria.

Scholarships
3) Scholarships The Montessori School of Tokyo offers need-based scholarships to support a diverse student body. Scholarships are intended to cover a portion of annual tuition and are not awarded for the total cost of tuition. Awards are granted for up to three years from initial admission, with annual reviews of financial circumstances and participation in the MST community. The scholarship program is currently funded for an initial three-year period (academic years 2026-2027 through 2029-2030), with priority given to students entering the Middle and High School programmes, though students of any age may apply.

How to apply and deadlines
- To apply, families should email scholarship@montessorijapan.com to indicate which child is applying and why, then complete the online scholarship application form. Supporting financial documentation in English or Japanese must be provided. Examples of acceptable documents include tax statements and employer income letters. The Scholarship Committee will determine award amounts based on funds available, family financial needs, enrollment patterns, and other factors; there is no appeal process for the decision. Current-year deadlines included: for current MST students, applications were due by Friday, December 5, 2025; for new applicants, deadlines are described in the program materials and are issued by the committee. Awards are applied to tuition in equal installments according to the payment frequency.

Waitlist
2) Waitlist/Pool The Montessori School of Tokyo does not publish a formal waitlist. Spaces open up on occasion at most age levels, reflecting the school's capacity and student distribution. Current students' siblings may receive priority, and the school aims to balance age, gender, language, and Montessori experience when admitting new students. If openings are not available, families may remain in the admissions database while updates occur. Please note that even after documentation screening, some families may not be invited to a Student Visit in the short term due to capacity constraints.
School Events
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