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Tokyo International School

Japan, Tokyo

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥3,000,000 - 3,300,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 470
Type Co-educational
Opened 1994
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Japanese
Typical class size 19
Strengths Sport, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Tokyo International School (TIS) is a non-profit IB World School in Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, with over 460 students representing 70+ nationalities. TIS delivers the IB Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten–Grade 5), serving about 230 students aged 5–11 and the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), serving about 160 students aged 11–16. The school also offers the IB Diploma Programme, with Grade 11 introduced from the 2025–26 school year. Japanese is taught alongside English (the language of instruction). TIS highlights its central Tokyo location and uses nearby parks, museums and landmarks as part of school life, alongside trips such as residential visits to Hakuba, Nara and Kanazawa, plus a Grade 10 overseas trip to Thailand.

2 Chome-13-6 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan

The Essentials

Tokyo International School has 470 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located at 2-13-6 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047, in central Tokyo's embassy district. It is near Shirokane Takanawa Station (Namboku Line/Mita Line, Exit 4) and Azabu Juban Station (Namboku/Oedo Lines, Exit 1). The surrounding area includes landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, with good access by public transport and on-foot routes.

Stages
Tokyo International School currently serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 11, with Grade 12 planned to open in 2026-27. The school is organized into Lower School (Kindergarten to Grade 5) and Middle/Upper School (Grade 6 to 11). The IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) is now available, with Grade 12 scheduled to begin in SY 2026-2027.

Type
The school is co-educational and operates as an international IB World School. There is no on-site boarding; older students may access housing options through partner providers.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body comprises students from over 70 nationalities. No single nationality accounts for more than 20% of the population, and the largest represented nationalities are the United States and Japan. The school hosts a predominantly international student community with a small local proportion.

Additional learning support
TIS provides learning support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, along with counseling services. A dedicated learning support teacher and an EAL teacher are part of the provision to assist students with diverse learning needs.

Country affiliation
The school has no formal country affiliation and operates as a non-profit IB World School.

Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation is not listed; the school presents itself as an international IB World School without a specified religious affiliation.

School day structure
On campus from 8:00, classes begin at 8:10 and end at 15:20. Optional after-school activities run from 15:30 to 17:30, and a Beyond the Bell aftercare option extends supervision to 18:30 with additional bus options.

Bus service
The school offers a bus service; there are seven school buses and after-school buses in operation. Beyond the standard after-care, there are scheduled bus departures at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 pm for eligible students.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Tokyo International School provides a student housing option via an independent provider (TIS x Itochu Student Housing) for international students aged 16+ in Grades 10–12. The school does not operate the housing facilities directly and refers families to Itochu Student Housing, which offers semi-independent living with safety and wellbeing standards. The housing includes fully furnished rooms, a dedicated school bus to the campus, and daily breakfast and dinner, with weekends and national holidays self-catered. Dormitory rooms are limited and availability is not guaranteed.

Uniform Requirement
Lower school students wear uniforms, available for purchase through the Top of the Class online shop. Upper school students do not wear uniforms but follow a smart casual dress code.

Food Options
Boarding meals are provided: daily breakfast and dinner. Weekends and national holidays are self-catered.

Governance and Ownership
Tokyo International School is a non-profit school; all funding is reinvested into the school. There is no published information indicating it is part of a larger group of schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Tokyo International School ranges from JPY 3,000,000 to JPY 3,300,000 for 2026/27.

One-time application / enrolment fees (new students; non‑refundable)
- JPY 30,000 — Application Fee.
- JPY 300,000 — Registration Fee.
- JPY 900,000 — Development Fee.
- One‑time fees total for new students: JPY 1,230,000.

Tuition and building fees (annual payment by year group)
- Kindergarten – Grade 2: Building Fee JPY 150,000; Tuition JPY 2,850,000; Annual total JPY 3,000,000.
- Grade 3 – Grade 5: Building Fee JPY 150,000; Tuition JPY 2,900,000; Annual total JPY 3,050,000.
- Grade 6 – Grade 9: Building Fee JPY 150,000; Tuition JPY 3,050,000; Annual total JPY 3,200,000.
- Grade 10 – Grade 11: Building Fee JPY 150,000; Tuition JPY 3,150,000; Annual total JPY 3,300,000.

Tuition (term payment option) — amounts and per‑term billing by year group
- General schedule for term payments: Term 1 payment due by Apr 30; Term 2 payment due by Oct 31; Term 3 payment due by Jan 31 (specific dates and annual term calendar shown below).
- Kindergarten – Grade 2 (Building Fee JPY 150,000):
- Term 1 payment (due by Apr 30): JPY 1,130,000.
- Term 2 payment (due by Oct 31): JPY 860,000.
- Term 3 payment (due by Jan 31): JPY 860,000.
- Grade 3 – Grade 5 (Building Fee JPY 150,000):
- Term 1 (due by Apr 30): JPY 1,160,000.
- Term 2 (due by Oct 31): JPY 870,000.
- Term 3 (due by Jan 31): JPY 870,000.
- Grade 6 – Grade 9 (Building Fee JPY 150,000):
- Term 1 (due by Apr 30): JPY 1,210,000.
- Term 2 (due by Oct 31): JPY 920,000.
- Term 3 (due by Jan 31): JPY 920,000.
- Grade 10 – Grade 11 (Building Fee JPY 150,000):
- Term 1 (due by Apr 30): JPY 1,250,000.
- Term 2 (due by Oct 31): JPY 950,000.
- Term 3 (due by Jan 31): JPY 950,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms (dates and deadlines)
- Academic term calendar for the 2025–26 year: Term 1: Aug 26 – Dec 19, 2025; Term 2: Jan 12 – Mar 26, 2026; Term 3: Apr 6 – Jun 19, 2026.
- For returning students, annual school fees must be paid in full by Apr 30, 2025.
- For newly enrolling students, school fees are due in full according to the dates stated in the acceptance letter.
- Term installment payment and formal withdrawal notice deadlines are tied to the term payment dates and must be completed by Apr 30, 2025 (Term 1 payment), Oct 31, 2025 (Term 2 payment) and Jan 31, 2026 (Term 3 payment).

Optional / additional fees and regular extras
- Bus service (optional): One‑way route JPY 200,000; Round‑trip JPY 340,000.
- Extended childcare (Beyond the Bell) — K to G5 unlimited plan (tax included): Term 1 JPY 172,000; Term 2 JPY 118,250; Term 3 JPY 118,250. On‑demand billing is JPY 1,800 per hour (rounded to nearest 15 minutes). The Beyond the Bell program is operated by an affiliated company (TIS‑AS).
- Some school activities, uniforms, school lunches, IT devices for Grade 6 and above, certain social events, private instrumental lessons, and some residential trip costs (for example transportation) are not included in the listed school fees and are charged separately. Families of students in Grade 6–11 are required to provide a laptop that meets TIS IT specifications.

Boarding / student housing
- Tokyo International School does not operate an on‑campus boarding program. A student housing option (facilitated through an independent housing provider) is offered for eligible international students aged 16+; fees for that housing are set by the independent provider and are not listed in the school fee schedule.

Refunds and non‑refundability
- The one‑time new student fees (Application Fee, Registration Fee and Development Fee) are explicitly non‑refundable.
- The School Fees page specifies deadlines for payment and withdrawal notice but does not provide a detailed tuition refund schedule on the public fee page. Where refund or withdrawal consequences are material (for example term‑by‑term tuition liability after a withdrawal), such terms are administered by the Business Office and are not fully itemized on the published fee summary.

Fee payment options and contact for payment administration
- The public School Fees summary does not list specific payment methods (for example, which cards or bank accounts will be accepted). Fee administration, payment instructions and corporate payment arrangements (Corporate Contribution Program / CCP) are handled by the Business Office; the Business Office contact is do@tokyois.com.

Notes on what is not included in this overview
- Exact costs for uniforms, lunches, specific extracurricular activities, required IT equipment models and the independent student housing fees are not listed in the public fee summary. The School Fees document and related guides referenced on the school information pages provide line items for many items but do not publish every ancillary price in the public summary.

Summary of sources used: fee schedule, term dates, one‑time non‑refundable fees, term payment amounts, optional service fees and notes about excluded items are drawn from the school's 2025–26 School Fees information and the Student Housing description.
Academics

Tokyo International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
Tokyo International School offers the International Baccalaureate continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18; Grade 12 is planned to open in SY 2026–2027, and the school currently serves students up to Grade 11. The Primary Years Programme features two classes per grade from Kindergarten to Grade 5, with Mathematics, English literacy, Science, Social Studies and Personal & Social Education as core areas, plus specialist instruction in Art, Library, Music, Physical Education and Japanese, and integrated technology and allied supports (EAL, speech therapy, counseling). The Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–10 covers Mathematics, English, Science, Individuals & Societies, Art, Music, Drama, Physical & Health Education, Japanese and Design, and includes a Service as Action component and an Advisory program, with strong technology integration and a full range of student supports. The Diploma Programme is offered to students aged 16–18 as part of the IB continuum, with Grade 11 in operation and Grade 12 scheduled to open in 2026–2027. Across the IB framework, learning is described as student-centered and inquiry-based, with university counseling and a broad co-curricular program to support holistic development.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) support at Tokyo International School (TIS) is anchored in the Student Support framework built on Trust, Inspire, and Support, aiming to empower students academically, socially, and emotionally. The school uses an inclusive learning framework with tailored support for all students. Academic support is provided by the Learning Support team through in-class support, small-group instruction, and one-on-one sessions, with accommodations such as extended time or assistive technology to promote equitable learning opportunities. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program offers specialized instruction and support to help students gain confidence and proficiency in English, enabling full curriculum access, including in-class support, small-group instruction, and differentiated resources and activities. A counseling team works with students, families, and teachers to foster social-emotional health, helping students develop self-awareness, manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. The school aims to create an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Tokyo International School uses an inclusive Learning Support framework with a dedicated Learning Support Team that provides tailored academic support for students with identified learning needs. This includes in-class support, small-group instruction, and one-on-one sessions, with accommodations such as extended time or assistive technology to promote equitable learning opportunities. Admission for students with identified learning needs depends on the makeup of the current cohort and available resources, and the school welcomes such students only when it can provide the necessary support. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution; support for identified needs is delivered by the Learning Support Team working with regular teachers, rather than a separate specialist program. The Admissions FAQ notes that the school does not publish a detailed list of specific SEN categories it can support and that admission decisions are contingent on cohort makeup and resources.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports students from diverse linguistic backgrounds to gain confidence and proficiency in English, enabling full access to the curriculum. EAL provision includes in-class support, small-group instruction, and differentiated classroom resources and activities. New English language learners receive support in regular classes and additional English lessons while other students study Japanese. Admissions of new English language learners depend on the language makeup of the current cohort. As an international school serving expatriate families, the school frequently provides EAL support to help students integrate and succeed.

Mental Wellbeing
A counseling team at Tokyo International School collaborates with students, families, and teachers to foster social-emotional health. Counselors support students in developing self-awareness, managing emotions, building healthy relationships, and making responsible decisions. The school emphasizes holistic wellbeing as part of its learning approach, aiming to help students navigate school and life with resilience. The overall wellbeing framework is designed to ensure students feel supported as they engage in academically meaningful learning. Through ongoing collaboration among students, families, and staff, mental wellbeing is integrated into daily school life.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding at Tokyo International School is described as an unwavering commitment to student welfare. Safeguarding is a proactive, comprehensive approach that aims to prevent harm and protect students from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or any situation that could compromise safety. The safeguarding team includes a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and other safeguarding professionals who serve as primary contacts for concerns and oversee policy implementation. All staff undergo rigorous safeguarding training, and recruitment includes thorough criminal background and reference checks to maintain a safe community. The DSL and safeguarding team provide guidance, ensure clear communication pathways, and uphold the school's safeguarding policies and procedures.
Parent Experience

History
Tokyo International School began in 1994 as Tokyo International School Pre School with five students, serving mobile expatriate families in Tokyo. It was the first international school in Tokyo to offer a one-to-one laptop program and later earned accreditation from the Council of International Schools in 2004. IB authorization followed with the Primary Years Programme in 2005 and the Middle Years Programme in 2007. In 2013 the school moved to a purpose-built Minami Azabu campus, and in 2017 it gained non-profit status as a Gakko-Hojin with Ikuko Tsuboya Newell serving as Chair of the School Board. The school began offering Grade 10 in 2024 to complete the IB MYP, started Grade 11 in 2025, and plans to move to a new campus in August 2026 at Takanawa Gateway City.

Community
The school describes itself as a vibrant international community of around seventy nationalities, with every member valued and having a voice. The TIS community is organized in part through the TIS Family Community (TFC), the parents' association of which all parents are automatically members. TFC volunteers coordinate support for families entering Japan, organize social events for the community, run fundraising for extras and support TIS-affiliated charities such as Playground of Hope. Social life and community engagement are coordinated via the TFC Facebook Group, with events including cocktail evenings, sake tastings, shopping trips, running clubs and taiko drumming.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association at Tokyo International School operates as the TIS Family Community (TFC), and all TIS parents are automatically members. Active members support families entering Japan, organize social events for the community, run fundraising for extras, and back TIS-affiliated charities and projects such as Playground of Hope. TFC-led projects include the Cherry Blossom Fair, a fundraising committee, and coordinating parent education workshops. Regular volunteering roles include class homeroom parents, library helpers, and field trip coordinators. Social activities organized by TFC include cocktail evenings, sake tastings, shopping trips, running clubs and taiko drumming, coordinated through the TFC Facebook Group. New parents are welcome and encouraged to get involved, with a core volunteer group aiming to create a warm, inclusive community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Tokyo International School will relocate to TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY in August 2026. The new campus is designed as a 21st-century learning environment with contemporary classrooms, dedicated science labs, and spaces for design and technology, art, and language work. Architectural highlights include a library as the central learning hub, Visual Arts studios with a kiln room, a music room, and a black box theatre for performances. On-site facilities also include a large gymnasium, an outdoor play area, and safe common spaces to support wellbeing and collaboration. The campus will be integrated with TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, emphasizing sustainability and strong transit connectivity.

Sports Facilities
The campus features a large gymnasium and an outdoor play area to support a wide range of sports and physical education.

Academic Facilities
Modern classrooms; Science labs for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; a Design Studio; a Library; Visual Arts studios with kiln room; a Music room with acoustically designed spaces; and a Japanese Language Room.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Over 50 diverse activities are available for students to explore interests and develop skills.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Tokyo International School participates in KPASS Academic Competitions, providing high-paced challenges beyond the classroom. Key competitions include the Model UN Club (MUN), Math Field Day, and Brain Bowl. These events develop quick thinking, teamwork, and subject-specific skills, and TIS hosts the Middle School Brain Bowl for participants across the KPASS network. The KPASS framework connects students with peers from other international schools in the Tokyo area, enhancing global awareness.

Arts & Creative
Co-curricular Fine Arts opportunities are provided through KPASS, including the Drama Festival, Choral Festival, and Artscape (a visual arts showcase). Students can also participate in clubs such as Video Making, Manga Drawing, Guitar, and Choir, which run as part of the co-curricular program. These activities broaden creative expression, performance, and cross-cultural collaboration within the KPASS network.

Cultural & Language
The Experiential Education program offers international experiences that extend cultural learning beyond the classroom. The Overseas Learning Trip in Grade 10 is a capstone service-learning trip that engages students directly with local communities, such as destinations like Thailand. In addition, the school runs residential journeys across Japan (Grades 3-10) and an annual Ski Trip to the Japanese Alps (Grades 6-9) to broaden horizons and resilience. The school also hosts Model UN as part of KPASS, fostering diplomacy and cross-cultural communication, and the student body represents around seventy nationalities.

Social & Hobbies
A broad range of recreational activities supports social and hobby development, including STEAM Club, Multisports, Video Making, Manga Drawing, Guitar, Speech, Rock Climbing, Choir, Introduction to Programming, and Kids-4-Kids (a community service-based club for younger students). Activities rotate seasonally so offerings change throughout the year. Space permitting, students may join multiple activities each term.

Community & Service
Community service and service-learning are integral to TIS beyond the classroom. The Kids-4-Kids service club provides a platform for students to plan and run fundraising activities for charities. The Experiential Education program includes a Thailand service-learning trip as part of Grade 10, offering direct engagement with local communities. The admissions FAQ notes that the school offers learning opportunities with an emphasis on service learning and residential trips.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is a core component of TIS through its KPASS membership. KPASS provides a powerful platform for students to grow as leaders and reflective team members. Participation in athletics and academic competitions further develops leadership, collaboration, and strategic thinking. These opportunities are grounded in the KPASS framework and in the school's program for co-curricular activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The co-curricular program emphasizes health and movement beyond the classroom, with a strong focus on Physical Health Education and movement through the Lower School PSPE curriculum. Upper- and lower-school activities include Outdoor Education and Adventure such as hiking, snowshoe walking, and camping, promoting resilience and environmental awareness. Facilities include an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor track and a rock climbing wall to support physical activity. Clubs such as Chess and Video Making complement wellbeing through cognitive challenge and social engagement.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. From Kindergarten through Grade 10, students study Japanese as part of the curriculum. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds, including in-class support and small-group instruction. Parent-led home-language programs (Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Swedish) use school facilities.

Immersion Programs
There is no formal language immersion program described. The school operates an English-medium IB program, with Japanese taught as part of the regular curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 10. The school offers cultural immersion experiences through Tokyo As Our Classroom that connect students with local culture and environments. Dutch, Finnish, French, German and Swedish home-language programs use school facilities but are run by parent communities rather than as official immersion programs.
Reputation

Accreditations
CIS (Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit Online Application. Begin by submitting an online application through the school's admissions portal. The application is accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee, which is valid for one academic year. The school places students into grades based on age, with an August 31 birthday cut-off guiding grade placement. Tokyo International School offers IB programs (PYP, MYP, DP) and considers multiple factors in admissions during the review stage.

2. Submit Supporting Documents. After starting the online application, follow the documents checklist provided in the system and upload the required materials. The checklist guides what needs to be submitted; requirements may vary by age/grade and specific circumstances. Completing all items in the system is essential before the admissions team proceeds.

3. Admissions Team Review. Fully completed applications are reviewed by the Leadership Team and relevant teachers. The review considers factors such as cultural and language diversity, learning diversity, and the resources available to support the student. The process also weighs space availability and class size when determining suitability.

4. Admissions Decision. The school states that English language proficiency is a factor for admissions, but not a requirement, and that admissions are pursued only when there is sufficient support to ensure success. A seat must be identified before assessments are conducted, which may be deemed necessary at the discretion of the admissions team. There is a non-refundable processing fee for each application, and the fee remains valid for one academic year.

Scholarships
Scholarships. The school describes the Corporate Contribution Program (CCP) as a mechanism for corporate funding of scholarships for the dependent children of employees. The CCP is part of Tokyo International School's fundraising framework and is designed to be tax-efficient for participating companies, with scholarships funded by corporate contributions. Details about eligibility, funding, and administration are provided through the CCP, including contact instructions for inquiries (do@tokyois.com).

Waitlist
Waitlist/Pool. A formal waitlist or pool system is not described in the admissions materials. Admissions decisions hinge on space availability and current class sizes, with a maximum of 22 students per class in both lower (Kindergarten–G5) and upper (G6–G11) grades. Assessments are only performed when a seat has been identified, and space constraints drive the timing of any admissions decision.
School Events
The school has not added events
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