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Tokyo West International School

Japan, Tokyo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥1,109,000 - 1,892,000
Ages 2 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2010
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), American Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Taught languages English, Japanese
Typical class size 10
Strengths Performing Arts, STEM, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Tokyo West International School (TWIS) is located in Hachioji in western Tokyo (Tama area) and welcomes children from PreK through High School. In PreK and Kindergarten, TWIS serves ages 2–5 and teaches in a primarily English setting while also offering Japanese learning time. In Elementary (Grades 1–6), classes are capped at about 18 students and learning is grounded in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), with subjects integrated through Units of Inquiry. A distinctive feature is the school’s garden-based learning, used for hands-on projects connected to sustainability. TWIS also describes a progressive AI education plan from Grade 6 to 12.

185 Umetsubo-Cho, Tokyo 192-0013, Japan

The Essentials

Tokyo West International School has typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location
Tokyo West International School is located at 185 Umetsubo-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0013, Japan. The campus sits in a green, suburban area of western Tokyo with access via JR Hachioji Station and local buses. The environment emphasizes nature and garden-based learning as part of daily life on a spacious campus.

Stages
TWIS offers a continuous program from PreK through High School. The school is organized into PreK & Kindergarten, Elementary School (Grades 1–6), Middle School (Grades 7–9), and High School (Grades 10–12). The High School provides both Japanese and American diplomas.

Type
Tokyo West International School operates as an international day school on a single campus in Hachioji, Japan.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school community includes students and staff from more than 15 countries; about half of the student body is Japanese, with the remainder international.

Additional learning support
The school uses an Educational Support Questionnaire in admissions to identify learning needs and maintains a strong learning support system with small class sizes. A full-time school nurse provides daily health care, and a visiting school counselor supports students' emotional well-being.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is listed; the school operates as an international school in Japan.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is indicated.

School day structure
Kindergarten ends at 3:00 p.m. and Elementary and above are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. The day runs a 7-period schedule of 40-minute periods for Elementary and above. Kindergarten offers after-school clubs from 3:00–3:30 p.m.; Elementary and above can join 8th-period programs, extending the day to 4:30 p.m.

Bus service
A school bus operates in the Tama area. Bus stops include around JR Hachioji Station and other local stops, with travel times such as about 10 minutes to Hachioji Station, 30 minutes to Tachikawa Station, 40 minutes to Tamagawa Josui Station, 20 minutes to Akishima, 40 minutes to Tama Center, and 60 minutes to Machida Station.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Warm lunches are freshly prepared in an on-site kitchen. Accommodations for allergies and cultural needs are available. Students may also bring their own meals.

Governance and Ownership
Yoshinori Kato is the founder and Chairperson. The Director General, who also serves as High School Principal, is Sockchong Han. The Principal for Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School is Monina Liza Mendez. The campus in Hachioji was completed in 2015. The school is Cognia-accredited, IB PYP authorized, and a member of EARCOS and CIS.
Fees

Annual tuition at Tokyo West International School ranges from JPY 1,109,000 to JPY 1,892,000 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees
- Registration / screening (application) fee: JPY 22,000 (tax included).

Annual tuition (by division)
- Kindergarten (annual): JPY 1,140,000.
- Elementary School (annual): JPY 1,463,000.
- Junior High School (annual): JPY 913,000.
- High School (annual): JPY 913,000.

Per-term breakdown
- A per-term (term-by-term) fee schedule and explicit per-term amounts are not published on the school's publicly accessible admission pages or in the publicly available documents linked from those pages; only annual figures (as listed above) are available in public school listings.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school's admission materials note that successful applicants must pay required entrance fees by the published deadline to complete enrollment, but a full, detailed billing schedule and the school's standard payment deadlines for tuition instalments are not published on the publicly accessible pages.

Boarding fees
- The school does not operate or publish any boarding-program fees; no boarding facilities or boarding tariffs are listed in the publicly available school information. (School bus service is identified as available in external school listings.)

Other costs and typical additional fees
- No public, detailed breakdown for additional routine costs (uniforms, textbooks, activity fees, building/maintenance fees, bus fees, lunches, materials, extracurricular fees) is published on the school's publicly accessible admission pages. External school directories list varying additional charges or ranges for similar schools, but those directory figures are not a published fee schedule from the school itself.

Refund information
- A formal refund policy or explicit rules governing refunds/withdrawals and any prorated reimbursements are not published on the school's publicly accessible admission pages or on the password‑protected students document page.

Fee payment options (methods)
- The school's publicly accessible pages do not publish specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, or other). No public schedule of accepted payment channels is available on the admission pages or in the publicly accessible documents.

Notes on sources and missing detail
- The figures above reflect the only explicit fee amounts that are publicly accessible (application screening fee and annual tuition figures reported in public school listings). Detailed fee schedules, per-term invoices, payment methods, refund terms, and line-item additional fees are either contained in internal/student-only documents or not published publicly; the school's student documents area is password-protected and the detailed tuition/fee PDFs are not accessible without those credentials.
Academics

Tokyo West International School teaches IB (PYP), American Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
Tokyo West International School offers a bilingual, inquiry-based curriculum from Early Childhood through High School, with an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework for the elementary years and Cognia-aligned standards recognized by multiple international bodies. The Elementary division (Grades 1–6) provides English–Japanese bilingual instruction built around Units of Inquiry, includes Singapore Math, integrates ICT/AI education, and incorporates garden-based learning in small classes of about 18 students. The Middle School (Grades 7–9) follows Cognia-aligned international standards, uses inquiry-based learning through Units of Inquiry, and integrates ICT/AI and STEAM projects, supported by robust learning-support and ongoing family communication in small classes (up to 10 students). The High School program emphasizes English academic skills, offers dual diploma pathways—Japanese high school diploma and an American/International high school diploma—and includes AI literacy and opportunities for short overseas programs and service learning. Across all divisions, graduates pursue university study in Japan or abroad, supported by a nature-rich campus, specialist instructors, and a bilingual, globally oriented educational environment.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
TWIS supports social and emotional learning through a holistic education that addresses intellectual, emotional, physical and social well-being, with student voice fostered by the Student Council and the PYP Exhibition, and wellbeing supported by a full-time nurse and a visiting school counselor.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school states small class sizes and robust student support, and offers general academic supports such as ESL, EEP, Tutoring, and Japanese Support; it does not publicly disclose information on specific SEN provisions or whether it is a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL support includes ESL for core English skills, the English Enrichment Program (EEP), a Tutoring Program, on‑campus Japanese support, and the Online eitomo English Reinforcement Program, with Dekitasu available for home study.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by a full-time school nurse providing daily healthcare and a professional counselor who visits weekly to support students' emotional well-being.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is supported by The TWIS Child Protection Policy, and safety and health measures include modern campus safety standards and on-site health provisions, including a full-time nurse.
Parent Experience

History
Tokyo West International School opened in April 2010 as Tokyo West International Elementary School in Shibasaki, Tachikawa. It moved to Sunagawa later in 2010 and was renamed Tokyo West International School to reflect its broader mission. In April 2015 the Umetsubo, Hachioji campus opened, enabling the addition of a middle school and expansion of grade levels. The school earned Cognia accreditation in 2013, became an IB PYP candidate in February 2020 and an IB PYP authorized school in May 2022, and joined CIS in March 2023. In April 2024 the high school department commenced, completing the Pre-K through High School continuum.

Community
TWIS describes its community as international, with students and teachers from 15 countries, creating a vibrant, multicultural environment. Community life includes Student Council, the PYP Exhibition, and Community Service, which provide opportunities for student leadership, inquiry, and service. The school also hosts a Winter Festival and other cultural events that celebrate diversity. These elements are supported by a garden-based learning program and a bilingual English-Japanese environment that connect students with both local and global communities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The TWIS PTA supports not only school events but also contributes to enhancing the learning environment through volunteer activities. Volunteer activities include facility improvements. Volunteer activities include library maintenance. These efforts reflect the PTA's role in supporting TWIS's community life. The PTA involvement is described as a part of TWIS's family and school-life engagement ecosystem.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Tokyo West International School campus in Hachioji sits in a natural setting with spacious classrooms and a range of specialist spaces. Facilities include a gymnasium, music and art rooms, science labs, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, and an expansive educational garden. All classrooms are ICT-equipped to support bilingual English–Japanese instruction. An on-site kitchen prepares warm lunches with dietary accommodations, and student health is supported by a full-time nurse and a visiting school counselor. The campus also includes a library, a multipurpose hall (MPH), and outdoor spaces such as fields and an outdoor gym.

Sports Facilities
The campus features a gymnasium and a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool for physical education. It also has on-site fields for outdoor sports and an outdoor gym for fitness activities.

Academic Facilities
ICT-equipped classrooms support bilingual instruction in English and Japanese. Science facilities include dedicated science labs and a science room. The campus houses a library for research and reading, with staff teaching library skills. AI literacy education is integrated from upper elementary through high school.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Weekly clubs cover sports such as soccer and volleyball and cultural activities including art, music, gardening, and library work. Kindergarten offers after-school clubs, and elementary students have access to additional programs extending the day to 4:30 p.m. (ESL, EEP, tutoring, and Japanese support are also offered).
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
From Elementary to High School, Tokyo West International School runs weekly clubs with diverse options that extend learning beyond the classroom. Clubs include sports such as soccer and volleyball; cultural activities like art, music, gardening, library, and the school newspaper; and academic enrichment through STEM and sustainability projects. The school also offers Singapore Math as part of its math program, reinforcing logical thinking and problem-solving. Kindergarten students have optional after-school clubs four days a week (3:00–3:30 p.m.) including Music & Me, Young Authors, Forest and Garden Kitchen Program, Art Club, and FitKids Academy. External programs include a Saturday School and seasonal Spring, Summer, and Winter Schools.

Arts & Creative
Arts and creative life is supported through weekly clubs and dedicated spaces. Specialist instructors teach music and art, and the campus includes dedicated music and art rooms. Students participate in cultural activities such as gardening and the school newspaper, integrating arts with broader cultural learning. The garden program provides hands-on experiences that connect artistic expression with environmental awareness.

Cultural & Language
The school maintains a Bilingual Education Program that emphasizes English as the primary language of instruction while offering Japanese language study. The bilingual approach includes daily English-language communication with dedicated Japanese language classes for non-native learners, supported by native Japanese instructors. Travel and Learn provides cross-cultural experiences through short-term overseas programs, with destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines and activities including cross-cultural exchanges and community outreach. These programs and the school's language initiatives foster cultural awareness and language development across the student body.

Social & Hobbies
Weekly clubs across Elementary to High School provide opportunities for social interaction and hobbies beyond academics. Active clubs include sports such as soccer and volleyball, as well as arts and cultural activities like art, music, gardening, library, and the school newspaper. Kindergarten offers after-school clubs four days a week (3:00–3:30 p.m.) such as Music & Me, Young Authors, Forest and Garden Kitchen Program, Art Club, and FitKids Academy. The school also runs external programs like a Saturday School and seasonal Spring, Summer, and Winter Schools to broaden social and extracurricular experiences.

Community & Service
Student leadership and community involvement are encouraged through the Student Council, which includes representatives from each grade and plans school-wide events. Community service and volunteer opportunities are integrated into school life, with projects linked to the PYP Exhibition and other student initiatives. Short-Term Study Abroad and outreach activities provide additional chances to engage with local and international communities beyond the campus. These programs support TWIS's emphasis on social responsibility and global citizenship.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is supported through the Student Council, which brings together student representatives to plan events and initiatives. In High School, internships and workplace visits are integrated into the AI and Career Education pathway to connect learning with real-world opportunities. The school provides career counseling, portfolio development, and assistance with university applications as part of post-graduation pathways. Mentoring and professional skill-building opportunities help students prepare for further education and careers.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The campus includes a gymnasium, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, and an expansive educational garden that underpins physical and environmental education. A full-time school nurse and a visiting school counselor support students' physical and emotional well-being. The school offers on-site meal service with accommodations for allergies and cultural needs to support healthy daily life. These facilities and services contribute to a holistic approach to student wellness and daily life at TWIS.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the primary language of instruction for most subjects; the Programme of Inquiry is conducted in English. Japanese is taught from Preschool as the host country language, with additional Japanese language classes for non-native speakers. Approximately 60% of TWIS students speak Japanese as their first language, while the remaining 40% speak Korean, Hindi, Chinese, English, and other languages; more than half of students are English Language Learners. Mother tongue support is provided, and language level assessments (ISA) and language proficiency tests such as EIKEN and KANKEN are used to monitor progress.

Bilingual Teaching
Tokyo West International School provides bilingual education in English and Japanese. From Preschool onward, Japanese is taught as the host language, and English language and literacy are taught daily from Kindergarten through Elementary. The Programme of Inquiry is delivered in English, and most single subjects are taught in English. The Elementary environment is clearly bilingual, with English and Japanese used interchangeably, and mother tongue support is provided for non-native speakers.
Reputation

Accreditations
Cognia Accreditation (since 2013; Cognia is the largest accreditation agency and international school community of educators in the world). The school has been Cognia-accredited since 2013 and continues to be recognized under the Cognia framework.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1 — Determine grade level by birth date. Grade placement at Tokyo West International School is determined by the child's birthday, with specific birthdate guidelines for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. For Preschool & Kindergarten, the ranges are: Preschool 4.2.2022 or older; K3 4.2.2021–4.1.2022; K4 4.2.2020–4.1.2021; K5 4.2.2019–4.1.2020. For Elementary and higher grades, G1–G12 follow corresponding birthdate cutoffs (G1 4.2.2018–4.1.2019; G2 4.2.2017–4.1.2018; and so on). These guidelines affect new entrants for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years.

Step 2 — Open House and school tours. Open House (group) and Private School Tours are offered throughout the year. Prospective families should book via the reservation form or by calling for details. Group Open House events and private tours are scheduled to help families understand the program and environment.

Step 3 — Submit the application form. Application materials are downloadable and can be submitted in person or by mail. Required documents include: Enrollment Application Form, Medical Certificate (issued within 3 months), Educational Support Questionnaire, Progress Report, and Graduation or Attendance Certificate from the previous school. Separate application forms exist for PreK & Kindergarten and for Elementary & Middle School.

Step 4 — Screening test and parents interview. The school schedules a screening test and a parents' interview for each child, and the registration fee for the screening test is ¥22,000 (tax included). The screening and interview are designed to assess academic ability, motivation, and fit with the program. For admissions in Grade, Middle & High School, the timing is typically approximately one month before the desired admission date, with the result announced about one week after screening.

Step 5 — Announcement of successful applicants and enrollment. The school communicates acceptance to applicants who meet the screening requirements via an official acceptance letter. Prospective students who pass the screening and have paid the entrance fee by the deadline are considered enrolled. Enrollment is completed within one week after acceptance. For inquiries about enrollment, contact information is provided on the admissions page.

Step 6 — Fees and discounts. Tuition-related information notes that discounts and scholarships are available under certain circumstances; parents should inquire for details. This section also indicates that there is a screening test fee of ¥22,000 and mentions an entrance fee associated with admission.

Scholarships
TWIS offers a scholarship program for elementary, middle, and high school grades. The 2026 TWIS School Scholarship provides exemption from the entrance fee and a 50% tuition subsidy for one year, with renewal contingent on an annual examination. Three scholarships are planned for the 2026 academic year. Eligibility requires new G1–G12 students for 2026 who have either passed the TWIS entrance examination or are currently enrolled. Selection is based on document screening. Application period runs from December 8, 2025 to January 9, 2026, with results announced by the end of January 2026. Required documents include a scholarship application form, an English essay by the student (50–80 words), proof of annual household income, and school records or letters of recommendation (not required for current TWIS students). Contact for scholarship questions is admission@tokyowest.jp.

Waitlist
Tokyo West International School does not publish a formal waitlist. When classes reach capacity, admissions occur only as vacancies become available. In the 2025 mid-term enrollment status, K4 and G2 classes have reached capacity, and there are typically 1–2 spots remaining in other classes such as K5, G1, G4, G7, and G9. This vacancy-based approach means families may be admitted if a space opens, rather than through a numbered waitlist.
School Events
The school has not added events
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