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United School of Tokyo

Japan, Tokyo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥1,700,000 - 2,000,000
Ages 3 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 230
Type Co-educational
Opened 2014
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Taught languages Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 14
Strengths STEM, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

United School of Tokyo (UST) is an international school in Shibuya, founded in 2014 by parents and teachers, serving children ages 3 to 14 across Kindergarten (K1–K3), Elementary (G1–G5) and Middle School (G6–G8). Classroom instruction is conducted in English and the school references American Common Core standards for benchmarks. UST highlights small classes and notes 16 students per class and a total of ~220 students. Japanese is taught daily, with additional language options mentioned for older students. Beyond lessons, UST runs an extracurricular program with 30+ classes across sports, performing arts, visual arts, games/activities and STEAM. A distinctive feature described under school life is its Social Responsibility work, including projects like eco drives and a partnership-building effort with an elementary school in Cambodia.

151-0063 Tokyo, Shibuya, Tomigaya, 2 Chome−21−10

The Essentials

United School of Tokyo has 230 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.

Location
United School of Tokyo is located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, in the Tomigaya district. The campus address is 151-0063 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Tomigaya 2-21-10, Central Tomigaya Building. It has convenient access to several stations: Komaba-Todaimae on the Inokashira Line is a 5-minute walk away; Shibuya Station is a 15-minute walk or a 7-minute bus ride (bus stops include Tokyu Bus 55 and Keio Bus 61, alighting at Todai Ura); Yoyogi-Hachiman on the Odakyu Line is about a 12-minute walk; and Yoyogi-Koen on the Chiyoda Line is about a 13-minute walk.

Stages
UST serves children aged 3 to 14 across three divisions: Kindergarten (K1–K3), Elementary (G1–G5), and Middle School (G6–G8).

Type
Private, international, co-educational school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body represents 40+ nationalities, reflecting a genuinely international community; no official public ratio of local versus international students is published.

Additional learning support
Learning support and ESL services are available. ESL and learning support fees include a pull-out service (3,850 yen per session) and in-class support (2,750 yen per session) per week.

Country affiliation
The school follows an American curriculum based on the American Common Core standards (American Curriculum).

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is indicated in the official materials.

School day structure
Regular school day start times are not published; extended care is available from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The school provides an organic lunch service during the day.

Bus service
UST operates four bus routes serving central Tokyo. Annual round-trip bus fees are 300,000 yen and annual one-way bus fees are 200,000 yen; payments can be made annually or by term. For specifics on stops and schedules, contact the school.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
UST requires all students to wear the prescribed school uniform during school hours and at school-organized events outside premises. The uniform policy aims to promote pride in the school, unity and community, and a consistent appearance, while reducing distractions and supporting health and safety guidelines. Details about the uniform items are provided in the UST Uniform Guide.

Food Options
UST provides an organic lunch service for students. The Summer School program also offers a lunch service using the regular organic lunch delivery; Summer School notes that the program is nut-free.

Governance and Ownership
The school is organized as a kabushiki gaisha (corporation) named United School of Tokyo. It was founded in 2014 by parents and teachers.
Fees

Annual tuition at United School of Tokyo ranges from JPY 1,700,000 to JPY 2,000,000 for 2026/27.

One-time joining fees (new students)
- Application Fee: JPY 25,000.
- Registration Fee: JPY 400,000.
- Development Fee: JPY 400,000.
- Total one-time joining fees (new student): JPY 825,000.

Annual fees & tuition (2025–2026) — by division (amounts shown per term where applicable and annual total)
- Kindergarten (K1–K3):
- Maintenance Fee (annual): JPY 300,000.
- Fall Tuition: JPY 560,000.
- Winter Tuition: JPY 455,000.
- Spring Tuition: JPY 385,000.
- Annual total: JPY 1,700,000.

- Elementary School (Grades 1–5):
- Maintenance Fee (annual): JPY 300,000.
- Fall Tuition: JPY 645,000.
- Winter Tuition: JPY 520,000.
- Spring Tuition: JPY 445,000.
- Annual total: JPY 1,910,000.

- Middle School (Grades 6–8):
- Maintenance Fee (annual): JPY 300,000.
- Fall Tuition: JPY 690,000.
- Winter Tuition: JPY 540,000.
- Spring Tuition: JPY 470,000.
- Annual total: JPY 2,000,000.

Tuition discounts
- Second sibling discount: 5% (applies to tuition only, self-paying families).
- Third sibling discount: 10% (applies to tuition only, self-paying families).

Other fees and typical additional costs
- ESL and learning support (per 45-minute session):
- Pull-out service (1 session/week): JPY 3,850 per session.
- In-class (push-in) support (1 session/week): JPY 2,750 per session.

- Technology requirements and likely costs:
- Grades 3–5: students are required to have an iPad (specification detail available from school office).
- Grades 6–8: students are required to have a MacBook.

- Bus service (annual):
- Annual round-trip bus fee: JPY 300,000.
- Annual one-way bus fee: JPY 200,000.
- Bus fees may be paid annually or by term.

- School trips and activity costs (examples and ranges — family responsibility):
- K1–G8 day field trips: ~JPY 500 per trip on average (varies by destination).
- G3–G8 ski trip: JPY 50,000–70,000 (package-dependent).
- G6–G8 residential trip: JPY 60,000–80,000 (destination-dependent).

- PTA fee: JPY 25,000 (annual).

- Extra-curricular activity fees: vary by activity; fees are charged separately.

Boarding fees
- No boarding fees are listed; the school operates as a day school with no separate boarding provision indicated.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Term billing/payment deadlines (standard schedule):
- Fall tuition due: April 25.
- Winter tuition due: October 25.
- Spring tuition due: January 25.

- Invoices are issued 7–8 weeks before the end of the previous term. Parents remain responsible for timely payment even when a third party (e.g., employer) is paying. Students with unpaid tuition at the start of a term will not be permitted to attend and the school may reallocate the place.

- Fees for the new academic year must be paid by April 28; failure to pay by that date may result in reallocation of the student's place. Joining fees for new students must be paid within one week of receiving the joining-fee invoice to secure the place.

- Late enrollment: tuition and bus fees for students enrolling after the school year has started are calculated by the school's three academic terms; fees for partially attended terms are not prorated and must be paid in full before the student's start date. Re-enrolling students who previously left are required to pay the Registration Fee; the Development Fee is waived for returning students.

Refunds and withdrawal notice
- The Application Fee (JPY 25,000) is non-refundable once paid. One-time joining fees and annual fees are not refundable. Tuition is not refunded for partially attended terms. Refunds are issued only when the school receives notice in accordance with the school's notice rules and a term has been fully unattended.

- Notice period: a minimum of one complete term's prior written notice is required to withdraw a student. If a parent does not provide at least one full term's written notice, one full term's fees must be paid in lieu of notice. The school will withhold report cards, recommendations, and release of records until outstanding fees are settled.

Late payment policy and penalties
- Late payments without prior notice may result in prohibition from class attendance and/or withholding of grades, transcripts, recommendations, or other school records.
- A weekly late charge of JPY 10,000 applies to delinquent payments.

Payment methods and bank details
- All fees must be paid by bank transfer and paid under the student's name.
- The Application Fee (JPY 25,000) may alternatively be paid in cash at the school office or by bank transfer. For overseas transfers, families must ensure the amount received in JPY equals the invoiced amount after all handling fees; applicants are responsible for all transfer fees.
- Bank information (payable to Kabushiki Gaisha United School of Tokyo, Mizuho Bank, Shibuya Chuo Branch; Ordinary account 1609328; Swift Code: MHCBJPJT) is supplied for transfers.

Important additional notes
- All fees and tuition amounts include sales tax.
- One-time fees are stated as non-refundable once paid.
- Fees and tuition are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
Academics

United School of Tokyo teaches American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 14.

Curriculum
The United School of Tokyo's curriculum is built around systematic skill development delivered through a theme-based program of 5–6 units per year, with four cross-cutting themes: responsibility and caring, global citizenship, environmental impact, and experiential education. In Early Childhood (K1–K3, ages 3–6), the curriculum is theme-integrated and learner-centered, with literacy via daily reading and Jolly Phonics, a Japanese program taught twice weekly in preschool and three times weekly in Kindergarten, and Math focusing on counting, numbers, simple operations, telling time, measurements and shapes; Science and Social Studies emphasize exploration of the environment and community, and Visual Arts, Music, and Technology are integrated. Elementary (G1–G5, ages 6–11) develops the whole child through 5–6 units per year, using Common Core math standards with Math in Focus (Singapore Math) as the main program, and Reading and Writing Workshop models for literacy; Japanese is taught daily according to the Japanese National Curriculum, while Social Studies uses Social Studies Alive!, and Visual Arts and Music follow National Standards for Arts Education. The curriculum also includes Technology and Information Science to build digital literacy, ESL and Learning Support beginning from K2, with pull-out or small-group assistance, and after-school tutoring to support English or other subjects. Field trips and experiential learning are embedded within units, with an emphasis on assessment through varied methods, targets, and feedback, and a commitment to fostering global-minded, environmentally aware, and socially responsible students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and Emotional Learning at United School of Tokyo is supported by a holistic, inquiry-based curriculum designed to address students' social‑emotional needs, and by weekly Guidance classes; leadership and collaboration are fostered through the Student Council.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
UST does not offer specialist support programs for students with learning difficulties or behavioral differences; exceptional admission may be granted if individual requirements can be met within the mainstream classroom, and the school provides Learning support and ESL services within the mainstream.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL support is provided through Learning support and ESL services, and the school offers ability-based daily Japanese language classes; ESL and learning support services have associated fees.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through weekly Guidance classes as part of a values-based, holistic education that emphasizes social-emotional development, complemented by student leadership opportunities.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is governed by a formal Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy; staff must report suspected abuse to designated safeguarding leads promptly, with a case management team and liaison with authorities as required by law.
Parent Experience

History
United School of Tokyo (UST) was founded in 2014 by a group of parents and teachers who sought affordable, quality international education in Tokyo. From its inception, UST has operated as a multinational, multicultural school serving children aged 3 to 14, organized into Kindergarten (K1-K3), Elementary (G1-G5), and Middle School (G6-G8). The school emphasizes a family-like, values-based environment that balances warmth, acceptance, respect, flexibility, and creativity with academic rigor. UST is governed by a School Leadership Team (the principal, vice-principal, and curriculum coordinator) and a School Advisory Board made up of selected parents and community representatives, meeting periodically to advise on strategy and accountability. The Advisory Board oversees strategic planning, budget and financial accountability, and facility expansion, providing checks and balances while guiding long-term planning.

Community
UST's student body represents more than 40 nationalities, reflecting a diverse and global learning community. School life emphasizes monthly events, field trips, and outdoor education as part of its experiential learning approach, alongside celebrations of major holidays and cultural diversity. The school runs social responsibility programs and environmental initiatives, including a sister-school partnership in Cambodia, fundraising activities, and local community service projects. Student leadership is encouraged through the UST Student Council, with involvement in Community Outreach programs that connect students and families to broader service efforts.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
UST describes four types of parental involvement: volunteering, learning at home, decision making (including involvement with PTA or becoming a class-parent), and collaborating with the community. Parents can participate by serving on the PTA or as class parents, linking families with teachers in school decisions. The school supports active parent leadership through the PTA structure and related roles. A PTA fee of 25,000 yen covers a range of activities, programs, and resources aimed at supporting the school community and enhancing the educational experience for students. PTA involvement is designed to complement other forms of parental participation, including volunteering and class-parent roles that help strengthen communication and support across the school."
Facilities

Facilities Overview
United School of Tokyo is located in central Tokyo, in Shibuya Ward, with multiple transit options within walking distance. The campus is surrounded by parks with play structures, providing space to explore, exercise, and learn. The school provides access to a range of sports facilities including a sports ground, track field, basketball court, swimming pool, soccer pitch, and two indoor gyms. Nearby nature spaces with greenery, water, a BBQ area, and a rice paddy support outdoor play and outdoor science lessons. The early childhood program includes a well-stocked classroom library, reflecting the school's literacy emphasis, and the school uses a low-tech approach in the younger years with iPads introduced from Grade 3 and computers used in middle school.

Sports Facilities
Sports facilities include a sports ground, track field, basketball court, swimming pool, soccer pitch, and two indoor gyms.

Academic Facilities
A well-stocked classroom library is available within the early childhood program. UST also follows a low-tech approach in the younger years, introducing iPads from Grade 3, with computers used in middle school for research, writing, and other tasks.

Extra Curricular Facilities
There is a rich after-school program with daily extended care available until 5 PM. An organic lunch service is provided. The campus environment supports outdoor education and field trips.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
UST offers more than 30 after-school extracurricular classes across six categories: sports, performing arts, visual arts, games and activities, STEAM, and learning assistance. In elementary grades, the ECA program is organized into sports, arts/drama and music, leadership, and hobby clubs. ECAs take place mainly after school, with some classes during lunch, and the school year is divided into three sessions with online sign-ups. The program provides opportunities to discover new interests, develop new skills, and pursue passions.

Arts & Creative
UST's elementary ECAs include arts/drama and music, and visual arts. The program supports performing arts and visual arts, enabling students to express themselves creatively and participate in performances. ECAs are updated each term.

Cultural & Language
UST runs school celebrations and events to acknowledge major holidays in Japan and around the world, and to celebrate the cultural diversity at UST. The ECAs are available Monday through Friday. The school promotes global citizenship through a Cambodia SSR initiative, encouraging students to engage with underprivileged elementary schools in Cambodia and contribute ideas on how to help. SSR initiatives include Helping Hand and Eco Drives.

Social & Hobbies
The elementary ECA program includes hobby clubs and games and activities that promote social interaction and personal interests. Clubs cover sports, arts, and other pursuits, providing a range of after-school options. ECAs run Monday through Friday, with a three-term schedule and online sign-up.

Community & Service
UST engages in SSR initiatives such as Helping Hand and Eco Drives, involving students in community service and environmental projects. The Cambodia collaboration project invites students to work with an underprivileged elementary school in Cambodia, fostering global awareness and service. These programs aim to empower students to be aware, able, and active contributors to the world community.

Leadership & Professional
UST promotes student leadership through participation in the UST Student Council. An elementary ECA category includes leadership as part of the program. These experiences provide leadership development and opportunities to practice teamwork and decision-making.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Workout Fridays occur once a month, when children go to a large park for an extended play or PE period. School field trips take place each term, tied to units of study in Science or Social Studies, and annual team-building trips (overnight ski trips or camping trips) are organized for elementary students. The central Tokyo location provides access to parks, nature spaces, and outdoor learning environments that support physical activity and wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of classroom instruction. Japanese language instruction occurs daily in ability-based classes. ESL services and learning support are available to non-native English speakers. The curriculum overview notes that the program emphasizes learning multiple languages and foreign language study, but does not specify which languages beyond Japanese are offered or whether language study is mandatory.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Check availability and divisions. United School of Tokyo operates three divisions: Early Childhood (K1–K3), Elementary (G1–G5), and Middle School (G6–G8). The annual admissions process opens in October of the year prior to the next academic year, and space must be available for an applicant to be considered. Admissions priorities favor international families with no local educational alternatives, and Japanese families relocating back to Japan from an English-speaking educational setting; all applications are reviewed to determine fit.
2. Tours and interviews. Tours and interviews are scheduled within the admissions window to help families assess fit and to allow UST staff to learn about the applicant and family. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tours and interviews were held from October 20, 2025 to December 5, 2025.
3. Enrollment application deadline. The enrollment application deadline for the 2025–2026 cycle was January 9, 2026.
4. Screening and assessments. Screening and assessments take place from January 12, 2026 to March 30, 2026.
5. Acceptance announcements. Acceptance announcements are issued between March 9, 2026 and April 3, 2026.
6. Joining fees due date. Joining fees are due two weeks after the Acceptance Letter is issued. One-time joining fees total 825,000 JPY (Application 25,000; Registration 400,000; Development 400,000).
7. Fall term tuition due. Fall term tuition is due on April 25, 2026. Tuition can be paid by term or annually; all fees include sales tax, and one-time joining fees are non-refundable.

Scholarships
The United School of Tokyo offers a Scholarship Program that provides a reduction in tuition and joining fees for eligible families. Scholarships are available to students in Elementary and Middle School (Grades 1–8). In addition to regular admission requirements, applicants must demonstrate the need for international education, the family's inability to pay full tuition and/or joining fees, native English proficiency, and high academic potential. The number of scholarships is limited to five per year, and awards are for one academic year but may be renewed subject to satisfactory progress and reassessment of family means. Documents that may be requested include an annual tax certificate, an employment certificate, a housing rental agreement, and bank statements. Scholarships are valid for one academic year.

Waitlist
There is no published formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions operate on space availability; applicants may be considered when seats are open, and the school indicates that students may join at any time during the year if a place is available. Priority is given to international families without local educational alternatives, and to Japanese families relocating back to Japan from an English-speaking setting.
School Events
The school has not added events
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