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A snapshot: schools in Tokyo considered (but not necessarily chosen) by English-speaking expats.
Schools with a full GSGI review are noted with 
next to their names.
(pending) means that the school is on our list to review.
By full GSGI review, we mean school write-ups that are completely selected, researched, visited and written by our own editors. Our final reviews take the good with the bad, warts and all, but we look for a preponderance of good before we drill down for in-depth details and descend on the school for an exhaustive visit. We are aware of the other schools on this page and we continually add or remove schools, as deemed appropriate.
International schools
American School in Japan (ASIJ)
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 6-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,510 students
Founded in 1902 and now on a sprawling, state of the art campus in Chofu, outside central Tokyo, which includes a 570 seat theatre and a Japanese culture centre. Students are 50 per cent American or dual nationality but all study Japanese in elementary school. Three quarters of graduates head to America, with the remainder to Asia, Canada, UK and Europe and a small percentage remaining in Japan. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Click here to read our full review of the American School in Japan, Chofu Campus
ASIJ Early Learning Centre
Adapted Reggio Emilia; ages 3-5; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 160 students
Opened in 2004 in the smart Roppongi Hills complex in downtown Tokyo, concentrating on English language but also introducing a Japanese culture programme. Very central location and beautiful buildings.
Click here to read our full review of the American School in Japan, Early Learning Centre
British School in Tokyo (The)
National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,100 students
The original school was opened by Margaret Thatcher in 1989 with a roll call of only 63 pupils. Now there is a Junior school for 350 on the Shibuya campus and about 620 students aged 9-18 study at the purpose-built (2017) Showa campus. An Accredited Member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and inspected by the independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for British Schools Overseas (BSO).
Click here to read our full review of the British School in Tokyo
International School of the Sacred Heart
National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,100 students
The original school was opened by Margaret Thatcher in 1989 with a roll call of only 63 pupils. Now there is a Junior school for 350 on the Shibuya campus and about 620 students aged 9-18 study at the purpose-built (2017) Showa campus. An Accredited Member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and inspected by the independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for British Schools Overseas (BSO).
Click here to read our full review of the International School of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo
Nishimachi International School
Adapted curriculum; ages 5-15; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 370 students
Founded in central Tokyo, 60 years ago, as an international bilingual school, offering classes taught in English but with all students studying Japanese from day one. The majority of graduates move on to, either the American School in Japan or the Yokohama International School. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for twenty years and by the Council of International Schools (CIS) since 2006.
Click here to read our full review of the Nisimachi International School
Seisen International School
Montessori/ PYP/ adapted curriculum/ IGCSE (art & design, music)/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed (kindergarten), girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 650 students
Catholic, girls only school with a co-ed Montessori kindergarten. Japanese language and culture introduced into the curriculum from the start. Students come from roughly 30 per cent Japan/Asia, thirty per cent UK/Europe and 40 per cent US/Canada. International Baccalaureate Diploma average scores are 3 points above the global figure and approximately 50 per cent go to university in America. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Click here to read our full review of the Seisen International School
Tokyo International School (TIS)
PYP/ MYP; ages 4-14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 370 students
Moved its location to Minami-Azabu in central Tokyo in 2013. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). It is also an Apple Distinguished School which means all have iPads or Macbooks. Aiming to expand into new campuses at a nearby location for middle and high schools by 2024 and offer the full International Baccalaureate programme.
Click here to read our full review of the Tokyo International School (TIS)
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Aoba – Japan International School Hikarigaoka
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 330 students
90 per cent of the students are Japanese but lessons taught in English. However, Japanese language classes are taught every day. School bus. Uniform. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Graduates have been accepted by top universities in the UK.
Aoba – Japan International School Meguro
Adapted curriculum; ages 18 months-6; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 330 students
Kindergarten in central Tokyo for the main school in Hikarigaoka.
Canadian International School Tokyo
PYP/ adapted Canadian curriculum/ Canadian High School Diploma/ AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 330 students
Coming up for its 20th anniversary having grown from 50 students to over 300. Teachers are predominantly Canadian and students Japanese, with the remainder of the latter from 25 different nationalities. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Unsurprisingly, the majority of graduates head off to university in Canada or the US with a minority going to Korea and Australia or staying in Japan.
Columbia International School
Ontario curriculum; Ontario High School Diploma (OSSD); ages 6-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 270 students
The first of two international schools in Tokyo to offer a Canadian education. Rigorous academic programme and diploma accepted by top global schools. Established in 1997 and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
GREGG International School
Adapted curriculum; ages 1-12 ; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 120 students
Longstanding kindergarten and primary, founded as an English language school 50 years ago, with an international emphasis since 1986. The kindergarten goes under the charming name of the ‘Duckling’ class and the classrooms are cheerful and attractive, let down a little by a somewhat uninspiring exterior.
K International School
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 660 students
Established over 20 years ago, with a kindergarten opened in 2014. Teaching the International Baccalaureate programme with extremely impressive IB Diploma results (top school in Japan for the last five years and recently ranked 12th in the world). Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Students from over 40 nationalities (high percentage of students with dual nationality) with just over a quarter US passport holders.
Montessori School of Tokyo (The)
Montessori; ages 2-15; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 170 students
In its third decade and now expanded from the original kindergarten format into offering education for older children up to the age of fifteen. This makes it Japan’s first Montessori middle school. Instruction is in English and it is a fully accredited Montessori school.
New International School of Japan
Adapted curriculum; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 250 students
Small, bilingual (Japanese/English) school, established in 2001. Catering for mainly Japanese speaking students. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
Shinagawa International School
PYP/ Adapted/ MYP candidate; ages 3-13; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 200 students
Opened in 2007, offering an International Baccalaureate based education (now applying for Middle Years authorisation), with an intake, limited to a maximum of 25% of students from any one nationality. Also offering a summer school.
St. Mary’s International School
Adapted American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; boys; day; independent; private non-profit; 900 students
International, Catholic (students do not have to be practising Catholics) boys only school, founded in 1954. Located on an eco-friendly, solar powered, nine acre site, totally rebuilt in 2010. Boys from over 50 nationalities. Sports much encouraged and the boys are known for their sporting prowess, particularly in athletics and swimming. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Tokyo YMCA International School
Adapted American curriculum; ages 4-14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 200 students
Small school which is sparing with its information. Added a grade 7 class in 2016 and a grade 8 in 2017. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
