We don't necessarily visit playschools, nurseries or kindergartens and definitely don't look at them as thoroughly as the primary and secondary schools (and only publish full GSGI write-ups on them if they are part of a primary or K-12 school), but these are amongst the ones in Tokyo recommended or mentioned by parents. We list them here just to give you a place to start, to help you make up your own short list.
We always appreciate any feedback from parents (contact us), and we'll remove schools or add them as we hear about them or receive updates, even from this informal list.
ABC International School
Katsu Court # 101
2-7-25 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046
Tel: + (81) (0) 3 5793 1359
Fax: + (81) (0) 35793 1359
Email: [email protected]
Wonderful location opposite Arisagawa Park. 150 students and 40 staff in bright, well equipped classrooms.Twelve classes are divided into four age groups ranging from 15 months to 5 and a half years.
American School In Japan (ASIJ)
1 - 1 – 1 Nomizu, Chofu shi, Tokyo 182 – 0031
Tel: +(81) (0)422 34 5300 Ext:721
Fax: +(81) (0)422 34 5339
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.asij.ac.jp
Non-denominational; American Curriculum.
1,500 pupils on two sites. On Chofu Campus, from Elementary to Grade 12 (also one kindergarten class). Huge site with extensive playing fields but out of centre of Tokyo. Also Nursery and Kindergarten in centre of Tokyo in smart complex called Roppongi Hills (ASIJ Early Learning Centre). For more details on entire school, see full GSGI write-u
ASIJ Early Learning Centre
6 – 16 – 5, Roppongi, Minato ku, Tokyo 106 0032
Tel: +(81) (0)3 5771 4344
Fax: +(81) (0)3 5771 4341
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.asij.ac.jp
160 students total. Offers an American curriculum, but quite universal. This Early Years centre opened in 2004 and is custom built. Very central location and beautiful buildings. This is one of the few kindergartens in the GSGI with its own full write-up (click here to read it).
Aoba – Japan International School (Meguro Campus)
2 – 10 – 34 Aobadai, Meguro ku, Tokyo, Japan 153 – 0042
Tel: +(81) (0)3 3461 1442/1667
Fax: +(81) (0)3 3463 9873
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.japaninternationalschool.com
Co-ed, 2 ½ - 6 years old.
Accredited: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Member: Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS
Aoba – Japan International School (Suginami Campus)
2 – 10 – 7 Miyamae, Suginami ku, Tokyo, Japan, 168 – 0081
Tel: +(81) (0)3 3335 6620/6720
Fax: +(81) (0)3 3332 6930/6850
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.japaninternationalschool.com
Co-ed, Kindergarten – Grade 9. 90% Japanese pupils, but lessons taught in English. Japanese language everyday. School bus. Uniform. No real provision for learning problems such as dyslexia. Accredited: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Member: Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS).
British School in Tokyo
1-21-18 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002 Japan
Tel: + (81) (0)3 5467 4321
Fax: + (81) (0)3 5467 4322
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.bst.ac.jp
Co-ed, non-denominational. 650 pupils total (ages 3-15).
Only school in Tokyo which follows the English National Curriculum. Highly regarded by British community in particular with 67% British students. School on two sites, quite close to ach other. Shibuya site for nursery - year 3. Showa Site (with school bus transfer available) years 4-6 and years 7-11. Usual choice for British parents with children of primary school age. For more details on the entire school, click here to read the full GSGI write-up.
Canadian International School
5 – 8 – 20 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa ku, Tokyo, Japan 141 – 0001
Tel: + (81) (0)3 5793 – 1392
Fax: + (81) (0)3 5793 – 3559
Email: [email protected]
Web: cisjapan.net/en/index.asp
Kindergarten – Year 12. Established in Tokyo and Osaka in 2000. Canadian curriculum, Canadian teachers, two semester year. Small classes. Accredited by Canadian Department of Education Province of Prince Edward Island, mother school – Richmond International High School, Vancouver, British Colombia.
International School of the Sacred Heart
4-3-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 150-0012
Tel: + (81) (0)3 3400 3951
Fax: + (81) (0)3 3400 3496
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.issh.ac.jp
Catholic foundation, American curriculum. Approximately 600 pupils total, ages 3-18 (all girls, apart from some boys in the Kindergarten). Very pleasant location in central residential district popular with expats. Built in 1968, traditional atmosphere. For more details on the entire school, click here to read the full GSGI write-up.
Maria’s Babies
3-36-20 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: + (81) (0)3 34043468
Fax: + (81) (0)3 34043625
Offering mother and child programmes as well as classes geared towards groups of children only. Employing mostly British staff there are also lessons on how to teach English to your child. Open Monday to Friday with morning and afternoon classes.
Nishimachi International School
2-14-7 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan 106 0046
Tel: + (81) (0)3) 3451-5520
Fax: + (81) (0)3) 3456-0197
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nishimachi.ac.jp
Independent, non-denominational.
American curriculum, but with input from European and British teachers. New Head is from Britain. Over 440 boys and girls, from Kindergarten to Grade 9. Very pleasant location in popular expat residential of Azabu but also close to Hiroo. Only school with ambitious dual language, Japanese/English programme although lessons are taught in English. Attractive, new, purpose-built kindergarten block. For more details on the entire school, click here to read the full GSGI write-up.
Seisen International Girls’ School
12-15 Yoga 1-Chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158 -0097
Tel: (81) 03 3704 -2661
Fax: (81) 03 3701- 1033
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.seisen.com
Independent, Catholic foundation. 700 pupils total, with capacity for 765. Co-ed Montessori kindergarten. Offers American and IB Curricula (An IB World School). Shares sports facilities with St Mary’s Boys’ School, 10 minute bus ride away. Also coordinates musical shows, etc, with St Mary’s. For more details on the entire school, click here to read the full GSGI write-up.
St Mary’s International Boys’ School
19, Seta 1-chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8668
Tel: (81) 03 3709 3411
Fax: (81) 03 3707 1950
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.smis.ac.jp
1000 boys total (Nursery-Grade 12). Catholic foundation. Offers American and IB Curricula. Good sports facilities. Works with Seisen on sport, cultural activities, etc. Traditional values. An ambitious rebuilding programm is underway. For more details on the entire school, click here to read the full GSGI write-up
Tokyo International School (TIS)
3 - 4 – 22 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073
Tel: + (81) (0)3 5484 1160
Fax: + (81) (0)3 5484 1139
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.tokyois.com
Non-denominational; Middle school numbers around 380 from Pre-K to Grade 8.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (Primary Years and Middle Years). Owned by charismatic American educationalist Patrick Newell and his Japanese wife. Recently moved into a Japanese school building so plenty of space and facilities. A young school, expanding all the time. For more details on the entire school, click here to read the full GSGI write-up.
Tokyo Union Church Preschool
5 – 7 – 7 Jingumae, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, Japan 150 – 0002
Tel: +(81) (0)3 3400 1579
Email: [email protected]
Pupils from 3 – 5 years old.
Founded 1985, member of Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS). Christian, but accepts other faiths. Primarily for English speakers but small minority of non-native speakers. Will accept children with learning difficulties (used by embassy parents with an autistic child). Small with a friendly atmosphere, conveniently located for British School.
Willowbrook International School
2-14-28 Moto Azabu, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +(81) (0)3 3449 9030
Fax: +(81) (0)3 3449 9064
Classes are held in the mornings for children aged 15 months to 5 years with the option of extended day care in the afternoon. The school offers an integrated educational curriculum for all nationalities. Teaching is in English with Japanese lessons as well as nature, music, art, cooking and drama.
Yoyogi International Preschool
1 – 15 – 12 Tomigaya, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, Japan 151 – 0063
Tel: +(81) (0)3 5478 6714
Fax: +(81) (0)3 5478 6713
Email: [email protected]
Pupils from 18 months to 7 years old.
Established in 1999. Very international with less than the average dependence on British/American expats with for eg Vietnamese, Russian, Turkish, Japanese, English, American, Australian in one class. Timetabled Japanese at most levels, new roof top play area, basement gym. After school activities being introduced such as ballet and karate, put on by external organizations. Teachers are British/American and generally good. Curriculum in slightly more American than English. Feeds to British School, American School in Japan, some other international schools, and a few local Japanese schools. Growing quite rapidly and becoming more of a “school” in terms of size, facilities, etc. Director (and owner) very open to suggestions. Recommended by embassy parents. Well located in front of Yoygi Koen, Tokyo's largest metropolitan park.
