Moving is stressful enough, but moving to a different country with young children can be even more harrowing. Where will they go to school? Who will they play with? What can we do on the weekends?
Several of our interns, staff members, and freelancers have either attended or currently have children attending one of the International Schools in the Tokyo. Our picks for the top Tokyo international schools from preschool all the way through law school are–
Top Tokyo International Schools : The Top 5
The British School in Tokyo
In our opinion, the best international school in all of Japan. They accept students with British and Commonwealth passports, which means that students with two Japanese parents likely won’t be enrolled.
The British School has two campuses. Students up to Year 3 will attend the Shibuya campus, and high-level students will attend the Showa campus. There are rumors that a Roppongi campus will open by 2022.
Age Range: Nursery School through Sixth Form (ages 3-19)
Area: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Nursery to Year 3) and Showa (Year 4 to Year 13) (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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The American School in Japan
A popular choice for international couples, this large school is located in Chofu and offers bus service from central Tokyo. Emphasis is on individuals rather than groups, as befitting the source country.
Age Range: Nursery School to High School (ages 3-18). Offers an English Immersion program.
Area: Roppongi and Chofu, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting).
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Tokyo International School
Next to Temple University’s Japan campus, TIS is another top school regarded to be the equal of the British School in regards to academics. And they are just as hard to get into; they have strict entry criteria that ensures that only the best students get in. They are centrally located in the Minato ward and have a small campus (though larger than the British School and Nishimachi).
Age Range: Kindergarten through 8th Grade (ages 5-15)
Area: Minami-Azabu, Tokyo (map and contact information available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Nishimachi International School
This is a top school for producing bilingual students–homework is given both in English and Japanese. Although they have a small campus, their longstanding commitment to bilingual education makes them a desirable school. The student body has a high percentage of Japanese mothers.
Age Range: Kindergarten through 9th Grade (ages 5-16)
Area: Minami-Azabu, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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International School of the Sacred Heart
Although boys can attend the kindergarten program, Sacred Heart is one of the top Tokyo international schools for girls that is located on the Sacred Heart University campus in Hiro-o.
Age Range: Kindergarten through High School (ages 5-18)
Area: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Other Top Tokyo International Schools
Aoba-Japan International School
AOBA International school has two campuses – one in Meguro Ward, near Daikanyama and One in Nerima Ward. While Meguro campus is very small (two houses converted to school), the Nerima campus has large area, as it was converted from a regular Japanese elementary school.
Age Range: Kindergarten through High School (ages 5-18)
Area: Hikarigaoka and Meguro, Tokyo (Maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Canadian International School of Tokyo
Age Range: Preschool through High School (K3 – 12th grade)
Area: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Happy Days International Preschool
Age Range: Preschool (15 months to 6 years old)
Area: Ebisu, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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India International School in Japan
Age Range: Kindergarten through High School (ages 5-18)
Area: Tokyo and Yokohama (Maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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K International School Tokyo
Age Range: Kindergarten through High School (K1-12th grade)
Area: Koto, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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KAIS International School
Age Range: Elementary through High School (1st-12th grade)
Area: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Kanto International Senior High School
Age Range: Senior High School (9th-12th grade)
Area: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Lycee Francais International de Tokyo
Age Range: Kindergarten through High School (ages 5-18)
Area: Takinogawa Kita-ku (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Montessori School of Tokyo
Age Range: Preschool to Middle School (2-14 years old).
Area: Minato-ku, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Poppins Active Learning International School
Age Range: Preschool (11 months to 6 years)
Area: Ebisu, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Sesame International Preschool
Age Range: Preschool (6 months to 6 years old)
Area: Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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St. Mary’s International School
One of the top Tokyo International schools for boys. There is a high percentage of Japanese students, and a focus on Japanese culture and language.
Age Range: Kindergarten to 12th grade (ages 5-18)
Area: Setagaya-ku (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Summerhill International School
Age Range: Preschool (15 months to 6 years old), daycare for babies 3 months to 12 months old. Conducts Japanese classes daily.
Area: Minato-ku, Tokyo (map available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Temple University, Japan Campus
Age Range: College (Undergrad through Masters/Law School available). A branch of the main campus in Philadelphia, PA.
Area: Minato-ku, Tokyo (maps available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Willowbrook International School
Age Range: Preschool (15 months to 5 years old). Offers both an English program and a dual immersion (bilingual) program.
Area: Minato-ku, Tokyo (map available; please make an appointment before visiting)
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Yokohama International School
Age Range: Early Learning, Elementary through High School (ages 3-18)
Area: Yokohama (35 minutes from Shinagawa station in Tokyo, map available; please make an appointment before visiting.
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