For students who wish to prepare for entering American universities, J Select has also found a small school environment providing tailored needs for students to optimize their US college admission profile. Check all the details here.
J SELECT also features international preschools, kindergartens and after school programs for young children. Click here for more information.
The British School in Tokyo
Features
The British School in Tokyo (BST) was established in 1989 and is the oldest British school in Japan. In the past 33 years it has continually grown and flourished, with a commitment to excellence — delivering education founded in the English National Curriculum and embracing all that our uniquely international and Japanese setting provides.
BST currently provides world-class education to 1,000+ students representing 65 nationalities, starting with Nursery for children aged 3 through to Year 13, aged 18 years old.
BST operates on two campuses. The new Primary School campus (3-11 years old) will be moving to Azabudai in the heart of Tokyo from August 2023. The Secondary School (12-18 years old) is in Sangenjaya, two train stops from Shibuya.
Selling Points
The British School in Tokyo provides a truly holistic education. Students learn in and outside of the classroom. Opportunities for students to develop their interests and talents are numerous. Music, sport, art and drama are significant areas of strength. A focus on providing opportunities for students to support their passions and interests is a strong feature of life at the school.
There are 130+ clubs in BST catering for interests in sport, art, music and languages, as well as other creative and innovative areas such as creative crafts, Lego, app writing and photography.
All students from Year 1 onwards take part in the BST Outdoors residential program, which is a central part of BST’s holistic approach to education. Throughout the year, students visit various places across Japan and benefit from being active, discovering new ways of learning and gaining a greater understanding of themselves through various individual and collaborative activities.
Curriculum
BST provides a broad and balanced skill-based curriculum, which has its foundations in the English National Curriculum, but extends well beyond its boundaries. The curriculum offers the full range of English, mathematics, science, art, design technology, religious education, music and drama, physical education, personal, social and health education, computing, history, geography, modern foreign languages (Japanese from Nursery, French from Year 4 and Spanish from Year 7) in Primary School.
The Secondary School utilizes a combination of GCSE and (I)GCSEs to ensure that learning is bespoke to our British and international student body.
Years 12 and 13 (17–18 years old) follow the UK A level system and have a broad range of subjects that can be studied. We also aim to prepare students for later life and have support for university applications and careers, including a Work Experience programme, and various seminars and lectures on a vast range of topics.
New campus at Azabudai, the heart of Tokyo
In August 2023, BST will open its new Primary School campus in Azabudai.
The new Primary School campus will serve students who range in age from Nursery (3 years old) to Year 6 (11 years old) and the campus will have a distinct look and feel in keeping with its impressive surroundings.
Designed by the renowned architects Thomas Heatherwick Studios, the 15,000-square-meter campus is spread over seven floors above ground, including a roof garden and one subterranean floor. The campus will contain outstanding and extensive facilities unmatched in central Tokyo.
For details: https://www.bst.ac.jp/school-life/central-tokyo-bst-primary-school-campus-project
Extra Services
School buses transport students between the campuses and to and from school sporting fixtures and curriculum trips.
Admission terms
All year round
Age Group
3 – 18 years old
Accreditations COBIS (Council of British International Schools), FOBISIA (the Federation of British International Schools in Asia), JCIS (Japan Council of International Schools)
If you have any queries, please contact the admissions team — admissions@bst.ac.jp
The British School in Tokyo
Address:1-Chome Azabudai, Minato Ku, Tokyo/1-7-57 Taishido, Showa Women’s University, 5th Building, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3411-4211
Contact: admissions@bst.ac.jp
Saint Maur International School & Ecole Francaise de Saint Maur
Features
Established in 1872, as innovators of international education in Japan, the school continues to meet the needs of children (coed, 2.5 years to Grade 12) from the multicultural and multifaith international community. Saint Maur faculty and staff develop learning experiences based on the belief students are provided with a balanced, quality academic and extracurricular program which to date has resulted in a Saint Maur education is preparation for the future. 100% matriculation rate into four-year universities and colleges.
Selling Points
Coed, in a caring family environment, they prepare students from over 40 countries to be global citizens through dynamic, international curricula. Although the school remains traditional in values, it is progressive in educational innovation. Saint Maur has continuously been among the first schools in Japan, Asia, and the world to adopt and develop the Montessori system, the International Primary Curriculum (IPC),the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Since academic year 2022, the school upgraded its tennis facility to include lighting. This allows now the tennis club and aficionados to continue playing after school, even during the fall and winter months.
Curriculum
While the curriculum in the Montessori School is vast, it is always developmentally appropriate for young children. They are individually guided through the program at their own pace and level. Along with the necessary skills for independence, the children are introduced in a sequential and concrete way to mathematics, language, phonetics, social studies, science, music and art.
The elementary curricular program includes language arts, structured word inquiry, mathematics, science, social studies, Japanese, English as an additional language, religious studies, personal, social and health education, technology, art, general vocal and instrumental music, grade 5 band , physical education, maker space and library skills.
Middle school students follow an established curriculum of English, natural science, mathematics, social studies, technology, fine arts (studio art, music and drama), world language, religious studies, physical education and personal, social and health education. Students in grades 6 and 7 also take an organizational skills class designed to give them the tools to be intrinsically responsible and successful students.
Saint Maur has high academic expectations of its students, and all courses help them to develop the foundation they will need to succeed in further education and their careers. The rigorous graduation requirements, which set higher academic expectations than at most comparable high schools, ensure that External exams, which include IB, AP, IGCSE, PSAT and SAT, recognize students’ academic abilities and achievements.
Events
Saint Maur International School is dedicated not only to cater to the needs of its students, but also to be a support and driving force for its extended community of neighbors, families and alumni. In a normal year, the school organizes a number of events either Events such as the Christmas Bazaar, concerts and plays, the annual Food Fair, the International Day, Japanese Culture Day, Science Fair, Sports Day and more provide additional rhythm to the year.
Extra Services
Parking is available for parents with students in Montessori to grade 3. The school also boasts a unique Adult Enrichment Program. This program is fundamental to Saint Maur’s lifelong learning philosophy by offering parents and community an opportunity to develop an interest in ongoing study, while also demonstrating to students that education is a constant pursuit.
A French primary school was opened on campus in 2007 to cater to children who need to keep up with their national curriculum while in Japan.
Admission Term All year round
Age Group 2.5 to 18
Accreditations IB World School, CIS, Cambridge International Examinations, International Primary Curriculum, Japan Council of International School, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Trinity College London.
Saint Maur International School & Ecole Francaise de Saint Maur
Address: 83 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Tel: 045-641-5751
Contact: office@stmaur.ac.jp
Nishimachi International School
Features
Founded in 1949 and located in the heart of Tokyo, Nishimachi International School has been providing innovative educational excellence for over 70 years. The language of instruction is English and all students study Japanese language daily. Working with a dedicated faculty and staff, Nishimachi students benefit After attending Nishimachi, students are thoroughly prepared to continue their education in first-class institutions around the world, having been guided to take personal ownership of their learning, from the school’s rigorous curriculum, close-knit community and interactions with the vibrant local culture. make meaningful connections with others, pursue challenges and persevere, act ethically and respectfully and use multiple processes to think, innovate and reflect. The school is committed to educating students of all nationalities, cultures and backgrounds to be international and independent thinkers.
Selling Points
Nishimachi is a small community school conveniently located in the Moto-Azabu area of Minato-ku, Tokyo, one of the most popular areas for foreign residents for its convenience to parks, multinational corporate headquarters and many embassies.
The Japanese program is an integral part of Nishimachi International School. The school believes that learning another language provides the opportunity to grow beyond one’s native tongue. The goal of Japanese education at Nishimachi is to develop the capability of each student to communicate in Japanese: reading, writing, listening and speaking, while having a solid understanding of Japanese culture.
Curriculum
Nishimachi features a unique, rich international curriculum based on US common core standards. Classes are taught in English with project-based approaches focused on developing critical and creative thinking. Students study Japanese every day and there are classes to accommodate all levels of Japanese proficiency. The school aims to educate students to be leaders, innovators and motivated thinkers who can contribute to a diverse and changing world. Nishimachi’s curriculum is structured to ensure that students receive a rigorous education, relevant to their context and to their experiences in a global community. .Core subjects draw from Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core, and the AERO (American Education Reaches Out) framework. Specialist subjects are based on American education standards including SHAPE America’s National Standards for Physical Education, and the National Coalition for US Arts Standards.
The school offers a robust after school activities program and middle school sports program. Many students visit the school’s outdoor campsite in Gunma for school trips once or twice per year and students in grades 4 to 9 also go on a ski trip to Niigata once a year.
Admission terms
The school year runs from late August until mid-June. Local applications for kindergarten are due by October 31. Grades 1 to 9 and international kindergarten applications are accepted throughout the year.
Age Group 5 to 15
Accreditations CIS, WASC, JCIS
Nishimachi International School
Address: 2-14-7 Moto-Azabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-451-5520
Admissions Inquiries: admissions@nishimachi.ac.jp
General Inquires: info@nishimachi.ac.jp
The American School in Japan
Features
At the American School in Japan (ASIJ), they believe it is their purpose to cultivate each student’s intellectual and personal passions and aptitudes by creating learning opportunities that build students’ capacity, autonomy and self-awareness. The American School encourages curiosity, model passion and provide a robust academic foundation with opportunities to learn independently. We inspire a lifelong commitment to learning with joy and enthusiasm for life, beyond the walls of the school. This commitment runs deeply through the school and is illustrated by the many opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions in authentic contexts for authentic purposes, both in the classroom and in over 170 co-curricular offerings across all grade levels. The scale and breadth of their cocurricular program illustrates their belief that students should try new things, take risks and persevere through challenges or failure in order to discover themselves.
Selling Points
Research shows that an inspiring and highly skilled teacher is the single most important school-related factor influencing student learning. Teachers at ASIJ care about their students, engage them, foster their sense of wonder and curiosity, help them weather challenges and mistakes, and encourage them to understand and explore their own capabilities and potential. ASIJ is very selective in its recruitment of teachers, attempting to identify and recruit outstanding teachers who possess the mindset, values and skills that correspond with their commitment and mission.
The American School also provides an outstanding professional learning program that helps teachers keep up-to-date on new research on how children learn, emerging technology tools for the classroom and new curriculum resources. ASIJ’s faculty represent 14 different nationalities with the majority being US citizens. All are experienced teachers, with approximately 75% having earned post-graduate degrees. A quarter of the teachers choose to stay at ASIJ for 10 or more years. Their learning community consists of 162 full-time faculty, 22 assistant and part-time teachers and 96 staff.
Curriculum
ASIJ is an independent, coed day school serving students of all nationalities. Founded in 1902, ASIJ offers an American-style college preparatory education for the children of international families, including those on temporary assignment, as well as families who make Tokyo their permanent home. The school offers a standards-based curriculum culminating in an American high school diploma. ASIJ’s program develops the necessary skills for a student to be successful in their future academic endeavors, including in advanced placement courses and other advanced topic courses.
Complementing its academic program, ASIJ encourages students to engage in a wide variety of cocurricular experiences, including fine arts, sports and service-related clubs, which we believe contribute to the development of the whole child. ASIJ further draws on its unique presence in Japan ASIJ is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
Extensive bus service in central Tokyo
ASIJ provides an extensive bus service in central Tokyo. Each bus is its own mobile community, each of the 276 bus stops are the starting places of friendships — for students and adults alike. Every day almost 1,300 riders board a bus to come to school, cared for by their well-trained bus monitors who make sure they are safe. Each rider taps on and off the bus with their ID so their parents can track them through the BusCatch app on their phone. Safety is paramount but should anything go wrong along the way, our 170 bus monitors are prepared and each certified in CPR and basic First Aid. All buses are also equipped with GPS tracking systems, two-way radios, iPhones and first aid and emergency supplies.
At the end of the day, the younger students can take a bus home when school ends. Those in after-school activities can stay and take one of the later afternoon buses that align with their cocurricular programs.
Extra Service Limited parking is available on campus.
Admission terms
Eligibility requirements:
-All Applicants Must Have One Parent Who Speaks, Reads And Writes Fluent English.
-All Applicants Must Reside In Tokyo With Their Parents During Their Attendance At ASIJ.
Age Groups
-K-Grade 12 (age 5 to 18)
Accreditations WASC, Keeping Children Safe
The American School in Japan
Adress: 1-1-1 Nomizu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo
Tel: 042-234-5300
Contact: enroll@asij.ac.jp
Shinagawa International School
Features
Shinagawa International School is a vibrant and diverse International Baccalaureate (IB) World School conveniently located near Shinagawa Seaside Station. Founded in 2007 in Shibuya, the school relocated to Shinagawa in June 2018, allowing it to expand and enhance their educational offerings. The school community proudly encompasses over 40 nationalities, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and cultures. Committed to providing a holistic education, SIS caters to students from the early learning center (ages 3-6), primary school (grades 1-5) and secondary school (grades 6-12, with grades 11 and 12 to be introduced in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years, respectively).
As part of their ongoing growth, the school is proud to be an authorized IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) school, as well as a Diploma Programme (DP) Candidate School implementing the MYP/DP curriculum framework. This seamless IB continuum empowers students to build upon the skills, knowledge and attributes they develop during their primary school years, preparing them for future success.
Selling Points
- Authorized IB PYP (Primary Years Program)
- Authorized IB MYP (Middle Years Program)
- Currently in the Authorization Process for the IB DP (Diploma Program)
- A member of CIS (Council of International Schools)
- Summer School in July
- Child Care Service until 18:00
- School Lunch Catering Service
• Swimming Classes - School Bus Service (7 routes currently)
- English Language Acquisition Support
- Japanese Language Acquisition Support (for both native and nonnative students)
- Math Support Service for both low- and high-level students
- Participating in International Olympiads
Curriculum
Shinagawa International School embraces a holistic approach to education by implementing the esteemed IB continuum, encompassing the PYP, MYP, and DP. This internationally recognized curriculum empowers students to become critical thinkers, compassionate individuals and lifelong learners, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
- Collaborative Learning: SIS promotes student collaboration by organizing mixed-age group activities. Students develop essential skills like collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and communication when working in teams, preparing them for real-world challenges that require effective teamwork.
- Inquiry-Based Learning: The teachers practice the inquiry model in the classroom, encouraging students to ask questions, conduct research and reflect on their learning. This approach fosters curiosity, problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of the subjects. Students learn to think critically and independently, becoming lifelong learners.
- Real-Life Problem Solving: Students inquire into real-life problems, such as sustainability, gender equality, poverty, etc. They explore creative solutions to these issues through discussions and projects, enabling them to become empathetic, socially responsible citizens.
- Technology Integration: SIS leverages technology as a tool to support student learning. Students work with various digital tools and apps that boost understanding and engagement. Additionally, they emphasize the ethical use of media and cultivate 21st-century digital skills, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
By implementing these strategies, SIS strives to ensure that students excel academically and develop into well-rounded individuals with the necessary skills, attitudes and values to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Events
Events include STEAM Week, Literacy Week, Culture Week, Winter and Year-end Performances, Sports Day, PYP Exhibition, World Children’s Day, among others throughout the academic year. These events provide students with authentic opportunities to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills and concepts in different fields, such as art, music, science and technology. Students get to discover their passions and interests, paving the way for further exploration and development.
Guest Speakers and Field Trips
Inviting speakers from different professional backgrounds to share their experiences and expertise with the students supports building real-life context. Additionally, the school organizes school camps and field trips to museums, science centers, cultural sites and other relevant locations to inspire students to pursue their interests beyond the classroom.
ASPs and Saturday Clubs
SIS understands the importance of a well-rounded education, which is why they offer a wide range of After School Programs and School Teams. From sports and arts to music and robotics, students have the opportunity to explore their passions and discover new talents outside of the classroom. The state-of-the-art facilities provide a stimulating learning environment, enabling students to thrive and reach their full potential. Also, Saturday Clubs provide unique opportunities for students to learn new skills, engage in physical activities and socialize with peers with similar interests. Examples include table tennis, soccer and robotics. These activities help develop student abilities and build camaraderie and teamwork.
Admission terms
SIS does not set a fixed application deadline, applications for admission are accepted year-round.
Age Groups
• Early Learning Center (ages 3-6)
• Primary School (grades 1-5)
• Secondary School (grades 6-12, with grades 11 and 12 to be introduced in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years respectively)
Accreditations IB PYP Authorization, CIS (Council of International Schools) member school, IB MYP Authorization, IB DP Candidacy
Shinagawa International School
Address:
SIS Main Campus: 3-6-21 Minami-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
SIS Seaside Campus: 4-8-8 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku Tokyo
Tel: 03-6433-1531
Contact: admissions@sistokyo.jp
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