Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Tokyo
Summary: If you're moving to Tokyo with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Tokyo
Tokyo, is a bustling metropolis that offers a diverse range of educational options for expat families and digital nomads. With a significant international community, Tokyo is home to numerous international and bilingual schools catering to various educational systems and languages. Among the most popular are the American School in Japan and the British School in Tokyo, both known for their high-quality education and comprehensive curriculums. Here is a list of recommended international and bilingual schools within a short drive from central Tokyo.
The American School in Japan (ASIJ)
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Chofu, Tokyo
Website: www.asij.ac.jp
The American School in Japan offers an American-style education with a diverse international perspective. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the school boasts excellent facilities, including modern classrooms, sports complexes, and arts centers. ASIJ emphasizes a well-rounded education with a wide range of extracurricular activities.
The British School in Tokyo (BST)
Grades: Nursery through Year 13
Location(s): Shibuya and Showa
Website: www.bst.ac.jp
The British School in Tokyo follows the English National Curriculum and offers IGCSEs and A-Levels. BST is known for its strong academic track record and a vibrant international community. The school provides a broad range of extracurricular activities, including music, arts, and sports, to support students' holistic development.
International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH)
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Hiroo, Tokyo
Website: www.issh.ac.jp
ISSH offers a Catholic-based education in English for girls from kindergarten through high school, with a co-ed program for kindergarten. The school follows an American-style curriculum with the option of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for high school students. ISSH is known for its supportive community and commitment to service and leadership.
St. Mary's International School
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Setagaya, Tokyo
Website: www.smis.ac.jp
St. Mary's International School offers an all-boys education from kindergarten to Grade 12, with an all-English curriculum that prepares students for American colleges and universities. The school provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including arts, athletics, and clubs, fostering a well-rounded student experience.
Seisen International School
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Setagaya, Tokyo
Website: www.seisen.com
Seisen International School is a Catholic K-12 school for girls, with a co-ed Montessori Kindergarten. The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. Seisen prides itself on its strong sense of community and commitment to empowering young women.
Yokohama International School (YIS)
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Yokohama (near Tokyo)
Website: www.yis.ac.jp
Yokohama International School, located a short drive from Tokyo in the historic port city of Yokohama, offers the IB continuum of programmes. YIS has a diverse student body and provides a wide array of extracurricular activities, including arts, sports, and service clubs, in a supportive international environment.
Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ)
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Higashi Kurume, Tokyo
Website: www.caj.ac.jp
Christian Academy in Japan provides a Christian education primarily for the international Christian missionary community. CAJ follows an American-style curriculum and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school is known for its strong sense of community and emphasis on spiritual growth and service.
German School Tokyo Yokohama (DSTY)
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Yokohama (near Tokyo)
Website: www.dsty.ac.jp
The German School Tokyo Yokohama caters to German-speaking expatriates and offers a curriculum based on the German education system. DSTY provides a bilingual German-English environment and is recognized for its strong academic programs and cultural activities that promote German heritage.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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