Christian Academy in Japan

CAJ is located at 1-2-14 Shinkawa-cho, Higashi Kurume-shi, Tokyo 203-0013, Japan. The main CAJ campus covers about 4 acres in the western suburbs of Tokyo. Most students commute by public transportation, bicycle, or walking.

CAJ is a K-12 school serving kindergarten through high school. It operates a day school program and a Parallel Educational Services division for English-speaking homeschoolers.

CAJ is a private, co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.

CAJ's student body includes students from over 20 countries. The most represented nationalities are Japan, the United States, and Korea; about 33% of students have multiple nationalities.

CAJ admits students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for speech and language and/or specific learning disabilities, and accepts students with physical, emotional, or behavioral needs under defined conditions. Parallel Educational Services provides consultancy, resources, and programs for English-speaking homeschoolers and affiliated schools.

CAJ has no formal country affiliation; it is operated in Japan by six evangelical mission organizations.

CAJ is a Christian school with a Christ-centered program; chapels are attended by all students as part of spiritual life. Founding missions underpin the school's Christian identity.

Campus opens at 8:00 (9:00 on Wednesdays); classes begin at 8:30 (9:30 on Wednesdays). Elementary dismissal is at 3:30 p.m.; all students should leave campus by 5:00 p.m. unless in a supervised activity. High School runs a block-based schedule with Chapel during the day.

CAJ does not operate a dedicated school bus service. Students typically commute by public transportation or bicycle; passes for trains or buses can be arranged, and bicycles must be parked in designated areas with safety rules observed.

CAJ offers a K–12, English-language program based on a North American curriculum model, with Bible study integrated across grades. In middle school, the curriculum comprises five required academic subjects—English, social studies, math, science, and Bible—plus exploratory courses (art, digital tools, home economics, industrial arts) and electives such as band, choir, Japanese, Spanish, and study hall. Across the grade bands, Bible literacy, English and math foundational work are emphasized, with science and social studies exploring global contexts; younger students access art, music, world languages and PE, while older students can deepen study in academic and creative disciplines with technology integrated. Graduation requires 50 credits: 4 Bible, 8 English, 8 Social Studies, 4 Mathematics, 4 Science, 4 World Language, 4 PE/Health, 2 Creative Arts, plus electives; for the Class of 2029 and beyond, math and science credits rise to 6 each. In high school, typical schedules include seven courses plus a study hall, with AP offerings across English, World Language, Math, Science and Social Studies; Senior Capstone is required for graduation. CAJ provides world language pathways in Japanese (I–V) and Spanish (I–IV), an English as an Additional Language track, and serves as an AP exam center for CAJ students.

CAJ supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through a coordinated school-wide approach led by the K-12 guidance office and the multi-disciplinary Support Team. The Support Team includes a Health Coordinator, Guidance Coordinator, Guidance Staff, Resource Staff, and Division Principals who identify students' needs, coordinate internal and external services, and advocate for families. EAL services sit under the Support Team umbrella and may inform next steps when language development affects learning; EAL input is integrated with subject teachers and EAL staff to support learners. The Guidance Center provides study skills, career testing and guidance, college guidance, academic support, and high school course scheduling; the guidance counselor offers limited, non-intensive personal counseling, with more serious issues referred to outside resources. The Health Center is staffed by a full-time nurse to promote health and safety, complementing wellbeing supports available through guidance and resource staff. These elements collectively support students' wellbeing and emotional learning within the academic program.

CAJ supports students with special educational needs through a multi-disciplinary Support Team that identifies students, coordinates internal and external services, and communicates with and advocates for families. The team's members include Health Coordinator, Guidance Coordinator, Guidance Staff, Resource Staff, and Division Principals; EAL services are provided under the Support Team umbrella and can guide next steps when language learning affects achievement. CAJ does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution; accommodation plans are coordinated by the Support Team and related staff, with resource teachers assisting identified learners. The Learning Resources Center (LRC) offers one-on-one support, small-group work, and services such as reading/writing support, study skills, and organizational assistance to aid learners with diverse needs. Parallel Educational Services operates as a CAJ division offering additional educational support for affiliated homeschool families.

The EAL Department, led by Kathryn Lewis, is dedicated to supporting students as they acquire English across the curriculum. EAL works with subject teachers through co-teaching arrangements in selected Elementary and Middle School classes and runs separate EAL support classes from Elementary through High School, enabling learners to develop English while following content. Collaboration between EAL and content teachers, including co-teachers and EAL specialists, is a key feature of CAJ's approach to language support. EAL is described as a remediable learning difference, with EAL services overseen under the Support Team umbrella to guide appropriate interventions.

CAJ offers a Guidance Center providing study skills, career testing and guidance, college information, and academic support to promote student wellbeing. The guidance counselor provides limited, non-intensive personal counseling, with more serious concerns referred to outside resources. The Health Center is staffed by a full-time nurse who handles initial medical care and health information, contributing to students' overall wellbeing and safety. The Learning Resources Center provides personal support (advising, accountability, etc.) and academic assistance to help students manage stress and workload. CAJ's safeguarding policies further support mental wellbeing by ensuring safe, transparent responses to concerns and access to appropriate help.

CAJ's Child Protection Policy establishes guiding principles of visibility, accountability, and appropriate use and balance of power to ensure student safety. The policy requires that adults on campus act openly in interactions with students, with clear expectations for behavior and boundaries. It emphasizes accountability and transparency for all staff, coaches, and volunteers working with students. Staff, students, and families are encouraged to report concerns, and CAJ commits to listening and protecting students when needed. The policy also includes a Mandated Reporting Form to facilitate reporting of suspected abuse or safety concerns.

CAJ uses rolling admissions, and the school year runs from late August to early June. For April admission, CAJ strongly encourages applications before January 15 to enable timely processing, and applications submitted after May 1 may take longer due to the summer break. Parents should plan for a process that can extend through the school year and may involve conversations with the Admissions Coordinator before starting the formal steps.

1. Apply online. Complete the online application and assemble the required documents: birth certificate or passport, confidential teacher recommendation form, transcript, pastor's recommendation (if applicable), and pay the application fee. A testing fee may apply if testing is required. The admissions team reviews the complete application and notifies applicants after the review.

2. Notification of results. Once the complete application has been reviewed, applicants are notified of the outcome. This communication occurs in writing. The timing is not fixed and can depend on the overall review process.

3. Testing and interviews. Applicants who pass the initial screening are contacted to arrange any required testing and interviews. Kindergarten and Grade 1 receive a readiness test; non-native English speakers may need English language testing at any grade level; standardized test documentation is required for Grade 2 and above, and a test may be requested if documentation is unavailable. Both parents and the student are interviewed, and Skype or other digital options may be used for families outside the Tokyo area.

4. Admission decision. Decisions are based on factors including class availability, English language ability, presence of special needs, and classroom dynamics. Admission decisions are communicated in writing (email and postal mail), and most families are notified within 1–2 weeks of the testing and interview.

Note on fees and timing: CAJ publishes a fee schedule in Japanese Yen, with upfront application and testing fees and post-acceptance fees such as entrance, registration, and facilities charges, plus tuition by grade level. See the General Fee Schedule for specifics.

CAJ offers fee assistance for families in financial need, available on application. This assistance is in addition to standard tuition and fees and requires an application process. In Grade 10–12, government subsidies may be available to eligible families, subject to income and application timing. Tax-deductible donation options are also available to support CAJ; details are provided by CAJ's admissions/financial offices.

CAJ operates rolling admissions, meaning there is not a published waitlist system. Admissions are accepted over an extended period, and CAJ can consider admissions during the school year in many cases. Availability depends on class size and placement needs. There is no formal waitlist described in CAJ's admissions materials.