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Tokyo International School (TIS) is a non-profit IB World School in Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, with over 460 students representing 70+ nationalities. TIS delivers the IB Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten–Grade 5), serving about 230 students aged 5–11 and the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), serving about 160 students aged 11–16. The school also offers the IB Diploma Programme, with Grade 11 introduced from the 2025–26 school year. Japanese is taught alongside English (the language of instruction). TIS highlights its central Tokyo location and uses nearby parks, museums and landmarks as part of school life, alongside trips such as residential visits to Hakuba, Nara and Kanazawa, plus a Grade 10 overseas trip to Thailand.
2 Chome-13-6 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan
Tokyo International School has 470 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.
The school is located at 2-13-6 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047, in central Tokyo's embassy district. It is near Shirokane Takanawa Station (Namboku Line/Mita Line, Exit 4) and Azabu Juban Station (Namboku/Oedo Lines, Exit 1). The surrounding area includes landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, with good access by public transport and on-foot routes.
Tokyo International School currently serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 11, with Grade 12 planned to open in 2026-27. The school is organized into Lower School (Kindergarten to Grade 5) and Middle/Upper School (Grade 6 to 11). The IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) is now available, with Grade 12 scheduled to begin in SY 2026-2027.
The school is co-educational and operates as an international IB World School. There is no on-site boarding; older students may access housing options through partner providers.
The student body comprises students from over 70 nationalities. No single nationality accounts for more than 20% of the population, and the largest represented nationalities are the United States and Japan. The school hosts a predominantly international student community with a small local proportion.
TIS provides learning support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, along with counseling services. A dedicated learning support teacher and an EAL teacher are part of the provision to assist students with diverse learning needs.
The school has no formal country affiliation and operates as a non-profit IB World School.
Religious affiliation is not listed; the school presents itself as an international IB World School without a specified religious affiliation.
On campus from 8:00, classes begin at 8:10 and end at 15:20. Optional after-school activities run from 15:30 to 17:30, and a Beyond the Bell aftercare option extends supervision to 18:30 with additional bus options.
The school offers a bus service; there are seven school buses and after-school buses in operation. Beyond the standard after-care, there are scheduled bus departures at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 pm for eligible students.
Annual tuition at Tokyo International School ranges from JPY 3,000,000 to JPY 3,300,000 for 2026/27.
Tokyo International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 5 to 18.
Tokyo International School offers the International Baccalaureate continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18; Grade 12 is planned to open in SY 2026–2027, and the school currently serves students up to Grade 11. The Primary Years Programme features two classes per grade from Kindergarten to Grade 5, with Mathematics, English literacy, Science, Social Studies and Personal & Social Education as core areas, plus specialist instruction in Art, Library, Music, Physical Education and Japanese, and integrated technology and allied supports (EAL, speech therapy, counseling). The Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–10 covers Mathematics, English, Science, Individuals & Societies, Art, Music, Drama, Physical & Health Education, Japanese and Design, and includes a Service as Action component and an Advisory program, with strong technology integration and a full range of student supports. The Diploma Programme is offered to students aged 16–18 as part of the IB continuum, with Grade 11 in operation and Grade 12 scheduled to open in 2026–2027. Across the IB framework, learning is described as student-centered and inquiry-based, with university counseling and a broad co-curricular program to support holistic development.
The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) support at Tokyo International School (TIS) is anchored in the Student Support framework built on Trust, Inspire, and Support, aiming to empower students academically, socially, and emotionally. The school uses an inclusive learning framework with tailored support for all students. Academic support is provided by the Learning Support team through in-class support, small-group instruction, and one-on-one sessions, with accommodations such as extended time or assistive technology to promote equitable learning opportunities. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program offers specialized instruction and support to help students gain confidence and proficiency in English, enabling full curriculum access, including in-class support, small-group instruction, and differentiated resources and activities. A counseling team works with students, families, and teachers to foster social-emotional health, helping students develop self-awareness, manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. The school aims to create an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Tokyo International School uses an inclusive Learning Support framework with a dedicated Learning Support Team that provides tailored academic support for students with identified learning needs. This includes in-class support, small-group instruction, and one-on-one sessions, with accommodations such as extended time or assistive technology to promote equitable learning opportunities. Admission for students with identified learning needs depends on the makeup of the current cohort and available resources, and the school welcomes such students only when it can provide the necessary support. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution; support for identified needs is delivered by the Learning Support Team working with regular teachers, rather than a separate specialist program. The Admissions FAQ notes that the school does not publish a detailed list of specific SEN categories it can support and that admission decisions are contingent on cohort makeup and resources.
The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports students from diverse linguistic backgrounds to gain confidence and proficiency in English, enabling full access to the curriculum. EAL provision includes in-class support, small-group instruction, and differentiated classroom resources and activities. New English language learners receive support in regular classes and additional English lessons while other students study Japanese. Admissions of new English language learners depend on the language makeup of the current cohort. As an international school serving expatriate families, the school frequently provides EAL support to help students integrate and succeed.
A counseling team at Tokyo International School collaborates with students, families, and teachers to foster social-emotional health. Counselors support students in developing self-awareness, managing emotions, building healthy relationships, and making responsible decisions. The school emphasizes holistic wellbeing as part of its learning approach, aiming to help students navigate school and life with resilience. The overall wellbeing framework is designed to ensure students feel supported as they engage in academically meaningful learning. Through ongoing collaboration among students, families, and staff, mental wellbeing is integrated into daily school life.
Safeguarding at Tokyo International School is described as an unwavering commitment to student welfare. Safeguarding is a proactive, comprehensive approach that aims to prevent harm and protect students from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or any situation that could compromise safety. The safeguarding team includes a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and other safeguarding professionals who serve as primary contacts for concerns and oversee policy implementation. All staff undergo rigorous safeguarding training, and recruitment includes thorough criminal background and reference checks to maintain a safe community. The DSL and safeguarding team provide guidance, ensure clear communication pathways, and uphold the school's safeguarding policies and procedures.
1. Submit Online Application. Begin by submitting an online application through the school's admissions portal. The application is accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee, which is valid for one academic year. The school places students into grades based on age, with an August 31 birthday cut-off guiding grade placement. Tokyo International School offers IB programs (PYP, MYP, DP) and considers multiple factors in admissions during the review stage.
2. Submit Supporting Documents. After starting the online application, follow the documents checklist provided in the system and upload the required materials. The checklist guides what needs to be submitted; requirements may vary by age/grade and specific circumstances. Completing all items in the system is essential before the admissions team proceeds.
3. Admissions Team Review. Fully completed applications are reviewed by the Leadership Team and relevant teachers. The review considers factors such as cultural and language diversity, learning diversity, and the resources available to support the student. The process also weighs space availability and class size when determining suitability.
4. Admissions Decision. The school states that English language proficiency is a factor for admissions, but not a requirement, and that admissions are pursued only when there is sufficient support to ensure success. A seat must be identified before assessments are conducted, which may be deemed necessary at the discretion of the admissions team. There is a non-refundable processing fee for each application, and the fee remains valid for one academic year.
Scholarships. The school describes the Corporate Contribution Program (CCP) as a mechanism for corporate funding of scholarships for the dependent children of employees. The CCP is part of Tokyo International School's fundraising framework and is designed to be tax-efficient for participating companies, with scholarships funded by corporate contributions. Details about eligibility, funding, and administration are provided through the CCP, including contact instructions for inquiries (do@tokyois.com).
Waitlist/Pool. A formal waitlist or pool system is not described in the admissions materials. Admissions decisions hinge on space availability and current class sizes, with a maximum of 22 students per class in both lower (Kindergarten–G5) and upper (G6–G11) grades. Assessments are only performed when a seat has been identified, and space constraints drive the timing of any admissions decision.