In Japan, families have access to a wide range of private international schools. These schools provide diverse curricula, with the most popular being the British, American and International Baccalaureate, among others.
Why families choose an International School in Japan?
Attending one of the best international schools in Japan can offer a multitude of benefits for both local and international families. Let’s find out why many families choose one of the top schools in the country.
1. Learning Environment
These schools provide a unique opportunity to learn in a diverse and multicultural environment, which prepares students for future success.
2. Globally Recognized Curriculum
International schools offer globally recognized curriculums, allowing students to pursue a curriculum that best suits their interests and prepares them for higher education in their home countries or internationally.
Top international schools in Japan offer a remarkable variety of curricula to cater to the diverse needs and backgrounds of their students. These curricula include the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, the American curriculum, British curriculum (including A-levels), and even local Japanese curriculum alongside their international offerings.
3. Diverse and multicultural environment
International schools in Japan are popular with expatriate parents, bicultural families where one of the parents is an expatriate, internationally-minded Japanese parents, and parents with children with special educational needs.
4. Immersion in the language
Attending a top international school in Japan provides students with opportunities for language learning and immersion, as well as increased understanding and appreciation for different cultures.
5. Extracurricular program
These schools also offer a variety of extracurricular activities and programs, providing students with the chance to explore new interests and skills.
Top International schools in Japan often attract a diverse student body, including expatriates, diplomats, and local Japanese students, fostering a multicultural environment that prepares students for a globalized world. With dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to excellence, international schools in Japan play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded and globally aware individuals.
How to choose an International School in Japan?
Best International Schools in Japan 2024
Frequently asked question about schools in Japan
Japan is among the best places to both live and study because of its rich culture and top-quality schools. Many international day and boarding schools in Japan are known for providing some of the best learning and living experiences that can benefit students long after they graduate.
While attending a school in Japan, students will be able to learn about the culture of the country, which can help them in the future. At the same time, they can enjoy a beautiful environment that’s likely to inspire students and their families. There are plenty of things to see and do all over Japan, from taking in the rich wilderness and Mount Fuji to exploring the vast cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Cities in Japan are easily accessed by public transportation, enabling students to freely and safely venture to and from them when possible.
In addition to the culture found in Japan, students can study the Japanese language, which is one of the most valuable to learn in the world. They may also be able to learn other languages, depending on the school and curriculum. Students will also receive the support they need to thrive, with personal support available in many schools.
There are international schools in Japan, however Japan does not have international school systems like some other nations do.
The international schools in Japan provide international education using a foreign language of instruction to students who are not native speakers of that particular language. There are international schools with international curriculum designed for students who intend to study an international institution at higher levels such as universities, accredited by international accrediting organizations and taught by international teachers from various nationalities. These programs may follow the U.S., British or international curriculum.
The most popular international schools include Japanese language support, which means Japanese English speaking environment is there for Japanese children efforts to learn English without missed out on their social life.
With a minimum annual tuition of $20,000 USD or JPY 2,500,000 yen, international schools in Japan are generally expensive. However, the international schools in Tokyo are considered less expensive than international schools located in Osaka and other cities.
The international schools in Japan also varies by the type of international school (British, American and International), tuition and enrollment options.
Expensive international schools provide better educational opportunities and facilities than the less expensive international schools. The international schools with greater enrollment generally pay higher salaries to their teachers who make them more competitive with the best international schools around the world. This also often translates into a high level of parent involvement as parents want to ensure their children receive the most beneficial education they can afford.
The annual tuition for international primary and secondary schools is about $20,000 – $30,000 USD or JPY 2,500,000 – 3,500,000 yen.
The international schools in Japan with international curriculum often brand themselves as international colleges instead of international schools to avoid associations with junior high or high school, which are compulsory and free for Japanese students.
International primary and secondary schools offer tutoring services by their teachers called “cram school” (juku), which is not available at international colleges. This can be an additional cost to families with children attending international primary and secondary schools.
The Japan Council of International Schools includes around 30 international schools. International schools in Japan are relatively small in numbers compared to international schools in other countries.
There are international schools that follow the international curriculum designed for students who intend to study an international institution at higher levels such as universities; while there are international primary and secondary schools that provide international education using a foreign language of instruction and Japanese language support for children who do not speak English at home.
Today, there are about 70 international private primary and secondary schools and 20 international colleges (university) in Japan, with 1/3 of all international primary and secondary school population located in Tokyo.
Parents should research their options carefully before selecting an international school for their child’s education. See our guide of the best international schools in Japan if you need help to identify the right school for your family. The international school in Japan will help parents to secure a place for their child and assist with admissions process.
The international schools in Japan usually provide information about themselves on their websites, including the applicable tuition rates, enrollment procedures and teaching methods. Parents should not rely on these websites alone while applying for international schools in Japan. They need to meet the international school students, teachers and administrators in person before making their decision.
There are international schools that require face-to-face interview with the student and parent(s), which means they assess both academic levels of their candidates as well as any special needs or learning challenges prior to admission.
Some international primary and secondary schools may also offer trial lessons so parents can experience how English education is provided.
Parents need to check what international schools in Japan offer and how they can help their child with international education. Some international schools in Japan offer bridging programs for students who are not fluent in Japanese language, while others offer Japanese-speaking staff to help with initial transition.
Many international primary and secondary schools also accept applications from international students who would like to attend international colleges (university) abroad; therefore, parents should ask the international school about this option if it interests them.
Find out which are the best international schools in Japan.
Japanese international primary and secondary schools have limited positions for international students depending on their location and capacity, so it is important to research well before applying for international school in Japan.
In addition, international schools in Japan have a separate system from public primary and secondary schools in Japan. They can require entrance examinations and other requirements for international students to be able to attend international schools in Japan.
The cost of international schools in Japan will vary depending on the student population, tuition, teacher salary and other factors.
Some international schools in Japan may have Saturday classes as a way to encourage international student participation and engagement. Students should check with international schools in Japan on their website or ask teachers/admissions officers for specific information about international education system during the interview process.
Japan is a great location for international expats because it offers many international experiences that are not available in any other country.
For example, students attending international schools in Japan can speak English and Japanese fluently. Also, international students often enjoy cultural festivals on weekends and interacting with local students at local college (university).
International schools in Japan may offer services to family members who have special needs or who need additional care, but they should check with the admission before enrolling. Parents will want to ask about transportation options, availability of tutors and special outreach programs that meet their child’s unique needs.
Tokyo can be a great choice because most of the international schools in Japan are located in Tokyo.
Parents should consider international education system when choosing an international school, but location is another important factor to consider. Parents who need to transport their child via plane may want to choose a city with an international airport while parents who like big cities like Tokyo and international school in Japan. The culture and language will also affect this decision, so parents should ask questions about the local community before enrolling at an international school in Japan.
Children don’t typically learn English until they begin attending secondary school, some international schools in Japan may provide international education system. Parents should ask international schools in Japan what international education system they offer as part of the interview process.
The international school schedule will vary from school to school, but international parents should expect longer days and early morning schedules compared to international students’ home countries. Schools typically start at 8 or 9 a.m., end around 4 p.m. and have a shorter day on Fridays or weekends for international students who can’t come to classes on those days due to religious reasons or the international student’s culture/tradition .
When looking for a day school, Tamagawa Academy IB Programmes or is a popular international school in Japan not only because of its high international rank and international student experience but also its location. Jinseki International School (JINIS) is one of the most popular boarding school in Japan for student who want to have international boarding school experience in Japan.
You don’t need to speak English before attending an international school in Japan. The international school will typically teach English to international students so they can communicate with international families at international colleges (university).
International schools in Japan may or may not offer on-campus housing options, but international parents should ask about the international student dorm if it is an option for their child before enrolling. Many international schools in Japan are located near city centers and may be too far from public transportation hubs when compared to other international schools in japan. This could make commuting difficult if there isn’t a closer option available .
Discover the best boarding schools in Japan
Based on the information found online, there are 51 international schools in Tokyo, Japan. This includes a variety of institutions offering different curricula and programs to cater to the diverse needs of the international community in Tokyo.
When looking for a day school, Tamagawa Academy IB Programmes is a popular international school in Toyko not only because of its high international rank, quality curriculum and international student experience but also its location.
International graduates from international schools in Japan can continue their education at world-renowned international colleges (university), including Johns Hopkins university and Northwestern university to name a few. Prospective international parents should carefully consider which international colleges (university) they will choose based on its academic reputation, location and study abroad program .