Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity. It’s a place where you can find ancient temples nestled amidst towering skyscrapers, and where you can experience a unique blend of cultures. For expats and international families residing in Tokyo, one of the key considerations is education. Fortunately, Tokyo is home to a number of top-notch international schools that offer high-quality education. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the top 5 must-know international schools in Tokyo.
1. The American School in Japan (ASIJ)
The American School in Japan, commonly known as ASIJ, is a highly reputed international school in Tokyo. Founded in 1902, ASIJ has a long history of providing top-tier education to students from kindergarten through to high school.
The school follows an American-style curriculum, with English as the medium of instruction. However, it also places a strong emphasis on Japanese language and culture, making it a great choice for families who want their children to have a well-rounded international education.
ASIJ boasts a diverse student body, with pupils hailing from over 50 different countries. This diversity is reflected in the school’s curriculum, which encourages students to explore different cultures and perspectives.
2. British School in Tokyo (BST)
Next on our list is the British School in Tokyo, or BST. Established in 1989, BST is the only school in Tokyo to offer a British-style education, following the English National Curriculum from nursery through to sixth form.
BST is known for its strong academic record, with students consistently achieving above-average results in their GCSEs and A-Levels. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service programmes.
Like ASIJ, BST has a diverse student body, with children from over 65 different nationalities. This multicultural environment provides students with a rich learning experience, fostering tolerance and understanding of different cultures.
3. International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH)
The International School of the Sacred Heart, or ISSH, is a private, Catholic, all-girls school located in the heart of Tokyo. Founded in 1908, ISSH is part of the global network of Sacred Heart schools, which are known for their commitment to academic excellence and character development.
ISSH offers an international curriculum that is based on the American system, but also incorporates elements from other educational systems. The school is particularly known for its strong language programme, offering instruction in English, Japanese, French, and Spanish.
ISSH’s small class sizes and nurturing environment make it a popular choice for families who value personalised attention and a close-knit community. The school’s strong emphasis on service and social justice also sets it apart from other international schools in Tokyo.
4. Nishimachi International School
Nishimachi International School is a private, coeducational K-9 school located in central Tokyo. Established in 1949, Nishimachi has a long history of providing a well-rounded education that encourages critical thinking and creativity.
The school follows an international curriculum that is based on the American system, but also incorporates elements from the Japanese educational system. This includes a strong emphasis on Japanese language and culture, which is integrated into the curriculum at all grade levels.
Nishimachi’s small size and close-knit community make it a great choice for families who prefer a more intimate educational environment. The school is also known for its strong arts programme, which includes music, visual arts, and drama.
5. Tokyo International School (TIS)
Rounding out our list is Tokyo International School, or TIS. Founded in 1995, TIS is a private, coeducational school that offers an international curriculum for students from kindergarten through middle school.
TIS follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme, which are known for their rigorous academic standards and focus on holistic development. The school also offers a strong language programme, with instruction in English, Japanese, and Mandarin.
TIS is known for its innovative teaching methods, which include project-based learning and the use of technology in the classroom. The school’s commitment to environmental sustainability is also noteworthy, with various initiatives in place to promote green practices.
Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each of the schools on our list offers a unique blend of curriculum, culture, and community, and it’s important to consider which factors are most important to you and your child. We hope that this overview of the top 5 international schools in Tokyo has provided you with some valuable insights to help guide your decision.
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