Choosing the Right Path: International Schools in Japan

Choosing the Right Path: International Schools in Japan

Navigating the educational landscape in Japan can be both exciting and challenging for families, as the country offers a rich array of schooling options that cater to diverse philosophies and academic approaches. In this article, we explore some of Japan’s notable institutions, including Malvern College Tokyo, The British School in Tokyo, Dandelion Montessori School, Gymboree International School, Phoenix House International School, Rugby School Japan, The Innovation Fellowship, Summerhill International School, Aoba International School, St. Michael’s International School and Saint Maur International School. 

These schools represent a broad spectrum of educational methods with some focused on fostering creativity and independence in early learners, while others emphasize academic excellence and character development. This variety allows families to find the educational environment that best aligns with their values and goals for their children. Whether seeking a child-led, holistic experience or a rigorous academic program, families have the opportunity to choose an environment that aligns with their values and aspirations for their children’s education.

Malvern College Tokyo

Malvern College Tokyo

Malvern College Tokyo has begun the process to offer the globally recognised curriculum, the International Baccalaureate (IB), to pupils aged 3-18 years old and is currently a candidate school for PYP and MYP status. Malvern College Tokyo offers a well-rounded, holistic education that combines academic excellence with opportunities for personal growth beyond the classroom.

Located in Kodaira and surrounded by more than 50 educational institutions, the school benefits from a rich academic environment. Malvern College emphasizes educating the whole child, fostering growth not only through academics, but also through extensive co-curricular opportunities in sports, music, art, drama and more.

Students will be part of a global Malvern family, with the chance to participate in exchange programs across campuses in Hong Kong, Egypt and the UK. The school’s approach supports applications to universities worldwide, ensuring a global perspective alongside individual development.

The British School in Tokyo

The British School in Tokyo

With their commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience, The British School in Tokyo (BST) emphasizes holistic development and interdisciplinary learning for their students. Established in 1989, BST is now the biggest British international school in Japan, delivering education founded in the English National Curriculum to over 1,300 students aged from 3 years old to 18, representing 60+ nationalities.

The school is committed to nurturing each student’s unique potential while fostering international mindedness. With a strong focus on music, sports, art and drama, BST encourages learning in and out of the classroom. All students from Year 1 to Year 13 participate in overnight residential trips across Japan, enhancing their personal growth and collaborative skills through active engagement and outdoor exploration.

Dandelion Montessori School 

This mixed-aged learning community is for children aged three to six, dedicated to providing an authentic Montessori experience. All educators hold AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) qualifications, ensuring a carefully designed classroom that promotes self-awareness and self-regulation.

By understanding each child’s unique needs, Dandelion Montessori fosters independence and self-reliance, allowing young learners to develop confidence and independence. The school’s environment encourages children to celebrate each other’s successes, creating a supportive community that nurtures personal growth and a collaborative spirit.

Gymboree International School 

Gymboree International School 

Offering programs for children aged zero to five, Gymboree promotes physical, social-emotional and cognitive growth through exploration and discovery. The approach provides balanced challenges that inspire without overwhelming, fostering confidence and independence.

With child-led learning, children guide their experiences, participating at their own pace in “mommy & me” and drop-off programs. From baby classes to after-school activities, there is an emphasis on creativity, communication and self-management, encouraging children to explore new experiences and step outside their comfort zones.

Phoenix House International School

Following the National Curriculum for England, Phoenix House reflects the values and high expectations of the British independent sector. The school emphasizes academic rigor, providing a strong foundation in English, Maths and Science, along with a rich education in humanities, languages, sports, computing, drama and music. Oracy is prioritized to foster creative thinking and help pupils discover their passions.

Kindness and confidence are central to the school’s philosophy, with a focus on the learning journey, prioritizing engagement and a secure environment over outcomes. Through a diverse curriculum, pupils develop both knowledge and the skills needed for lifelong learning.

Rugby School Japan

Rugby School Japan

Established in 2023 as the second international school under the 458-year-old Rugby School UK, Rugby School Japan offers a British curriculum, including IGCSE and A Level programs, with a focus on academic excellence in a British boarding school environment in Chiba.

The school’s philosophy, “The Whole Person, The Whole Point,” highlights the importance of developing students’ academic, artistic, athletic and life skills. A longer school day supports a broad range of co-curricular activities, fostering personal and academic growth, the arts, athletics, leadership and healthy competition. This holistic approach cultivates both valuable skills and strong character in students.

The Innovation Fellowship International High School

The Innovation Fellowship International High School

The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is an independent international high school in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo. TIF engages students with individualized learning opportunities designed to maximize their life success, ignite their passions in collaboration with peers, and enable them to utilize their inner excellence to create value in society through their education.

The school offers a dynamic and rigorous curriculum that exceeds Common Core standards and culminates in an American high school diploma. Through project, inquiry, and problem-based learning, students bring their authentic interests to real-world issues, designing interdisciplinary solutions and developing the skills crucial for admission to their best-fit university.

Grounded in a commitment to student-centric pedagogy, TIF fosters student engagement and happiness while preparing them to achieve academic and professional excellence. 

Summerhill International School

Summerhill International School

Established in 1962, Summerhill International School is an accredited IB institution offering the IB Primary Years Program and classes for children from 15 months upwards. The school emphasizes student-led learning and holistic development, fostering critical thinking and global perspectives within a diverse student body.

Summerhill nurtures curiosity and independence, allowing individuality to thrive. With a focus on inclusivity, the school prepares students for success in a changing world, blending tradition with innovative educational practices.

Aoba-Japan International School

Aoba-Japan International School

Seeking to transform education in Japan and beyond by cultivating globally minded, compassionate and collaborative students. Aoba-Japan International School’s approach centers on inquiry and team-based learning, fostering critical and creative thinking with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Through partnerships with businesses and universities, students gain an entrepreneurial mindset by engaging in real-world projects and internships. This prepares them for success in a diverse, interconnected world, empowering them to take risks and lead positive change.

St Michael’s International School 

St Michael’s International School 

Offering a blend of the British National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum, St. Michael’s International School fosters an inquiry-based learning environment. The Kobe school nurtures curiosity while building a strong foundation of values and personal skills.

By Year 6 graduation, students are well-rounded individuals equipped with the knowledge, critical thinking and empathy needed to pursue the next stage of their academic journey. St. Michael’s aims to develop confident global citizens, ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Saint Maur International School, Yokohama

Saint Maur International School, Yokohama

Founded in 1872, Saint Maur International School offers a co-educational program for students aged 2 and a half to grade 12, serving a diverse international community in Japan. The school provides a supportive learning environment that emphasizes care and inclusivity, tailored to meet the needs of its multi-cultural and multi-faith student body.

Since 2007, Saint Maur is also offering a French curriculum for elementary students, broadening its educational offerings for those pursuing a French-based education alongside its established international programs.

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