International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools in Tokyo – Complete List

Tokyo, as a global hub for business, culture, and education, has become a top destination for families seeking international schooling. Among the many curricula available in the city, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program stands out for its academic rigor, international outlook, and emphasis on developing well-rounded learners.

For expatriates and globally-minded Japanese families, choosing an IB school in Tokyo offers a consistent and transferable education that is recognized by universities worldwide. This guide provides a complete overview of IB schools in Tokyo, including details about each institution, its programs, and what makes them unique.

What Is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The IB is a globally recognized educational framework founded in Switzerland in 1968. It offers four programs:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP) – for children aged 3–12

• Middle Years Programme (MYP) – for students aged 11–16

• Diploma Programme (DP) – for ages 16–19, widely accepted by universities worldwide

• Career-related Programme (CP) – for students pursuing career-focused studies

IB schools emphasize inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and community service. In Tokyo, many international schools and some Japanese private schools are officially authorized to deliver one or more IB programs.

Why Choose an IB School in Tokyo?

• Global Recognition – IB diplomas are accepted by top universities worldwide.

• Consistency – For expat families who relocate frequently, IB offers a familiar curriculum across countries.

• Balanced Development – Students gain not only academic knowledge but also leadership, creativity, and international-mindedness.

• Bilingual Opportunities – Some IB schools in Tokyo offer bilingual English-Japanese tracks.

Complete List of IB Schools in Tokyo

Below is a curated list of schools in Tokyo authorized to offer IB programs (as of 2025).

1. The American School in Japan (ASIJ) – Chofu

• Programs: IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12)

• Highlights: One of the largest international schools in Tokyo, ASIJ combines American curriculum with IB options for high school students seeking global recognition.

2. Tokyo International School (TIS) – Minato-ku

• Programs: PYP, MYP, and DP

• Highlights: Fully authorized across all three core IB programs. TIS emphasizes inquiry-based learning, creativity, and service.

3. K. International School Tokyo (KIST) – Koto-ku

• Programs: PYP, MYP, DP

• Highlights: Known for its rigorous academic program, KIST has one of the highest DP pass rates in Japan.

4. New International School of Japan (NewIS) – Toshima-ku

• Programs: PYP and MYP

• Highlights: A bilingual (English-Japanese) school with a progressive approach to learning.

5. British School in Tokyo (BST) – Shibuya & Showa Women’s University Campus

• Programs: DP (optional)

• Highlights: Offers British curriculum with the option of the IB Diploma in upper secondary.

6. Canadian International School Tokyo (CIS) – Shinagawa

• Programs: PYP, MYP, DP

• Highlights: A Canadian-based education framework with full IB authorization, making it popular among both expats and local families.

7. Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS) – Hikarigaoka & Meguro

• Programs: PYP, MYP, DP

• Highlights: A progressive IB World School with strong extracurriculars and leadership programs.

8. Seisen International School (Girls’ School) – Setagaya

• Programs: DP

• Highlights: A Catholic girls’ school offering IB Diploma for high school students.

9. St. Mary’s International School (Boys’ School) – Setagaya

• Programs: DP

• Highlights: A Catholic boys’ school, known for strong academics and extracurricular programs, offering IB Diploma in high school.

10. International School of the Sacred Heart – Shibuya

• Programs: DP

• Highlights: A girls-only school that offers the IB Diploma alongside a U.S.-style curriculum.

11. Lycée Français International de Tokyo (LFIT) – Kita-ku

• Programs: DP (with French Baccalaureate option)

• Highlights: French curriculum with the option to pursue IB Diploma in the final years.

12. Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama (DSTY) – Yokohama (near Tokyo)

• Programs: DP

• Highlights: A German curriculum school located just outside Tokyo, offering IB Diploma for international university preparation.

13. Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ) – Higashi Kurume (West Tokyo)

• Programs: DP

• Highlights: A Christian-based international school providing the IB Diploma as part of its high school program.

14. Montessori School of Tokyo (MST) – Minato-ku

• Programs: PYP, MYP

• Highlights: Integrates Montessori philosophy with IB PYP and MYP for younger learners.

15. Gyosei International School (Japanese Private) – Chiba/Tokyo Border

• Programs: DP

• Highlights: A Japanese private school authorized for IB, catering to bilingual and globally-minded Japanese students.

16. Horizon Japan International School (Tokyo Campus) – Setagaya

• Programs: PYP, MYP, DP

• Highlights: A growing IB school in Tokyo with multicultural student body and strong academic development.

17. Shibuya Makuhari Junior and Senior High School – Chiba (commuter-friendly from Tokyo)

• Programs: DP

• Highlights: A prestigious Japanese school offering IB Diploma alongside its domestic curriculum.

Tips for Parents Choosing an IB School in Tokyo

1. Check Accreditation – Confirm the school is officially recognized by the IB Organization.

2. Location & Commute – Tokyo traffic can be challenging. Choose a school accessible from your home.

3. Curriculum Mix – Some schools blend IB with national curricula (British, American, French, Japanese).

4. School Culture – Visit open houses, meet teachers, and talk to current parents to understand the community.

5. University Goals – If your child aims for international universities, prioritize schools with strong IB DP results.

Future of IB in Japan

The Japanese government has been actively supporting the expansion of IB programs to foster global talent. By 2030, more Japanese schools are expected to adopt IB, making it easier for both expatriate and Japanese families to access world-class international education without leaving Tokyo.

Conclusion

With over a dozen IB World Schools across the city, Tokyo offers parents a wide range of options depending on their child’s needs, language background, and future goals. Whether you are looking for a bilingual environment, a single-gender school, or a large international campus, the IB framework provides a solid foundation for global success.

Choosing the right IB school requires careful consideration of curriculum offerings, location, and the individual strengths of each institution. Fortunately, in Tokyo, families are spoiled for choice.

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) and why is it popular in Tokyo?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized framework focused on inquiry, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding. Tokyo is home to a large expatriate community and internationally minded Japanese families, so the IB’s portability and strong university recognition make it a natural fit. Families appreciate that the IB emphasizes breadth and depth, real-world application, research, and community engagement through the Creativity–Activity–Service (CAS) component and other program elements.

Which IB programmes are available in Tokyo?

Most IB World Schools in Tokyo offer one or more of the following:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP): ages 3–12, inquiry-based across subjects.
• Middle Years Programme (MYP): ages 11–16, interdisciplinary learning with a personal project in the final year.
• Diploma Programme (DP): ages 16–19, a two-year pre-university course with external assessments.
• Career-related Programme (CP): ages 16–19, combines DP courses with career-related studies and service learning. Availability is growing but limited compared with PYP/MYP/DP.

How does the IB Diploma Programme (DP) work?

Students typically take six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level) chosen from language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts (or an additional subject from another group). They also complete the Core:

• Extended Essay (EE): a 4,000-word independent research paper.
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): a course exploring how we construct and evaluate knowledge.
• CAS: structured creativity, activity, and service experiences.

Final scores (maximum 45) combine external exams and internal assessments moderated by the IB, plus up to three bonus points from EE and TOK.

Are IB schools in Tokyo bilingual or English-medium?

You will find both. Many international schools deliver the IB in English with additional language support. Several schools offer bilingual pathways (e.g., English–Japanese) especially in PYP and MYP, which can be valuable for students who plan to remain in Japan or maintain academic proficiency in Japanese. When evaluating programs, ask whether bilingual instruction is integrated across subjects or limited to language courses, and whether literacy development is supported in both languages.

How do IB schools compare to other curricula in Tokyo (British, American, French, German, Japanese)?

The IB aims for a broad, concept-driven education and emphasizes transferable skills, research, and reflection. British and American schools often provide clear subject pathways and standardized tests (e.g., A Levels, AP). French and German schools align with their national systems and diplomas. Japanese schools emphasize the national Course of Study and university entrance exams. Many Tokyo schools blend curricula—for example, offering an American or British program through Grade 10 with the IB Diploma as a pre-university option. If continuity across countries is key, the IB offers strong portability.

What should I look for when choosing an IB school in Tokyo?

Consider the following factors:

• Authorization and track record: Confirm official IB authorization and review recent DP outcomes in context (cohort size, subject mix).
• Continuum: Some schools offer PYP–MYP–DP; others offer only one or two programmes.
• Language model: English-medium vs. bilingual, and availability of English as an Additional Language (EAL) or Japanese support.
• University guidance: Dedicated college counseling and experience with your target regions.
• Fit and culture: Class size, learning support, extracurriculars, service opportunities, commute time, and campus facilities.

How competitive is admission to IB schools in Tokyo and what documents are required?

Competition varies by school and grade level; entry to upper MYP/DP years can be tighter due to limited spaces and prerequisite requirements. Typical documents include previous school records/transcripts, recommendation letters, standardized test scores where applicable, writing samples, and a student/parent interview. Some schools administer placement assessments in English, mathematics, and languages to ensure appropriate class placement.

How much does it cost to attend an IB school in Tokyo?

Tuition and fees vary widely depending on campus location, facilities, and services (transportation, lunch, technology, capital fees). In general, international IB schools in Tokyo are among the city’s higher-cost education options. Budget for tuition, application and enrollment fees, building or development fees, uniforms where applicable, exam fees (for DP), activities, and possible learning support or language services.

Will an IB Diploma help with admission to Japanese and overseas universities?

Yes. The IB Diploma is recognized by universities worldwide. In Japan, many universities—both private and national—publish IB-specific admissions pathways. Overseas, admissions teams are familiar with the IB’s rigor and holistic profile. Strong performance in Higher Level subjects, plus a well-written Extended Essay and TOK engagement, support competitive applications. Counselors can advise on subject combinations (e.g., mathematics and sciences for engineering) to match prerequisites in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Europe, and Japan.

How do subject choices in DP affect future options?

Subject choices influence eligibility for specific majors. For STEM pathways (engineering, computer science, physical sciences), Higher Level Mathematics and at least one Higher Level science are often preferred or required. For medicine or biosciences, prioritize Biology and Chemistry, with attention to local requirements. Humanities and social sciences applicants should balance essay-based subjects with quantitative literacy. Choose subjects you enjoy and can excel in; consistent high achievement often outweighs overly ambitious but weak subject selections.

What support exists for students who are new to English or transitioning from the Japanese system?

Many schools provide EAL programs, literacy support, and bridging courses. In PYP and MYP, scaffolding includes co-taught lessons, differentiated tasks, and additional language periods. Learning Support teams can assist with mild to moderate needs. Ask about diagnostic processes, class withdrawal vs. in-class support models, and how progress is monitored and communicated to families. For students returning to the Japanese system later, bilingual tracks and strong Japanese language instruction can preserve academic options.

How are students assessed in the IB?

Assessment is continuous and varied. In PYP/MYP, teachers use criteria-based rubrics and emphasize formative feedback. MYP culminates in the Personal Project. In DP, students complete a mix of internal assessments (orals, investigations, fieldwork, practicals) and externally marked examinations. Grading is criterion-referenced, focusing on demonstrated mastery rather than norm-referenced rankings. Transparent rubrics help students self-assess and improve over time.

How demanding is the workload, and how can students maintain balance?

The IB is challenging, particularly in DP where time management is essential. Students juggle coursework, internal assessments, CAS experiences, and exam preparation. Balance is realistic with organization: use a calendar, break tasks into milestones, meet interim deadlines for EE and TOK, and select extracurriculars that genuinely energize the student. Schools typically provide CAS advisors, EE supervisors, and study skills workshops to help students plan effectively.

What does a strong CAS portfolio look like in Tokyo?

Quality CAS is purposeful, sustained, and reflective. In Tokyo, opportunities are abundant: service with local NGOs, language-exchange initiatives, environmental projects, arts performances, student leadership, and athletics. A strong portfolio demonstrates initiative, collaboration, and growth over time rather than a checklist of unrelated activities. Reflections should connect actions to learning outcomes, personal values, and community impact.

How do schools support university applications and standardized testing?

Most IB schools in Tokyo offer dedicated college counseling, application workshops, essay feedback, teacher reference coordination, and guidance on timelines for the U.S., U.K., Japan, and other regions. Some provide optional preparation for standardized tests (e.g., SAT/ACT, language proficiency exams) and host university fairs. Ask how the counseling team manages caseloads and what data they share on recent graduate destinations.

What is the admissions timeline and how early should families apply?

Applications for the following academic year often open in the fall and winter, with rolling admissions where space allows. For popular entry points (Kindergarten, Grade 6/7, Grade 9, and Grade 11), applying 9–12 months in advance is prudent. Mid-year transfers are possible but depend on course availability, especially in DP where subject combinations and schedules are tighter. Plan ahead for campus tours, assessment days, and document translation if needed.

Any tips for school visits and shortlisting?

Prepare questions about language pathways, learning support, university outcomes, teacher qualifications, class sizes, and co-curriculars. Observe classes if permitted, review student work displays, and speak with current parents and students. Consider the daily commute and after-school logistics. Create a comparison matrix capturing authorization status, programme continuum, fees, location, and distinctive strengths to make an informed choice.

Tokyo International School Guide