FAQs

What is the typical admissions timeline for international schools in Tokyo?

Most international schools in Tokyo open applications 6–12 months before the intended start date. Some operate rolling admissions, while others use fixed cycles (for example, priority rounds in autumn for the following August or April). Families should map key dates: application release, submission deadline, testing or interview windows, and deposit due dates. If you are relocating mid-year, check whether the school accepts off-cycle entries and whether placement testing can be done remotely. Building a 12-month calendar with soft and hard deadlines helps you avoid missing high-demand seats.

Which curriculum options are available, and how should we choose one?

Tokyo offers a diverse landscape, including the International Baccalaureate (IB PYP/MYP/DP/CP), American-style (AP/honors), British (EYFS/IGCSE/A Levels), as well as French, German, and bilingual models. Choose based on your child’s learning style, their future university destinations, and the likelihood of relocating again. Continuity matters: if you will move frequently, IB or a widely recognized national curriculum can ease transitions. Ask schools about vertical alignment (how early years feed into middle and high school) and subject availability in the upper grades to keep pathways open.

What documents do schools typically require?

Expect to submit a completed application form, passport or residence cards for the student and guardians, recent report cards or transcripts (usually two to three years), recommendation letters, immunization records, and a medical form. Older students may submit personal essays or writing samples; younger applicants may provide teacher observations. If any document is not in English, budget time for a certified translation. Keep digital and hard copies organized, with filenames that match the checklist (e.g., StudentName_Grade5_ReportCard_Term2.pdf) to speed up admissions processing.

How do entrance assessments and interviews usually work?

Assessments aim to determine academic placement and language support needs, not just “pass or fail.” Younger children may be observed through play or interactive tasks. Older students often take math and literacy tests; non-native speakers complete English proficiency assessments. Interviews may include parents and the student, exploring motivation, fit, and values. If traveling is difficult, schools may offer virtual interviews or proctored online testing. Encourage your child to rest well and approach the session as a chance to show how they learn best.

How can non-native English speakers prepare?

Ask whether the school offers EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, the criteria for admission to EAL, and how progress is monitored. Begin light, consistent preparation: reading aloud daily, journaling, and conversation practice. For upper grades, targeted tutoring to build academic vocabulary can help. Balance matters—maintain the home language to support overall literacy and family communication. If the school expects rapid mainstreaming, confirm how EAL integrates with core subjects to prevent gaps.

What fees should families budget for beyond tuition?

In addition to annual tuition, plan for non-refundable application and testing fees, enrollment or registration fees, development or building fees, technology charges, uniforms, textbooks, bus transportation, meals, after-school activities, field trips, and exam fees (AP/IB/A Level). Some schools require a refundable deposit or a debenture. Request a written fee schedule and clarify billing cycles (annual, termly, or monthly). If your employer offers an education allowance, confirm what counts as reimbursable and what documentation you must provide.

How do school locations and bus routes affect daily life?

Commute time influences well-being and extracurricular participation. Review campus locations relative to your housing search, rail lines, and school bus routes. Some schools extend routes as demand shifts each year; others have fixed corridors. If you plan after-school activities far from campus, estimate total travel time and consider staggered pickup options. For younger students, a shorter ride often yields a smoother transition; for older students, proximity to train lines can increase independence.

What does a strong application narrative look like?

Admissions teams value coherence: academic records that match teacher recommendations, an essay that reflects the student’s voice, and a family statement aligned with the school’s mission. Highlight growth, curiosity, and community engagement rather than a long list of unconnected activities. If there are transcript dips or school moves, provide brief, factual context. Keep tone positive, concise, and authentic—schools read many applications and appreciate clarity over hyperbole.

Should we apply to multiple schools at once?

Applying to more than one school increases options, especially for popular grades. However, each application takes time and money. Prioritize a shortlist based on curriculum, culture, commute, and budget. If deadlines overlap, create a step-by-step tracker with submission status, recommendations requested, assessment dates, and financial commitments. Inform recommenders early so that letters reflect your child accurately and arrive on time.

How do waitlists work, and what should we do if we’re waitlisted?

Waitlists are common in oversubscribed grades. Status can move as families’ plans change, particularly near deposit deadlines and just before term starts. Update the school with any new report cards, awards, or achievements, and reiterate your interest. Keep alternative plans ready—another offer, short-term tutoring, or a bridging program. Ask the school about typical waitlist movement for your grade so you can decide whether to hold or pivot.

How can families support a smooth transition after acceptance?

Once admitted, review the school’s onboarding steps: medical forms, device setup, uniform sizing, transport registration, and orientation dates. Join parent networks to learn routines faster. For children, preview daily schedules, campus maps, and key policies (attendance, homework, technology). If possible, schedule a playdate or online meet with classmates. Maintain familiar home routines at first—sleep, meals, and reading—to stabilize the change. Monitor stress signals and communicate with homeroom or advisory teachers early.

What should we know about special educational needs (SEN) support?

Provision varies widely. Request a clear description of services, including assessment processes, in-class supports, pull-out sessions, and counselor availability. Share relevant documentation upfront (evaluations, IEPs, prior accommodations) so the school can plan realistically. Ask about staffing ratios, expertise with specific needs, and collaboration between classroom teachers and specialists. Confirm any additional fees and whether services can scale as your child progresses.

How important are extracurricular activities in admissions?

Activities can show initiative, teamwork, and passion, but they do not replace academic readiness. Rather than listing many brief experiences, emphasize a few sustained commitments with clear reflections on growth. If you are relocating, explain how your child hopes to continue interests in the new context (for example, transitioning from community soccer to the school’s team). Schools also value service and leadership that align with their values.

What housing and visa considerations affect admissions?

Some schools request proof of residence or projected move-in dates; bus eligibility may depend on your address. If you are applying from overseas, verify whether conditional offers can be issued pending residence status. Keep passports and visa documents current; if you are awaiting a residence card, ask the admissions office what interim documents suffice. Accurate timelines help schools plan placement and language support ahead of arrival.

How do we compare schools with different grading systems?

Request grading guides or profiles that explain scale, descriptors, and GPA conversion if applicable. For IB or standards-based systems, ask how achievement levels translate into course placement. When comparing high school pathways, examine university counseling resources, historical matriculation data by region, and availability of advanced courses. Look beyond headline numbers—ask about counselor caseloads, teacher office hours, and support for portfolio-based or arts tracks.

What are practical strategies to stay organized during the process?

Create a single shared tracker containing each school’s requirements, deadlines, fees, and contact notes. Use consistent file naming, keep scanned PDFs under reasonable sizes, and store originals in a labeled folder for campus visits. Set weekly check-ins to review progress, confirm that recommenders have submitted letters, and prepare your child for upcoming assessments. After each interaction, log what was discussed and any promised follow-ups to maintain momentum and clarity.

How should we communicate with admissions offices?

Be concise, courteous, and proactive. When emailing, include your child’s name, grade level, and the school year in the subject line. Ask specific questions and acknowledge posted information to show you have done your homework. If plans change (travel dates, testing availability), update the office promptly. Positive, transparent communication builds trust—and may help when schedules need flexibility.

What if our child is between grade levels or has an atypical academic history?

Share context early: curriculum differences, acceleration, gaps due to moves, or extended absences. Schools typically place by age cutoff, prior coursework, and assessment results, but they may adjust placements to serve the student’s best interests. Provide supporting documents such as curriculum outlines or course descriptions for advanced subjects. Ask about trial placements, progress checks, and the appeal process should a change be advisable after term begins.

What final pre-enrollment checks should we complete?

Before paying the deposit, reconfirm the fee schedule, refund policies, calendar (start dates, breaks, exam periods), transport logistics, device requirements, and uniform lead times. Verify health form deadlines and immunization expectations. Double-check that you have submitted all items on the admissions portal and that your contact details are correct for summer communications. A deliberate final review prevents last-minute surprises and sets up a confident first day.

What’s the single best way to reduce stress during admissions?

Start early and adopt a systems mindset. A clear shortlist, a realistic budget, and a detailed timeline will turn a complex process into predictable steps. Keep communication open—with your child, with recommenders, and with admissions staff—and celebrate small milestones along the way. Remember that the goal is fit: the right school is one where your child can learn well, feel supported, and grow into their next stage with confidence.

Tokyo International School Guide