Bilingual International Schools in Tokyo (English–Japanese Programs)

Tokyo is home to a diverse range of international schools, many of which follow American, British, or IB curricula. However, a growing number of families are seeking bilingual education—schools that offer instruction in both English and Japanese. These schools are designed to develop strong academic foundations while fostering cultural fluency and language proficiency in two languages. For expatriates planning long-term stays in Japan and Japanese families who want their children to thrive globally without losing connection to local traditions, bilingual international schools can be the perfect solution.

This guide explores bilingual international schools in Tokyo, how their programs work, and what parents should consider when choosing one.

Why Choose a Bilingual International School?

Bilingual schools in Tokyo are structured to balance international education with a Japanese cultural foundation. Some of the reasons families choose bilingual programs include:

• Dual language proficiency: Students develop strong skills in both English and Japanese, often reaching native-level fluency in at least one language while becoming highly proficient in the other.

• Global opportunities: Graduates can pursue higher education in Japan or overseas, as their language and cultural background gives them more flexibility.

• Cultural integration: Children learn to respect and appreciate Japanese traditions, while also gaining exposure to international values and perspectives.

• Smooth transitions: For families planning to stay in Japan long-term, bilingual schools allow children to integrate into Japanese society more easily, while still maintaining pathways to global education.

Key Features of Bilingual International Programs

While each school has its own structure, bilingual international schools in Tokyo share some common features:

1. Curriculum balance: Most schools combine aspects of international programs (IB, American, British) with elements of the Japanese national curriculum.

2. Language immersion: Instruction is split between English and Japanese. For example, math may be taught in English, while social studies may be taught in Japanese.

3. Cultural education: Festivals, traditions, and history lessons ensure students develop strong cultural awareness.

4. Flexible admissions: Many bilingual schools welcome both Japanese nationals and foreign students, creating diverse classrooms.

Notable Bilingual International Schools in Tokyo

Here are some of the leading bilingual international schools offering English–Japanese programs in Tokyo:

1. New International School of Japan (NewIS)

• Location: Toshima-ku

• Grades: Preschool to Grade 12

• Highlights:

  • Fully bilingual program with team-teaching in English and Japanese.

  • Montessori-style education in the early years, followed by multi-age classrooms.

  • Emphasis on inquiry-based learning and balanced literacy in both languages.

• Ideal for: Families seeking an immersive bilingual program from early years to high school.

2. Laurus International School of Science (Bilingual Stream)

• Location: Multiple campuses across Tokyo

• Grades: Preschool to Elementary

• Highlights:

  • Focus on STEM and science education, taught in both English and Japanese.

  • Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving with a global perspective.

  • Smaller classes for personalized attention.

• Ideal for: Families who value bilingualism with a science and technology focus.

3. Tokyo Korean School (with bilingual English–Japanese programs)

• Location: Shinjuku-ku

• Grades: Elementary to High School

• Highlights:

  • Primarily caters to Korean and Japanese families but offers strong bilingual English–Japanese tracks.

  • Students can pursue Japanese universities or study abroad.

  • Strong emphasis on cultural diversity.

• Ideal for: Multicultural families seeking trilingual exposure (Korean, Japanese, English).

4. Gyosei International School (Tokyo Satellite Programs)

• Location: Chiyoda-ku

• Grades: Kindergarten to High School

• Highlights:

  • Catholic-based bilingual education.

  • Combines Japanese curriculum with international perspectives.

  • Pathways to Japanese universities and overseas institutions.

• Ideal for: Families looking for structured, faith-based bilingual education.

5. Keio Yochisha & Affiliated Programs (Partial Bilingual Tracks)

• Location: Minato-ku

• Grades: Elementary and beyond

• Highlights:

  • Elite Japanese private school with international bilingual programs.

  • Many students continue into Keio University.

  • English immersion available in select tracks.

• Ideal for: Japanese and international families aiming for prestigious academic pathways in Japan.

Admission Process and Requirements

Bilingual international schools in Tokyo often have competitive admission processes. Parents should prepare for:

• Application deadlines: Many schools require applications up to a year in advance.

• Entrance assessments: Language proficiency in English and/or Japanese is often tested.

• Interviews: Families are usually interviewed to assess commitment to bilingual education.

• Documentation: Academic records, recommendation letters, and proof of residency are common requirements.

Since bilingual schools attract both local and foreign families, admission spots can be limited—early applications are recommended.

Tuition and Costs

Tuition at bilingual international schools in Tokyo varies widely but is generally lower than full international schools, while still more expensive than Japanese public schools.

• Annual tuition range: ¥1,000,000 – ¥2,500,000 (USD $7,000 – $17,000).

• Additional fees: Registration, building, technology, and extracurricular activities.

• Scholarships: Some schools offer partial scholarships for high-performing or financially constrained families.

Advantages of Bilingual Education in Tokyo

• Language mastery: Students can achieve fluency in both Japanese and English, setting them apart in future career markets.

• Cultural versatility: Children are equally comfortable in Japanese and international settings.

• Family alignment: Japanese parents can stay connected to their children’s education, while international parents can still engage meaningfully.

• Global pathways: Whether a student chooses to attend university in Japan or abroad, they are well-prepared.

Challenges and Considerations

While bilingual international schools provide many benefits, parents should also consider challenges:

• Workload: Balancing two languages can be demanding for students, especially at higher grade levels.

• Curriculum alignment: Transitioning to purely Japanese or purely international schools later may require adjustment.

• Availability: Limited spots and high competition mean families should plan early.

How to Choose the Right Bilingual School in Tokyo

Parents should evaluate schools based on:

1. Language goals: Do you want equal fluency in both languages, or stronger emphasis on one?

2. Future plans: Consider whether your child is more likely to attend university in Japan or overseas.

3. Teaching style: Montessori, inquiry-based, Catholic, or traditional—find the style that matches your child’s learning needs.

4. Location: Tokyo traffic can be challenging; proximity matters.

5. Budget: Weigh tuition against the long-term benefits.

Conclusion

Bilingual international schools in Tokyo provide a unique opportunity for students to grow up fluent in both English and Japanese while enjoying the advantages of global education. For families committed to long-term living in Japan, or those who want their children to navigate both Japanese and international worlds with ease, these schools offer the best of both systems.

Whether you choose a fully bilingual program like NewIS, a STEM-focused track like Laurus, or a more traditional Catholic or elite private bilingual curriculum, Tokyo offers options to suit a wide range of educational philosophies. By planning early and matching your child’s needs with the school’s strengths, you can give them the tools to succeed in both Japanese society and the global community.

FAQs

What is a “bilingual international school” in Tokyo?

A bilingual international school delivers a full K–12 education in two languages—typically English and Japanese—rather than simply offering second-language classes. Core subjects (math, science, social studies, literacy) are taught in a planned mix of English and Japanese, often using recognized international frameworks (IB, IPC, AERO) alongside elements of Japan’s Course of Study. The goal is additive bilingualism: students gain academic proficiency in both languages without sacrificing content rigor.

How do language models (50/50, 70/30, immersion) actually work?

Schools choose different time allocations depending on grade level and student profile. Early grades may start with a 50/50 split to build balanced foundations, then shift to 60/40 or 70/30 in upper grades where academic English becomes dominant for research and assessments. Some programs run two-way immersion classes that mix native English and native Japanese speakers, leveraging peer modeling. Others operate strand models (separate English and Japanese homerooms) with coordinated curriculum maps to avoid duplication and gaps.

Which curriculum do bilingual schools in Tokyo follow?

Most adopt a hybrid: international programs such as the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) or Middle Years Programme (MYP), the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), or an American/UK standards-based approach, paired with Japanese language arts and social studies aligned to MEXT guidelines. High school pathways vary: some offer the IB Diploma Programme, others provide AP or IGCSE/A-level style courses, and a few maintain credits aligned with U.S. graduation requirements while ensuring robust Japanese literacy.

Will my child become truly bilingual and biliterate?

Outcomes depend on time-on-task, instructional quality, and home language support. Sustained exposure (6–8+ years), explicit literacy instruction in both languages, and consistent reading at home strongly predict biliteracy. Schools that track language portfolios, use leveled readers in both languages, and set proficiency targets (e.g., WIDA for English, JPT/JLPT-equivalent benchmarks for Japanese reading/writing) typically show the best results. Families can help by maintaining rich, age-appropriate reading in the weaker language.

How are students placed by language level?

Placement usually involves a language profile review (home language survey), on-demand writing samples, reading assessments, and short oral interviews with both English and Japanese staff. Schools aim for mixed-ability classrooms but will recommend targeted support—such as EAL (English as an Additional Language) or JSL (Japanese as a Second Language)—to keep learning on pace. Placement is not permanent; students are reassessed during the year and can exit support when they meet proficiency thresholds.

What EAL/JSL support is available?

Support models range from in-class co-teaching to short pull-out sessions. The best programs prioritize push-in services so students access grade-level content while receiving language scaffolds (visuals, sentence frames, vocabulary previews). Progress is monitored via standards-based rubrics (e.g., WIDA Can Do Descriptors) and classroom evidence. Communication with families includes termly language reports, targets for independent reading, and practical strategies for reinforcing vocabulary at home.

How are students assessed academically in two languages?

Assessment is multimodal: performance tasks, portfolios, unit projects, and common quizzes in both languages. Many schools benchmark English reading with tools like MAP Growth or DRA and evaluate Japanese literacy with kanji mastery checks, dictation, and comprehension tasks aligned to grade-level standards. In secondary, external assessments (IB exams, IGCSEs, AP) are common, and some schools offer optional Eiken or TOEFL/IELTS prep alongside academic Japanese writing workshops for university readiness.

What are the admissions requirements and timelines?

Rolling admissions are typical, but competitive grades (PreK, G1, G6, G9) fill early. Expect the following: application form, school reports, teacher recommendation, language profile, and a trial class or interview. Younger applicants may join play sessions instead of formal tests. Families moving mid-year should contact admissions early; bilingual schools try to accommodate relocations if space and language balance allow. Waitpools are often managed by grade, language profile, and sibling priority.

Can students transfer from Japanese public schools or monolingual international schools?

Yes. Transition plans focus on bridging the weaker language. A child arriving from a Japanese public school may need EAL acceleration; a child from an English-medium school may need intensive JSL and kanji catch-up. Schools often create individualized onboarding maps covering phonics/kanji review, subject vocabulary packs, and parent tips. Secondary transfers are assessed carefully to ensure credit alignment and to choose suitable exam pathways (IB/AP/IGCSE) if offered.

How do bilingual schools support students with learning differences?

Provision varies. Many schools provide tiered support: classroom differentiation, short-term interventions, and limited learning support services (e.g., executive function coaching). They may request previous psychoeducational evaluations to determine reasonable accommodations (extra time, assistive tech, reduced reading load). Because language needs can overlap with learning needs, teams coordinate to avoid over-remediation. Families should share documentation early so schools can confirm capacity and craft a support plan.

What about school culture, homeroom structure, and class size?

Bilingual schools intentionally blend international and Japanese school cultures: morning meetings, inquiry-based projects, service learning, and seasonal Japanese events. Homerooms often have both an English lead teacher and a Japanese lead or partner teacher, plus specialists for PE, music, art, and ICT. Typical class sizes run 18–24 students in elementary, slightly larger in middle/high school. Advisory programs in secondary support study skills, wellbeing, and university counseling.

How much do these schools cost, and is financial aid available?

Tuition is comparable to international schools in Tokyo and generally higher than private shitei gakkō. Expect application and building fees, annual tuition, and incidental costs (bus, lunch, activities, materials, uniform). Some bilingual schools offer need-based financial aid or sibling discounts; a few provide merit awards in upper school. Budget also for language exams, trip weeks, and after-school activities. Always request the current fee schedule and aid policy before applying.

Do students qualify for Japanese or overseas university entrance?

Graduates typically meet entry routes for domestic and international universities. Programs offering IB DP or a recognized high school diploma (with required subjects) plus strong Japanese language results can pursue AO, Global, or PE admissions at Japanese universities. Abroad, counselors guide testing (SAT/ACT if needed), English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), and portfolio/audition timelines. Maintaining academic Japanese through Grade 12 strengthens options at Japanese institutions.

What is the daily schedule and calendar like?

Most schools run Monday–Friday with roughly 7–8 periods, integrating designated English and Japanese blocks. Co-curriculars occur after school. The calendar follows a late-August or April start depending on program heritage; all schools honor major Japanese public holidays. Parent communication includes weekly newsletters, learning targets per unit, and bilingual parent-teacher conferences. Homework expectations are moderate in primary and increase in secondary, with emphasis on independent reading in both languages.

Are there after-school activities and holiday programs?

Yes—sports, music, robotics, coding, debate, Japanese calligraphy, English creative writing, Model UN, and community service. Many offer eiken/jōyō kanji clinics or academic English writing labs. Holiday programs (spring/summer) often focus on project-based bilingual learning, outdoor education, and cultural immersion. Participation helps newcomers accelerate language growth in a lower-stakes environment while building friendships across language groups.

How do schools foster cross-cultural identity and wellbeing?

Bilingual schools explicitly teach intercultural competencies: perspective-taking, respectful discourse, and local-global connections. Advisory lessons and counseling address the experience of “third culture kids,” transitions, and multilingual identity. Celebrations include Japanese seasonal events and international fairs, ensuring both languages and cultures are visible. Student leadership roles (house system, service committees) provide authentic contexts to use both English and Japanese purposefully.

What technology and library resources support bilingual learning?

Libraries curate parallel collections (leveled readers and YA novels) in English and Japanese. Classroom technology supports translanguaging strategies: digital glossaries, voice-typing for drafting, and platforms for multimodal projects. Many schools use learning management systems with bilingual parent portals. Policies encourage responsible device use; younger grades are device-light, while secondary adopts 1:1 laptops with academic writing and citation instruction in both languages.

How can families support bilingual development at home?

Maintain consistent reading routines in both languages, prioritize rich conversation at dinner, and choose extracurriculars that use the weaker language (theater, clubs, tutoring). Set manageable goals (e.g., 20 minutes of Japanese reading nightly plus weekend kanji review; sustained English chapter-book reading with discussion). Avoid excessive switching mid-task; instead choose the task language intentionally. Coordinate with teachers so home practice aligns with current units and vocabulary.

What transportation, lunch, and safety measures are typical?

Many schools run optional bus services with supervised routes and GPS tracking; public transit is common for older students. Lunch options include cafeteria meals and bento from home; food-allergy protocols are standardized. Safety plans cover earthquake/fire drills, secure entry systems, and bilingual emergency communications. Field trips and residential camps follow detailed risk assessments and chaperone ratios, reinforcing both language use and independent life skills.

What documents should relocating families prepare?

Prepare previous report cards, teacher recommendations, vaccination records, passport/visa details, language profiles, and any learning support documentation. If arriving mid-year, include a curriculum overview or course syllabi so the school can map credits and recommend appropriate language support. For younger students, note toileting independence and any speech/OT services. Submitting complete files early helps admissions place your child effectively and ensures a smoother bilingual transition.

Tokyo International School Guide