Complete Guide to New International School of Japan (NewIS – Bilingual)

The New International School of Japan (NewIS), located in Tokyo, stands out among international schools for its unique bilingual and multiage education approach. Established in 2001, NewIS has become a model for innovative, child-centered teaching that combines English and Japanese as languages of instruction. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of NewIS, including its philosophy, curriculum, admissions process, facilities, and what makes it distinct for both local and international families seeking an alternative to traditional schooling in Japan.

School Philosophy and Educational Approach

NewIS was founded with the belief that students learn best in collaborative and multilingual environments. The school embraces a dual-language system where English and Japanese are equally used across subjects, allowing students to naturally acquire both languages through immersion. Unlike traditional schools that separate students by grade levels strictly based on age, NewIS implements a multiage system, where students from two or three grade levels share the same classroom.

This approach is designed to promote peer-to-peer learning, mentorship opportunities, and flexible pacing, enabling children to advance at their own speed. The philosophy is inspired by research on developmental psychology and cooperative learning strategies, ensuring students gain independence, confidence, and cross-cultural competence.

Curriculum

The curriculum at NewIS blends international best practices with Japanese cultural elements. It is not bound by any single national education system but integrates components of progressive education models. The bilingual instruction means that students develop literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking in both Japanese and English, giving them a solid foundation for future global opportunities.

Key features of the curriculum include:

• Multiage Classes: Classes typically combine two or three grade levels (for example, Grades 1–2 or Grades 5–6–7), allowing younger students to learn from older peers and older students to reinforce their knowledge by teaching younger classmates.

• Integrated Learning: Subjects such as science, social studies, and language arts are taught in thematic, project-based formats, fostering creativity and deeper understanding.

• Arts and Music: Creativity is highly emphasized, with regular music, art, and drama integrated into the weekly schedule. Students participate in performances and exhibitions throughout the school year.

• Physical Education: Movement and health are considered essential. Students engage in sports, fitness, and recreational activities regularly.

• Technology: Digital tools and media literacy are woven into learning, preparing students for the modern world while keeping screen time balanced.

Grade Levels and Structure

NewIS accepts students from Kindergarten (age 3) through Grade 12 (age 18). The multiage structure is grouped into clusters:

• Early Childhood (Ages 3–5)

• Elementary (Grades 1–6, divided into multiage groups)

• Secondary (Grades 7–12)

Students progress flexibly, with teachers providing individualized attention to ensure mastery of core skills.

Language of Instruction

The most distinctive feature of NewIS is its bilingual immersion program. Each classroom has two homeroom teachers: one teaching in English, the other in Japanese. Instruction switches naturally between both languages depending on the subject and context. This model ensures that students develop academic fluency in both languages, a rare opportunity compared to traditional international schools where English dominates.

For students new to Japanese or English, language support programs are available to help them catch up, although the expectation is that students will gradually learn through immersion.

Admissions Process

Admission to NewIS is open to children of both expatriate and Japanese families. The school is known for its inclusive approach, valuing diversity in cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Steps for Admission:

1. Application Form: Submitted online with personal information, transcripts (if applicable), and language background.

2. School Visit/Interview: Families are encouraged to tour the school. Interviews with parents and students are part of the process to ensure alignment with the school’s philosophy.

3. Trial Day or Assessment: Younger children may join a trial day to see how they adapt to the bilingual, multiage setting.

4. Acceptance and Enrollment: Once accepted, parents must confirm enrollment and settle initial fees.

Admissions are rolling, but spaces are limited, especially in popular grade clusters, so early application is encouraged.

Tuition and Fees

As of recent years, tuition at NewIS is competitive compared to other international schools in Tokyo. Annual tuition ranges approximately from ¥1,500,000 to ¥2,300,000, depending on grade level.

Additional costs include:

• One-time application and enrollment fees

• School development fee

• Lunch program (optional)

• Uniforms (simple and minimal compared to many schools)

• Extracurricular activity fees

While not the most expensive school in Tokyo, NewIS still requires significant financial planning from families.

Facilities

Located in Toshima-ku, Tokyo, the NewIS campus is urban yet welcoming, with bright classrooms and multipurpose spaces. Facilities include:

• Spacious classrooms designed for multiage group learning

• A well-stocked library with English and Japanese books

• Music rooms and performance spaces

• Art studios

• Gymnasium and outdoor play areas

• Computer labs and digital learning resources

Though the campus is modest compared to large international schools, it is designed to foster community, collaboration, and creativity.

Extracurricular Activities

NewIS offers a variety of after-school programs and clubs, including:

• Sports teams (soccer, basketball, track and field)

• Music and choir groups

• Art and drama workshops

• Language clubs

• Community service projects

Seasonal events such as cultural festivals, performances, and exhibitions are highlights of the school year, involving both students and parents.

Student Community and Diversity

NewIS serves a diverse student body of around 300 students from over 30 nationalities. The mix of Japanese and international students creates a rich environment for cross-cultural exchange.

Unlike many international schools that cater mostly to expatriates, NewIS has a strong appeal to bilingual and bicultural families who want their children to thrive in both Japanese and international contexts.

Parent Involvement

Parental engagement is highly encouraged. The school hosts regular open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and community-building events. Many parents appreciate the inclusive and warm atmosphere, where teachers and administrators are approachable and open to collaboration.

Advantages of NewIS

• True bilingual (English-Japanese) education from early years to high school

• Multiage system fosters independence and collaboration

• Inclusive admissions welcoming diverse families

• Strong arts and creativity emphasis

• Smaller, community-oriented environment compared to larger international schools

Challenges to Consider

• The bilingual system may be challenging for students who are completely new to both English and Japanese

• Limited campus size compared to larger international schools

• Tuition, while moderate by international school standards, is still high compared to Japanese public or private schools

Pathways After Graduation

Graduates of NewIS have gone on to universities in Japan and abroad. Thanks to bilingual proficiency, students are well-prepared for higher education in both English and Japanese-speaking institutions. Alumni have entered fields ranging from international business and law to the arts and sciences.

Conclusion

The New International School of Japan (NewIS) offers a unique bilingual and multiage learning model that sets it apart from other international schools in Tokyo. For families seeking an environment that balances Japanese and international perspectives, encourages peer learning, and emphasizes creativity, NewIS provides an exceptional option. Its strong community values, inclusive admissions, and innovative teaching practices make it a popular choice for bicultural families and globally minded parents.

While the bilingual immersion may be demanding for some, the long-term benefits of fluency in two major world languages, combined with adaptability and cross-cultural competence, are undeniable. For many, NewIS is more than a school—it’s a place where children learn how to thrive in an interconnected world.

FAQs

What makes the New International School of Japan (NewIS) different from other international schools in Tokyo?

NewIS combines bilingual immersion (English and Japanese) with a multiage classroom model. Instead of grouping strictly by single-year grades, students learn in mixed-age clusters, which encourages mentoring, collaboration, and flexible pacing. Two homeroom teachers—one English-speaking and one Japanese-speaking—co-plan and co-teach, so students encounter both languages naturally across subjects. This approach aims to build biliteracy, cross-cultural confidence, and strong social skills while keeping academics rigorous and personalized.

Is NewIS an IB or American/British curriculum school?

NewIS is not tied to a single national curriculum or the IB. It uses an integrated, project-based model aligned with international best practices and Japanese cultural context. This gives the school freedom to design interdisciplinary units, differentiate instruction for multiage groups, and keep language development central. Graduates pursue universities in Japan and abroad, supported by strong counseling and documentation of learning outcomes.

How does the bilingual immersion work day to day?

Students experience instruction, routines, and projects in both English and Japanese. The proportion may vary by class and unit, but the default expectation is meaningful exposure to both languages throughout the week. Teachers plan for balanced development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, including academic vocabulary and genre writing in each language. Importantly, the immersion is contextual—language is learned while doing science, math, arts, and social studies, not only in stand-alone language classes.

Will my child need to be fluent in both languages before admission?

No. NewIS welcomes learners with varied language backgrounds. The school provides targeted support to help newcomers access content while accelerating language growth. Families should, however, expect a genuine bilingual environment: students will encounter challenging academic content in both English and Japanese. Progress is monitored closely, and teachers scaffold instruction with visuals, sentence frames, vocabulary previews, and strategic grouping.

What age groups and grade levels does NewIS serve?

NewIS enrolls students from early childhood (around age 3) through high school. Classes are organized into multiage clusters (for example, a two- or three-grade span) so children can learn from and lead peers at different developmental stages. This structure enables pacing flexibility: students who are ready can extend learning, while others receive more time and support without stigma.

How are core subjects taught in a multiage classroom?

In literacy and numeracy, teachers use workshop models, mini-lessons, and targeted small-group instruction. For science and social studies, they design thematic, inquiry-driven projects with differentiated roles and outcomes. Assessment is continuous and varied—observations, conferencing, portfolios, performance tasks, and rubrics—so teachers can tailor instruction within the same project. The goal is depth of understanding and authentic application, not just coverage of a textbook sequence.

How is student progress assessed and reported to parents?

Assessment at NewIS emphasizes growth over time. Teachers collect evidence of learning through writing samples, math problem-solving, project artifacts, presentations, and reflections. Reports highlight mastery of skills in both languages, collaboration and leadership in multiage settings, and progress toward personal goals. Families receive periodic narratives and conferences that make learning visible and actionable, rather than relying solely on traditional letter grades.

Does NewIS offer arts, music, and physical education?

Yes. The arts are integral, not add-ons. Students engage in visual arts, music, drama, and design, often linked to interdisciplinary projects. Public showcases, exhibitions, and performances help students practice audience awareness and feedback. Physical education emphasizes movement literacy, fitness, and teamwork through diverse activities and seasonal sports. The school values balanced development—head, heart, and body.

What technology does the school use, and how is screen time managed?

Technology serves learning goals, not the other way around. Students use devices for research, drafting, media creation, coding, and data analysis as developmentally appropriate. Teachers balance digital and hands-on experiences, prioritizing conversation, making, and play, especially in younger years. Digital citizenship and media literacy are taught explicitly so students can evaluate sources, collaborate responsibly, and protect their well-being online.

How inclusive is NewIS for students with diverse learning needs?

Inclusivity is a core value. Multiage structures and flexible grouping naturally support a wide range of learners. When needed, the school provides additional scaffolds or individualized plans, always aiming to keep students in the least restrictive, most community-connected setting. Families should share previous assessments and collaborate with the school to ensure supports are in place from day one.

What is the admissions process like?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to space. Families submit forms and records, then typically visit for interviews, tours, and (for some students) trial days or placement activities. Because NewIS’s model is distinctive, the school looks for alignment with its bilingual and multiage philosophy. Early applications are advised for high-demand clusters. The admissions team provides clear next steps and timelines after initial review.

What are typical school fees and what additional costs should families expect?

Tuition is comparable to other Tokyo international schools and varies by division. Families should budget for application and enrollment fees, learning resources, lunch (if applicable), activities, and occasional trips or events. The school communicates fee schedules annually and aims for transparency about optional versus required costs. Many families find that NewIS’s community feel and bilingual outcomes deliver strong long-term value.

How does NewIS support university and career pathways in Japan and overseas?

In upper grades, counseling focuses on fit, readiness, and documentation of learning. Because NewIS emphasizes authentic projects and biliteracy, students assemble portfolios and transcripts that speak to real competence. Counselors guide testing (when needed), recommendations, and applications to universities in Japan, North America, Europe, and beyond. Alumni pathways include STEM fields, design and the arts, international business, education, and social sciences.

What is the school culture like for families—communication, community, and parent involvement?

NewIS is known for a warm, collaborative ethos. Teachers and leaders are accessible; communication is regular and substantive. Parents participate in conferences, learning celebrations, and community events. Volunteer opportunities are available, and feedback is encouraged. Because the student body is a blend of Japanese and international families, the community culture is inclusive and cross-cultural by design.

How does the school handle transitions for students new to Japan or to bilingual schooling?

Orientation helps students and parents understand routines, language expectations, and supports. Teachers start the year with community-building and diagnostic assessments to calibrate instruction. Newcomers receive additional language scaffolds, peer buddies, and clear goals. The school also offers guidance on navigating life in Tokyo—transport, lunch routines, club sign-ups—so families can settle in smoothly.

What extracurriculars, clubs, and sports are available after school?

Offerings evolve with student interest and season: team sports (for example, soccer or basketball), fitness and movement clubs, ensembles and choir, drama and stagecraft, art and design workshops, coding and robotics, language clubs, and service initiatives. The emphasis is on participation, exploration, and leadership rather than narrow selection. Older students frequently mentor younger peers, strengthening the multiage culture beyond class time.

How safe is the campus and what well-being supports exist?

Student well-being is central. The school maintains clear safety procedures, age-appropriate supervision, and regular drills. Social-emotional learning is woven into advisory, class routines, and restorative practices. Counselors and teachers coordinate when students need extra care. The bilingual context itself builds empathy and perspective-taking, which are protective factors for well-being.

How can families evaluate whether NewIS is the right fit?

Consider your goals: Do you value biliteracy in English and Japanese? Are you excited by project-based, mixed-age learning where students lead as well as follow? Do you prefer growth-focused reporting over high-stakes testing? If the answers are yes, NewIS is likely a strong match. Visiting classes, speaking with teachers, and reviewing student work samples will give the clearest picture of the learning culture.

What steps should new families take to prepare before the first day?

Complete required forms, confirm uniforms or dress guidelines, arrange transportation, and review communications on schedules and supplies. If your child is strengthening one language, consider summer reading, audio books, and conversational practice to build confidence. Talk together about the multiage structure so your child anticipates learning with and from peers of different ages.

What outcomes can families realistically expect after several years at NewIS?

Most students demonstrate strong academic literacy in both English and Japanese, including the capacity to read complex texts, write for varied audiences, and present confidently. They acquire collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving skills by navigating multiage teams and authentic projects. Perhaps most importantly, they develop cultural fluency—the ability to move between languages, communities, and contexts with empathy and agency—preparing them for universities and careers in Japan and around the world.

Tokyo International School Guide