Compare Advanced Placement (AP) International Schools in Japan

The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is an independent international high school in Shibuya, Tokyo for students in grades 9–12. Its campus opened in 2024 and is located at Spark Shibuya, a short walk from Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park. Academics are built on three pillars: project-based, problem-based and inquiry-based learning. Students spend half the school day designing and executing real-world projects, supported by coaches and industry mentors. Math and Science are delivered through Khan Academy and aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. TIF culminates in an American high school diploma, and students are described as preparing for SAT and AP exams. A signature annual event is Demo Day, where students present their projects to a public audience.

Canadian International School Tokyo (CIS Tokyo) is an international day school in Tokyo offering education from Kindergarten through Grade 12 with English as the language of instruction. It follows the Canadian curriculum and incorporates the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in the early years. In the upper grades, students have access to Advanced Placement course options. Japanese language is taught as part of the curriculum alongside core academic subjects. The school operates multiple campuses in the Shinagawa and Nakameguro areas, both of which are well connected to central Tokyo by public transport. Class sizes typically average around 15 students, with a maximum of about 20, allowing for close interaction between teachers and students. Annual tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year range from approximately ¥2,600,000 to ¥3,100,000. CIS Tokyo is accredited by the Prince Edward Island Department of Education, the International Baccalaureate for the PYP and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The program includes physical education, music and visual arts, and a contracted school bus service is available.

KA International School (KAIS) is an English-based international school in Tokyo serving children from Pre-K through Grade 12. Students study an American standards-aligned program (including references to American Common Core Standards) and KAIS offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. The school emphasizes English as its first priority and teaches Japanese as a subject. Facilities highlighted by the school include science labs, libraries, a gym, a music room and an art room. A distinctive feature is KAIS’s “Visible Learning” focus. This is possible as the school has earned Visible Learning Certification through Corwin. High school life also includes an annual “Experience Japan Trip”.

Saint Maur International School is a co-educational day school in Yamate, a historical, cultural and residential area of central Yokohama, on the same site where it was founded in 1872. The school accepts children from age 2½ through Grade 12. In Grades 9–10, Saint Maur uses the IGCSE framework and in Grades 11–12 most courses are IB courses. Students may take the IB Diploma or take individual IB courses. The school also offers students the opportunity to take Advanced Placement exams. Facilities highlighted by the school include Fine Arts spaces, science facilities, a Sports & Activities Center and Robotics Labs.

Move To Learn Global School, established in August 2021 in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, is an international day school offering education and support for children aged 3 to 12 with diverse learning needs. The school provides a bespoke curriculum designed from the best elements of British, IB, American and other global curricula, delivered in English and Japanese to build foundational skills in English literacy, math, science and STEAM. Because of its small class sizes (around 7–8 students), instructors tailor instruction to individual learners, especially for students with special educational needs such as ASD, ADHD and learning difficulties. The campus supports inclusive education and individualized development, rather than fixed grade-level expectations, helping students progress at their own pace while strengthening communication, cognitive and social skills.

The American School in Japan (ASIJ), founded in 1902, is a non-profit, co-educational school in Tokyo serving students from nursery through high school on two campuses. Younger children attend the Early Learning Center in Roppongi (nursery–kindergarten), while the main campus in Chofu serves kindergarten–grade 12 next to Nogawa Park. ASIJ follows an American-model curriculum and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Capstone. High school students also have structured support through a seminar program and grades 11–12 can complete a two-year Deep Learning Signature Program. Beyond classes, students can choose from 170+ co-curricular options, including VEX Robotics, iGEM, Model UN and extensive arts and athletics opportunities.

Hokkaido International School (HIS) in Sapporo opened in 1958 and is located in Toyohira-ku at 1-55, 5 jo 19 chome Hiragishi. The campus is accessible by subway, with directions provided from Odori Station to Sumikawa Station, followed by a 5–7 minute walk to the school. HIS offers education from the Early Years (ages 3–4) through Grade 12. In the Early Years, classrooms are described as Reggio Emilia inspired. At the elementary level, the school follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), while the middle school uses the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). In high school, students can take Advanced Placement courses, including the AP Capstone program with Seminar and Research, alongside a range of other AP subjects. Outdoor Education is identified by the school as an important part of the middle and high school curriculum, making use of Hokkaido’s natural environment as part of students’ learning experiences.

International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH) in Tokyo was founded in 1908 and is located at Shibuya-ku, about three minutes from Hiroo Station. The school enrolls approximately 585 students and is co-educational in Kindergarten (ages 3–5), then girls-only from Grade 1 through Grade 12. ISSH describes its programme as an in-house curriculum and uses the International Primary Curriculum in Junior School. In Grades 11–12, students can take Advanced Placement courses. ISSH lists 22 AP subjects including sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Computer Science A and languages (French and Japanese). Outside class, the school runs activities such as Artscape (an annual exhibition event) as well as ensembles like Choir and Orchestra.

KIU Academy in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, is a bilingual international school serving Grades 1–12. The Academy combines an American-based curriculum with Japanese curriculum awareness and delivers instruction in both English and Japanese across elementary, middle and high school programs. KIU Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), offering students a pathway that meets international and Japanese educational standards. The school’s admissions pages list a structured fee package for tuition, entrance, and other costs for annual enrollment. KIU Academy emphasizes bilingual fluency, cross-cultural communication and preparation for university study. While specific clubs and class sizes are not detailed on the official site, the Academy positions itself as a place where students gain practical bilingual skills and global perspectives designed to support further education in Japan and abroad.

Axis International School in Kichijoji started in 2003 and serves students from ages 1 to 18. The international school offers an English-language academic program based on Griggs International Academy (U.S.) and students graduating from the high school program earn a U.S. high school diploma. Classes are kept small, with a maximum of 8 students per class and students take required coursework including Bible, English Language, Mathematics, Reading, Science and Social Studies. For eligible high school students (GPA 3.0+), the school describes a dual credit option that can provide college credit while still in high school. The school is about an 8-minute walk from JR Kichijoji Station and also lists paid bus service options.

Tokyo International Progressive School (TIPS) is a small international school in Setagaya, Tokyo, serving students from Grades 4 to 12. Founded in 2000, the school is located near the Futako-Tamagawa area and provides guidance for access from Futako-Tamagawa Station. TIPS is designed to support students with mild learning differences and learning challenges, offering an individualized academic environment with very small class sizes, averaging six students and capped at ten. The school follows an American-based curriculum, using Common Core standards in the middle grades and University of Nebraska High School (UNHS) online courses and Advanced Placement (AP) options at the high school level. Instruction is delivered in English, with opportunities for students to engage in Japanese language and culture activities. Beyond academics, students can participate in clubs such as coding, band, board games and sports, as well as the ACE program, which focuses on student-led projects and entrepreneurship.

Okinawa Christian School International (OCSI) is an English-language school in Yomitan, Okinawa, established in 1957. The campus is described as being in a suburban setting overlooking the East China Sea and about 23 km north of Naha, Okinawa’s capital city. OCSI serves students from PreK through Grade 12 and uses an American-based, Biblically integrated program. In high school (Grades 9–12), students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Beyond the school day, OCSI runs After-School Activities and student “Circles,” with examples such as coding, choir, basketball, Young Engineers, debate, chess, student council (STUCO) and NJHS. The athletics program includes competition with local schools and off-island tournaments in Asia.

Tokyo YMCA International School (TYIS) is an English-language international school in Koto-ku, Tokyo, near Toyocho Station (Tozai Line). In elementary, core subjects are structured around North American content standards, and TYIS also offers Academic Support for Kids (ASK) for students who need additional academic or language support. The high school program is described as modeled after a U.S. high school experience, with elective options including arts, physical education, foreign language, information technology and vocational skills, plus university guidance and SAT test prep support. TYIS also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and states it is an authorized AP school through the College Board. School traditions and activities highlighted on the site include events such as a science fair, spelling bee, talent show, sports day, seasonal concerts and camps.

Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ) is a K–12 co-educational day school in Higashi Kurume, in Tokyo’s northwest suburbs, established in 1950. Instruction is in English and follows a North American curriculum model with Bible classes across grades. In high school, students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and complete a required Senior Capstone research-and-project course. Each fall, “School Without Walls” replaces normal classes for a week so students practice leadership and service around Japan. World languages include Japanese and Spanish, offered from beginning levels through advanced/AP options. Students join co-curricular programs such as robotics, Student Council, National Honor Society, drama and music ensembles. Campus spaces include the ARK building, which houses the cafeteria/kitchen, band room and a multi-purpose room for events and activities. Athletics in the high school profile include basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis and track.

New Life International School (NLIS), located in Kofu, Yamanashi, offers an American-style Christian education for students from grades 1 through 12. As the only school in the prefecture with accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the institution provides a structured learning environment that connects students to an international educational framework. The school maintains a small, family-like atmosphere where students participate in a variety of specialized activities. Offerings include ESL and EIKEN preparation, Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) classes for JLPT study, non-contact karate, and after-school care. Students also participate in elective clubs, such as sports for grades seven and up, and student-led Bible clubs. By integrating daily English-language instruction with community-focused projects, the school encourages students to communicate clearly while learning to apply their skills to help others within their community.