The Kanto region of Japan is home to a vibrant array of international schools that cater to expatriate families and local residents seeking a globally-focused education. These schools offer a diverse selection of curricula, including British, American, Canadian and bilingual programs, ensuring that students are equipped to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world. Serving as vital links between Japan and the global community, the international schools in Kanto foster inclusive learning environments for students of all nationalities. Whether you are in search of an internationally recognized curriculum or an institution that prioritizes cultural and personal development, Kanto’s international schools provide a solid foundation for future success. These institutions not only emphasize academic excellence but also promote cross-cultural understanding, making them ideal choices for families looking to prepare their children for life in a global society. Here is a list of international schools available in the Kanto region of Japan.
International schools in Chiba
1. Makuhari International School, Chiba
Makuhari International School (MIS) offers a unique educational experience for both returning Japanese students and expatriates, fostering multilingual, globally minded students ready to thrive in the 21st century. The school’s curriculum blends the Japanese national learning objectives with an international teaching model, allowing students to seamlessly transition into both international middle schools and Japanese junior high schools. At MIS, students receive instruction in English for most subjects, while Japanese language studies are tailored to both native and non-native speakers.
Opened in September 2023, Rugby School Japan (RSJ) is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11-18, located in Kashiwanoha, Japan, just 40 minutes from central Tokyo. As the second international school founded by the prestigious Rugby School group in the UK, RSJ offers a British curriculum, preparing students for IGCSEs and A Levels, while embracing Japan’s unique cultural advantages.
The school fosters a holistic approach to education, reflected in its ethos, "The Whole Person, The Whole Point," and its Rugby Learner Profile, encouraging students to be resilient, curious, and globally minded. With almost 40 highly qualified teachers, many from the UK, RSJ is committed to academic excellence and student development.
International Schools in Ibaraki
1. Liberty International School, Ibaraki
Liberty International School (LIS), located in Ibaraki, Japan, operates two campuses: Shimo Hiratsuka and Higashi Hiratsuka. Catering to students from kindergarten through Grade 12, LIS offers a balanced approach to education, preparing students for the GED and SAT exams in high school. While conventional testing is minimized in the early years and elementary levels (up to Grade 4), the school emphasizes formative assessments to track student progress. From Grade 5 onward, a blend of formative and summative assessments is used to equip students for external standardized tests, ensuring they develop a broad range of skills and academic readiness.
2. Tsukuba International School, Ibaraki
Tsukuba International School (TIS) is an IB World School located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, offering a comprehensive education for students from pre-kindergarten (age 3) to Year 12 (age 18). Since its founding in 1992, TIS has provided an international education in English, following the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).
International Schools in Saitama
1. Columbia International School, Saitama
Columbia International School offers a safe and engaging learning environment with small classes and a focus on individual student development. Using the Ontario, Canada curriculum, the school emphasizes both academic and social-emotional growth. Dynamic, qualified teachers support students in understanding the world through a one-to-one laptop environment, fostering lifelong learning and global citizenship. The school encourages participation in extracurricular activities, cultural events and community involvement to build leadership skills. The school caters to students from kindergarten up until Grade 12.
2. Victory International School, Saitama
Victory International School fosters a positive learning attitude by nurturing curiosity and a love for learning in a warm, stable environment. Accepting students from kindergarten through elementary level up to Grade 5, the school offers an integrated curriculum that combines Cambridge materials with Singapore Maths offering a well-rounded curriculum that helps children grow into motivated, confident individuals, well-prepared to face future challenges.
International Schools in Kanagawa
1. Horizon Japan International School
Horizon Japan International School, a co-educational international school for students from Preschool through Grade 12, has been serving the Yokohama community since 2003. Located along the portside waterfront of Yokohama’s central coast, HJIS offers a values-driven educational experience shaped by the city’s rich global and diverse culture. With a vision of discovering the world and contributing to its transformation, the school prepares students for lifelong success, fostering a passion for learning and achievement. The school is an IB World School authorized to offer the PYP, MYP and DP programmes.
2. Saint Maur International School
Founded in 1872, Saint Maur International School is the oldest international school in Japan and Asia, recognized as a pioneer in international education. While rooted in traditional values, Saint Maur embraces educational innovation, being among the first to introduce the Montessori system, International Primary Curriculum (IPC), IGCSE, and IB programmes in the region. Catering to students from kindergarten through Grade 12, the school offers a balanced academic and extracurricular experience in a safe and supportive environment.
In the Kanto region of Japan, international schools offer a diverse range of educational opportunities that cater to the needs of expatriate families and local students alike. With a focus on globally recognized curricula and innovative teaching methods, these institutions prepare students for success in an interconnected world. From fostering independent thinking and cultural awareness to emphasizing academic excellence and personal growth, Kanto’s international schools create inclusive environments that nurture well-rounded individuals.
Whether pursuing the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge qualifications, or other esteemed programs, students gain valuable skills and experiences that equip them for future challenges. As families explore these exceptional educational options, they will find a wealth of opportunities that lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and global citizenship. The Kanto region’s commitment to high-quality education ensures that students are well-prepared to thrive in today’s dynamic global landscape.
