Getting an education in Tokyo; from kindergarten to college, the opportunities for an English-language education in Tokyo have never been better. But how do you make the right choice? - International Education

Japan, Inc., Jan, 2004 by John Dodd

At K. International School Tokyo, an inquiry-based approach to education provides students with the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning.

The number of students at KIST has grown to nearly 300 students, consisting of children from both expatriate and local families from over 40 countries.

The school has facilities which include computers, art, music and science rooms, a gymnasium and a heated swimming pool. There are also separate playing areas for students and a well resourced library.

Worthy of note is the fact that KIST offers a more affordable fee structure than most schools in the Tokyo area.

St. Mary's

Established in 1954, one school that needs little introduction is the famous boy's school in Setagaya, St. Mary's. The school is set in a leafy suburb just minutes by train from downtown, yet boasts a beautiful setting and spacious grounds and playing fields.

St. Mary's is an all-grades school, servicing students all the way from K to 12. At the elementary and junior high levels, it uses a US-centric training curriculum, moving to the International Baccalaureate program from High School. The school has a curriculum coordinator and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and by the European Council of International Schools (ECIS).

We asked Development Manager Unyu Haku about the trends in where students are coming from. He replied: "Due to the recession, the number of expats in Tokyo is decreasing. However, at the same time there are many Japanese returnees who wish to learn in an international environment. The trick is to keep a balance between native-speaking kids and those who need some integration to be able to participate fully."

Yokohama International School (YIS)

YIS serves the Yokohama area, a location where many expats have chosen to live thanks to the quality of life and the proximity of the YCAC club. The school was established in 1924, just after the great Kanto earthquake, and apart from a hiatus during World War II, has been operating ever since. YIS was only the second authorized international school in the world, just a week after the International School of Geneva was founded.

The school follows the Reggio Emelia program for its pre-school students, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for grades I through 12. The IB program's Primary Years and Middle Years curriculum ensures that children are very well prepared for the highly competitive exams for universities later. In fact, YIS is the Japan Center for the IB curriculum in Japan.

YIS is also accredited with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) from the US and the European Council of International Schools [ECIS). A special feature of the YIS is its ability to prepare students to get into universities of their choice. As Development Officer Tim Winant explains, "Students may take for free the Princeton Review courses offered by that organization, since its headquarters in Yokohama are actually at the school. These help students prepare for the US SATs and significantly increase their chances of success."