Key facts
Age range 3–18
Grades K–12
Gender Coeducational
Faculty 60–100
Students 500–700
Tuition ¥2,700,000 – ¥2,970,000

K. International School Tokyo (KIST)

Est. 1997
Tokyo Cambridge IGCSE Cambridge Lower Secondary IB DP (Diploma Programme) IB PYP (Primary Years Programme) Independent Educational Foundation recognized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Authorized as an IB World School since 2002. Designated by the College Board and Educational Testing Service as a Test Center for the administration of the SAT exams in Tokyo

School at a Glance

Age Range 3–18
Grades Offered K–12
Gender Coeducational
Total Students 500–700
Faculty 60–100
Classes per Grade

K. International School Tokyo (KIST) is a highly competitive, private, co-educational IB Continuum Day School, founded in 1997 , located in Koto-ku, Tokyo. The location is highly convenient, situated less than one minute from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station. The school targets academically motivated students of all nationalities, offering a curriculum that blends the IB PYP (K1-G5), the KIST Lower Secondary Programme/IGCSE (G6-10), and the highly successful IB Diploma Programme (DP) (G11-12). KIST consistently ranks among the top IB DP schools globally, boasting exceptional average scores (e.g., 42.0 average for the Class of 2025) and near 100% university acceptance. The school maintains a diverse student body of over 675 students from approximately 39 nationalities, and its faculty is highly qualified, with 26 holding postgraduate degrees. Facilities include modern classrooms, an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor field, and dedicated arts and science spaces. Admission is highly selective, with a rolling admissions process.

Fees & Value

Base Currency ¥ (Japanese Yen)
Annual Tuition ¥2,700,000 – ¥2,970,000

Enrollment Fees

  • Application Fee: ¥30,000
  • Registration Fee: ¥300,000
  • Deposit: ¥700,000

Payment Schedule

The annual tuition payment is generally due in July

Additional Fees

Building Maintenance Fee: ¥200,000. Community Association Fee: ¥2,000.

Campus & Facilities

Library Science Labs School Bus Playgrounds / Outdoor Areas

Sports Facilities

Indoor Gymnasium, Outdoor playing field, Playground

Arts Facilities

Visual and Performing Arts Spaces, Auditorium/Theatre

Technology

Classrooms are equipped with digital tools, Design Studio, Science Labs

Learning & Curriculum

Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge Lower Secondary, IB DP (Diploma Programme), IB PYP (Primary Years Programme)
Diplomas / Certificates IB Diploma
Languages English
Student Support University Counseling

Extracurricular Activities

Athletics & Sports, cultural clubs, academic clubs, concerts, festivals, excursions

Admissions

Application Process

KIST practices Rolling Admissions, meaning applications are accepted throughout the year. However, space is highly limited and it is advisable to apply early, especially for the main August intake.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must submit necessary documents, including academic transcripts, for review. High proficiency in English is strictly required for admission, especially in the higher grades, as English is the language of instruction.

Assessment Tests

School designed tests

Interview Process

Since KIST utilizes a rolling admissions process and serves an international student population with high academic standards, it is common for such schools to use virtual interviews (such as via Zoom), particularly when screening overseas applicants

Deadlines

Since space is highly limited and competitive, it is strongly advised to apply early, especially if targeting the main academic intake starting in August

Required Documents

Application form, submission of previous transcripts or report cards, submission of any relevant standardized test scores, payment of the non-refundable ¥30,000 Application Fee

Contact & Location

  • Address: 1-5-15 Shirakawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0021. Conveniently located less than one minute from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station.
  • City: Tokyo
  • Phone: +81-3-3642-9993
  • Email: info@kist.ed.jp
  • Website: http://www.kist.ed.jp