The Montessori School of Tokyo (MST)

The Montessori School of Tokyo (MST) is a well-established international day school in Minato-ku offering an authentic, high-fidelity Montessori education for children aged 18 months to 15 years (through Grade 9). Founded in 2003 and accredited by the International Montessori Council (IMC), MST is known for its strong adherence to Montessori principles, including mixed-age classrooms, self-paced learning, and hands-on materials that foster independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation. English is the primary language of instruction, with Japanese integrated into the curriculum, and the school serves a diverse international community representing more than 30 nationalities. One of MST’s most distinctive features is its expansive private garden—one of the largest among central Tokyo international schools—which supports outdoor exploration and nature-based learning. Classrooms are bright and thoughtfully prepared, and faculty members are highly qualified, with many holding AMI diplomas. Rather than traditional standardized testing, student progress is assessed through careful observation and mastery of skills. MST emphasizes holistic development—academic, social, emotional, and practical—within a close-knit community environment. As the school concludes at Grade 9, graduates typically transition to international high schools in Tokyo or abroad, well prepared with strong independence, critical thinking skills, and a deep love of learning.