United School of Tokyo (UST)

Founded in 2014 by a passionate group of parents and educators, the United School of Tokyo (UST) is a private, co-educational international day school located in the Tomigaya area of Shibuya, offering a nurturing, community-centered education for students aged 3 to 14 from Kindergarten through Grade 8. Known as an “international school with a conscience,” UST combines strong academic standards with a warm, family-like atmosphere, serving approximately 120–150 students representing over 40 nationalities in small classes averaging 12–15 students to ensure individualized attention and meaningful teacher-student relationships. The school delivers a holistic, child-centric, inquiry-based curriculum aligned with American Common Core benchmarks, emphasizing Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and a values-based Guidance program that supports social-emotional growth, character development, and global citizenship. English is the primary language of instruction, with daily Japanese classes grouped by ability level, and students benefit from experiential learning through regular field trips, outdoor education in nearby Yoyogi and Shoto Parks, and weekly swimming sessions at the local Olympic Pool. While the campus is housed in a multi-story urban building with dedicated Science, Art, Music, Library, and indoor multi-purpose gym facilities, UST strategically utilizes surrounding community resources for athletics and enrichment. The faculty team of approximately 25 certified international educators from countries including the USA, UK, Canada, and Japan are mission-driven professionals committed to academic excellence and mentorship, providing both ESL and specialized learning support through pull-out and push-in models. With no school uniform, a strong after-school program featuring Robotics, Coding, Chess, Soccer, Art, and Dance, four central Tokyo bus routes, and a healthy optional lunch service, UST positions itself as an affordable yet high-quality option within central Tokyo’s international school landscape; graduates complete Grade 8 well-prepared to transition into leading international high schools in the region, supported by rolling admissions, a values-aligned selection process, and a school calendar running from late August through June.