The American School in Japan

What the school is

An American curriculum from early years to high school

The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). High-school students work towards an ASIJ diploma and can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Capstone. Other options include Syracuse University Project Advance courses and online classes through Global Online Academy. ASIJ does not offer the IB Diploma.

Tuition is one part of the school’s funding. The board also asks families and organisations to support a voluntary annual fund. Families should distinguish these donations from required fees when discussing an employer education allowance.

Fees and payments

Tuition, joining costs and payment terms

The three joining charges total ¥1,875,000. For a new Grade 1 pupil using the bus, these charges plus tuition, annual capital assessment and transport total ¥6,013,000. Meals, required devices and separately billed trips are additional.

The Corporate Contribution Program is intended for employers providing education benefits. Instalments, with a carrying charge, are available only by arrangement for personally funded payments; corporate payers cannot use this option.

Mid-year tuition and bus charges cover whole academic quarters, including a partially attended quarter. To qualify for refunds for unused full quarters, written withdrawal notice must arrive by the relevant semester’s first day.

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Source: ASIJ — 2026–27 fees

Admissions and transport

Application priorities and the school journey

ASIJ has no citizenship requirement. Admissions considers educational needs, available support and the composition of each year group. Its published policy explicitly gives consideration to alumni and Corporate Contribution Program applicants, without a fixed quota or guaranteed admission.

There is no general entrance examination, but records, recommendations and test results are reviewed, and additional screening may be required. At least one parent must be fluent in English. Ask for the document checklist for your child’s grade.

The school describes support for mild learning needs from kindergarten through Grade 12, assessed individually. English language support is available in Grades 1–8. Discuss your child’s needs before applying, particularly for high-school entry.

Chofu buses serve specified routes; ASIJ does not promise service to every address. Before signing a lease, confirm the stop, pickup time, journey length and arrangements after activities. A route serving your neighbourhood may still involve a long day for a young child.

The Chofu school day runs from 8am to 3pm, with later finishes for some activities. The Early Learning Center runs from 8:30am to 2:30pm. ASIJ provides no boarding or homestay programme; pupils must live with a parent or guardian in Tokyo.

The family experience

Campus life and planning your start date

The Chofu campus has sports, arts and design facilities, and the school advertises more than 170 co-curricular activities across its programmes. The Early Learning Center provides a central-Tokyo option for younger children. Consider both campuses when planning where to live over several school years.

Applications normally open in mid-November for the following August, with decisions beginning in late February or early March and continuing through summer. Families moving to Japan should ask about mid-year places before applying. Families already living in Tokyo cannot transfer to ASIJ mid-year.