Founded in 1997, K. International School Tokyo (KIST) is a leading IB World School in Japan, providing a world-class education. Guided by our philosophy of developing youth who possess both academic excellence and high moral character, we have produced numerous next-generation leaders who are active in the global community. Today, KIST is recognized not only within Japan but globally as a top-tier international school (Global Top IB Schools).
In recent years, over 80% of KIST graduates have advanced to prestigious universities worldwide, including Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, and Ivy League institutions in the US. Our university progression rate has remained at nearly 100% for many years, and these achievements demonstrate the high-quality education we provide.
KIST is conveniently located just a one-minute walk from Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station in Koto-ku, Tokyo. Situated close to the heart of Tokyo, our campus offers a calm environment with easy access from major metropolitan areas, providing co-educational learning from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Based on the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate (IB), we practice an education that fosters students' intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and international understanding through inquiry-based learning.
Currently, KIST is home to approximately 700 students representing over 50 nationalities, forming a highly diverse international learning community. We provide a non-religious educational environment and deeply value an education that respects diversity and mutual understanding. The experience of learning while respecting different cultures and values serves as a vital foundation for students to grow into truly internationally minded individuals.
Furthermore, extracurricular activities are positioned as a crucial pillar of education at KIST. In sports, students actively participate in basketball, volleyball, cross country, futsal, and baseball, cultivating teamwork and leadership through inter-school competitions. Additionally, we nurture students' talents through diverse sports programs, including specialized soccer and golf instruction led by professional coaches.
In arts education, students develop their creativity and expressive skills in music, drama, and visual arts under the guidance of specialists. The annual musical production, in particular, is one of our signature events, providing a valuable experience where students collaborate to create a comprehensive performance.
KIST aims not only for students to achieve academic excellence, but also to develop a compassionate and responsible character, growing into individuals who make meaningful contributions to our global community.
Affiliations and Accreditations
At KIST, our goal is to consistently provide a high standard of education, and we are committed to the continuous improvement of our educational programs. The quality of KIST's education is underpinned by accreditations and authorizations from external organizations.
Maintaining these accreditations requires ongoing training and professional development for our faculty and staff. KIST supports our educators in reflecting on their teaching practices and pursuing better instructional methods through participation in training sessions hosted by these accrediting bodies. Furthermore, to enhance teaching expertise, we conduct annual teacher evaluations.
KIST is authorized and accredited by the following organizations:
Currently comprising 711 schools and 512 universities across 112 countries, CIS is one of the world's largest organizations supporting international schools.
KIST's full accreditation by CIS demonstrates that we meet their rigorous standards across all areas of the school, including operations, governance, and curriculum. To maintain this accreditation, KIST undergoes a CIS evaluation visit every five years, ensuring our commitment to continuous improvement and educational quality.
KIST became an IB World School in 2002 and offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Kindergarten (K) to Grade 5, and the Diploma Programme (DP) from Grade 11 to Grade 12.
To ensure that our education continues to align with the IB's strict standards and philosophy, KIST hosts an IB evaluation visit every five years, dedicating ourselves to the continuous enhancement of our educational programs.
KIST is an official SAT Test Center, serving as one of the testing venues in Tokyo. Through this arrangement, the SAT is administered at KIST several times a year, allowing our students to take the exam in a familiar environment.
At KIST, all students take the PSAT in Grade 10. We also encourage students wishing to attend universities in the United States to take the SAT.
Thanks to this authorization, in addition to tax benefits as a school, we are eligible for the High School Tuition Support Fund system, and our students can utilize benefits such as purchasing student commuter passes.
School Governance
KIST is a private school governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for decision-making regarding the overall operation and management of the school, promoting the maintenance of high educational standards and school governance based on our founding philosophy.
The Board makes decisions and oversees critical matters in school administration, including the appointment of the Head of School, the formulation of strategic directions, and budget management. The Chair of the Board represents the incorporated educational institution and fulfills this role while sharing responsibilities with the other Board members.
Board members are elected in accordance with the Private Schools Act of Japan and include the Head of School. With a strong interest in and sense of responsibility for education, they apply their respective expertise and experience to school administration with the goal of realizing the best possible educational environment for our students.
Currently, the Board of Directors consists of seven members: the Founder/Chair of the Board, the Head of School, the Head of Administration, a legal expert, and two faculty/staff representatives. Each member voices their opinions from an independent standpoint, striving to realize the best interests of the school and its students.
Separate from the Board of Directors, a Board of Trustees consisting of eight members, including alumni, parents, and faculty/staff, has been established. The Board of Trustees contributes to ensuring the transparency and fairness of school operations by offering opinions on school management from a perspective distinct from that of the Board of Directors.