What is ASIJ, the American School in Japan? Attractiveness, career path, admission qualifications, tuition, etc. are explained.
The American School in Japan (ASIJ), founded in 1902, is a historic Japanese international school with campuses in Roppongi and Chofu, Tokyo. Its outstanding American-style curriculum and high quality of education have made it popular not only among foreigners but also among Japanese returnees. Offering an integrated education from kindergarten through high school, the school has approximately 1,700 students and is an international environment with a diverse student body.
In this article, we will explain in detail the attractiveness of ASIJ, its unique education, its excellent facilities, and the career paths of its graduates, as well as the school fees and admission/transfer requirements that you may be interested in.
▼Goandup Picks Click here for recommended articles!
- Required before studying abroad! Goandup Nihongo+, an online Japanese language learning service
- This page introduces services for foreigners who wish to study in Japan or improve their Japanese language skills to learn Japanese online.
- Goandup Salon" community for foreigners living in Japan
- We introduce an online community where foreigners living in Japan can exchange information and interact with each other to support their life in Japan.
- Goandup Study" supports foreigners who want to study in Japan.
- This section introduces study abroad support services that provide comprehensive support to foreigners who wish to study in Japan, from preparation for study abroad to living in Japan.
- Where can I buy a prepaid SIM in Japan? Recommended SIM cards for foreigners are also introduced.
- How to purchase a prepaid SIM and suitable SIM cards for foreigners.
- The Complete Guide to Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan for Foreigners!
- We introduce how to select and recommend pocket Wi-Fi products that can be used conveniently in Japan.
- The Complete Guide to Finding a Job in Japan! Finding a job, changing jobs, and part-time work for foreigners
- This site provides foreigners who want to work in Japan with comprehensive information on how to find a job, recommended job sites, and other information necessary to find a job.
What is American International School in Japan (ASIJ)?
The American School in Japan (ASIJ), founded in 1902, is one of the oldest international schools in Japan. As a school corporation, ASIJ provides consistent education from kindergarten to high school in accordance with the Japanese School Education Law.
ASIJ provides a high quality education in English, following the U.S. curriculum, and also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Most of the students are U.S. citizens, but there are students from more than 50 different nationalities, including Japanese.
All of the teachers are highly qualified education professionals invited from abroad, and are known for their personalized attention to each student.
The goal of ASIJ's education is to nurture outstanding individuals who can play an active role in a global society. ASIJ features a well-rounded curriculum that respects diversity and fosters a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking skills.
Two locations in Roppongi and Chofu
ASIJ has two campuses in Tokyo. In Roppongi, Minato-ku, there is the Early Learning Center (ELC), which specializes in early childhood education; children from 2 to 5 years old attend the center, which emphasizes learning through play.
On the other hand, Chofu City's spacious grounds are home to an elementary school, a junior high school, and a high school. In a lush green environment, modern school buildings and well-equipped educational facilities allow students from preschool to high school to study on the same campus.
Both campuses, Roppongi and Chofu, are designed with the safety of children and kindergarteners as a top priority, and are fully secured. A school bus shuttle service is also provided.
Basic information about ASIJ
| Addresses: (in Japanese) | 1-1-1 Nomizu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo (Chofu Campus) 6-16-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Early Learning Center) |
| Phone number | 0422-34-5300 (Chofu Campus) 03-5771-4344 (Early Learning Center) |
| Official Site | The American School in Japan |
| certification | WASC |
| course (route, trail, course of action, course of study, plan) | Nursery school, kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, high school |
ASIJ Attraction
ASIJ offers a quality American-style education in Japan, as well as excellent facilities and a variety of events.
High-quality American-style education in Japan
ASIJ follows the U.S. curriculum and provides high-quality education equivalent to U.S. educational standards. All of our teachers are experienced professionals who have taught at U.S. and international educational institutions.
With small class sizes, the school is known for its attentive instruction tailored to each student's individuality and abilities. The school incorporates a great deal of project-based and hands-on learning to promote independent student learning, and focuses on the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, and other skills required in the 21st century.
The school also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which provides students with a quality education that is globally competitive.
2. excellent facilities
ASIJ's Chofu campus boasts an expansive site the size of approximately two Tokyo Domes. It is a blessed learning environment that combines the latest educational facilities with a rich natural environment.
Classrooms are equipped with electronic blackboards and projectors, and all students are provided with iPads for an advanced, technology-based education. The library has a collection of approximately 100,000 books, with e-books available, as well as study areas and group study areas.
The school also has excellent physical education and sports facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, fitness room, fields for soccer, baseball, rugby, and other sports, and dance and wrestling studios, and club activities are active and make full use of the facilities.
In addition, there are many social spaces such as courtyards, playgrounds, cafeterias, stores, and many other places for students to socialize and relax. They are an integral part of school life and the center of the student community.
3. top class in academic performance
ASIJ is a prestigious school known for its achievements in advancing students to difficult universities in Japan and abroad. ASIJ has produced numerous graduates from world-class universities such as Harvard University, Yale University, and Stanford University.
ASIJ offers a college preparatory support program called "College Counseling" (college guidance). Experienced counselors provide extensive support in career counseling and entrance exam preparation.
We also offer a full range of preparatory courses for the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and other tests required for admission to overseas universities, with regular on-campus testing and extensive support to help students improve their scores. We also provide support for entering difficult-to-enter universities in Japan, and offer career guidance tailored to each student's hopes and goals from a wide range of options.
4. various events
In addition to academics, ASIJ nurtures students' rich emotional development through a variety of extracurricular activities and events.
As an annual event, International Day features a variety of events designed to deepen students' international understanding. Booths introducing foods and cultures from around the world, a fashion show featuring ethnic costumes, and other events are planned and managed by students.
The school also holds numerous performances of plays, musicals, and concerts, and invites professional directors to work on full-scale stage productions, nurturing students' expressive and teamwork skills. The school is also active in sporting events, with regular competitions, training camps, and expeditions with schools in Japan and abroad, providing abundant opportunities for exchange through competition.
In addition, we offer a variety of other programs to foster social and leadership skills in our students, such as volunteer activities in cooperation with the local community and collaborative projects with companies and research institutions.
How do I get into ASIJ?
Although ASIJ states that American citizens are given priority for admission, other nationalities can also enroll, and students do not need to be native English speakers to be accepted.
However, detailed admission requirements are said to vary from year to year, so please contact ASIJ directly for detailed requirements.
ASIJ Admission Requirements and Transfer
ASIJ accepts transfer students in a wide range of grades from kindergarten through high school. However, some grades are at capacity and students may need to be placed on a waiting list. The transfer period is basically at the beginning of the new school year at the end of August, and the application period begins in November.
Applicants of any nationality are eligible to apply for admission or transfer. However, if you receive assistance from a company for tuition or other expenses, you must have an employment relationship with that company.
Since transfer requirements vary by grade level, we recommend that you contact the school first.
Screening consists of document screening and a screening session
ASIJ's screening process for admission and transfer is based on the submitted documents. General entrance examinations are not conducted.
Documents to be submitted include previous transcripts (report cards) and letters of recommendation. Applicants who are Grade 6 (first grade of junior high school in Japan) or above are required to submit the results of the SSAT or other standardized tests.
The screening session is a process designed to assess a student's suitability for school. In addition to an interview accompanied by a parent or guardian, students are given a basic academic test and an English language assessment test. In addition to academic performance, the screening process also focuses on the student's character, aptitude, and interests, which must be well presented.
In addition, while native-level English proficiency is not required, some level of English operational proficiency is desirable, especially in the upper grades. For students whose native language is not English, the school provides a support system.
Take standardized tests
When applying to ASIJ, you may be required to submit scores from standardized tests that your child may have taken. Applicable tests include the following
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills
- ISA Test
- CogAt Test
- MAP Test
- Terra Nova
- U.S. state tests, such as the New York State Mathematics Test
- UK National Curriculum Key Stage Tests
- Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
- IGCSE
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
If your child has not taken a standardized test, ASIJ may require that he or she take the test and submit the results before a decision can be made on admission. Questions regarding standardized tests should be directed to the school. These tests are used to objectively assess your child's academic level. While test results are an important part of the admission and transfer process, an applicant's abilities and aptitudes are evaluated from multiple perspectives.
English Proficiency of Parents
At ASIJ, all communication between the school and parents is conducted in English. English is essential for understanding communications from the school, meeting with teachers, and filling out various forms, so English proficiency is also important for parents.
Although parents are not required to submit proof of English proficiency when applying for admission or transfer, it is expected that one or both parents have English proficiency that will not interfere with school activities.
Cost of enrollment and tuition fees
ASIJ's tuition fees are shown in the table below. However, tuition fees may change from year to year, so those who will enroll next year or later should check the tuition fees for that year. Also, please note that ASIJ's school year is American-style, so a sixth grader in elementary school in Japan is a first grader in junior high school, and a third grader in junior high school is a first grader in high school.
Payment is accepted in Japanese yen only and can be made by bank transfer or credit card. Scholarships and installment payments are also available.
【ASIJ Tuition (2024-25 school year) 】
| at the time of matriculation | Application fee: 40,000 yen Registration fee: 30,000 yen Building maintenance costs: 1,525,000 yen |
| tuition fee for the school year | Nursery school: 2,845,000 yen Kindergarten - Grade 5 (elementary school): 3,055,000 yen Grade 6 - 8 (junior high school): 3,171,000 yen Grades 9 - 12 (high school): 3,257,000 yen |
| Other Expenses | Facility fee: 250,000 yen School bus fare: 367,500 yen |
Career path after graduation
ASIJ graduates have gone on to top-tier and distinctive universities around the world. Approximately 70% of our graduates go on to U.S. universities, with many accepted each year to Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, and other ultra-difficult universities, including Ivy League institutions.
Many graduates have gone on to study at universities in the UK, including Oxford and Cambridge Universities, as well as prestigious universities such as the University of London and Imperial College London, the University of Toronto and McGill University in Canada, and the Universities of Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, Many of our graduates have also gone on to leading universities in English-speaking countries.
In Asia, our students have been admitted to top universities such as the National University of Singapore and the University of Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the number of graduates who pursue university studies in Japan has been increasing year by year. Approximately 20% of our graduates go on to Japanese universities, and our graduates have been accepted by difficult national universities and famous private universities such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Waseda University, and Keio University.
If you wish to apply to a Japanese university, you need to take advantage of the Japanese language classes offered on campus, take supplementary classes after school, and take other solid measures. In addition to the general entrance examination, it is also effective to utilize various entrance examination systems such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) entrance examination and the returnee student entrance examination.
Useful information and support for living in Japan
Living in Japan is fascinating, but it is not uncommon to face many challenges due to language barriers and cultural differences. For example, you may encounter difficulties in all aspects of life, from using keigo (honorific expressions) in everyday and business situations, to difficulties in finding housing, using public services, preparing for the JLPT exam, and even meeting new friends and loved ones.
At such times, Goandup Salon will be your reliable partner!
Our community provides support and information to help foreign residents in Japan to make their life in Japan richer and more comfortable.
- Japanese Language Studywill meet the needs of all levels, from daily conversation to the use of keigo in business situations, to efficient Japanese language learning methods and preparation for the JLPT exam.
- livingaspect of the program provides concrete advice and information on how to establish a foundation for living in Japan, including explanations of Japanese culture and rules, finding housing, and how to contract public services and living infrastructure.
- Jobs & CareersRegarding the "what if" section, we can help you find a job, change jobs, and understand Japanese business etiquette and workplace culture, which are key to a successful career in the workplace.
- Travel & Dining Guidewill introduce you to hidden gems in Japan, must-try gourmet information, and other unique local attractions to help you experience Japan more deeply.
If you have any questions or concerns about life in Japan, Goandup Salon is here to help you! We will wholeheartedly support you to make your life in Japan smoother and more enjoyable.
For more information, click here ▼
summary
ASIJ is one of the oldest and most educationally advanced international schools in Japan. In addition to a high quality American-style curriculum, ASIJ also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, aiming to nurture talented individuals who can play an active role in a global society.
The barriers to admission and transfer are high, and tuition and fees are also expensive, but it is a reasonable investment given the variety of backgrounds and the quality of education offered.
ASIJ is a school that provides the best learning environment for children who want to acquire a global perspective and skills and become active on the world stage. If you are considering applying to ASIJ, we encourage you to attend a school information session or take advantage of an individual consultation to get a firsthand look at what ASIJ's education and school life have to offer.
In addition to ASIJ, there are many other attractive international schools throughout Japan. From rural to urban areas, there are many different types of schools, allowing you to choose the best school for your child.
For more detailed information on choosing an international school, please refer to the following article. We hope you will find it useful.
▶︎ International school navigation for all over Japan! Thorough explanation from rural to urban areas.
