Cities / Tokyo / Canadian International School Japan
Canadian International School Japan
Canadian curriculum school (British Columbia PEI) with AP in high school, serving around 600 students aged 3-18 across two Shinagawa campuses (Osaki for secondary, Nakameguro for elementary). Accredited by WASC, JCIS, and PEI Canada; IB PYP at elementary level only.…
In brief
A WASC-accredited Canadian school in Shinagawa running the Prince Edward Island K to 12 programme alongside AP and a PYP early years strand. Around 600 students from three to eighteen.
CIS Tokyo opened in 1999 with fifty students and grew steadily into a settled mid-sized international school in Osaki. Teachers regardless of nationality must hold Canadian provincial certification, which gives the school a clear identity in a Tokyo market dominated by US and UK options.
The PEI plus AP combination is the school's strongest argument. Parents describe a well-rounded curriculum, supportive staff, and a child who has flourished after the move. University placements run to the University of Tokyo, Waseda, Keio, Sophia, and ICU, which suggests a programme that travels in both directions for families balancing Canadian and Japanese pathways. Families wanting British-style A Levels or a full IB Diploma should look elsewhere. Families set on a Canadian framework in central Tokyo have few real alternatives.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 3 | Annual | $2,450,000 |
| Elementary (Grades 1-5) | 6 | Annual | $2,900,000 |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | 11 | Annual | $3,050,000 |
| High School (Grades 9-12) | 14 | Annual | $3,150,000 |
| Application Fee | One-time | $35,000 | |
| Registration Fee | One-time | $300,000 | |
| Building Development Fee | One-time | $600,000 |
Reviews
- Discussed online as a smaller, lower-pressure alternative to Tokyo's largest international schools, run on a Canadian (Ontario / PEI) curriculum.
- One commenter described CIS as "the Canadian Embassy's chosen school" and an example of an actual accredited international school rather than a marketing-led one.
- forum threads from prospective teachers note the school recruits fresh Canadian graduates, with salaries that locals call modest by international-school standards.
- Reviewers flag a constrained physical campus, including no real playground, and facilities that lag behind the growing roll.
- Tuition is repeatedly described as expensive but not at the very top of the Tokyo market, and the student body is genuinely mixed (Japanese, Korean and a long tail of other nationalities) rather than dominated by one group.
Head of school
Kevin Passafiume
It is with great enthusiasm and honor that I join the Canadian International School of Tokyo (CIS) as your new Head of School. Our goal at CIS is to cultivate a dynamic and nurturing educational environment where every student is empowered to become a confident, independent learner and a principled global citizen. At CIS, we offer a comprehensive education that blends a robust Canadian curriculum with the enriching elements of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and stringent Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) standards. Our dedication to academic excellence ensures that students are not only equipped with a strong knowledge base but are also encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in a rapidly changing world. Our school is a vibrant community where diversity is celebrated, and each student's unique strengths and interests are nurtured. We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel safe to express their ideas, explore new opportunities, and grow both academically and personally. As we embark on this new academic year, I am committed to working closely with our dedicated faculty, supportive families, and talented students to continue building upon the strong foundation of CIS. Together, we will strive to create an enriching learning experience that inspires excellence, encourages creativity, and prepares our students to make meaningful contributions to the global community. I am excited to meet each of you and to embark on this journey together. Let us work collaboratively to ensure a successful and fulfilling academic year for all our students.
Accreditations
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) 01