The Guide
Sat, 16 May 2026

Cities / Tokyo / Tokyo YMCA International School

Tokyo YMCA International School

A WASC-accredited American curriculum school in Toyo, Koto-ku, run by the Tokyo YMCA and well regarded for warmth and small-school care.


Curriculum
American
Fees, annual
JPY 2148k

A WASC-accredited American curriculum school in Toyo, Koto-ku, run by the Tokyo YMCA and well regarded for warmth and small-school care.

TYIS opened in 1998 and runs an American programme aligned to Common Core for English and math, with international standards in science and social studies. AP courses are offered through the College Board. WASC accreditation is in place. The original elementary school added grades 7 and 8 in 2016 and 2017, and the school has continued building out the secondary years. Each class typically has a main and sub teacher.

Parents land here for the small-school feel, the close teacher relationships and the YMCA values that run through the place. The student body is mostly Asian but the working language across the school is English, which families wanting a real international environment notice. Tuition runs around JPY 2.15 million, well below the top-tier Tokyo names. The Koto-ku location works for east Tokyo but adds commute time from west or central.


Fee Age Type Amount
Maintenance Annual ¥198,000
Tuition Annual ¥2,148,000
Application Fee One-time ¥22,000
School Development Fee One-time ¥220,000
Entrance Fee One-time ¥275,000

  • Parent reviews are small in number but consistently warm about teacher relationships, administration support, activities, and the school's lasting community feel.
  • The school is described as easy to access and strong at giving children a foundation for their next step.
  • The main limitation is volume: the positive signal is clear, but it rests on only a small public review pool.

Head of school

Christopher Konitz

Christopher Konitz is the Principal of Tokyo YMCA International School with over 25 years of educational experience and multiple advanced degrees and licenses including Coach, Teacher, Counselor, Psychologist, Administrator, Mental Health Counselor, and Registered Nurse. He has held leadership positions including Head of Science, English and Math, Curriculum Coordinator, Vice Principal, and Principal across America, China, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Africa. His focus at TYIS encompasses leadership and professional development, curriculum, professional appraisal of staff, student success, and overall academic, social, and emotional programming.

Accreditations

  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) 01

2-chōme-2-20 Tōyō, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0016, Japan

School website