Cities / Tokyo / Columbia International School (Tokorozawa)
Columbia International School (Tokorozawa)
Canadian Ontario OSSD school in Tokorozawa, Saitama (within Tokyo expat catchment).
Curriculum
Canadian
Fees, annual
JPY 1.8m–2.1m
Ages
5 to 18
Pupils
~500
Founded
1988
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten 1 - Kindergarten 3 | 3 | $1,774,500 |
| Grade 1 - Grade 5 | 6 | $2,022,000 |
| Grade 6 - Grade 12 | 11 | $2,097,000 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $25,000 | |
| Entrance Fee | $210,000 |
Reviews
- Parents and alumni describe a small Ontario-curriculum school outside Tokyo, around 245 students with average class size of 16, accredited by the Ontario Ministry and WASC.
- The community signal is consistent: one parent described an environment where "students' nationalities and differences are accepted and encouraged" and everyone is made to feel at home.
- A long-tenured parent of 12 years credited good sport teams, friendly cross-grade interaction and good teachers. Another parent said their child has thrived and credited the Canadian curriculum and "dedicated" teaching staff.
- A teacher voice recommended the school to job-seekers but flagged that compensation has slipped with yen depreciation, which is a workforce signal rather than a parent signal but a real factor given turnover risk.
- The school positions students for direct progression to Ontario universities via the OSSD, which is the headline academic pathway parents reference.
Positives
- Community and inclusivity. Parents describe a friendly, internationally diverse environment where new families settle quickly
- Ontario curriculum and OSSD pathway. Direct route to Ontario universities is the headline academic draw
- Teaching staff. Parents cite dedicated teachers and good cross-grade relationships
- Class size. Average class size of 16 in a 245-student school
Considerations
- Compensation and turnover risk. Teacher commenter flagged that yen depreciation has reduced effective pay, a forward-looking workforce signal
Leadership
Barrie McCliggott
Barrie McCliggott has been the Principal at Columbia International School since 1995. He holds a B.A. Honours from the University of Victoria, a B.Ed. from the University of Ottawa, and an M.Ed. from the University of New England. He has extensive experience in both Canada and Japan, focusing on enhancing educational practices and student outcomes.
Accreditations
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) 01