K. International School Tokyo is a IB Primary Years Programme / IB Diploma Programme / IB school in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1997. Annual tuition ranges from $21,252 to $28,287 USD.
Location & Getting There
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NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
KIST does not operate a school scholarship program. The school aims to keep tuition fees as low as possible. References to scholarships on the profile relate to university-provided support earned by KIST graduates.
Key facts
About
K. International School Tokyo is a private, coeducational day school authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme. Located in Tokyo's Koto ward, the school delivers English-language instruction to international students. The school has been an IB World School since January 2002.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
Class of 2025 IB Diploma graduates averaged 42.0/45 points, with 25% earning a perfect 45 and 89% scoring 40+, ranking the school 4th in the world. KIST is an official SAT test center and 82% of Grade 10 students scored above the 90th percentile on the PSAT. The school serves 660 students from approximately 43 cultural backgrounds, offering a seamless PYP-to-DP continuum in central Tokyo.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| K1-K3 | JPY 3,020,000~$ 20,066 |
| Grades 1-9 | JPY 2,850,000~$ 18,937 |
| Grades 10-12 | JPY 2,970,000~$ 19,734 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: ¥3,172,000 - 4,222,000. Application fee: $201.
Admissions Process
- 1Read the KIST Admissions Handbook. 2. Confirm availability by emailing the Admissions Office with child details. 3. Pay non-refundable application fee of JPY 30,000 by bank transfer. 4. Prepare supporting documents and arrange for documents from current school. 5. Submit online Application for Admission form (parent/guardian only). 6. Application screening (approximately one week). 7. Notification of screening result by email. 8. Admissions testing and parent interview for successful applicants. 9. Notification of final result no earlier than one week after final testing/interviews. 10. Payment of non-refundable enrollment fee and other school fees to secure place.
Admissions Details
No publicly published waitlist policy. Outside main intake admissions are rolling, with testing offered on Thursday mornings and applicants added to the next available schedule. Prospective families should contact Admissions to confirm waitlist availability by grade.
School Day
School day starts at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m. on Mondays, and at 3:20 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday; breaks and lunch times vary by grade level.
Student Life
KIST has a strict dress code at all grade levels. Students must wear a school uniform (summer and winter formal uniforms and a PE uniform), maintain a conservative appearance, and may not dye hair, wear makeup or jewelry. Male students must be clean-shaven.
The school cafe, NK Café, offers an optional lunch service. Lunches are prepared with organic or near-organic produce and are nutritious; the cafe cannot accommodate allergies or other special dietary requirements. Lunches may be ordered daily or on specific days.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
KIST is committed to promoting student wellbeing within a safe, healthy, and caring environment. A Child Protection Team leads safeguarding with a clear reporting and investigation process. All faculty receive safeguarding training; new employees complete orientation; designated staff have specialized roles in student protection. The safeguarding policy is based on Japanese law, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and international best practices.
The Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy protects children from abuse, prevents harm to health and development, and ensures a safe and supportive environment. It is based on Japanese law, the UN CRC, and international best practices, guiding all employees, volunteers, and service providers. All faculty and staff receive training; designated staff hold advanced training and fulfill specialized roles in the Child Protection Team. The full policy is available to current families via the MyKIST Family Schoology page.
Student Demographics
School Background
private
Ranked 4th in the world for IB Diploma results (Class of 2025, average score 42.0)