What the official information confirms
Aoba's official school profile and history confirm that it is an IB World School offering three IB programmes: the PYP, MYP and DP.
Its CIS and NEASC accreditation is also published.
In the senior years the school offers the Global Leadership Diploma as well as the IBDP. How to read accreditation and membership is set out in our explanation of WASC, CIS, NEASC and COBIS. You can also check the address, grades and key application points on Aoba's school profile (a Japanese-language page).
Grade structure by campus
| Campus | Grades served |
|---|---|
| Hikarigaoka Campus | K3 to K5, Grades 1 to 9 |
| Bunkyo Campus | Grades 10 to 12 |
| Meguro Campus | Mainly early years, K2 to K5 |
Hikarigaoka Campus serves K3 to K5 and Grades 1 to 9.
Bunkyo Campus is for Grades 10 to 12.
Meguro Campus mainly serves the early years, K2 to K5.
For that reason, even within Aoba, the campus experience differs by your child's current age and grade.
From the PYP to the MYP
Aoba is designed as an IB continuum that moves from the PYP to the MYP.
The MYP corresponds to Grades 6 to 10, and in Grade 10 preparation for the senior years becomes stronger at Bunkyo Campus.
If you are transferring, you need to look at how the assessment style and project experience from your child's previous school connect to the MYP's expectations. Other schools that offer the PYP, MYP and DP throughout are collected in our article on IB continuum schools in Tokyo.
Routes in Grades 11 to 12
At Bunkyo Campus, in Grades 11 to 12 there is a choice between the IB Diploma Programme and the Global Leadership Diploma.
Families considering the high-school years should compare the child's learning style and the programme requirements, as well as where they plan to go to university. The differences between the IBDP and other high-school courses can be found in our comparison of the IBDP, AP and A-levels.
| IB Diploma Programme | Global Leadership Diploma |
|---|---|
An IB programme covering six subjects and the core. | Aoba's own senior pathway. |
Admissions
Aoba's current admissions information sets out a flow including online application, document review and interview on its How to Apply page.
Applications for 2026-27 are being accepted for each grade and campus, and a review period for the first round has also been set.
However, some grades may have a waitlist, so check space availability at the time you apply. You can compare how the application process differs from other schools in our guide to application timing and preparing to enter.
Fees for 2026-27
| Grade | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| K2 | ¥2,098,000 |
| K3 to K5 | ¥2,332,000 |
| Grades 1 to 5 | ¥2,518,000 |
| Grades 6 to 12 | ¥2,862,000 |
In the 2026-27 tuition published by Aoba, K2 is ¥2,098,000, K3 to K5 is ¥2,332,000, Grades 1 to 5 is ¥2,518,000 and Grades 6 to 12 is ¥2,862,000.
The Online IBDP has a separate fee structure.
There are also fees such as registration and building development, and lunch and the bus are charged separately.
It is important not to treat tuition alone as the total cost. How to compare costs with other schools is set out in our fee comparison.
The amounts are from the official information for 2026-27. When you actually apply, check the latest tuition and fees.
Petra Tutors' practical view
In support for Aoba students, what is needed changes depending on where they are in the PYP, MYP or DP.
In the PYP the focus is responding to inquiry-based learning; in the MYP, criteria and project work; in the DP, subject-specific support, the IA, the EE and exam preparation.
From Grade 10 onwards, the learning design needed also changes depending on whether a student chooses the IBDP or the GLD.
A checklist before you transfer
In summary
Aoba's main distinguishing feature is its IB continuum joining the PYP, MYP and DP.
At the same time, the campus differs by grade, and in the upper secondary years there are pathways other than the IBDP.
When comparing schools, check the campus, grade and senior pathway as well as the IB label. For a comparison with other Tokyo schools, please also see our school-by-school curriculum comparison.
