What the official information confirms
Nishimachi's Learning page explains that it uses Understanding by Design as its curricular framework and provides a standards-based education.
It refers to different standards in each subject area, so it is not a system that depends on a single external-exam curriculum. You can also check the address, grades and key application points on Nishimachi's school profile (a Japanese-language page).
A K-9 school structure
- Nishimachi International SchoolKindergarten to Grade 9
- Choose a different High SchoolGrades 10-12
Nishimachi runs from Kindergarten to Grade 9.
There are no Grades 10 to 12 at Nishimachi, so families need to choose the next High School separately.
This is a major feature of choosing the school.
If your child is transferring in Grades 7 to 9, think not only about current learning but about which route the next school will be: IB, IGCSE, AP, the American High School Diploma or something else. The differences in how K-12, Grade and Year are written are set out in our explanation of K-12, Grade and Year.
Japanese language education
At Nishimachi, English is the main language of instruction, and students study Japanese every day.
Japanese classes are organised according to each student's Japanese proficiency.
The school also explains officially that simply having attended a Japanese school does not by itself decide placement in a First Language class.
What admissions looks at
The Admissions Criteria require applicants for Grades 1 to 9 to have grade-level English and Mathematics proficiency.
Screening may be carried out in person or remotely.
At least one main caregiver needs English proficiency.
Application timing differs between Kindergarten and Grade 1 and above, so check the current admissions information.
The school also states that it is not currently accepting new applications to Grade 9. 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
In Nishimachi's 2026-27 fee schedule, the Application Fee is ¥30,000.
The one-time Registration Fee is ¥300,000 and the Building Maintenance Fee is ¥825,000.
Annual Tuition is ¥3,129,000, and there are an Education Enhancement Fee and a School Growth Fund Fee of ¥200,000 each.
In the first year, check not only tuition but also the one-time and annual additional fees. How to compare costs with other schools is set out in our fee comparison.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | ¥30,000 |
| Registration Fee (one-time) | ¥300,000 |
| Building Maintenance Fee | ¥825,000 |
| Annual Tuition | ¥3,129,000 |
| Education Enhancement Fee | ¥200,000 |
| School Growth Fund Fee | ¥200,000 |
The amounts are from the official information for 2026-27. When you actually apply, check the latest fee schedule.
Petra Tutors' practical view
In support for Nishimachi students, you need to think about catch-up support for the school curriculum separately from support for the transition to high school.
In Grade 5 or 6, current subject learning is the focus, but in Grade 8 or 9, preparation with the next school's curriculum in view becomes important.
For example, if the next school is on the MYP we check the connection to criterion-based assessment; if IGCSE, the external-exam syllabus; and if an American school, credits and course placement. What to check at the time of a transfer is collected in our curriculum checklist for transfers.
A checklist before you transfer or move on
In summary
Nishimachi is a K-9 standards-based international school, and studying Japanese every day is also a major feature.
Because the school ends at Grade 9, you need a long-term school plan that includes upper secondary.
Admissions and fees change from year to year, so check the latest official information when you actually apply. For a comparison with other Tokyo schools, please also see our school-by-school curriculum comparison.
