International Schools
Guides to international school curricula, admissions, fees and individual schools, gathered in one place.
27 articles
- Dutch Schools vs International Schools: How Learning Support ChangesDutch mainstream schools, Dutch International Schools and private international schools are not the same thing. Separate the school types first, then think about the learning support you need at home to fit the real language and curriculum.
- Beyond Jenaplan: Understanding School Choice in the NetherlandsIn Japan, Dutch education often means Jenaplan, but the Netherlands has a system in which schools with many different educational philosophies exist side by side. We set out how public-authority and private schools differ and what to check when choosing.
- Learning Gaps to Check in the 90 Days Around an Overseas School TransferAfter an overseas transfer, a child may meet content they already learned, or start on content they have not yet covered. Instead of previewing everything beforehand, find the real differences and fill only those, using a 90-day frame.
- What Are WASC, CIS, NEASC and COBIS? How to Read International School AccreditationWASC, CIS, NEASC and COBIS are not names of curricula. We explain the difference between accreditation and membership, how it differs from IB authorisation, and how to look each body up.
- IBDP vs AP vs A-levels: Comparing Curricula for the Final Years of High SchoolThe IBDP is an integrated two-year programme, AP is a set of individual advanced courses, and A-levels are qualifications that study a small number of subjects in depth. Think in terms of fit and pathway rather than which is best.
- MYP vs IGCSE: Comparing How Middle and High School Students Learn and Are AssessedThe MYP is a whole-school learning framework, while IGCSE is mainly a subject-by-subject qualification. Even where the ages overlap, they are not the same system. We explain assessment and what to check when transferring.
- Why words you memorised do not come out in English writing, and how to practiseHow to turn known vocabulary into usable vocabulary for learners who understand words but cannot produce them in writing or conversation, using example sentences, recall, short sentences, paraphrasing and review.
- What to check when English feels like it's too hard at international school“Struggling with English” is not one problem. Here is how to work out which one it actually is.
- What to check when written homework comes to a haltWhen written homework stalls, check whether the question, structure and teacher's expectations are clear, as well as the student's writing ability.
- What is analysis in IB? How it differs from summary and how to write itFor IB students told they write only summary: the difference between summary and analysis, thinking in What, How and Why, examples, linking back to the question and how to revise.
- What Is Aoba-Japan International School Like? IB Continuum Education, Campuses and Fees ExplainedAoba is an IB Continuum World School joining the PYP, MYP and DP. We set out how the campus changes by grade, the options in Grades 11-12 and 2026-27 fees.
- What Is International School of the Sacred Heart Like? AP, Girls' Education and Fees ExplainedISSH's High School is built around the school diploma, with AP chosen as individual courses. We set out where AP fits, what is distinctive about girls' education, admissions and 2026-27 fees.
- What Is K. International School Tokyo Like? IGCSE, the IBDP and Fees ExplainedAfter the PYP, KIST uses its own Lower Secondary Programme and IGCSE rather than the MYP, and then moves on to the IBDP. We set out the flow by grade, applications and 2026-27 fees.
- What Is Nishimachi International School Like? K-9, Japanese Language Education and Fees ExplainedNishimachi is a standards-based school from Kindergarten to Grade 9, where students study Japanese every day. Because the school ends at Grade 9, you need a plan that includes the next high school.
- Which International Schools in Tokyo Teach AP? How AP Differs from a High-School Graduation CredentialAP is neither a whole-school curriculum nor a graduation credential; it is a set of individual advanced courses. Using ASIJ and ISSH as examples, we set out how AP works and what to check when choosing a school.
- Which Schools in Tokyo Offer the PYP, MYP and DP as a Full IB Continuum?Being an IB World School does not necessarily mean the PYP, MYP and DP are all offered. We set out what Tokyo schools provide in a table, together with the benefits of continuous study and what to check.
- Which International Schools in Tokyo Teach IGCSE? Schools and Pathways ExplainedKnowing that a school "offers IGCSE" is not enough to decide where to transfer. Using representative Tokyo schools, we set out the exam board, subjects, assessment method and the pathway afterwards.
- Application Timing and Preparing to Enter International Schools in TokyoThere is no common application deadline across international schools in Tokyo. We compare, school by school, when applications open, documents, selection, age cut-off dates and the conditions for mid-year entry.
- Tokyo International School Curriculum Guide: IB, IGCSE, AP and K-12K-12 describes a grade span, IB is a family of programmes, IGCSE is a subject-based qualification, and AP is a set of individual advanced courses. Here is how parents can compare them.
- Comparing International School Fees in Tokyo: Costs to Check Beyond TuitionLining up tuition alone tends to understate the first-year burden. We set out the published 2026-27 fees of seven schools on the same basis, including entry costs and fees added each year.
- Which Curriculum Do Tokyo's Main International Schools Follow? A School-by-School ComparisonA comparison of Tokyo International School, British School in Tokyo, KIST, ASIJ, ISSH and Nishimachi, by learning pathway grade by grade and by the route to high-school graduation.
- What to Check When Transferring to an IB, British or American-Style SchoolWhat matters in a transfer is not the school brand but what your child has already learned and the next year at the new school. We set out what to look for by type of transfer, and a list of questions to ask schools.
- What Is American School in Japan Like? The High School Diploma, AP and Preparing to EnterAt ASIJ it is important to understand the High School Diploma credit requirements and AP as separate things. We explain them together with application conditions, required documents and how to read the fees.
- What Is K-12? Grade and Year at International Schools ExplainedK-12 is not the name of a curriculum; it is a school span from Kindergarten to Grade 12. We explain how Grade, Year and Japanese school years roughly correspond, and why cut-off dates can shift the grade.
- What Is British School in Tokyo Like? IGCSE, the IBDP and the BST Diploma ExplainedAfter IGCSE, BST has two main routes in Years 12-13: the IBDP and the BST Diploma. We explain them together with application timing, eligibility and how to read the fees.
- What Is Tokyo International School Like? PYP, MYP, DP and What to Check Before ApplyingTIS is an IB school that links PYP, MYP and DP. We separate official information from practical advice on the learning pathway by grade, what to check when applying, and how to read the fees.
- How to Choose Tutoring or a Private Tutor for International School Students in Tokyo: IB, IGCSE, AP and School Support ComparedTutoring for international school students is not the same with any teacher who speaks English. We set out the differences between school-work support, exam preparation and English-skills building, and seven points to compare.