School Spotlight: Tokyo International School (TIS)

Schrole is proud to represent some of the very best international schools from around the world. In our School Spotlight series, we’ll take an in-depth look at these schools, detailing their history, ethos, location and of course, benefits, to help you choose the school that best suits you.

Snapshot: Tokyo International School (TIS)

Year founded: 1994
Public or private: Private school
Profit/Not for profit: Not for profit
Day or boarding: Day
Segregation type: Co-Educational
Religious affiliation: None
Curriculum: IB MYP, IB PYP
Instructional language: English
Alternate instructional language: Japanese
Start grade: Kindergarten
End grade: 10

About: Tokyo International School (TIS)

Founded in 1994, Tokyo International School (TIS) is a truly international community dedicated to holistic wellbeing and meaningful learning.

TIS is accredited by the Council of International Schools and is an IB Continuum World School. TIS are fully authorised to deliver the IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme and are an IB Diploma candidate school striving for authorisation in August of 2025.

TIS is experiencing an exciting period of growth, and will add Grade 10 in August 2024, Grade 11 in August 2025 and Grade 12 in August 2026 . TIS will also be moving to a new campus in August 2026, and have partnered with Japan Rail to be part of their new Takanawa Gateway development.

A TIS education allows students to pursue their passions and have agency in their learning. This includes access to an extensive co-curricular activities program.

Ethos: Tokyo International School (TIS)

Learning is woven into the very fabric of Tokyo International School (TIS): in decision-making, classrooms, homes and staff rooms. Learning is purposeful, personalised and intentional. It involves a process of inquiry, and an emphasis on regular, effective feedback.

At TIS, learning is framed around six key principles. One of these is holistic learning, where learners engage in a balanced transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary curriculum that includes experiential learning with depth and breadth. Through day field trips, residential trips, and annual snow trip, TIS cultivates a learning environment outside the classroom where students continue to construct knowledge and make meaning of the world together with adults and other children.

TIS believes in educating the whole child: academically, physically emotionally and creatively. This allows TIS to nurture confident, open-minded, independently thinking inquirers for global responsibility.

Facilities: Tokyo International School (TIS)

Tokyo International School (TIS)’s central location is close to popular expatriate residential areas, cafes, parks, culture, nightlife and famous landmarks in Tokyo. Due to cost and space constraints, TIS has developed its campus with this in mind: efficient use of space with learning at the centre of all decisions.

TIS classrooms are light and spacious, with a beautiful and well designed campus. While TIS does not have the swimming pools, extensive playing fields and cafeterias which other schools situated further from the city centre offer, TIS believes its prime location; modern, family-friendly campus; and the quality of teaching and learning outweigh these disadvantages.

Location: Tokyo International School (TIS)

From world-class cuisine and cutting-edge technology to serene cherry blossom gardens, Tokyo caters to diverse interests. The city’s efficient public transportation system ensures easy exploration of its many districts, each with its distinct character.

Professionally, Central Tokyo serves as a global business hub, offering a plethora of job opportunities and networking possibilities. Engaging in a dynamic work environment surrounded by innovative industries can foster personal and career growth.

Additionally, Tokyo’s commitment to safety, cleanliness, and a rich tapestry of experiences makes it an ideal destination for expatriates seeking both professional success and an enriching lifestyle.

Benefits: Tokyo International School (TIS)

Number of Contract Days: 190 teacher days, and 178 pupil days.

Starting Salary Range: ¥450,000 per month to ¥590,000 Yen per month starting salary dependent on experience.

Savings Potential: Dependent on lifestyle but Japan cost of living can be very low in comparison to other advanced nations.

Accommodation: Tokyo International School will pay a housing allowance of ¥150,000 or ¥2000,000 for teaching couples for the time that they are living in Japan. In the case that the contract is not renewed, this housing allowance will be paid up till July 31st or until they vacate the apartment, which ever is earlier. The school pays all fees such as damage deposit and key money.

Flights/Transport: TIS pays the actual cost of the incoming flight upon hiring. A round trip economy air ticket allowance of up to ¥150,000 will be provided at the end of each contract as a home leave allowance. This allowance will be paid for the teacher and all dependents. Home leave allowance includes flights to the home country registered with the school in advance and the destination is one of the following: *The country which issues the passport *The country where the employee’s parents or spouse’s parents live.

Utilities: The school does not pay the utilities cost involved in teaching staff’s accommodation.

Furniture: TIS will pay ¥300,000 for a single teacher or ¥400,000 for a teacher with dependents or teaching couples as a settling-in allowance. This is a one-time taxable benefit when the teacher is newly hired.

Moving Allowance: TIS will pay the Teacher actual costs up to ¥250,000 and ¥50,000 per Qualifying Family Member up to 3 members (up to ¥400,000 maximum) or up to ¥400,000 for teaching couples toward shipping of furniture and personal belongings. This is a one-time payment when the Teacher is newly hired.

Medical: The Teacher will be enrolled in the Private School Mutual Aid (PMAC) program offered by the Promotion and Mutual Aid Corporation of the Private Schools of Japan. 50% of the premium will be paid by the School. PMAC provides three types of services; short-term benefits (health insurance including dental), pension benefits, and welfare services. he Teacher’s dependent can join PMAC with no additional cost. In order to qualify, the dependent must not earn more than ¥1,000,000 worldwide.

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