About KIST
​Founded in 1997, K. International School Tokyo (KIST) provides world-class education as a leading IB World School in Japan. Guided by our philosophy to develop young individuals who demonstrate excellence in academics and possess high moral character, KIST has produced numerous next-generation leaders who make meaningful contributions to our global community. Today, KIST is recognized as a top-tier international school, highly regarded not only in Japan but worldwide (Global Top IB Schools).
In recent years, over 80% of KIST graduates have advanced to leading universities around the world, including Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, and Ivy League institutions in the US. Our university acceptance rate has remained at nearly 100% for many years, and these achievements are a testament to the high-quality education we provide.
Located in Koto City, Tokyo, KIST is highly accessible, just a one-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, and offers a co-educational program from kindergarten through Grade 12. Based on the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate (IB), our school practices education that nurtures students' intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and international-mindedness through inquiry-based learning.
Currently, KIST brings together approximately 700 students from over 50 nationalities, forming a highly diverse international learning community. Our school provides a non-religious educational environment and values education that respects diversity and mutual understanding. The experience of learning while demonstrating respect for diverse cultures and values serves as an essential foundation for students to develop into truly internationally-minded individuals.
Furthermore, extracurricular activities are positioned as an important pillar of education at KIST. Sports such as basketball, volleyball, cross-country, futsal, and baseball are actively played, and students develop teamwork and leadership through inter-school competitions. Additionally, we nurture students' talents through a variety of sports programs, including specialized instruction in soccer and golf by professional coaches.
In arts education as well, students cultivate their creativity and expressive abilities in fields such as music, drama, and visual arts under the guidance of professionals. The annual musical production, in particular, is one of the signature events of our school, providing a valuable experience for students to collaborate and create a production together.
KIST seeks for all learners not only to demonstrate excellence in academics, but also to develop a character filled with compassion for others and a sense of responsibility, ultimately growing into individuals who make a positive change and commit to making the world a better, more peaceful place.
Accreditations and affiliations
​
HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION
Choosing a school that is right for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. There is a large variety of international education options in Tokyo, each with different objectives and programs. Researching and selecting a school with quality programming in which your child will thrive can be a significant challenge.
​
At KIST, we are committed to delivering education of the highest standard and to the continual development and refinement of our educational programs. The quality of our programming is assured through school accreditation and/or authorization by external organizations. While affiliation with such organizations mandates staff involvement in professional development, KIST also supports staff involvement in continuously reflecting on, and improving, their practice through professional opportunities provided by other membership organizations we belong to and through a comprehensive teacher appraisal system implemented annually.
The Council of International Schools (CIS) is a large membership community of over 1,000 educational institutions in more than 100 countries. CIS works collaboratively to shape international education through professional services to schools, higher education institutions, and individuals. The CIS vision is to inspire the development of global citizens through high quality international education: connecting ideas, cultures and educators from every corner of the world.
​
As a fully accredited CIS school, KIST has met thorough accreditation requirements in areas including whole-school operations, school governance, and curriculum and is required to participate in ongoing whole-school evaluation inspections every five years.
Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation offering highly respected programmes of international education that develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world.
​
Authorized as an IB World School since 2002, KIST offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) from K1 to Grade 5, and the globally renowned Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11 and 12.
​
To ensure strict adherence to IB developed standards and practices, and to support continued program development, KIST participates in evaluation inspections every five years.
Pearson’s Edexcel is the UK's largest awarding organization, offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to educational institutions around the world. KIST is authorized as an Edexcel International Centre authorized to offer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), an internationally recognized qualification for students based on individual subjects of study.
At KIST, students take Pearson Edexcel IGCSE courses in Grades 9 and 10.
The College Board and Educational Testing Service has designated KIST as a Test Center for the administration of the SAT exams in Tokyo. This partnership ensures that KIST students have easy access to sitting the SAT exams held at various times each year right here on our campus. Students aspiring to attend university in the USA are encouraged to sit the SAT exam as it is a prerequisite for entry to some universities and colleges. All KIST students also sit a PSAT exam in both Grades 9 and 10.
KIST is certified as an authorized educational foundation by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Ministry of Education. In meeting the strict requirements in becoming certified by the local authorities, KIST is recognized as an institution delivering quality educational programming. Many benefits result from this recognition, including tax-exempt status for the school, access to secondary school educational support funding for parents, and student eligibility for concession fares on public transportation.
School governance
​
K. International School Tokyo is a privately owned and run school led by a Board of Directors. Decisions related to the operation and management of the school as a whole lie with the Board. The Board promotes high standards of learning and achievement and ensures that the school's operation is in line with the vision of the school's founding and educational philosphy. Commencing with the appointment of the Head of School, the Board is responsible for determining the strategic direction for the school, allocating the budget and various other duties.
​
The School Director is responsible for overseeing the business of the school as a corporation. Specific duties are divided between the members of the Board who act to support the School Director. The Board as a whole is responsible for checking that all duties have been performed as required.
​
Board members are elected according to Japanese private school law. The Head of School must be included as a member of the Board. Board members have a genuine interest in education and a commitment to ensuring the best possible education for students. They undertake their roles on a voluntary basis and are prepared to share their knowledge, skills and experience for the good of the school as a whole.
​
The Board consists of seven members including the school founders/directors, the Head of School, the corporate office manager, a legal representative, a financial specialist and a parent. Board members make up their own minds about matters that come before the Board and act in the best interest of the school and its students.