About
Message from Founder
Since our establishment in 2010, Tokyo West International School has been committed to providing an educational environment where children can experience the joy of learning through a wide variety of hands-on activities. Our community, composed of students and teachers from 15 different countries, offers an international experience that is rare in schools located in the suburbs of Tokyo. Through English, the global language, students are able to learn about diverse cultures and ways of thinking.
At our school, we place emphasis not only on academic subjects but also on sports, music, the arts, and gardening activities. Surrounded by the rich natural environment of Hachioji, we strongly believe in offering our students a broad and active learning experience.
Through our consistent experiential learning program from kindergarten to high school, we hope to see our students pursue their dreams and one day soar into the world from here in Hachioji.
Yoshinori Kato
Tokyo West International School
Founder and Chairperson
Message from Director General
In today’s VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—education must go beyond textbooks. At Tokyo West International School, we strive to be more than a school; we serve as a lifelong playground where children can build their learning history through hands-on experiences, real-world challenges, and meaningful discoveries.
We aim to nurture confident, compassionate, and capable individuals who discover their strengths, unleash their potential, and use it to make a positive difference in the world. We believe that by growing as responsible global citizens, our students will not only shape their own futures but also inspire the next generation as true change-makers.
Surrounded by the beautiful nature and supported by our diverse, international community, we offer an environment where students are encouraged to grow not just academically, but as whole individuals—ready to thrive, lead, and learn for life in an ever-evolving world.
Sockchong Han
Director General
High school Principal
Message from Principal
Dear Families, Friends, and Visitors,
Welcome to Tokyo West International School!
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to TWIS – one of the most vibrant and inclusive international school communities in Japan. More than just a place to learn, TWIS is a caring and supportive environment where students grow into compassionate, curious, and confident individuals. We celebrate our diversity and foster a sense of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected.
As the first Cognia-accredited school in Japan, TWIS continues to lead with a purpose. We offer unique programs like Bilingual Education, Organic Gardening, Singapore Math, and Travel and Learn – all designed to develop global citizens who think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibly.
We also give students a strong voice through activities such as Student Council, the PYP Exhibition, Community Service, and our new Winter Festival, which showcase student-led projects and performances that reflect creativity, collaboration, and cultural pride.
In today’s fast-changing world, especially in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we’re committed to helping students build the skills and mindset they need to succeed. By combining technology, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences, we prepare them to navigate complexity, adapt to change, and contribute meaningfully to society.
As an authorized IB PYP school, we are proud to nurture inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring learners. With the support of our dedicated teachers, engaged families, and diverse community, every child at TWIS is empowered to develop international mindedness and become a responsible global citizen.
I warmly invite you to explore our website and discover what makes TWIS such a special place. Please feel free to get in touch with us; we would be happy to welcome you in person!
Warmest regards,
Monina Liza Mendez
Principal
Kinder, Elementary, Middle School
GROW LOCAL, SOAR GLOBAL
TWIS nurtures our students’ growth and passions through locally relevant, hands-on education that crosses cultural, digital, and analog boundaries. TWIS students develop a strong sense of self and curiosity to soar to greater heights and possibilities as global citizens.
We inspire our students to craft their unique journey of lifelong learning and fulfillment across borders and generations.
We provide outstanding education and multi-cultural community for our students to nurture their growth and passions as they begin to navigate the 21st century.
Strategic Priorities
- To be the preferred International School in the West Tokyo region that provides a balanced and challenging academic program to all of our students.
- To be competitive in the local and national educational system by heightening a highly motivated, globally diverse and qualified faculty team that collaborate and communicate in a constructive and professional environment.
- To be recognized as the preferred International school within the West Tokyo region for Japanese families seeking and International Education for their children and for all International families within the local community
- To provide a financially sound and competitive quality of learning to all of our students.
Hands on Experiences
School Highlights
■ Why Families Choose TWIS
- A nature-surrounded campus with a spacious educational garden fosters a relaxed and enriching school life
- Internationally accredited inquiry-based curriculum (IB-PYP, Cognia)
- Small class sizes enable personalized instruction and robust student support
- A bilingual English-Japanese environment that nurtures multicultural understanding
- An international community of students and teachers from over 15 countries; about half of the students are non-Japanese nationals
- A high proportion of native English-speaking students distinguishes our school
- Integrated AI and ICT literacy education with career development from middle through high school
- Students can earn both Japanese and international high school diplomas
- Specialist instructors teach subjects such as PE, music, art, gardening, library skills, and Japanese
- A full-time nurse and visiting school counselor support students’ physical and emotional well-being
- Hands-on learning through our garden program and diverse extracurricular clubs
- Short-term overseas programs and English support cultivate global competencies
Extracurriculars, Academic Support & Future Pathways
■ Clubs & Programs
From Elementary to High School, students participate in weekly club activities with diverse options:
- Sports such as soccer and volleyball
- Cultural activities like art, music, gardening, library, and school newspaper
- Academic enrichment through STEM and sustainability projects
For Kindergarten, optional after school clubs as follows (4 times a week) are available from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Music & Me
- Young Authors
- Forest and Garden Kitchen Program
- Art Club
- FitKids Academy
TWIS also offers external programs such as a Saturday School (English through sports) and seasonal Spring, Summer, and Winter Schools.
■ Academic & Online Support
TWIS offers a variety of after-school academic support programs, including:
- ESL (English as a Second Language): Support for building core English skills
- EEP (English Enrichment Program): For advanced English development
- Tutoring Program: One-on-one academic support tailored to individual needs
- Japanese Support: On-campus after-school classes focusing on reading and writing
- Online eitomo English Reinforcement Program (1-on-1): Practical English development for students from Elementary through High School
Additionally, students can access Dekitasu comprehensive online learning course from home.
This program covers Japanese, math, science, social studies, English, and EIKEN, and is available for students in Grades 1–9, enabling both review and enrichment.
※This online program is intended for Elementary and Middle School students.
■ AI & Career Education
TWIS is preparing to progressively introduce AI literacy education from the upper elementary grades through high school. We aim to teach students the appropriate use of AI in education and help them enhance their data analysis skills and creativity. We are considering a curriculum that includes foundational programming as well as practical applications of generative AI. In the near future, as society moves toward coexistence with AI, our goal is not to prohibit AI but to educate students on how to use it responsibly and effectively.
In High School, TWIS emphasizes career education, including internships, workplace visits, and university preparation, connecting students with real-world experiences.
■ Post-Graduation Pathways
TWIS graduates continue their education at institutions both in Japan and abroad. We provide personalized academic counseling tailored to each student’s goals.
Our portfolio support includes documenting academic work, extracurricular activities, preparing recommendation letters, and assisting with application materials.
■ Short-Term Study Abroad
During summer vacation, TWIS offers short-term overseas study programs for students in the Elementary (with parents), Middle, and High School divisions.
Destinations: Thailand, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines
Key Activities:
*Attending local schools and engaging in cross-cultural exchanges
*Supporting local children through English-based educational activities
*Participating in archaeological digs and cultural restoration projects
*Observing sea turtle nesting and contributing to nature conservation
*Volunteering in educational outreach for children in underserved communities
These programs are organized and operated by a group founded by TWIS alumni parents, committed to offering valuable and safe global experiences at reasonable costs. Students from around the world—especially Europe—participate in these programs, conducted entirely in English.
Daily Life and Family Engagement
■ Daily Schedule
At TWIS, Kindergarten ends at 3:00 p.m., and Elementary and above follow a 7-period schedule (each 40 minutes), with regular dismissal at 3:30 p.m.
For Kindergarten, optional after school clubs (4 times a week) are available from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For elementary and above, optional 8th-period programs, such as club activities or supplemental lessons (ESL, EEP, Japanese or tutoring program), extend the day to 4:30 p.m.
All classrooms are ICT-equipped, and both English and Japanese are used flexibly depending on the context.
■ Facilities, Safety & Health
The campus, surrounded by nature, includes spacious classrooms, a gymnasium, music and art rooms, science labs, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, and an expansive educational garden that enhances learning.
A full-time school nurse provides daily healthcare, and a professional counselor visits weekly to support students’ emotional well-being.
■ School Lunch
Warm lunches are freshly prepared in our on-site kitchen. Accommodations for allergies and cultural needs are available. Students may also bring their own meals.
■ Family Communication
Teachers regularly update families through a dedicated communication app, sharing student activities and class news.
Each term includes parent-teacher conferences, classroom observations, and report card distribution, fostering strong school-home partnerships.
■ PTA Involvement
The PTA supports not only school events but also contributes to enhancing the learning environment through volunteer activities such as facility improvement and library maintenance.
■ Student Council
The Student Council consists of students from the upper elementary grades through high school. They play a key role in organizing school events and proposing improvements to school life. This cross-grade collaboration nurtures leadership and teamwork.
■ Standardized Testing & Assessment
TWIS utilizes internationally recognized assessment tools to visualize each student’s academic progress and growth. These results inform personalized teaching strategies and support.
Tokyo West is a great place to study. Our fully equipped Hachioji campus was completed in 2015. It has been built according to the most advanced safety standards. From the windows of our bright classrooms, the students can enjoy the changing of the seasons and the view of the surrounding greenery.
We operate a school bus in the Tama area. There is also a school nurse, so you can feel safe.
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