International Schools Directory

The American School in Japan is a private, coeducational day school, serving students from age 3 to grade 12 on two campuses: the Early Learning Center (Nursery-Prekindergarten-Kindergarten) in Roppongi and the Chofu campus in western Tokyo (kindergarten-grade 12). The School serves students of all nationalities, with the majority having U.S. citizenship. The school year comprises two semesters, August-January and January-June. The school is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors elected for one-year terms by the Trustees of the American School in Japan Foundation, the sponsors of the School. Usually Board members are U.S. citizens. Trusteeship in the Foundation is extended to representatives of businesses, U.S. government, church organizations, alumni and staff who have an interest in and provide financial support to the school. The curriculum is similar to that of U.S. college-preparatory schools except that Japanese language and area studies are offered to all students. Four libraries of 45,000 titles staffed by three professional librarians and aides promote an emphasis on student research. Among an extensive range of elective courses, Advanced Placement courses are offered in 18 subjects. The School has no provisions for students with significant learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. The elementary, middle, and high schools are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. For the most part, graduates go on to colleges and universities in the United States. The Chofu campus (kindergarten-grade 12) features libraries, fine arts facilities, video studios, laboratories, 800+ computers with Internet access for student use, choral and instrumental music rooms, and auditorium, three gymnasiums, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and playgrounds/sports fields. Optional bus service to/from central Tokyo and the Chofu campus is available, with an average transit time of 50 minutes. The Early Learning Center (nursery-kindergarten) features its own library, music room, community room, and playground.