Columbia International School
Founded 1988
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Ontario Curriculum
WASC
CISLanguages
EnglishColumbia International School is a co-educational institution located in Tokorozawa, Saitama, offering a curriculum based on the Ontario, Canada, Ministry of Education standards. It is the only international school in Japan accredited by both the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school's motto is 'Be a Smart Student. Be a Good Student. Be a Happy Student.' It strives to create an environment that values the uniqueness of each child and the diversity of all learners, aiming to foster confidence, international citizenship, and a joy for learning.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive educational pathway from Kindergarten (ages 3–5) through Elementary (Grades 1–6), Junior High (Grades 7–9), and a High School program. The curriculum is taught entirely in English by qualified teachers, with the elementary level also incorporating Japanese language instruction to promote bilingualism. Additionally, the school provides a Saturday School program based on immersion-style learning and a Summer School program for external and current students.
Outcomes
The school's curriculum prepares students for entry into universities in Japan, the United States, Canada, and other English-speaking countries. Graduates have successfully advanced to various international middle schools, high schools, and universities. The program aims to develop lifelong learners equipped with the academic and research skills necessary for future success.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides specialized support for students, including a dedicated course for English beginners in the junior high division (Grades 7–9). Small class sizes and experienced teachers are utilized to nurture individual language abilities and intellectual curiosity regardless of a student's initial proficiency.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Columbia International School offer?
- Columbia International School offers Ontario Curriculum.
- How much is tuition at Columbia International School?
- Annual tuition at Columbia International School is ¥1.8M–¥1.9M. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Columbia International School hold?
- Columbia International School holds accreditations including WASC and CIS.
- Where is Columbia International School located?
- Columbia International School is an international school in Saitama, Japan.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2027-2028| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 4–5 | ¥1.8M |
| Elementary | 6–11 | ¥1.9M |
| Junior | 12–14 | ¥1.9M |
| Senior | 15–17 | ¥1.9M |
| Senior (VISA Students) | 15–17 | ¥1.9M |
Source:PDF2027-2028_Flywire_Application_Guidelines_VISA_students_VISA_for_students.pdfPDFApplication_Form_G10-G12.pdfPDF2027-2028_Application_Guidelines_K-G9.pdfPDF2027-2028_Application_Guidelines_G10-G12_For_academic_law.pdf
Other fees(11)
| Application fee· Non-refundable application fee | ¥25K |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Entrance Fee (waived if a sibling is attending) | ¥210K |
| Enrolment fee· Facility Fee (First Year only) for Elementary, Junior, and Senior programs | ¥420K |
| Enrolment fee· Annual Maintenance Fee for Elementary, Junior, and Senior programs | ¥150K |
| Enrolment fee· Annual PTSA Fee per family | ¥12K |
| Boarding· Room with Meals (shared by 2) for VISA students. Includes breakfasts, dinners, linen rentals, and electricity. No boarding service during winter breaks. | ¥1.2M |
| Insurance· International Student Fee for VISA students (includes City Registration, Local Bank Account, National Health Insurance, Annual Health check, Immigration related costs, etc.) | ¥450K |
| EAL· Japanese classes (1 hour x 10 classes / term) for VISA students | ¥45K |
| Meals· Lunch Fee (Optional for Kindergarten at 122,400 JPY/year and Elementary at 135,000 JPY/year; included/required for Junior and Senior at 135,000 JPY/year) | ¥135K |
| Uniform· School uniforms, school shirts, school polo, PE uniforms, and indoor shoes are required and must be covered by students. | — |
| Materials· Workbooks, laptop computer and its peripherals, and other activity costs are covered by students. | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10% for 2nd child, 30% for 3rd child
Admissions
The school accepts applications for spring enrollment, with specific periods for primary and secondary levels. The process involves document submission, including academic reports, followed by an entrance examination and an interview with parents. Admission to specific grades is determined by the student's age and their academic credits based on the Ontario secondary school graduation requirements.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into three terms: Spring (April–June), Autumn (September–November), and Winter (December–March). The calendar includes regular assessments, parent-teacher conferences, sports days, and seasonal events such as Halloween parties and Christmas fiestas. Summer programs are also offered during the July–August break.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in Tokorozawa, the campus features two main buildings—the Annex and the Elementary building—along with a large artificial turf field. Facilities include a cafeteria, art room, and two gymnasiums (Big Gym and Small Gym). The school has maintained a mobile internet environment since 2001 to support its IT-focused curriculum.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a variety of clubs and sports, including futsal, volleyball, basketball, music, yearbook, photography, and outdoor adventure. Elementary students have access to activities like art, baseball, soccer, and violin, while junior students engage in clubs that meet throughout the year. These activities are designed to foster communication and student interaction.
