Tohoku International School
Secular
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB PYP
WASC
CISLanguages
English
Japanese
SpanishTohoku International School is the only international school in the Tohoku region of Japan, providing an individualized, holistic K-12 academic program taught in English. It is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school aims to nurture confident, compassionate, and independent learners within a supportive community. It focuses on the "TIS 5 Stars"—Communicators, Knowledgeable thinkers, Risk-takers, Responsible citizens, and Open-minded individuals—while valuing the development of the whole child intellectually, socially, emotionally, and ethically.
Programmes
The school offers a K-12 curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for elementary students and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for students in grades 11 and 12. The DP curriculum includes core subjects like the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), alongside subjects in language, social studies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts.
Outcomes
Graduates of the school are prepared for university studies and diverse future paths. The school's IB Diploma Programme is internationally recognized, providing students with the qualifications and skills necessary to pursue higher education globally.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides an EAL (English as an Additional Language) program to support students with limited English proficiency, with support levels reviewed twice annually. Additionally, the school offers Japanese language classes as part of its curriculum.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Tohoku International School offer?
- Tohoku International School offers IB PYP and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at Tohoku International School?
- Annual tuition at Tohoku International School is ¥990K–¥1.7M. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Tohoku International School a day or boarding school?
- Tohoku International School is a day school.
- What accreditations does Tohoku International School hold?
- Tohoku International School holds accreditations including IB, WASC and CIS.
- Where is Tohoku International School located?
- Tohoku International School is an international school in Sendai, Japan.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten (Full day) | 3–5 | ¥990K |
| Grade 1-8 | 6–14 | ¥1.3M |
| Grade 9-10 | 14–16 | ¥1.5M |
| Grade 11-12 | 16–18 | ¥1.7M |
Other fees(5)
| Registration fee· Entrance Fee (for new students), non-refundable | ¥400K |
|---|---|
| Application fee· Administrative Fee, non-refundable | ¥15K |
| EAL· Monitor level: ¥4,000/month, Intermediate level: ¥11,000/month, Intensive level: ¥25,000/month | — |
| Bus / transport· Sendai Stn: ¥7,000/month, Yaotome: ¥6,000/month, Daikannon: ¥5,000/month, Akashidai: ¥6,000/month, Izumi Parktown: ¥6,000/month | — |
| Materials· DP Text & Test fee (included in Grade 11-12 annual sum) | ¥100K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: contact office
Admissions
Tohoku International School is a day school serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The application process involves submitting a digital application form, followed by an application review and an in-person entrance interview that includes reading, writing, speaking, and mathematics components. Applications are accepted throughout the year, up to six months in advance.
Calendar
The school operates on an annual calendar that includes designated school days, holidays, and special events. The schedule features specific days for early release or half-day sessions.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is located in Sendai and includes a library for student use. The school provides a school bus service with multiple routes serving areas such as Sendai Station, Yaotome, Daikannon, Akashidai, and Izumi Parktown.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a variety of activities, including student council and school musicals. The school also emphasizes creative, active, and service-oriented experiences through the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) component of the IB Diploma Programme.
Hiroko YoshidaPrincipalMs. Yoshida serves as the Principal of Tohoku International School. She welcomes families to the school, emphasizing its close-knit, supportive community and its commitment to nurturing individual strengths and global citizenship.
- Robert ZehmkeVice Principal / Head of Secondary
Mr. Zehmke serves as the Vice Principal and Head of Secondary. He is originally from South Africa.
- Tayla MorroHead of Elementary / PYP Coordinator / Grade 6 HomeroomTeacher
Ms. Morro is the Head of Elementary and the PYP Coordinator. She also serves as the Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher and is originally from Canada.
- Matthew BauerStudent Support Lead / Safeguarding Lead / Librarian
Mr. Bauer is the Student Support Lead and Safeguarding Lead. He also serves as the school Librarian and is originally from South Africa.
- Jonathan DawsonIBDP Coordinator / TOK / Biology Teacher
Mr. Dawson is the IBDP Coordinator and teaches TOK and Biology. He is originally from Australia.
- Zane CliffordSecondary Math Teacher / Technology Coordinator
Mr. Clifford is the Technology Coordinator and a Secondary Math Teacher. He is originally from South Africa.
- April SekineEAL Coordinator
Ms. Sekine is the EAL Coordinator at the school and is originally from the U.S.A.