
Tokyo International Progressive School
Part of Tokyo International School Group, Secular
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Tokyo International Progressive School (TIPS) is an international school for grades 4-12 that specializes in providing alternative education for students with mild learning differences. Located in Tokyo, it offers a small, supportive environment with a focus on individualized instruction and student-centered learning.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is a not-for-profit institution founded to provide an alternative, personalized education for students who do not thrive in mainstream environments. Its mission is to provide an individualized learning environment that fosters inclusivity and respect, helping students maximize their potential while building confidence in a small, progressive setting.
Programmes
The school offers a curriculum for grades 4-12, incorporating Common Core Standards. The academic program is highly individualized, featuring small class sizes and a Teacher Advisory Programme (TAP). The curriculum also integrates lessons on student safety and wellness, and the school provides career counseling to help students plan for their future.
Outcomes
Approximately 85% of graduates from the school go on to attend post-secondary institutions worldwide. The school focuses on preparing students to be respectful citizens who can contribute to global society based on their individual interests and abilities.
Student support
Learning support
The school specializes in supporting students with mild learning differences who face academic, emotional, or social challenges. It employs a team of specialists, including an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, counselors, and a learning support coordinator. Students receive individualized instruction that may include differentiated learning, assistive technology, movement breaks, structured routines, and note-taking assistance.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What curriculum does Tokyo International Progressive School offer?
- Tokyo International Progressive School offers US Common Core.
- How much is tuition at Tokyo International Progressive School?
- Annual tuition at Tokyo International Progressive School is ¥3.2M–¥3.2M. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Where is Tokyo International Progressive School located?
- Tokyo International Progressive School is an international school in Tokyo, Japan.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 4 | 9–10 | ¥3.2M |
| Grade 5 | 10–11 | ¥3.2M |
| Grade 6 | 11–12 | ¥3.2M |
| Grade 7 | 12–13 | ¥3.2M |
| Grade 8 | 13–14 | ¥3.2M |
| Grade 9 | 14–15 | ¥3.2M |
| Grade 10 | 15–16 | ¥3.2M |
| Grade 11 | 16–17 | ¥3.2M |
| Grade 12 | 17–18 | ¥3.2M |
Source:PDFCalendar-2026-2027.pdfPDFScholarship-form-2026-27new.pdf
Other fees(5)
| Application fee· ¥33,000 after 10% tax (¥30,000 before tax). One-time, non-refundable fee for new students. | ¥33K |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· ¥385,000 after 10% tax (¥350,000 before tax). One-time, non-refundable fee for new students. | ¥385K |
| Enrolment fee· ¥726,000 after 10% tax (¥660,000 before tax). One-time, non-refundable fee for new students. | ¥726K |
| Materials· ¥236,500 after 10% tax (¥215,000 before tax). Annual Educational Enhancement Fee for all grades. | ¥236.5K |
| Bus / transport· ¥389,400 after 10% tax (¥354,000 before tax). Optional annual bus fee. | ¥389.4K |
Admissions
The admissions process begins with an initial inquiry and the submission of an initial contact form to determine if the school can meet the child's needs. Prospective families are invited for a visit, followed by a formal application, an interview with the principal, and a 1-2 day trial period. English proficiency assessments may be required, and enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of the registration package and fee.
Calendar
The school operates on an academic year calendar, with specific key events and dates provided to families via a downloadable calendar. The school also offers a summer school program.
About the campus
The campus is located in the Kamata area of Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. The school features small academic classrooms designed for a maximum of 10 students to ensure personalized attention and support. The building is equipped with technology to support learning, and classrooms are designed with clear visibility to hallways to maintain safety and supervision standards.
Co-curriculars
The school provides a range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, various clubs, and student trips. Entrepreneurship is also highlighted as part of the student experience, and the school hosts events such as art exhibits and graduation ceremonies.



- Lyn SatoPrincipal
Ms. Sato has served TIPS since 2006 in various roles, including volleyball coach, classroom teacher, and senior teacher, before becoming principal in March 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Arkansas and a Master’s of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California.
- Nikolai Jessen-PetersenClassroom Teacher / Student Support Coordinator
Mr. Jessen-Petersen is a Danish-Japanese educator who holds a Bachelor of Psychology and two Master's degrees in Education, specializing in International and Special Education. He is a licensed Special Education teacher (K-12) and has been at TIPS for five years, serving as a classroom teacher and student support coordinator.
- Jill MarceloClassroom Teacher / Curriculum Coordinator
Ms. Marcelo is an educator with international experience in the Philippines, Indonesia, and the USA. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Special Education, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
- Jeffrey VisserClassroom Teacher / Athletic Director
Mr. Visser, originally from The Netherlands, holds a Bachelor of Education with a major in History. He has been living in Japan for almost 11 years and brings seven years of prior experience as a history teacher in the Netherlands to his role at TIPS.
- Priya PillaiClassroom Teacher / Club Coordinator
Ms. Pillai is from Mumbai, India, and holds a Master’s in Botany, a Bachelor of Education, and a post-grad diploma in Educational Administration and Management. She has 25 years of teaching experience and is currently pursuing expert-level training in Special Education Needs.
- Angie JacksonClassroom Teacher / Student Support Coordinator
Ms. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Fine Art with a minor in Psychology and a Master's in Special Education Administration from The University of Cincinnati. She has nine years of experience teaching students with learning differences in American inner-city schools.
- Junko NakamuraBusiness Manager
Ms. Nakamura joined TIPS in 2004 and serves as the Business Manager. She holds a BA in English Linguistics from Seisen University and previously worked internationally at an advertising agency.
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