Tokyo, Japan: Nishimachi International School: 2023-2024 Fact Sheet

Nishimachi International School is a private, coeducational day school founded in 1949. The school’s educational philosophy is grounded in a spirit of internationalism and humanism, which allows children of all nationalities to learn in a supportive environment. Nishimachi provides children with an English education and a minimum of one lesson per day in Japanese, which seeks to develop international perspective and understanding. The school’s location in Moto-Azabu, conveys a neighborhood-school atmosphere, and is a short distance from the U.S. Embassy and Hardy Barracks. Nishimachi’s After School Care program and After School Activities schedule is ideal for dual-working couples, and those seeking enrichment activities later in the afternoon.

Organization: Nishimachi is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and by the Council of International Schools. The program extends from kindergarten through grade 9, and the school year is divided into two academic semesters, beginning in late August and ending in June. The school is a non-profit organization and recognized as a private foundation by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It is governed by a seven-member board of directors and 15 trustee members. school year is divided into two academic semesters, beginning in late August and ending in June.

Curriculum: Students benefit from the school’s rigorous curriculum, close-knit community, and interactions with the local culture. Students are prepared to continue their education in first-class learning institutions around the world. As part of a community of learners, students are guided to take personal ownership of their learning, to make meaningful connections with others, to pursue challenges and persevere, to act ethically and respectfully, and to use multiple processes to think, innovate, and reflect. The school follows the U.S. Common Core and AERO frameworks and utilizes best practices in the teaching of literacy. The following subjects make up the educational program: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, dramatic arts, music, physical education, and health and wellness. The Japanese language program is an essential element of the educational program for all students. Each student is assigned a Japanese language level ranging from beginners (non-native) to first language (native) level. A Japanese culture program enhances the learning of the language. An optional two-week summer school program is offered to Nishimachi students.

Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, Nishimachi has 96 total staff including 69 teachers, 23 of whom are U.S. citizens, 25 host-country nationals, and 21 third-country nationals. Our faculty and staff represent 11 number of nationalities, including UK, Australia, French, Canadian, etc. All teaching faculty maintain a teaching certificate/credential.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, enrollment was 467 (K: 56, Gr 1-5: 289, Gr 6-9: 122), representing 38 countries. Of this total, 159 were U.S. citizens, 172 were host-country nationals, and 136 were third-country nationals.

Facilities: The school is located in central Tokyo and utilizes a variety of purpose built buildings, six of which surround a common courtyard, where children of all grades become familiar with each other. Adjacent to the main campus is our purpose built Kindergarten suite of classrooms, with playground space at the building, dedicated to these young learners. Three playgrounds are available on the main campus for other students. All students benefit from the Yashiro Media Center with its collection of books in multiple languages, especially English and Japanese. The Matsukata House, built in 1921, was the original family residence of Nishimachi’s founder, Tané Matsukata, and now serves as the main administrative building. Nishimachi’s outdoor education center, Camp Rioichiro Arai “Kazuno,” is located in Gunma Prefecture, 150 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, and is a central component of our beyond the classroom learning opportunity, for students in grades 4-9.

Finances: In the 2023-2024 school year, the school’s operating income is derived from school fees and donations. Annual tuition rates, including an Education Enhancement Fee and a School Growth Fund Fee is JPY2,960,000. Once a student is admitted, the school charges a one-time only, non- refundable Registration Fee of JPY300,000 and a Building Maintenance Fee of JPY825,000. Families interested in applying to Nishimachi and affiliated with the U.S. Government should contact the Admissions Office about a possible application fee waiver.

Special Needs: Review the Special Needs Profile for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.

This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2023 and are provided by the school.