Japan is home to a well-established network of internationally accredited, non-profit international schools focused on long-term educational quality rather than commercial return. These schools are typically governed by independent boards and reinvest tuition revenue into teaching, facilities, and student support, helping to maintain high academic standards and institutional stability.

Across cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Kyoto, many of Japan’s leading non-profit international schools offer globally recognised pathways including the International Baccalaureate, American diploma programmes, and other internationally accredited curricula, supported by organisations such as CIS, WASC and NEASC.

Here’s the list for top non-profit schools in Japan:

YOKOHAMA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Founded In: 1924

Yokohama International School (YIS) is a long-established non-profit international school serving the Greater Tokyo-Yokohama region. The school is recognised for its strong inquiry-based learning culture and emphasis on international mindedness within a diverse student community.

YIS is an IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum, including the PYP, MYP and IB Diploma Programme, providing a continuous international education pathway from early years through to graduation.

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ST. MARY’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Founded In: 1954
Tokyo, Japan

St. Mary’s International School is a well-established non-profit international school for boys, serving the Tokyo expatriate community. The school is governed by an independent board and operates on a not-for-profit model, with tuition reinvested into academic programmes, facilities, and student development.

St. Mary’s delivers a US-based international curriculum and is fully accredited by WASC and CIS, providing students with a globally recognised American high school diploma and strong university preparation.

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KYOTO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Founded In: 1957
Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto International School (KIS) is a non-profit international school serving both expatriate and local families in the Kansai region. The school is known for its small-school environment, strong student support, and emphasis on academic continuity for internationally mobile families.

KIS is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and IB Diploma Programme, providing students with a fully integrated international education pathway from early years through secondary school.

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FUKUOKA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Founded In: 1972
Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka International School is a non-profit international school serving families in Kyushu and southern Japan. The school is known for its close-knit international community and personalised learning environment, supporting students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

FIS offers an international curriculum leading to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, providing students with a globally recognised pathway for university entry.

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