How we provide a true international experience: The American School in Japan

The American School in Japan (ASIJ) provides education for students from grades pre-school through 12 and is accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ASIJ prides itself on being an educational center that is “American by name, international by nature.”

It is the oldest and largest international school in Tokyo with a student body of 1,500 individuals from 40 countries. This provides for a diverse, dynamic and multi-cultural education in the arts, athletics and academics that is set against the backdrop of Tokyo, one of the most dynamic cities in the world. ASIJ is committed to “developing compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibility” and fosters a sense of open-mindedness and community among all of its students.

 

Grade 4 students build cars from anything they can find. #asij #missionmonday #designthinking #school #creativedesign #creativity

A photo posted by The American School in Japan (@asij_official) on Nov 15, 2015 at 10:42pm PST

Academics

The curriculum at ASIJ is based largely on the best of American and international curricula and all courses are taught in English. However, students are also exposed to the wealth of Japanese culture that surrounds them so they are prepared to succeed and thrive anywhere in the world. The academic success of ASIJ students can be attributed to the quality of its teachers, many of whom hold advanced degrees. ASIJ also maintains small student-teacher ratios for the best individualized attention, and students are supported by extensive access to technology and a 1:1 laptop program from grades 6-12.

Critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and compassion are key elements embedded throughout the curriculum from the Early Learning Centre to the high school classroom, and projects can include anything from learning Chinese to building robots.

ASIJ high school students all engage in a college preparatory program, and gifted and ambitious students can enroll in accelerated, honors, and Advanced Placement courses. In the past five years, approximately 97 percent of ASIJ graduates matriculated at colleges, with 76 percent attending schools in the United States and 23 percent in other countries. Middle school students have the unique opportunity to work in groups on projects and presentations that focus on areas of global interest and relevance.

 

We’ve featured the gate before, but today was a special day as we honored our graduating seniors during the senior walk. #asij #facilityfriday #graduation #seniors #highschool

A photo posted by The American School in Japan (@asij_official) on Jun 4, 2015 at 10:54pm PDT

Facilities

ASIJ boasts state-of-the-art facilities on its 5.8 hectare campus and has become well-known throughout Asia for its science and technology education. Facilities include an Early Learning Centre, library, resource centers and state-of-the-art classrooms to encourage learning, while there is also a 570-seat theatre, music rooms, two all-year athletics fields, swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness centre and three gymnasiums to cater for sports, arts, music and other extra-curricular activities.

Extra-curricular activities

ASIJ offers more than 100 extra-curricular activities for all grades and approximately 85 percent of students participate in some activity. These may include such diverse activities as sumo wrestling, tako drumming, speech and debate, Model United Nations participation, environmental education, service opportunities and various sports. The activities are designed to enable students to build connections with the outside world and develop the sense that their actions can create a better community.

 

Hiro Fujita ’98 came to ASIJ, gave a speech and signaled the start of this year’s Fun Run! All of the Fun Run proceeds will go towards Hiro’s End ALS campaign. #endals #runforhiro #funrun #asij #school

A photo posted by The American School in Japan (@asij_official) on Oct 6, 2015 at 12:27am PDT

Guidance and counseling

ASIJ offers guidance counseling services to support students and meet their academic and emotional needs. Guidance services are available with resources for students, parents, and staff/administrators so students discover their abilities and strengths as they define their personalities and set goals for the future.

For information on the admissions process and policies at The American School in Japan, as well as fees and other pertinent information, visit the school website. You can also stay up to date with the school via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.