I. An Environment for English Mastery and Comprehensive Multinational Immersion

The primary reason we are recognized as the leading international school in West Tokyo is our complete immersion environment—one where students use English so naturally they aren’t even aware they are “learning” it.

1. A “Real World” Community Representing 15+ Nations

Our school is a truly international community, composed of students and faculty from over 15 countries. With approximately 30% of our student body holding foreign nationalities, it is a daily occurrence to hear native English speakers conversing throughout the campus.

To master “living English,” nothing is more vital than the sheer frequency of opportunities to speak it. At TWIS, every class—with the exception of Japanese language—is conducted entirely in English. This immersion extends to specialized subjects like P.E., Music, and Art, all taught by dedicated native-speaking faculty. From the moment they arrive until they head home, students are fully immersed in an “All-English” environment. This creates an experience comparable to studying abroad, setting us worlds apart from conventional Japanese education focused on rote classroom learning.

2. The Necessity of Communication Beyond the Classroom

Through daily interaction with a diverse, multinational student body, students find themselves in situations where they must express their thoughts accurately and with genuine emotion. This “necessity” is the most powerful catalyst for language acquisition. From recess and lunchtime to after-school clubs—every moment and every corner of the campus serves as a stage for students to refine their language skills through real-world practice.

 

II. Expressive English Education: Refining Practical and Logical Skills

The hallmark of English education at Tokyo West International School is our “Expressive English” model. Rather than an over-reliance on input, we focus intensely on active output and the construction of logical arguments.

1. A Curriculum Centered on Discussion and Presentation

Education at Tokyo West International School goes far beyond traditional lectures. True to our mission of “cultivating advanced, practical English through discussion and presentation,” our students take center stage in their own learning, with a primary focus on activities that allow them to express their original ideas.

Debate

Students engage in debates on social and ethical issues, dividing into opposing sides. This requires more than just speaking English; it demands the advanced cognitive ability to analyze an opponent’s logic and construct counterarguments on the spot.

Presentation

Students present their findings from Inquiry-based Learning (UOI), Science, and History projects to the entire school and faculty. They rigorously refine their ability to captivate an audience, mastering slide design, visual aids, and non-verbal cues like eye contact and gestures.

Essays and Academic Writing

In the High School division, we cultivate the academic writing skills necessary for university success. Students undergo intensive training to produce structured, persuasive prose based on deep insights into complex themes.

Through these activities, students learn to master English as a tool for thought—developing the ability to explain complex concepts and lead discussions. This forms the foundation of true leadership required by global universities and corporations.

2. Inquiry-Based Learning Integrated with International Standards

Tokyo West International School is an authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) school and is accredited by Cognia, a global leader in educational accreditation. Building on these international frameworks, we implement inquiry-based learning through our Units of Inquiry (UOI).

In UOI, students explore real-world issues and local challenges by formulating their own questions, gathering and analyzing data, and proposing solutions. As this entire process is conducted in English, students practice not only “what to learn” but also “how to learn” through the language.

For instance, when studying “Sustainable Energy,” students analyze English-language research on renewable energy, investigate local community conditions, and compile their findings into English reports followed by classroom debates. This approach dramatically enhances their specialized vocabulary and their ability to process complex information in English.

 

III. A Solid Foundation for Next-Generation Adaptation

Advanced practical skills are built upon a firm foundation. At Tokyo West International School, we provide a systematic language education starting from Kindergarten, cultivating English proficiency that empowers students to adapt to the latest technological advancements.

1. Mastering Phonetics from an Early Age: The Jolly Phonics Program

In the crucial early stages of language acquisition—Kindergarten and early Elementary school—we implement Jolly Phonics to instill a thorough foundation in English pronunciation. This is a strategic choice; by linking correct sounds with letters, we efficiently accelerate the development of both reading and writing skills.

As students acquire clear, near-native pronunciation, they gain the confidence to embrace speaking challenges, and their listening comprehension improves dramatically. Our results speak for themselves: some of our youngest learners are already reaching EIKEN Grade 3 proficiency, a testament to the remarkable strength of their fundamental skills.

2. English Proficiency for the AI Era

In our High School division, the pillars of our curriculum are English, Career Readiness, and AI Education. Since 2025, we have been trialing a unique AI curriculum where students learn to leverage generative AI and data analytics tools.

In this digital landscape, advanced English expression is more critical than ever. To elicit precise results from AI, the ability to write logical and clear prompts in English is indispensable. At TWIS, our students refine their high-level logical thinking and English communication skills as a means to master these cutting-edge AI tools.

3. Establishing a Truly Bilingual Environment

While we are an international school, we place great importance on Japanese language education. We believe that high-level critical thinking and a deep understanding of Japanese culture are indispensable for success in a global society. With dedicated faculty leading our Japanese classes, we maintain a carefully balanced bilingual environment. Our goal is to nurture individuals who possess both a global perspective and a strong local foundation.

 

IV. Transforming English into a “Power for Life” Through Real-World Practice

At our school, English is not a set of knowledge confined to the four walls of a classroom. We provide an abundance of practical opportunities designed to elevate language skills into a “power for life.”

1. International Experience: Short-Term Study Abroad Programs

Through short-term study abroad programs and various international exchange activities, our students have the opportunity to test their English skills on a true global stage. Living within different cultures and collaborating with people of diverse values deepens their learning and significantly broadens their perspectives. These experiences bolster students’ self-esteem and cultivate the resilience—or “toughness”—required to thrive in a global society.

2. Community Engagement and English in Action

At TWIS, we actively utilize English through our “GROW LOCAL” initiatives. Whether participating in local environmental conservation projects or joining regional international exchange events, our students use English as a powerful tool for social contribution. These activities serve as unique platforms to embody our school motto: “GROW LOCAL, SOAR GLOBAL.” By rooting themselves in the local community, students prepare to take flight on the world stage.

 

V. TWIS Pathways: Opening Doors to the World

The advanced English proficiency and spirit of inquiry nurtured at Tokyo West International School serve as a steadfast foundation for our students, empowering them to thrive both in Japan and on the international stage.

1. University Readiness and a Student-Centered Career Outlook

TWIS has built a consistent track record of placement in prestigious middle and high schools, both in Japan and overseas. With the addition of our Grade 12 class in the 2026 academic year, our High School division will offer its first full K-12 lineup.

Our philosophy of career guidance goes beyond merely targeting “famous universities.” We believe the essence of career education is empowering each student to take the lead in choosing the institution that best fits their vision of who they want to become.

The logical thinking built through debate, the initiative fostered through inquiry-based learning, and advanced English communication skills form the bedrock of an academic environment that fully prepares students for global higher education. Furthermore, our Career Design Center helps students explore and deepen their passions while reflecting on their own values. Rather than focusing solely on university names or rankings, we provide meticulous support to help each student realize a future that aligns with their unique strengths and aspirations.

2. Dual High School Diplomas: Japanese and American Qualifications

In our High School division, students have the opportunity to earn both a Japanese high school diploma and an American diploma through our affiliated online high school program. By obtaining dual qualifications while attending our campus, students are provided with the most flexible and powerful range of options, regardless of whether they choose to pursue their future path in Japan or abroad.

 

VI. “Living English” Nurtured through Experience and Expression

At Tokyo West International School, high-level English proficiency is not confined to classroom study. It is cultivated through hands-on experiences, from gardening to the arts. This practical cycle of feeling, thinking, and communicating is what breathes life into a student’s English ability.

At Tokyo West International School, we believe that true English proficiency is not something nurtured through classroom study alone. We place cultural and artistic activities—such as gardening, sports, music, and art—at the very heart of our curriculum to foster rich emotions, healthy bodies, and vibrant creativity.

These activities take place in an environment where English is the natural, everyday language. The process of collaborating with peers, putting thoughts and feelings into words, and refining their expression through trial and error is exactly what leads to the acquisition of practical, “living” English.

Our gardening program, in particular, allows students to learn about coexistence with nature firsthand. Here, they observe, inquire, converse, and present—all in English. Because this language is tied directly to real-world experiences, it becomes more than just knowledge; it integrates deeply with their thoughts and emotions. Through this continuous journey of learning, our students develop the confidence to express their own ideas to the world in English.