Minato-ku, Tokyo
Built on History, Focused on the Future
Immerse your child in an innovative inquiry-based curriculum designed for lifelong success.
Connect With Our Admissions Team
Built on History, Focused on the Future
Immerse your child in an innovative inquiry-based curriculum designed for lifelong success.
Connect With Our Admissions Team
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop learners and leaders who know, care and take action, to bring value to others and make a positive impact on the world.
Why Choose Nishimachi
Academically rigorous. Rich in diversity. Active and close school community. Our commitment to lifelong learning.
A Nishimachi education is much more than academic programs or subject offerings. What makes our school special is the community and our culture of respect, the way we embrace diversity, our focus on active learning, trust, and communication.
Nishimachi Learner Expectations
All members of the Nishimachi community, including students, teachers, support staff, parents and the larger community, are part of the continuous process of growth and learning. We are all learners and realize the value of the following Nishimachi Learner Expectations:
At Nishimachi, our approach to learning and teaching is guided by
3 Pillars of Learning:
Inquiry-Driven
We encourage students to explore, question, and investigate.
We incorporate a transdisciplinary approach to learning, making connections between subjects and encouraging interdisciplinary understanding.
We cultivate curiosity and creativity, foster student agency, and empower students to take ownership of their learning.
Personalized
We personalize learning to cater to individual student needs, interests, and learning styles.
We embrace inclusion by valuing diversity.
Community Oriented
We facilitate real-world learning experiences, enabling students to apply their knowledge and skills in practical contexts.
We nurture character development and promote social engagement through the Nishimachi Learner Expectations.
We recognize the importance of multilingualism and special identities.
Schedule a time to meet with our Admissions Team
“If you like the idea of a school that feels like a partnership between staff and parents, you’ll fit right in.”
~ Parent (2024)
Standards Based Curriculum
Nishimachi’s curriculum is structured to ensure that students receive a rigorous standards-based education, relevant to their context and to their experiences in a global community.
The academic environment at Nishimachi is both rigorous and nurturing, promoting independence, resourcefulness, tolerance, and respect for self and others. We care about the overall well-being of each student, and strive to create an environment in which students can foster strong relationships with one another and with their teachers. As students learn how to be part of a group, and develop interpersonal skills in the context of the classroom, they also learn about themselves as learners. Students leave Nishimachi prepared to continue their education at first-class learning institutions around the world.
Program Overview
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. Working with a dedicated faculty and staff, students benefit from an inquiry-based learning that is personalized and community oriented. The language of instruction is English. Additionally all students study Japanese daily.
Standards Based Curriculum
Nishimachi’s curriculum is structured to ensure that students receive a rigorous standards-based education, relevant to their context and to their experiences in a global community.
The academic environment at Nishimachi is both rigorous and nurturing, promoting independence, resourcefulness, tolerance, and respect for self and others. We care about the overall well-being of each student, and strive to create an environment in which students can foster strong relationships with one another and with their teachers. As students learn how to be part of a group, and develop interpersonal skills in the context of the classroom, they also learn about themselves as learners. Students leave Nishimachi prepared to continue their education at first-class learning institutions around the world.
Elementary School (K-5)
With small class sizes, specialist-led programs in arts, sports, and language, and personalized support for every student, we ensure a foundation for lifelong success.
Middle School (Grades 6-9)
Class sizes generally vary from 12-18 students. Learning is project-based and supported by one-to-one access to Apple iPads. The middle school schedule is divided into teaching periods of 60 minutes on a 5-day cycle. All students have 15 minutes of advisory everyday and take the courses from grades 6–9
After School Care
Nishimachi’s After School Care (ASC) provides a safe, structured, and engaging environment for Kindergarten–Grade 5 students. With care available until 6:00 PM, flexible scheduling, and a seamless transition from after-school activities, ASC ensures peace of mind for parents and fun, social development for students.
Fast Facts
41
Nationalities
486
K-9 Students
100%
Graduates Completes Higher Education
"Before coming to Nishimachi, my view of the world was small because I wasn’t in a diverse community. Since Nishimachi has a diverse community, I was able to open my eyes and see and interact with different people, cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. This enabled me to think and see things around me differently. After three years and two months of experiencing Nishimachi, I’ve learnt so much – not just about others, but about myself as well."
~ Class of 2016
At Nishimachi, our aim is to maximize learning for all students. We want children to thrive both academically and socio-emotionally. To that end, we offer various support services but are limited in the types and extent of support we can provide as a school.
Elementary School (K-5)
With small class sizes, specialist-led programs in arts, sports, and language, and personalized support for every student, we ensure a foundation for lifelong success.
Middle School (Grades 6-9)
Class sizes generally vary from 12-18 students. Learning is project-based and supported by one-to-one access to Apple iPads. The middle school schedule is divided into teaching periods of 60 minutes on a 5-day cycle. All students have 15 minutes of advisory everyday and take the courses from grades 6–9
Japanese Program Education Philosophy
At Nishimachi International School, in conformity with Miss Matsukata’s Founding Philosophy, all the students study Japanese from Kindergarten to Grade 9. Learning experiences are tailored for students of different language backgrounds to develop Japanese language skills in proficiency-appropriate classes.
ADMISSIONS
A warm welcome to Nishimachi International School!
Founded in 1949, our founder, Miss Tané Matsukata envisioned a School community built on strong foundational skills in cross-cultural communication. Today, a Nishimachi education continues to offer children the tools and life skills to connect and collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds in an increasingly interdependent world.
For over 75 years, Miss Matsukata’s legacy lives within our strong academic, activity-based learning program. At Nishimachi, we proudly offer high-quality, interactive opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom, incorporating current best practices in pedagogy. We cultivate a passion for excellence and a love of learning in each child. Our commitment to multiculturalism is supported through our exceptional Japanese language and culture program that is taught daily at all grades, Kindergarten through Grade 9.
At Nishimachi, our teachers and staff have excellent qualifications. We pride ourselves on providing our learning community with tools for use in the classroom through a well-developed professional development program. Nishimachi has created a hub for excellence in teaching that supports and models a love of learning.
Children are held at the center of what we believe in, and I invite you to join me in learning more about what makes Nishimachi the school of choice for families in Tokyo.
Sincerely,
Karen O’Neill,
Head of School