Capital Tokyo International Schools (CTIS)

Address

Minamiazabu-shibuya bldg, 4-11-30 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku Tokyo 106-0047

Website

www.capitaltokyo.com/en

Phone

Capital Tokyo International Schools (CTIS)

Capital Tokyo International School (CTIS) is a growing international school in Tokyo, established with a long-term vision to become a fully integrated K–12 school and an IB-accredited institution. CTIS opened its Elementary School in 2022, followed by the Middle School in 2023, and continues to expand its academic pathway. In 2024, CTIS launched CTIS Kindergarten Shibuya, the school’s early years division, located within Shibuya Sakura Stage, a major mixed-use development adjacent to Shibuya Station. The kindergarten is among the few international-school-affiliated early learning centres in Tokyo to offer extended daycare hours (7:30–20:00), supporting the needs of working families in a central urban location. CTIS currently accepts students from Grade 1 to Grade 9, with Elementary and Middle School campuses in Minami-Azabu and Mita, both well-established central Tokyo neighbourhoods. The school welcomes students of both Japanese and international nationalities, offering an inclusive global learning environment. Both the Elementary and Middle School divisions are candidates for the International Baccalaureate (IB) and are actively working toward authorisation. In 2026, CTIS plans to open its High School division, which will offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), completing its pathway toward a full K–12 IB World School.

Academic Excellence

At CTIS, learning from Kindergarten through Middle School is designed to help students learn through English, while remaining strongly connected to their home language, culture, and identity. The programme emphasises curiosity, inquiry, and real understanding—rather than rote learning—so students grow into confident, capable learners. Kindergarten provides a nurturing, play-based environment where children develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Learning happens through exploration, discussion, and hands-on experiences that prioritise oral language as the foundation for literacy. Children are introduced to inquiry units that blend early science and social studies, helping them see learning as interconnected and relevant to the world around them. Alongside English-medium learning, dedicated time is built in for Japanese language development, with play and guided practice supporting age-appropriate communication and early literacy based on individual readiness. In Elementary School, students build strong academic foundations while gaining increasing independence as learners. Teaching is concept-driven and inquiry-led, encouraging students to research, think critically, discuss ideas, and present their learning with confidence. Core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are taught in an integrated way, supported by daily Japanese, arts, physical education, STEAM, outdoor education, and community learning. Japanese language instruction is structured to support both native and non-native speakers, allowing students to deepen language skills while developing cultural understanding. Middle School marks a transition toward greater responsibility and academic depth. Students engage with a broad range of subject areas, including Mathematics, Sciences, English, Humanities, Design, Japanese, Physical & Health Education, Music, and Visual Arts. Learning remains inquiry-based and concept-focused, helping students strengthen critical thinking, collaboration, and self-management skills. This stage prepares learners for future secondary pathways in Japan or internationally, while continuing to build confidence, adaptability, and global awareness. Through this coherent pathway from early years to Middle School, CTIS nurtures students who are bilingual, culturally aware, academically prepared, and ready to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Beyond Classroom

At CTIS, co-curricular learning is thoughtfully designed to extend classroom learning while nurturing curiosity, confidence, and independence. Language & Culture Mandarin classes introduce students to Chinese culture and pronunciation (pinyin) through videos, storybooks, and festival-based activities. As learners progress, they explore connections between Chinese and Japanese characters, with spoken communication as the central focus—supporting multilingual awareness and real-world language use. Technology & Programming Programming is a strong area of interest at CTIS. Taught in English, students begin with Microsoft MakeCode, choosing between block-based or text-based coding depending on readiness. This flexible approach allows learners to progress at their own pace while building logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Movement & Physical Development Kids GymFit (Preschool–Grade 4) blends parkour-inspired movement with exercise, helping students develop strength, balance, spatial awareness, and body control. The emphasis is on exploration and functional movement rather than perfect technique. Creative & Project-Based Learning Kids/Junior PBL Arts combines art with problem-based learning in English. Students research real-world challenges, collaborate in groups, create artistic solutions, and present their ideas—building creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills. Digital Foundations Kids Kickstart supports young beginners in developing essential computer skills, from basic operations to early graphic design and programming, all through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. Together, these after-school opportunities reflect CTIS’s commitment to holistic development—giving students the freedom to explore interests, build skills, and grow beyond the traditional classroom experience.