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Capital Tokyo International School Achieves IB PYP Accreditation

In June 2025, Capital Tokyo International School (CTIS) received formal accreditation for its Primary Years Programme (PYP) from the International Baccalaureate (IB). This significant achievement marks CTIS as a school that offers both the PYP and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), reinforcing its commitment to providing a comprehensive IB education.

This recent milestone follows CTIS's MYP accreditation in February 2025, bringing the institution closer to its ambitious goal of implementing the Diploma Programme (DP) in the future. CTIS is dedicated to fostering a consistent and high-quality IB educational environment that prepares students for a rapidly changing world.

About the Founder: Takahiro Sato

CTIS was founded by Takahiro Sato, also the visionary behind LITALICO Inc., a publicly listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. After stepping down as LITALICO's president, Sato has actively contributed to various fields such as entrepreneurial education, angel investing, and the establishment of philanthropic foundations, amassing investments in over 50 companies.

His experiences in Japan's educational landscape, entrepreneurship, and business management have inspired him to establish an international school with a focus on connecting education to society. Sato envisioned a school where parents with limited English skills and families without overseas experience could feel fully included.

The Journey of CTIS

CTIS commenced operations in April 2022 with a primary school (Grades 1-5) at its Minamiazabu campus. In 2023, it introduced a middle school (Grades 6-9), and in 2024, the kindergarten (K2-5) will be launched in the Shibuya Sakura Stage next to Shibuya Station. Through its comprehensive educational approach, CTIS aims to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

Key Features of CTIS

• - Small Class Sizes: With a class size limit of 12 students, each class has a dedicated homeroom teacher and, when needed, bilingual support teachers or teaching assistants.
• - Japanese Language Education: Recognizing that students in international schools often lack robust Japanese language instruction, CTIS provides three high-quality Japanese language classes per week, utilizing textbooks and kanji drills used in Japanese schools to ensure students attain a high level of proficiency.
• - STEAM Education: CTIS emphasizes learning through creativity, encouraging students to develop hypotheses and engage in the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. The curriculum integrates IT literacy, including programming, to facilitate a seamless connection to society.
• - Project-Based Learning (PBL): CTIS welcomes guest teachers who are active leaders and specialists in the community, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Students partake in project-based tasks lasting from one month to three months, which includes workshops, research, discussions, and presentations culminating in feedback from guest instructors.

Message from Principal Gustav Hermann

In light of this recent accreditation, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all staff members, students, and parents for their unwavering support and cooperation. The attainment of PYP accreditation, alongside the already accredited MYP, strongly reflects CTIS's commitment to the further development of IB education.

At CTIS, PYP cultivates a learning environment where students deepen their understanding through curiosity, exploration, and self-discovery. Through this inquiry-based learning process, children learn to ask questions, conduct thorough investigations, and develop a perspective that connects various subjects to the wider world. Rather than memorizing facts, they explore meaningful real-world issues to enhance their comprehension.

Students learn to identify what kind of learners they are, what interests them, how to think critically, and how they can contribute to society. Furthermore, they develop the ability to express their thoughts, reflect on their actions, and grow through experiences. PYP students are proactive, compassionate learners with an open mindset who take responsibility for their studies, striving to create positive changes in their surroundings and the world.

For those interested in learning more about CTIS’s IB programs and educational content, please feel free to get in touch with us.

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