The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is an independent international high school in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo. TIF engages students with individualized learning opportunities designed to maximize their life success, ignite their passions in collaboration with peers, and enable them to utilize their inner excellence to create value in society through their education. The school offers a dynamic and rigorous curriculum that exceeds Common Core standards and culminates in an American high school diploma recognized by leading universities worldwide.
Through project, inquiry, and problem-based learning, students bring their authentic interests to real-world issues, designing interdisciplinary solutions and developing the skills crucial for admission to their best-fit university. Grounded in a commitment to student-centric pedagogy, TIF fosters student engagement and happiness while preparing them to achieve academic and professional excellence. TIF is a candidate for accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) and is designated by College Board School Code 664040.
| Number of students |
TIF is small by design, with a maximum enrollment of 30 highly motivated students. As a new school (founded in 2023) with a selective admissions process, we currently have a student body of eight. For the 2025-2026 academic year, we anticipate growing to 12-15 students. |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
Currently we have 5 nationalities represented by our eight students. |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes, our program is taught in English and all teachers are native English speakers. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
We do not offer extra classes at this time. English fluency is required to join the school. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
- |
| Max. number of students per class |
Our maximum number of students is 7 students to a class. |
| Average number of students per class |
3 students / class. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is integrated into all aspects of our curriculum. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
We are equipped to use virtual classroom technologies as needed. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
There is no limitation on what religion a student is able to practice privately, but religion is not practiced at TIF as part of our curriculum. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Our rigorous curriculum exceeds Common Core standards and prepares students for success on their Advanced Placement and SAT exams. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
We aim to complete the curriculum during school hours and do not assign homework. However students often continue to work on their projects outside of school out of their own interest. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
We do not have specialized staff or specialized programs to support children with special learning needs at this time. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Our school is especially equipped to support gifted, able and talented students. Our curriculum is completely personalized to each student so each student is able to go at their own pace and realize their full potential. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
We do not have an entrance exam. Our screening process currently involves an application questionnaire, two interview rounds with faculty members, and a trial day campus visit to ensure the student is a good-fit for our school curriculum and environment. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
During the interviews we are looking for students who are curious, self-driven, compassionate and desire to make a change in the world. We are also looking for strong alignment from both parents and students with the mission and values of our school. |
| Waiting list |
Not at this time. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We have rolling admissions and are able to accept new students at any time in the year. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, we can fully support students to join an academic year that has already started. |
| School start time |
Our school starts at 8:30am. |
| School finish time |
Our school finishes at 3:30pm. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Students are able to stay on campus with their parent's permission as late as 8:00pm. |
| School bus service available |
There is no school bus services, but our school is a 5 minute walk from Shibuya station. |
| School provided lunches |
Our school currently does not provide lunches for the students. Students can bring their own lunch or access food services nearby the campus. |
| Uniform required |
Students are not required to wear a uniform and can wear whatever they like as long as it is not inappropriate. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Our school facilitates students to access extracurricular activities and clubs from various external organizations around Tokyo. |
| Facilities at the school |
Our school facilitates students to access external high quality facilities as needed/desired. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is an independent international high school in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo. TIF engages students with individualized learning opportunities designed to maximize their life success, ignite their passions in collaboration with peers, and enable them to utilize their inner excellence to create value in society through their education. The school offers a dynamic and rigorous curriculum that exceeds Common Core standards and culminates in an American high school diploma recognized by leading universities worldwide. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Through project, inquiry, and problem-based learning, students at TIF bring their authentic interests to real-world issues, designing interdisciplinary solutions and developing the skills crucial for admission to their best-fit university. Grounded in a commitment to student-centric pedagogy, TIF fosters student engagement and happiness while preparing them to achieve academic and professional excellence. |
We are a modern-day prep school for ambitious students who seek to forge meaningful careers and attend college with purpose.
Traditional education often prioritizes grades and standardized test performance, leaving many students without clarity about their passions or career goals. At TIF, our innovative curriculum reimagines preparation for both college and careers, focusing on aligning students’ talents, skills, and values with their future paths.
Through individualized learning and project-based experiences, students gain the self-awareness and direction needed to pursue work that is both fulfilling and impactful. By fostering curiosity, purpose, and confidence, we prepare students not only to excel academically but also to flourish in pursuits that reflect their true potential.
TIF offers a dynamic, rigorous curriculum built upon three academic pillars: project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based learning.
At TIF, we take a personalized approach to teaching and learning, moving away from the standardized curricula common in traditional schools. Our academic program, anchored by three pillars, empowers students to connect their unique interests and strengths to real-world applications. Here, students don't just memorize facts; they grapple with complex issues, tackle interdisciplinary challenges, and leverage emerging technologies, including generative AI, to develop critical skills for future studies and careers.
Guided by a purposefully designed PBL approach, our students transform their interests into meaningful, real-world achievements.
Our approach to project-based learning provides the time, support, and structure students need to excel. Enriched by daily coaching sessions, students devote uninterrupted mornings fully immersed in developing their passion projects. They receive constructive feedback from peers, build portfolios that showcase their learning processes, and work with industry mentors to deepen their expertise. Students are empowered to grow and explore, align their work with real-world opportunities, and build evidence of their competencies.
TIF provides a comprehensive, four-year college advisory program designed to help students gain admission to their best-fit universities.
College advising is more than a process — it’s a transformative journey that begins in Grade 9 and culminates in admissions to programs aligned with each student’s learning style, career aspirations, and personal values. Rooted in our mission to deliver personalized, holistic education for life success, the program provides students with the tools, insights, and confidence to excel in an ever-shifting college admissions landscape.
Student life at TIF is intentionally designed to center the learner, creating a youthful and engaging environment where students flourish both academically and personally. Our close-knit community, built on mutual support and respect, cultivates lasting relationships and a sense of belonging. On campus, students engage in a dynamic daily routine enriched by physical education, wellness activities, and dedicated time for creative projects. Beyond the classroom, student life extends to off-campus experiences, including interest-driven excursions, cross-school exchanges, and school trips. At TIF, student life is about exploration, personal growth, and building a supportive community that feels like home.
The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is delighted that you’re considering our school for your child’s education.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
