Beyond Test Scores: Rethinking What Makes Education "Better"

The gentle winter sun bathes our Takatsu-ku neighborhood in golden light as I watch local elementary school students gather at the nearby park after classes. Their laughter mingles with the rustle of dry leaves, creating a symphony of community life that makes me pause and reflect. My last post about international school tuition sparked thoughtful conversations that have led me to examine my deepest assumptions about what makes education "better."

The Seeds of My Educational Bias

My own international school journey began with a moment I'll never forget. Within my first month at Hong Kong Academy, I received the RiskTaker award. It wasn't for academic excellence or sporting achievement, but for embracing new challenges in an unfamiliar environment. This early recognition of character over test scores profoundly shaped my view of what education could be.

Years later, during my IB Diploma program, I found myself leading a beach cleanup initiative. As a certified scuba diving instructor, I had witnessed firsthand how plastic beads from "do not eat" packets were harming marine life after a typhoon. The school's Community Action Service (CAS) program didn't just allow but encouraged us to transform such observations into meaningful community action. These experiences weren't extracurricular activities – they were integral parts of our education.

The Financial Reality Check

But here's where idealism meets arithmetic. International school tuition in Tokyo averages ¥3.5 million per year. That's not just a number – it's:

• 35% of my current annual salary at Paidy

• Roughly equivalent to maxing out both my NISA and iDeCo contributions for two years

• The cost of multiple family trips that could provide different kinds of educational experiences

• A significant portion of what could be invested for Lily's future university education or startup capital

The Japanese Alternative I'm Learning to See

Each morning, I witness something remarkable in our neighborhood. The local public school isn't just a building – it's the heart of our community. Students help each other with their yellow caps and backpacks, teachers know every child by name, and after school, the playground becomes a natural gathering spot where neighborhood connections flourish.

This sense of community isn't just heartwarming – it's educational. It teaches belonging, social responsibility, and cultural literacy in ways that can't be replicated in a more internationally isolated environment. When I see these daily interactions, I'm reminded that education isn't just about what happens in the classroom.

The "Better" Education Myth

My assumption that international schools provide "better" education stems partly from their emphasis on personalized learning and nurturing individual curiosity. But is this a fair comparison, or am I comparing my lived experience against assumptions about a system I haven't experienced firsthand?

Conversations with parents whose children attend schools like ASIJ and Nishimachi have highlighted remarkable opportunities – overseas school trips, multicultural events, and globally-minded curricula. Yet, I've also heard compelling stories from parents whose children thrived in Japanese public schools, developing strong academic foundations while maintaining their international perspective through family activities and supplementary programs.

Breaking Down the Real Costs and Benefits

The financial implications extend beyond tuition:

The Investment Trade-off:

• Reduced ability to invest in retirement accounts

• Less flexibility for emergency funds

• Potentially fewer resources for enriching family experiences

The Opportunity Benefits:

• Exposure to diverse teaching methods

• International curriculum (PYP, MYP, IB)

• Global network and perspective

• Strong English-language environment

The Hidden Costs:

• Potential disconnect from local community

• Reduced Japanese language immersion

• Less exposure to Japanese cultural practices

• Limited interaction with neighborhood peers

Finding Our Own Path

Perhaps the most valuable lesson from my international school experience wasn't any specific subject or program, but the ability to think critically and question assumptions – the very skill I'm trying to employ now as a parent.

A Hybrid Approach Worth Considering

Several parents I've spoken with have suggested creative alternatives:

• Starting with Japanese public school for primary years to build strong fundamentals and cultural integration

• Supplementing with weekend international programs or language schools

• Planning regular family trips to maintain global exposure

• Considering international school for secondary education when academic specialization becomes more crucial

This approach could offer the best of both worlds: strong community roots and academic foundations from the Japanese system, combined with international exposure through carefully chosen supplementary experiences.

The Role of Family Culture

I'm realizing that many of the benefits I attribute to international school could be cultivated at home and through family experiences. Growing up, my education was enhanced by family trips and exposure to different cultures. For Lily, regardless of which school she attends, we can:

• Plan meaningful family travel experiences

• Maintain multilingual conversations at home

• Engage with international communities in Tokyo

• Participate in cross-cultural events and activities

The Path Forward

While I'm still processing this decision, I'm gaining clarity about what matters most:

• Education should nurture curiosity and character, not just academic achievement

• Community connection is as valuable as global perspective

• Financial sustainability ensures we can provide consistent support

• The best choice is one that works for our entire family's wellbeing

I'm learning that maybe the goal isn't to recreate my educational experience for Lily, but to take the best elements of what I gained and find new ways to provide them that make sense for our family's context and resources.

Questions I'm Still Exploring

• How can we balance the benefits of local community integration with international exposure?

• What role do supplementary activities play in creating a well-rounded education?

• How do we weigh short-term educational experiences against long-term financial security?

I'd love to hear from other parents navigating similar decisions. How do you balance educational ideals with practical realities? What creative solutions have you found to provide global perspective while maintaining local connections?

Share your thoughts and experiences – I read and respond to every comment.

Building our children's futures together,
Jason from Money Daruma