Should you mention tutoring or speech therapy on a Tokyo international school application?
Updated: 6 days ago
Almost every parent I work with asks me this at some point.
They are worried that if they check the box saying their child gets math tutoring, speech therapy, or extra English support, the school will quietly reject their application.
Here is the truth: I would guess that over half the kids in Tokyo international schools have some kind of outside help.
It’s totally normal. Having a tutor doesn't mean your kid has a learning disability, and schools know that.
That said, if your child has a real, ongoing learning need, keeping quiet about it usually backfires.
The biggest risk isn't getting rejected.
The real risk is getting accepted into a school that isn't equipped to help your child, leaving them overwhelmed and falling behind six months later.
Then the school asks your child to leave because they cannot support them.
When parents come to me asking whether they should disclose, here is what I tell them:
Know what your child actually needs first. Before you step into an interview, get a clear, objective picture of where your child stands academically and language-wise.
Don't hide it, I think frame it. Schools love parents who are proactive. Saying "We noticed he needed help with reading comprehension, so we got him support early and here is how he’s progressing" shows you’re a great school partner.
Make sure the school is actually a fit. You are interviewing them, too. If a school turns you away simply because your child needs speech support, they weren't going to be a good home for your kid anyway.
If you’re preparing for admissions and want an honest, clear assessment of your child’s learning profile or help figuring out which school fits them best reach out anytime.
Kinota Braithwaite
Learning & Assessment Specialist
More Than Just Tutoring Tokyo
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