Our Story
A Montessori School That Began with Five Children in 1993
The history of CASA ATLAS Montessori School began in 1993 with the opening of Rainbow International Montessori School in Minato, Tokyo.
The school started with just five students. At the time, opportunities in Tokyo for young children to learn in an English-speaking environment and receive an authentic Montessori education were still limited. Inspired by the founder’s own experience of raising children and her vision for a different kind of early childhood education, the school was established to combine Montessori principles with an everyday learning environment conducted in English.
From the beginning, the school has sought to respect each child’s individuality and stage of development, creating an environment where children can think, choose, and act independently. More than 30 years later, this philosophy continues to guide us, and over 2,800 children have studied at the school throughout its history.
From Moto-Azabu to Minami-Azabu: Growing Together with the Minato Community
Rainbow International Montessori School continued its journey in Minato, moving from Moto-Azabu to Minami-Azabu while supporting generations of children and families.
Later, in the Furukawabashi area of Minami-Azabu, the school began a new chapter as Château Des Bambini Montessori School. Although its name and location changed, the school continued to place Montessori education at the center of learning while providing an environment where children from diverse cultural backgrounds could learn and grow together.
Across different locations and different eras, one principle has remained at the heart of the school: respecting each child as an independent individual. Rather than expecting every child to progress in the same way based solely on age, our teachers carefully observe each child’s development and interests, allowing children to deepen their learning at their own pace. This approach has remained unchanged since the school’s earliest days.
A New Chapter at Tokyo Tower
After its years in Minami-Azabu, the school moved to Tokyo Tower and entered a new chapter as Red Bambini Montessori International School.
Being located inside one of Tokyo’s most recognizable landmarks gave the school new opportunities to connect with families from Japan and around the world and to introduce more people to Montessori education.
During this period, the school also explored new possibilities through initiatives such as collaboration with the entertainment facilities at Tokyo Tower, gaining experiences that extended beyond those of a traditional preschool environment.
When the school’s time at Tokyo Tower reached a natural turning point, we chose to move forward by seeking an environment even better suited to children’s everyday learning and development.
A New Beginning as CASA ATLAS Montessori School
In 2026, the school relocated from Tokyo Tower to a new location within Minato and adopted the name CASA ATLAS Montessori School.
Our current school is conveniently located near Azabu-juban Station, yet set slightly away from the busy main streets in a calm and welcoming neighborhood. Along with convenient access for families, the environment has been designed with children’s daily comfort, safety, and security in mind, providing a setting where they can focus on learning and exploration.
The move also gave us an opportunity to reconsider our classroom environment and class structure. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, we have created a setting that better supports Montessori education and responds to children’s different stages of development, providing an environment designed for the children learning with us today.
Different Names and Places, One Enduring Educational Philosophy
From Rainbow International Montessori School to Château Des Bambini Montessori School, Red Bambini Montessori International School, and now CASA ATLAS Montessori School, our journey has continued for more than three decades.
During that time, not only the school’s name and location but also the society and educational environment surrounding children have changed significantly.
The principles at the heart of our education, however, remain the same.
Montessori education is founded on the belief that children naturally possess the ability and desire to learn and grow. Rather than simply providing knowledge through direct instruction, teachers carefully observe each child and prepare the activities and environment appropriate to that stage of development. In doing so, a child’s natural desire to try, discover, and understand can develop into self-directed learning.
Through Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, Cultural Studies, and other experiences, children develop much more than knowledge and academic skills. They learn to make choices independently, concentrate on meaningful work, persevere with a task, respect others, and approach the wider world with curiosity. CASA ATLAS Montessori School continues to value the development of these qualities through children’s everyday experiences.
Continuing Montessori Education in Minato, Tokyo
What began in 1993 as a small Montessori school with five children has grown, with the support of generations of families and teachers, into a community with more than 2,800 graduates. Our graduates represent more than 40 nationalities, and the diversity fostered within our school community remains an important part of the legacy we have built over more than three decades.
For us, more than 30 years of history is not simply a record of past achievements. The experience of working with individual children across different generations, environments, cultures, and backgrounds has shaped the education we provide at CASA ATLAS Montessori School today.
As we continue our journey in Minato, Tokyo, we remain committed to the principles of Montessori education and to creating an environment where every child can develop confidence and independence, remain curious, and engage with the world around them.
Visit Our Montessori School
We welcome families to visit our Montessori school and experience our classrooms firsthand. School tours provide an opportunity to observe daily learning, meet our teachers, and learn more about our programs and community in Tokyo.
Tours are available by appointment on weekdays, and families are encouraged to visit together with their child. For more information or to arrange a school tour, please contact us through the inquiry form below.
