Complete Guide to Seisen International School (Girls’ School)

Seisen International School is one of Tokyo’s most respected private international schools, widely recognized for its rigorous academics, vibrant student life, and unique all-girls’ educational environment. Founded in 1962 by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Seisen was established to provide holistic, values-based education rooted in internationalism, academic excellence, and service. Today, the school stands out not only as a Catholic institution but also as one of the few dedicated girls’ international schools in Japan, with a strong emphasis on leadership, global citizenship, and community.

This complete guide explores Seisen International School’s history, curriculum, student life, facilities, admissions process, and why it is considered a top choice for families seeking an all-girls international education in Tokyo.

History and Mission

Seisen International School was founded in Tokyo during a period of rapid internationalization. Its founders recognized the need for a high-quality education that would prepare young women to become confident leaders in a globalized world.

The school’s mission emphasizes three pillars:

1. Academic Excellence – fostering intellectual curiosity and rigorous scholarship.

2. Service and Compassion – nurturing empathy, respect, and responsibility.

3. Global Awareness – equipping students to thrive in diverse cultural settings.

The Catholic foundation influences the school’s values, but Seisen welcomes students from all faiths and backgrounds. The ethos is inclusive, encouraging mutual respect and intercultural understanding.

Curriculum and Academics

Seisen International School follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, which makes it one of the premier IB schools in Japan. The IB framework provides consistency and global recognition for students who may continue their education abroad.

• Primary Years Programme (PYP): Offered in the elementary years, PYP emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to explore concepts through questions, creativity, and critical thinking.

• Middle Years Programme (MYP): In grades 6–10, students deepen their knowledge across core subjects while focusing on interdisciplinary connections, personal projects, and real-world applications.

• Diploma Programme (DP): For high school (grades 11–12), Seisen offers the IB Diploma Programme, which is widely recognized by top universities worldwide. Students take a combination of higher-level and standard-level courses, complete the Extended Essay, and engage in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects.

Core subjects include English language and literature, mathematics, science, humanities, languages (Japanese, Spanish, French), and the arts. STEM subjects are balanced with strong humanities and creative arts offerings, giving students a well-rounded foundation.

The All-Girls Environment

One of Seisen’s defining features is its girls-only structure. Unlike co-educational international schools, Seisen creates an atmosphere where young women are encouraged to develop leadership, independence, and confidence without gender-based limitations.

Research consistently shows that girls’ schools often help foster:

• Higher participation in STEM fields.

• Stronger leadership skills.

• Greater confidence in public speaking and debate.

• A collaborative, supportive learning environment.

At Seisen, students are encouraged to take risks, express their opinions, and pursue fields that may traditionally be male-dominated in co-educational contexts. The school’s alumnae often continue into competitive universities in Japan and overseas.

Extracurricular Activities

Education at Seisen goes far beyond academics. The school provides a wide array of extracurricular clubs, sports, and service opportunities.

Clubs and Activities:

• Debate and Model United Nations (MUN)

• Robotics and STEM clubs

• Drama, choir, and orchestra

• Art and photography

Sports Programs:
Seisen participates in the Kanto Plains Association of Secondary Schools (KPASS) and competes with other international schools in Tokyo. Sports include basketball, volleyball, track and field, tennis, and soccer.

Community Service:
Rooted in its Catholic mission, service is an integral part of life at Seisen. Students take part in local volunteer projects, charity initiatives, and global awareness campaigns. CAS projects in high school allow students to design meaningful service activities aligned with their personal passions.

Student Life and Community

Seisen’s student body is highly international, representing over 60 nationalities. While English is the language of instruction, Japanese language learning is also emphasized to help students engage with local culture.

The atmosphere is welcoming, with a strong sense of sisterhood and community. Students describe the environment as close-knit, supportive, and inspiring. Class sizes are relatively small, ensuring personalized attention from teachers.

Special events such as International Day, cultural fairs, music concerts, and sports days bring the community together and celebrate diversity.

Facilities and Campus

Seisen International School’s campus is located in Setagaya, Tokyo, a residential area known for its greenery and accessibility. The campus includes:

• Spacious classrooms designed for collaborative learning.

• Science laboratories equipped for experiments and research.

• A library with digital and print resources.

• Music rooms, art studios, and a performing arts space.

• Sports facilities including gymnasiums, courts, and athletic fields.

The environment is designed to balance academics with creativity and physical activity, providing a holistic educational experience.

Admissions Process

Admission to Seisen International School is competitive. The process generally involves:

1. Application Form – submitted online with supporting documents such as previous school reports and recommendation letters.

2. Assessment – Depending on the grade, students may take entrance assessments in English and mathematics.

3. Interview – An interview with the student and family helps assess readiness and fit with Seisen’s mission and values.

4. Decision – Offers are extended based on academic potential, language proficiency, and alignment with the school’s values.

Seisen accepts students throughout the year when space is available, but applying early is advised. Tuition and fees are comparable to other international schools in Tokyo, with additional costs for uniforms, activities, and transportation.

Why Choose Seisen International School?

Families often choose Seisen for a combination of reasons:

• All-girls focus: Empowering young women in leadership and academics.

• IB curriculum: Globally recognized and rigorous.

• Strong values: Catholic-based but inclusive, promoting compassion and service.

• Diversity: A truly international community with students from around the world.

• University pathways: Graduates attend prestigious institutions in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and beyond.

Parents often note the nurturing environment and the confidence their daughters gain at Seisen. Students graduate not only with academic skills but also with a sense of purpose, social responsibility, and global awareness.

Alumni Success

Seisen’s alumnae network is active and global. Many graduates pursue careers in law, medicine, business, international relations, and the arts. The school encourages lifelong learning and service, and alumnae frequently return to mentor current students or support community projects.

This strong network adds long-term value, providing role models and professional connections for students even after graduation.

Conclusion

Seisen International School (Girls’ School) is a distinguished institution in Tokyo that provides more than just education—it shapes leaders, thinkers, and compassionate global citizens. With its IB curriculum, all-girls environment, emphasis on service, and diverse community, Seisen offers a unique experience that prepares students for success in an interconnected world.

For families seeking a holistic, internationally recognized, and empowering education for their daughters, Seisen International School continues to stand out as one of the best choices in Japan.

FAQs

What makes Seisen International School unique as a girls’ school in Tokyo?

Seisen International School is one of the few all-girls international schools in Japan. The learning environment is intentionally designed to build voice, confidence, and leadership in young women. Students are encouraged to pursue ambitious goals in academics, arts, athletics, and service without gender-based expectations. The school combines a Catholic values-based education with a globally minded, inclusive community, welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds.

Which curriculum does Seisen offer?

Seisen delivers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB’s inquiry-driven approach prioritizes critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and real-world application. In grades 11–12, students complete core DP components—Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—alongside higher-level and standard-level subjects.

What grade levels are available?

The school typically serves students from early years through grade 12. The lower school follows the PYP, the middle and early high school years follow the MYP, and grades 11–12 undertake the DP. Families seeking entry should verify current availability by division and grade due to capacity limits.

How does the all-girls environment benefit students academically and personally?

An all-girls setting is associated with higher participation in STEM, strong leadership development, and increased confidence in public speaking and debate. At Seisen, students frequently take on visible leadership roles in student government, clubs, service initiatives, and athletics. The culture promotes collaboration, academic risk-taking, and a sense of sisterhood that supports wellbeing and achievement.

Is Seisen only for Catholic families?

No. While founded by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and grounded in Catholic values, Seisen welcomes students from all religious traditions and those with no faith affiliation. The values focus—respect, compassion, and service—underpins character education and community engagement while honoring each student’s background.

Which languages are taught?

English is the primary language of instruction. Japanese is widely offered to support integration with local culture. Depending on grade level and staffing, students may also study additional world languages such as Spanish or French. Language support is available for learners who are developing English proficiency.

What subjects and pathways are available in high school (DP)?

DP pathways typically include studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Students select a balanced set of courses at higher and standard levels to match strengths and future university plans. The Extended Essay and CAS portfolio allow students to pursue individualized interests in depth.

How strong are university and college outcomes?

Graduates matriculate to selective universities in Japan, North America, Europe, and beyond. The school offers individualized counseling for course selection, standardized testing strategy, personal statements, and scholarship research. Alumni engagement provides informal mentoring and networking opportunities for current students.

What is the typical class size and teacher support?

Classes are generally small enough to enable close teacher-student relationships and targeted feedback. Academic support may include teacher office hours, advisory systems, learning support, and counseling. The school emphasizes formative assessment and reflection so students learn how to learn, not merely how to test.

Does Seisen provide support for English language learners (ELL) and students with learning needs?

Yes. The school commonly provides English language development support and differentiated instruction. Learning support services may be available for students with mild to moderate learning differences, coordinated with families and teachers to ensure appropriate accommodations within the IB framework.

What extracurricular activities are offered?

Students can join a broad range of clubs and activities: debate, Model United Nations, robotics, coding, visual arts, choir, orchestra, drama, journalism, service clubs, and more. Leadership opportunities are embedded across activities, and many clubs connect to global issues, public speaking, or creative production.

Which sports can students play?

Teams commonly include basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, track and field, and other seasonal offerings. The school participates in interschool leagues and tournaments, fostering fitness, teamwork, and healthy competition. Athletics are open to committed beginners and experienced athletes, with progression pathways and coaching support.

What facilities does the campus include?

The campus in Setagaya features classrooms designed for collaborative learning, science laboratories, a library with digital resources, music and art studios, performance spaces, and indoor athletic facilities. Purpose-built environments support inquiry-based science, design thinking, and the performing arts while ensuring student safety and wellbeing.

How does Seisen approach student wellbeing and safety?

Wellbeing is integrated through advisory programs, counseling, age-appropriate health education, and clear safeguarding policies. The school emphasizes respect, anti-bullying practices, digital citizenship, and balanced lifestyles. Regular drills and protocols are in place for emergencies, and parent partnership is encouraged to support healthy routines.

What is the admissions process?

Applicants typically submit an online application, previous report cards, recommendations, and any relevant assessment results. Depending on grade, students may complete placement assessments and an interview. Rolling admissions may be possible when space is available, but families are encouraged to apply early to secure preferred entry dates.

Are mid-year transfers possible?

Yes, subject to space, course fit (especially in MYP/DP), and the student’s academic profile. The admissions team will review transcripts to ensure a smooth transition into the IB continuum and to maintain progress toward graduation requirements.

What are the school fees and additional costs?

Tuition is comparable to other leading international schools in Tokyo. Families should also plan for an application fee, enrollment fee, annual capital or development fees (if applicable), uniforms, transportation, activities, and exam-related costs in upper grades. A current fee schedule is usually provided directly by the school upon inquiry.

Is financial aid or scholarships available?

Availability varies by year and division. Some schools offer limited need-based aid or fee adjustments. Families should contact the admissions office early to understand eligibility windows, documentation requirements, and timelines for aid decisions.

What does a typical school day look like?

Schedules vary by division but generally include a balanced rotation of core subjects, arts, physical education, and language study, with advisory time embedded. In upper school, DP timetables align with subject depth and lab or studio requirements. Co-curricular practices and rehearsals often occur after classes.

How can parents engage with the school?

Parent involvement is welcomed through association committees, volunteer opportunities, cultural events, and regular communication channels. Workshops, information sessions, and student showcases build strong school-home partnerships and help families understand the IB and assessment practices.

Does the school require uniforms?

Most divisions require a school uniform with guidelines for formal and regular wear. Athletic teams and PE classes have designated attire. Uniform details, approved vendors, and fitting times are typically provided after enrollment.

What technology and digital learning tools are used?

Students use age-appropriate devices and platforms for research, collaboration, and creative production. Digital citizenship is taught explicitly, addressing online safety, academic integrity, and media literacy. Upper grades frequently use learning management systems to organize coursework and feedback.

How are arts and performance integrated?

Arts are central to the student experience. Visual arts, music, drama, and design provide creative outlets and assessment opportunities within PYP exhibitions, MYP personal projects, and DP arts courses. Public performances, concerts, and exhibitions celebrate student achievement and community culture.

What community service opportunities exist?

Service is integral to Seisen’s mission and the IB. Students engage in age-appropriate projects that address local and global needs—environmental initiatives, literacy support, fundraising for humanitarian causes, and partnerships with nonprofits. CAS in the DP requires students to plan, act, and reflect on meaningful service experiences.

Where is Seisen located and how do students commute?

The campus is in Setagaya, a residential district in Tokyo. Many students commute via public transportation, school bus routes where available, or family drop-off. The school promotes punctuality, transit safety, and independent travel skills appropriate to age and readiness.

How does Seisen support international mobility for families?

The IB continuum offers a consistent academic framework for families who relocate globally. Counselors assist with credit transfer, course mapping, and documentation for future schools and universities. The community’s cultural diversity also helps students adapt quickly and build cross-cultural competencies.

What should families consider when choosing Seisen?

Key considerations include the fit of an all-girls environment, commitment to the IB approach, alignment with the school’s values of compassion and service, commute logistics, and availability at the desired grade level. Families often highlight the school’s close-knit community, emphasis on leadership, and strong university pathways as decisive factors.

How can prospective families learn more?

Families can request information, arrange a campus tour or virtual meeting, and review admissions timelines directly with the school. It is advisable to prepare recent report cards and questions about program fit, language support, and co-curricular interests so the admissions team can tailor guidance.

Tokyo International School Guide