Boys’ International Schools in Tokyo: A Guide to St. Mary’s International School

When families relocate to Tokyo, one of the most important decisions they face is choosing the right school for their children. While co-educational international schools are the most common, Tokyo also hosts a prestigious boys’ international school: St. Mary’s International School (SMIS). Established in 1954 and located in the residential area of Setagaya, St. Mary’s is one of the leading institutions in Japan dedicated exclusively to the education of boys. This article explores the history, academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and unique aspects that make St. Mary’s a top choice for families seeking a boys-only international education in Tokyo.

History and Philosophy

St. Mary’s International School was founded by the Congregation of Brothers of Christian Instruction, a Catholic teaching order with a long tradition of academic excellence. From its early beginnings, the school was designed to provide high-quality education to boys from international backgrounds living in Japan. While rooted in Catholic values, the school is open to students of all nationalities, cultures, and faiths, making it a truly global institution.

The philosophy of St. Mary’s emphasizes discipline, leadership, academic rigor, and personal growth. The school aims to cultivate well-rounded young men who are prepared to contribute positively to society, whether in Japan or abroad. Its motto, “In Pursuit of Excellence,” reflects this vision.

Academics and Curriculum

St. Mary’s offers an American-based curriculum enriched by international perspectives. The school covers grades K–12, meaning boys can attend from their early years through to graduation.

• Elementary School (K–5): The focus is on core skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, and science, complemented by art, music, and physical education. A nurturing environment helps boys develop confidence and curiosity.

• Middle School (Grades 6–8): Students are introduced to more structured academic disciplines, including foreign languages (Japanese and French), social studies, and technology. Emphasis is placed on fostering independence and responsibility.

• High School (Grades 9–12): The program prepares students for university admission worldwide. St. Mary’s offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) alongside a rigorous college-preparatory track. Students can choose between pursuing the IB Diploma or following an American high school curriculum, both of which are respected by universities across the globe.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are also available, allowing students to gain college credits. Guidance counselors assist boys in selecting courses that align with their academic strengths and career goals.

Facilities and Campus

St. Mary’s boasts one of the most impressive campuses among Tokyo’s international schools. The Setagaya campus includes:

• Spacious classrooms equipped with modern learning technology

• A large library and media center

• State-of-the-art science laboratories

• Music and art studios

• An auditorium for drama and cultural performances

• Multiple gymnasiums and sports fields, including a swimming pool and tennis courts

The facilities support a wide range of activities, enabling students to excel not only academically but also in arts and athletics.

Extracurricular Activities

One of the hallmarks of St. Mary’s is its strong extracurricular program. The school is widely known in Tokyo for its achievements in athletics and music.

• Sports: St. Mary’s offers a broad selection of team and individual sports, such as basketball, baseball, football (soccer), rugby, swimming, and track and field. The school competes in the Kanto Plain Association of Secondary Schools (KPASS), regularly achieving top results.

• Music: The school has a long tradition of excellence in choir and orchestra. The St. Mary’s Men’s Choir has performed internationally and is considered one of the leading student choirs in Asia.

• Clubs and Leadership: Students can join clubs ranging from Model United Nations to robotics and debate. Leadership development is encouraged through student government and service-learning projects.

Extracurricular participation is highly valued, reflecting the school’s commitment to educating the whole person.

Community and Student Body

With students representing more than 50 nationalities, St. Mary’s is a diverse community. The majority come from expatriate families, though many bicultural and Japanese families also choose the school.

As a boys’ school, St. Mary’s fosters a unique environment that emphasizes brotherhood, camaraderie, and teamwork. Alumni often speak of the lifelong friendships and strong bonds formed during their time at the school.

Parents are also actively involved through the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which organizes events and supports school activities. This community spirit ensures families feel welcome and engaged.

University Placement and Alumni

St. Mary’s has an excellent record of university placements worldwide. Graduates have gone on to top institutions in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Popular destinations include:

• Ivy League universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia)

• Top UK schools (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE)

• Renowned Asian universities (University of Tokyo, National University of Singapore)

Alumni have become leaders in business, politics, academia, and the arts, carrying forward the school’s values into their careers.

Tuition and Admissions

As with most international schools in Tokyo, tuition at St. Mary’s is a significant investment. Annual fees range from approximately ¥2.5 million to ¥3.5 million, depending on grade level, with additional costs for registration, facilities, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.

Admissions are competitive, requiring an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and an entrance interview. English proficiency is considered, but the school offers support for non-native speakers.

Why Choose a Boys’ International School in Tokyo?

For families considering Tokyo’s international school options, the question may arise: why choose a boys’ school? Supporters of single-gender education highlight several benefits:

• Focused Learning Environment: Boys often thrive in settings tailored to their learning styles, with teaching strategies designed to engage them fully.

• Leadership Development: St. Mary’s places strong emphasis on nurturing leadership skills and responsibility.

• Brotherhood and Teamwork: The all-boys environment fosters camaraderie and strong peer connections.

• Tradition of Excellence: As one of the few boys’ international schools in Asia, St. Mary’s offers a unique legacy and culture.

For families who value these qualities, St. Mary’s stands out as a distinguished choice.

Conclusion

St. Mary’s International School is more than just a school—it is a community dedicated to shaping the future of young men in Tokyo. With its rigorous academics, strong extracurriculars, and deep sense of tradition, it provides an environment where boys can thrive both academically and personally.

For expatriate and international families seeking a boys’ international school in Tokyo, St. Mary’s represents excellence, tradition, and opportunity. Whether your child is passionate about academics, music, or sports, this institution offers the resources and support needed to reach his full potential.

FAQs

What is St. Mary’s International School and where is it located?

St. Mary’s International School is a boys’ international day school in Tokyo, Japan, serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. It is known for a rigorous college-preparatory program, strong arts and athletics, and a values-driven culture. The campus sits in a residential part of Tokyo with access to major transit, making daily commutes practical for families living in the city and nearby suburbs.

Is St. Mary’s a Catholic school, and do non-Catholic students attend?

Yes, St. Mary’s has Catholic roots and a tradition formed by a teaching order. However, the school welcomes families of all faiths and cultural backgrounds. Religious education and community service are part of school life, but non-Catholic students are not required to convert or practice Catholicism. Respect for diverse beliefs is an explicit expectation in classes, assemblies, and activities.

What curriculum does St. Mary’s offer in the elementary, middle, and high school?

The school follows an American-style, internationally oriented curriculum that gradually increases in academic complexity. In the early years, core literacy and numeracy are balanced with science, social studies, art, music, and physical education. Middle school deepens subject specialization and introduces world languages and design or technology courses. In high school, students choose from college-preparatory pathways with advanced coursework and external credentials recognized by universities worldwide. Academic counseling helps students build four-year plans aligned to selective university admissions in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Does St. Mary’s offer IB or AP?

St. Mary’s provides advanced coursework that allows students to demonstrate university-level proficiency. Many families ask whether the school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The specific availability and mix of programs can evolve, so families should consult the current high school profile and course catalog. Regardless of the chosen path, students can expect a demanding program supported by college counseling and subject-area teachers experienced with international admissions standards.

What are the advantages of a boys’ international school in Tokyo?

Single-gender settings can reduce social distractions and allow teachers to tailor pedagogy to how many boys learn best—active, hands-on, and goal-driven. Boys often benefit from explicit coaching in executive function, collaboration, and communication. A boys’ school can also nurture positive role modeling and peer leadership. The international dimension adds cultural fluency, multilingual opportunities, and readiness for global universities and careers. Families who value structure, camaraderie, and strong team culture often find a good fit.

How strong are athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities?

Co-curriculars are a signature strength. The school fields competitive sports teams that participate in regional leagues and tournaments. Music programs—especially choir, band, and orchestra—are well established and frequently perform in the community. Beyond sports and music, students can join debate, robotics, service clubs, academic teams, student government, and creative arts. Participation is encouraged at all levels, with pathways for both beginners and highly committed student-athletes and performers.

What is the student body like, and how diverse is the community?

St. Mary’s enrolls an internationally diverse population that typically includes both expatriate and bicultural families. You can expect classmates from many nationalities and languages, with English as the primary medium of instruction and Japanese widely present in daily life. A robust parent association organizes cultural events, supports new families, and strengthens the home–school connection.

How does the school support English language learners?

For students who are still developing academic English, the school provides language support designed to help them access mainstream classes as quickly as possible. Support may include small-group instruction, targeted reading and writing workshops, and classroom accommodations. Placement is based on assessments, previous school records, and teacher recommendations, and support plans are reviewed regularly as students progress.

What are university outcomes for graduates?

Graduates matriculate to selective universities across North America, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and Asia. Typical destinations include research universities and liberal arts colleges, business and engineering programs, and occasionally art and conservatory pathways. The counseling office helps students build balanced college lists, manage testing (as applicable), craft applications, and prepare for interviews. Because admissions trends shift year to year, families should review the most recent matriculation lists and the school profile for current data.

How competitive is admission, and what is the process?

Admission is selective and considers academic readiness, school reports, recommendations, English proficiency, and the student’s overall fit with the school’s mission and community. The process generally involves an online application, document submission, and an interview or assessment. Entry points exist across the grades but may be most accessible when cohorts naturally expand. Families should begin early, especially if they have fixed relocation dates or need to coordinate with housing and visa timelines.

What should families expect for tuition and fees?

As with other private international schools in Tokyo, tuition represents a significant investment. The total cost of attendance typically includes tuition, a registration or capital fee, technology and activity fees, uniforms, textbooks, meals or lunch plans, transportation (if applicable), and optional costs such as trips or team participation. Because fees are reviewed annually and may vary by grade level, families should rely on the school’s current published schedule rather than third-party estimates.

How does transportation to campus work?

Most students commute via public transportation, school-arranged routes, or family drop-off. Tokyo’s train and bus network is reliable, and many families choose residences with convenient access to the campus. For younger students, guardians often accompany the commute until routines are established. The school provides guidance on safe routes and arrival/dismissal procedures, particularly during inclement weather or special schedule days.

What is the school day like, and how much homework do students receive?

The daily schedule balances instructional blocks with breaks, lunch, and advisory or homeroom time. Homework expectations increase by division: light and skill-reinforcing in the elementary years, structured and time-bound in middle school, and more independent and research-based in high school. Teachers coordinate major assessments to avoid overload, and advisors help students plan around athletics, music rehearsals, and family commitments.

How does St. Mary’s approach student wellbeing and discipline?

Wellbeing is integral to the mission. Advisory programs, counseling services, and health staff support academic and social–emotional growth. The discipline system emphasizes responsibility and learning from mistakes, with clear expectations for conduct, academic integrity, and respectful behavior. Bullying and harassment are addressed promptly, and digital citizenship is explicitly taught to align student online behavior with school values.

What learning support is available for students with documented needs?

The school offers student support services that may include learning strategies, accommodations, and collaboration with outside specialists. Admissions and placement teams review documentation to determine whether the school can meet a student’s needs with available resources. Families should share psychoeducational reports and Individualized Education Plans (or their equivalents) early to ensure appropriate planning and transparency.

How can parents engage with the school community?

Parents are encouraged to participate through the parent–teacher association, volunteer opportunities, cultural events, concerts, sports fixtures, and learning showcases. Communication channels typically include a parent portal, school newsletters, teacher updates, and counselor briefings. Families new to Tokyo often find the community a practical source of advice on neighborhoods, commuting, healthcare, and extracurricular options beyond school.

What makes St. Mary’s different from co-educational international schools in Tokyo?

While co-educational schools emphasize mixed-gender collaboration, St. Mary’s leans into the benefits of a boys’ environment: targeted pedagogy, mentorship, and tight-knit team culture. Many families report high engagement in athletics and music, strong peer accountability, and leadership opportunities that build confidence. The choice ultimately depends on a student’s personality and family priorities; campus visits, class observations, and trial days (when offered) can clarify fit.

How do we apply, and when should we start?

Families usually begin the process 6–12 months before the desired start date. Steps include attending an information session or tour (in person or virtual), submitting an application with transcripts and recommendations, completing assessments, and—if admitted—confirming enrollment by published deadlines. For mid-year moves, inquire early about space in specific grades. Visa status, housing, and transportation plans should be coordinated alongside the school timeline.

How can we learn more before deciding?

Review the current admissions guide, tuition and fee schedule, high school profile, and course catalog. Schedule a tour to see classrooms, arts spaces, and athletic facilities in action. Ask to speak with division leaders or coaches relevant to your child’s interests. If university outcomes matter most, request recent matriculation data and counseling resources. Finally, talk with current parents to understand daily life, commute patterns, and how the school partners with families.

What is the best next step for prospective families?

Clarify your child’s needs—academic level, language profile, interests, and support requirements—then match those to St. Mary’s offerings. Start an application, collect school records early, and plan a campus visit if possible. Whether you are relocating to Tokyo or already living nearby, early and open communication with the admissions team will help you evaluate fit, identify key deadlines, and build a smooth transition into the St. Mary’s community.

Tokyo International School Guide