FAQs

What makes Seisen International School and the International School of the Sacred Heart distinct among girls’ schools in Tokyo?

Both schools are long-established Catholic girls’ international schools that combine rigorous academics with values-based education and strong student support. Seisen International School (SIS) delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), while the International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH) offers a U.S.-style college-preparatory program with Advanced Placement (AP) options. Families often choose between them based on curriculum preference (IB vs. AP), neighborhood (Setagaya for Seisen, Hiroo/central Tokyo for ISSH), and fit with each school’s culture, size, and activities.

Who is a good fit for an IB (Seisen) versus an AP/U.S.-style pathway (Sacred Heart)?

IB suits students who enjoy inquiry-based learning, cross-curricular projects, and reflection. It emphasizes research, global perspectives, and consistent assessment across subjects—ideal for students who may move internationally or plan to apply to universities worldwide. AP/U.S.-style pathways suit students who prefer subject-specific acceleration and flexibility to showcase strength in select courses (e.g., AP Calculus, AP Psychology). It is a familiar path for North American college admissions and works well for learners who like depth in chosen disciplines.

Are the schools religious, and must my daughter be Catholic to enroll?

Both schools are Catholic and integrate values such as compassion, service, and global citizenship. Religious education, assemblies, and opportunities for reflection are embedded in campus life. However, families from all faiths and none are welcome. Participation is respectful and inclusive, focusing on character formation, ethical decision-making, and community service rather than doctrinal conformity.

What are the locations and daily commute considerations?

Seisen International School is in Setagaya, a calmer residential district with a suburban feel. ISSH sits in Hiroo (Shibuya), a central and well-connected neighborhood popular with expat families. When deciding, consider rail access, bus routes, traffic at drop-off/pick-up times, and your housing plans. Many families factor in commute time alongside curriculum to protect study hours, sleep, and extracurricular balance.

What class sizes and student support services can we expect?

Both schools aim for supportive student–teacher ratios and nurturing advisory systems. Expect homeroom teachers in primary years, grade-level advisors in middle and high school, and ready access to counselors. Learning support and English language development (for multilingual learners) are typically available, with tailored interventions, language scaffolding, and counseling for academic or social–emotional needs. Families should inquire about: placement processes, progress monitoring, accommodations for diagnosed learning differences, and communication frequency.

How strong are the academic outcomes and university placements?

Graduates from both schools matriculate to competitive universities in North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Seisen students leverage IB Diploma recognition for global admissions, while Sacred Heart students highlight AP scores, a U.S.-style transcript, and counselor recommendations. Success is driven by rigorous coursework, capstone projects (IB Extended Essay; AP research-style work), counselor guidance, and a rich co-curricular profile. Families should ask each school for recent matriculation lists, average IB results or AP participation, and counseling resources.

What extracurriculars are available for girls’ leadership and growth?

Expect broad offerings in athletics (e.g., basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, track), performing arts (choir, orchestra, theater), academic clubs (debate, Model United Nations, STEM clubs), and service (environmental action, local volunteering). Single-gender settings often encourage girls to lead—captaining teams, chairing committees, and presenting research. Look for showcases (concerts, exhibitions, tournaments) and signature programs such as student council, house systems, or social justice initiatives.

How do admissions work, and when should we apply?

Admissions typically include an online application, past report cards, teacher recommendations, writing samples or assessments, and an interview. Rolling admissions may be available, but popular grades can fill early. For the smoothest process:

• Start 6–12 months ahead of the intended entry date, or earlier if you anticipate relocation.
• Prepare transcripts, recommendation requests, and any learning support documentation early.
• Schedule campus visits (virtual or in-person) and talk with division heads or counselors.
• For multilingual learners, confirm English placement and support structures.

What are the tuition and additional costs we should budget for?

Tuition is comparable to other premier international schools in Tokyo. Families should also plan for one-time application/enrollment fees, facility or building fees, technology and materials, uniforms, transportation, meals, exam fees (IB or AP, where applicable), field trips, athletics, arts, and optional activities. Request each school’s current fee schedule and ask about payment timelines, billing currency, and refund policies.

Is financial aid or tuition assistance available?

Availability varies by year and by school. Some international schools offer limited need-based aid or assistance for exceptional circumstances. Ask directly about financial aid policies, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documentation. If your employer provides an education allowance, confirm invoicing procedures and any coordination needed between the school and HR.

How do the schools support multilingual learners and transitions from other systems?

Both communities enroll students from diverse linguistic and curricular backgrounds. Expect English language development support, bridging courses, and careful placement to match your child’s proficiency and prior coursework. For upper grades, syllabi mapping is essential to align prerequisites (e.g., math sequence for IB or AP science readiness). Share prior curricula and standardized test data; ask about transition supports, summer work, and tutoring options.

What is the campus culture like in girls-only settings?

Families often describe a strong sense of belonging, mentoring, and voice. Girls may take intellectual risks more readily, pursue leadership in STEM and humanities, and engage deeply in arts and service. Catholic identity emphasizes dignity, empathy, and community engagement. Assemblies, retreats, reflection days, and service learning are common. Student well-being—sleep, balance, healthy boundaries with technology—is an active conversation among faculty, counselors, and parents.

How do IB and AP compare for workload and assessment?

IB Diploma features six subjects, Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), with internal assessments and final exams. Workload is steady and holistic, with emphasis on research and reflection. AP allows students to choose the number and mix of AP courses alongside core graduation requirements. Assessments center on annual AP exams and course grades. In both systems, time management, note-taking, and periodic exam practice are crucial to reduce stress and build confidence.

How can parents evaluate academic rigor and fit beyond a tour?

Ask for sample syllabi, reading lists, assessment calendars, and student work exemplars. Inquire about teacher qualifications and professional development. Observe how feedback is given: rubrics, conferencing, office hours. Review counseling frameworks for college and well-being. Finally, talk to current parents (different grade levels), attend performances or fairs if possible, and see how students interact—confidence, curiosity, kindness, and collaboration are telling indicators.

What safety, supervision, and digital citizenship practices are in place?

Expect clear safeguarding policies, trained staff, and visitor controls. Health services, emergency drills, and crisis communication are standard. For technology, schools typically implement acceptable-use agreements, filtered networks, device guidelines, and digital citizenship lessons covering media literacy, respectful communication, privacy, and academic integrity. Ask about device programs (BYOD vs. school-issued), screen-time expectations, and support for healthy study–life balance.

Can my daughter switch between the schools or transition to a coeducational international school later?

Transitions are possible, especially in earlier grades. For high school moves, coordination is key to preserve credits and prerequisites. Moving from IB MYP to AP or vice versa can work with careful course planning (e.g., math pathways, language levels, laboratory science sequencing). Speak with the receiving school early, share coursework evidence, and map a realistic graduation and university application timeline.

What questions should we ask admissions to make a confident decision?

Use this checklist during tours and interviews:

• How does the school differentiate instruction and support multilingual learners?
• What are typical class sizes by division and subject?
• For IB/AP, what are participation rates and recent exam outcomes?
• How are counseling, mental health, and stress management handled?
• Which signature programs (leadership, arts, service, STEM) define the school’s identity?
• What is the homework philosophy and average weekly workload?
• How are parents engaged (communication cadence, conferences, volunteer roles)?
• What transportation, lunch, and after-school options exist for our grade level?

Tokyo International School Guide