<\/p>\n
When families move to Tokyo, one of the most important decisions they face is choosing the right school for their daughters. For parents who prefer single-gender education with a strong academic foundation and holistic values, Tokyo offers excellent options through Seisen International School<\/strong> and the International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH)<\/strong>. Both are long-established girls\u2019 international schools that combine rigorous academics, international perspectives, and moral education rooted in Catholic traditions.<\/p>\n This article provides a comprehensive overview of these two leading institutions, comparing their history, curriculum, facilities, extracurricular life, and admissions process.<\/p>\n Before diving into details about Seisen and Sacred Heart, it is useful to understand the appeal of a girls\u2019 international education. Parents often choose girls-only schools because:<\/p>\n Focused Learning Environment<\/strong> \u2013 Students may feel more confident and comfortable taking leadership roles, especially in subjects like STEM.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Personalized Development<\/strong> \u2013 Single-gender schools often emphasize character building, teamwork, and global awareness in ways tailored to young women.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Strong Community Spirit<\/strong> \u2013 Families are drawn to the tight-knit networks and lifelong friendships these schools cultivate.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n International & Cultural Diversity<\/strong> \u2013 While deeply rooted in tradition, both Seisen and ISSH attract a globally diverse student body.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n In Tokyo, these schools also provide continuity for families with international careers, ensuring daughters receive an education that is both globally recognized and locally supportive.<\/p>\n Seisen International School (SIS) was founded in 1962 by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus<\/strong>, a Catholic religious order. Located in Setagaya-ku, a quiet residential area of Tokyo, Seisen offers education for girls from Kindergarten to Grade 12<\/strong>. The school also has coeducational programs at the Montessori kindergarten level, but from Grade 1 onward, it is exclusively for girls.<\/p>\n Seisen is an IB World School<\/strong>, offering all three International Baccalaureate programs:<\/p>\n PYP (Primary Years Programme)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n MYP (Middle Years Programme)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n DP (Diploma Programme)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n This IB continuum ensures academic consistency and prepares students for entry into top universities worldwide. Seisen has a particularly strong record of graduates attending universities in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Japan.<\/p>\n The Seisen campus includes:<\/p>\n Spacious classrooms and science laboratories<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Art, drama, and music studios<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sports fields, tennis courts, and gymnasium<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Chapel for religious and spiritual activities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The atmosphere is one of calm and discipline, but also warmth and encouragement.<\/p>\n Seisen encourages girls to develop leadership, creativity, and athleticism. Activities include:<\/p>\n Sports teams<\/strong>: basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Performing arts<\/strong>: choir, orchestra, drama productions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Clubs<\/strong>: debate, Model United Nations, environmental action, community service<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Rooted in Catholic values, Seisen promotes respect, compassion, and service. Religious instruction is part of the curriculum, but the school welcomes students of all faiths. The focus is on global citizenship, intercultural understanding, and moral integrity.<\/p>\n The International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH)<\/strong> is one of the oldest international schools in Tokyo, founded in 1908<\/strong>. Located in the lush, residential area of Hiroo in Shibuya-ku, ISSH is part of a global network of Sacred Heart schools found in over 40 countries. The school educates girls from Kindergarten to Grade 12<\/strong>, with coeducational offerings in the Montessori kindergarten.<\/p>\n ISSH follows a curriculum that blends international approaches with a U.S. framework. Key features include:<\/p>\n College-preparatory academics in English<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Strong emphasis on humanities, arts, and social responsibility<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Graduates of ISSH also gain entry to leading universities across North America, Europe, and Asia.<\/p>\n ISSH\u2019s centrally located Hiroo campus offers:<\/p>\n Modern science labs and media centers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Performing arts facilities including a theater<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Chapel and prayer rooms<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Gymnasium, outdoor sports field, and tennis courts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Despite being in central Tokyo, the school has a surprisingly green and tranquil campus.<\/p>\n ISSH provides a well-rounded education with:<\/p>\n Sports<\/strong>: track and field, soccer, basketball, swimming<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Music and Arts<\/strong>: choir, orchestra, visual arts exhibitions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Leadership programs<\/strong>: student council, social justice initiatives, volunteer projects<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Like Seisen, ISSH is a Catholic girls\u2019 school, but welcomes students from all cultural and religious backgrounds. Its guiding principles emphasize faith, intellect, community, and service<\/strong>. The school fosters independence, resilience, and leadership in young women.<\/p>\n Both schools share similar missions but differ in educational approaches: Seisen leans towards the IB global framework, while ISSH offers a U.S.-style curriculum with AP options. Families may choose based on their long-term plans for higher education.<\/p>\n Both Seisen and ISSH have selective admissions, requiring:<\/p>\n Application forms and transcripts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Teacher recommendations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n English proficiency tests (if English is not the first language)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Interviews with students and parents<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Spaces are competitive, especially in high-demand grades. Parents are advised to apply early and prepare documents carefully.<\/p>\n Tuition at both schools is on par with other top international schools in Tokyo. Annual fees (as of recent averages) range from \u00a52.0 million to \u00a52.5 million<\/strong>, with additional costs for application fees, building fees, and extracurricular activities. While these fees are significant, many families consider them worthwhile investments in their daughters\u2019 futures.<\/p>\n One of the strongest aspects of both schools is their alumnae communities:<\/p>\n Seisen graduates<\/strong> are active in business, arts, sciences, and public service worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n ISSH alumnae<\/strong> benefit from the global Sacred Heart network, offering connections across continents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n For girls growing up in an international environment, these lifelong connections can be invaluable.<\/p>\n Tokyo\u2019s Seisen International School<\/strong> and International School of the Sacred Heart<\/strong> are premier options for families seeking high-quality girls\u2019 international education. Both combine strong academics, Catholic values, and international diversity, helping young women grow into confident, ethical, and globally minded leaders.<\/p>\n Choosing between the two may depend on family location preferences, curriculum goals (IB vs. AP), and individual student needs. Whichever path is taken, both schools offer a nurturing yet academically challenging environment where girls can thrive.<\/p>\n Both schools are long-established Catholic girls\u2019 international schools that combine rigorous academics with values-based education and strong student support. Seisen International School (SIS)<\/strong> delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), while the International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH)<\/strong> 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\u2019s culture, size, and activities.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n IB<\/strong> suits students who enjoy inquiry-based learning, cross-curricular projects, and reflection. It emphasizes research, global perspectives, and consistent assessment across subjects\u2014ideal for students who may move internationally or plan to apply to universities worldwide. AP\/U.S.-style<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Seisen International School<\/strong> is in Setagaya, a calmer residential district with a suburban feel. ISSH<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Both schools aim for supportive student\u2013teacher 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\u2013emotional needs. Families should inquire about: placement processes, progress monitoring, accommodations for diagnosed learning differences, and communication frequency.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Graduates from both schools matriculate to competitive universities in North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Seisen<\/strong> students leverage IB Diploma recognition for global admissions, while Sacred Heart<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Expect broad offerings in athletics<\/em> (e.g., basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, track), performing arts<\/em> (choir, orchestra, theater), academic clubs<\/em> (debate, Model United Nations, STEM clubs), and service<\/em> (environmental action, local volunteering). Single-gender settings often encourage girls to lead\u2014captaining 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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:<\/p>\n 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\u2019s current fee schedule and ask about payment timelines, billing currency, and refund policies.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Both communities enroll students from diverse linguistic and curricular backgrounds. Expect English language development support, bridging courses, and careful placement to match your child\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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\u2014sleep, balance, healthy boundaries with technology\u2014is an active conversation among faculty, counselors, and parents.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n IB Diploma<\/strong> 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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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\u2014confidence, curiosity, kindness, and collaboration are telling indicators.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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\u2013life balance.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Use this checklist during tours and interviews:<\/p>\n
\nWhy Choose a Girls\u2019 International School?<\/h2>\n
\n
\nSeisen International School<\/h2>\n
Overview and History<\/h3>\n
Curriculum<\/h3>\n
\n
Campus and Facilities<\/h3>\n
\n
Extracurricular Activities<\/h3>\n
\n
School Culture<\/h3>\n
\nInternational School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH)<\/h2>\n
Overview and History<\/h3>\n
Curriculum<\/h3>\n
\n
Campus and Facilities<\/h3>\n
\n
Extracurricular Activities<\/h3>\n
\n
School Culture<\/h3>\n
\nSeisen vs. Sacred Heart: Key Comparisons<\/h2>\n
\n\n
\n \nFeature<\/th>\n Seisen International School (SIS)<\/th>\n International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Founded<\/strong><\/td>\n 1962<\/td>\n 1908<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Location<\/strong><\/td>\n Setagaya-ku, suburban Tokyo<\/td>\n Hiroo, central Tokyo (Shibuya-ku)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Curriculum<\/strong><\/td>\n IB (PYP, MYP, DP)<\/td>\n U.S.-style + AP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Religious Affiliation<\/strong><\/td>\n Catholic (Handmaids of the Sacred Heart)<\/td>\n Catholic (Sacred Heart network)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Grade Levels<\/strong><\/td>\n K\u201312 (girls only; coed Montessori)<\/td>\n K\u201312 (girls only; coed Montessori)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n University Pathways<\/strong><\/td>\n Strong IB recognition worldwide<\/td>\n AP and U.S. curriculum pathways<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student Body<\/strong><\/td>\n Diverse international mix<\/td>\n Diverse, with strong alumnae network<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nAdmissions Process<\/h2>\n
\n
\nTuition and Fees<\/h2>\n
\nAlumni Networks and Global Reach<\/h2>\n
\n
\nConclusion<\/h2>\n
\nFAQs<\/h2>\n
What makes Seisen International School and the International School of the Sacred Heart distinct among girls\u2019 schools in Tokyo?<\/h2>\n
Who is a good fit for an IB (Seisen) versus an AP\/U.S.-style pathway (Sacred Heart)?<\/h2>\n
Are the schools religious, and must my daughter be Catholic to enroll?<\/h2>\n
What are the locations and daily commute considerations?<\/h2>\n
What class sizes and student support services can we expect?<\/h2>\n
How strong are the academic outcomes and university placements?<\/h2>\n
What extracurriculars are available for girls\u2019 leadership and growth?<\/h2>\n
How do admissions work, and when should we apply?<\/h2>\n
\n
What are the tuition and additional costs we should budget for?<\/h2>\n
Is financial aid or tuition assistance available?<\/h2>\n
How do the schools support multilingual learners and transitions from other systems?<\/h2>\n
What is the campus culture like in girls-only settings?<\/h2>\n
How do IB and AP compare for workload and assessment?<\/h2>\n
How can parents evaluate academic rigor and fit beyond a tour?<\/h2>\n
What safety, supervision, and digital citizenship practices are in place?<\/h2>\n
Can my daughter switch between the schools or transition to a coeducational international school later?<\/h2>\n
What questions should we ask admissions to make a confident decision?<\/h2>\n