Seisen International School

Address

12-15 Yoga 1-chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0097

Website

www.seisen.com/

Phone

Seisen International School

Seisen International School (SIS) is a private Catholic international school for girls in Tokyo, serving students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with boys accepted in the Kindergarten only. Rooted in the educational mission of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Seisen offers a values-driven education within a warm, respectful, and internationally diverse community. Founded in 1962, Seisen relocated to its current Yoga campus in the early 1970s and celebrated its first graduating class in 1974. The school has since grown from 77 students to over 600 students, representing 60+ nationalities, supported by a diverse faculty of 80+ educators from nearly 20 countries. Seisen is a full IB Continuum World School and holds a pioneering place in Japan’s IB history. It was the first all-girls school in Japan to offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in 1985, later receiving authorisation for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), completing the IB continuum. The Kindergarten incorporates the Montessori approach, enhanced with technology and aligned with IB philosophy. Religious education is integral to school life, with students exploring Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, and World Religions, alongside regular Mass and community service. Guided by five strategic priorities for 2025–2028—Teaching & Learning, Community, Sustainability, Facilities, and Inclusion—Seisen continues to prepare young women to lead with compassion, faith, and global responsibility.

Academic Excellence

At Seisen International School, learning is designed as a continuous, thoughtfully structured journey that nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and ethically. Kindergarten (Toddler to Age 6) Seisen’s Kindergarten blends a multi-age Montessori (3–6) approach with rich, sensory-based learning. Children learn through purposeful play, developing independence, problem-solving, collaboration, and strong social skills during these formative years. A highly regarded Toddler Programme supports two-year-olds, while specialist classes—including PE, music, dance, art, library, ICT, and religious studies—enrich the curriculum. Literacy is strengthened through Lucy Calkins’ Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop, and learning is celebrated through performances, cultural events, service initiatives, and community engagement. Elementary School (IB Primary Years Programme) Authorised to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) since 2007, Seisen delivers a holistic, inquiry-led education that uniquely integrates Montessori principles with the IB framework—one of only two schools in the Asia-Pacific to do so. Students engage in transdisciplinary units exploring personal, local, and global themes, building academic foundations alongside international-mindedness, empathy, and responsibility. Middle School (Grades 6–8 | IB Middle Years Programme) The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) supports students’ academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development. Learning is concept-driven and inquiry-based, encouraging independent thinking, ethical awareness, and respect for others while preparing students for increased academic challenge. High School (Grades 9–12 | IB MYP & Diploma Programme) Grades 9 and 10 continue within the IB MYP, culminating in the Personal Project, which connects learning to real-world interests. In Grades 11 and 12, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP), selecting six subjects alongside Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)—a rigorous pathway that develops leadership, global perspective, and a lifelong passion for learning.

Beyond Classroom

At Seisen International School, learning extends far beyond academics through a broad, purposeful co-curricular programme that builds character, confidence, and global awareness. Students can choose from a wide range of activities including basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross-country, tennis, track & field, choir, drama, debate, pottery, newspaper, yearbook, speech, and the International Science Competition Team. As a member of the Kanto Plain Association, Seisen regularly competes in academics, sports, and fine arts alongside other international and DoDDS schools. The Seisen After School Activities (SASA) programme brings the IB Learner Profile to life, with 25–30 activities offered each semester and strong participation across grade levels. Through SASA, students practise leadership, collaboration, creativity, and communication while building friendships beyond their immediate classes. Athletics form a key pillar of student life, with seasonal middle and high school programmes that emphasise teamwork, discipline, goal-setting, and sportsmanship. Competitive opportunities include cross-country, volleyball, futsal, badminton, wrestling, basketball, soccer, and track & field. Seisen also offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a globally recognised framework that encourages students to develop life skills, improve physical fitness, embrace adventure, and engage in meaningful community service. Through the Award, students gain resilience, independence, and a strong sense of purpose. Global citizenship is further strengthened through Seisen’s Model United Nations (MUN) programme. Students research international issues, represent assigned countries, and participate in conferences across Japan and internationally, including Shanghai and The Hague. Seisen has also hosted its own MUN conference, reinforcing leadership, diplomacy, and international-mindedness.