Seisen International School: Tokyo’s Leading All-Girls International School
- egcisjp
- 2月2日
- 読了時間: 5分
About Seisen International School
Seisen International School (SIS) is an all-girls Catholic school in Setagaya, Tokyo. With students and faculty from over 60 countries, it provides a diverse learning environment where English is the primary language of instruction. The school is accredited by Japan’s Ministry of Education, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the Council of International Schools (CIS).
SIS has a total K-12 student population of 693, with 189 students in high school, representing over 50 nationalities. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) for senior students.
Curriculum Overview
Kindergarten (Ages 2-5)
Seisen’s Montessori-based kindergarten is the only co-ed program at the school. In a mixed-age and gender setting, children learn to collaborate, communicate, and develop social skills.
Elementary (Grades 1-5)
Seisen follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), emphasizing a holistic approach to education. Designed around the IB learner profile, elementary students study core subjects alongside Art, Music, Dance, Physical Education, ICT integration, Library integration, second languages (Japanese & Spanish), Religious Studies, and counsellor-led lessons.
Middle school (Grades 6-8)
Middle school follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which helps students develop critical thinking, global awareness, and empathy. A unique Advisor-Advisee System allows each student to choose a faculty advisor for guidance and personal support. The IB MYP is a 5 year program (Grade 9-10), with classes broken down broadly into categories of Individuals and Societies, Mathematics, Physical Health Education, and Sciences.
High school (Grades 9-12)
Seisen International School implements the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 9-10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11-12.
In Grades 9 and 10, students take eight concept-driven courses each year as part of the MYP. They also complete the MYP Personal Project, which connects classroom learning with real-world experiences.
In Grades 11 and 12, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme. They choose six IB subject areas at different levels and engage in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program.
To earn the Seisen High School Diploma, students must complete 25 credits across eight subject areas, with one credit equating to one year of study.
Other External Examinations:
SAT Reasoning & Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT
Japanese Kanji Aptitude Tests
IB Courses Offered for Class of 2025
Group 1: English A Literature (Mandatory), Japanese A Language & Literature
Group 2: Japanese B, Japanese Ab Initio, French B, Spanish B, Spanish Ab Initio
Group 3: Economics, Geography, History, Psychology
Group 4: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems & Societies
Group 5: Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches, Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations
Group 6: Music, Visual Arts
Beyond the Classroom
Leadership & Student Organizations
Seisen provides leadership opportunities through Student Council, where Middle and High School students take active roles in school initiatives. Student-led clubs like TEDxSeisen, the Anti-Racism Education Alliance, and the Worthy Purpose Club empower students to lead impactful projects.
Science & Innovation
The Firebird International Science Team competes in global STEAM competitions, including the CONRAD Innovation Challenge. Other clubs like AI, UI/UX, Medical Careers, and Environmental Action Initiative allow students to explore science and technology on campus.
Personal Development & Outdoor Activities
The Duke of Edinburgh Award program builds confidence, skills, and appreciation for nature. Seisen also has a highly competitive debate team and a strong choral and instrumental music program, fostering critical thinking and creative expression.
Athletics & Competitive Sports
Seisen’s volleyball and tennis teams are particularly strong, and students participate in local and international leagues. Other sports include:
Cross Country (MS & HS)
Volleyball (MS & HS)
Tennis (HS)
Basketball (MS & HS)
Futsal (MS)
Badminton (MS & HS)
Soccer (HS)
Track & Field (MS & HS)
House System & School Spirit
Seisen’s house system builds friendships across grades, with House Captains in Grades 5, 9, and 12 leading events like theme days, Global Mindedness Day, Sports Days, and House Picnic Day.
Academic Results
Class of 2024 University Destinations:
Seisen graduates consistently pursue higher education at leading institutions worldwide. In 2024, 39% of students opted for universities in Japan and Asia, 14% enrolled in institutions across the UK and Europe, and 35% continued their studies in the US and Canada.
Top Universities Attended (2020-2024): UC Berkeley, University of Toronto, Brown University, Carnegie Mellon, Keio University, University of Tokyo, MIT, University of Oxford, UPenn
SAT Results (Class of 2024):
Seisen students performed well above the global average on the SAT. The mean total score for the Class of 2024 was 1204, significantly higher than the world average of 1050. In Reading & Writing, students achieved an average score of 584, while the Math section saw an average score of 620. These results highlight the strength of Seisen’s academic curriculum and college preparation programs.
IB Results (Class of 2024):
Seisen students excelled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, with a pass rate of 97.8%, exceeding the global average of 80%. The average IB Diploma score at Seisen was 34, compared to the global average of 30.3. Additionally, four students achieved a score of 40 or higher, demonstrating outstanding academic achievement. These results reflect the dedication of Seisen’s students and faculty in fostering a rigorous and supportive learning environment.
Admission Process
Seisen follows a 7-step admission process:
Inquiry: Understanding the educational needs of the applicant
Application: Submission of report cards, test scores, recommendation letters
Contact: Admissions Office provides updates and guidance
Review: Principal evaluates applications and arranges entrance tests in math, reading, language usage and writing.
Decision: Families receive notification of acceptance
Acknowledgment: Parents confirm enrollment
Enrollment Completion: Submission of forms, fees, and health records
Why Seisen?
Seisen International School offers a unique all-girls learning environment that fosters confidence, leadership, and academic excellence. Research shows that girls’ schools empower students to reach their full potential, providing a safe space where they feel encouraged to participate, lead, and explore subjects, including STEM fields, where women remain underrepresented.
The school is deeply diverse, with over 50 nationalities represented among students and 26 nationalities among faculty. As the first girls’ school in Asia to offer the IB Diploma Programme, Seisen provides a globally recognized education that prepares students for universities worldwide. Additionally, in July 2020 Seisen became authorized to offer the IB MYP, making it the first all-girls IB Continuum school in Japan.
Beyond academics, Seisen is part of a global network of 22 sister schools, founded by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, promoting a commitment to service, integrity, and lifelong learning. With a 97.8% IB Diploma pass rate and graduates accepted into top institutions like MIT, Oxford, UC Berkeley, and the University of Tokyo, Seisen ensures that students are academically and personally prepared for the future.
Conclusion
Seisen International School stands out as one of Tokyo’s leading IB World Schools for girls, offering an exceptional academic, extracurricular, and leadership experience in a diverse and values-driven environment. Whether through the rigorous IB curriculum, STEAM innovation, or international university placements, Seisen equips students with the skills, confidence, and global mindset to thrive in today’s world.
For more details, visit Seisen International School’s official website.
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