Seisen International School was founded in 1949 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and is one of the longest-established girls' schools in the city. It is an English-medium Catholic school in Setagaya, western Tokyo, with students from more than fifty countries, and it holds a notable place in the region's IB history as an early adopter of the Diploma. For families comparing international schools in Tokyo, it is the reference point for a single-sex IB education.
Seisen at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | Full IB Continuum: Primary Years, Middle Years and the IB Diploma Programme, taught in English |
|---|---|
| Stages | Early years to Grade 12; a girls' school |
| Founded | 1949 |
| Accreditation | Authorised IB World School for the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme; confirm wider accreditation with the school |
| Fee band | Premium for Tokyo |
| Campus area | Yoga, Setagaya, western Tokyo |
Curriculum and academics
Seisen runs the full IB Continuum, which means a girl can follow one coherent framework from the Primary Years Programme in the elementary school, through the Middle Years Programme, to the IB Diploma Programme in the final two years. The school was an early adopter of the Diploma in Japan and added authorisation for the Middle Years Programme more recently, making it a rare single-sex IB Continuum school.
Teaching is in English, with Japanese and other languages offered alongside, and the Catholic ethos shapes a strong pastoral and service programme. Families should ask how the PYP, MYP and Diploma connect as a child moves up the school, and how the university guidance team supports applications across different countries.
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Seisen fees
Seisen International School fees sit in the premium part of the Tokyo international school fees range, alongside the city's other established IB schools. Tuition rises by stage from the early years to the Diploma.
Beyond tuition, budget for an application or registration fee, a one-time facilities or capital charge of the kind common to Tokyo's premium schools, exam entry costs in the Diploma years, and the cost of lunches, trips and any bus service. Because figures are reviewed each year, confirm the current schedule with the admissions office.
Admissions
Seisen assesses applications for the main intake at the start of the school year in late August, and reviews mid-year enquiries as places open. Popular year groups can be full, so early enquiry and a place on any waiting list matter for relocating families.
The process typically includes a review of prior school reports, references and an age-appropriate assessment, with younger applicants assessed informally. Align your application with the August start and confirm whether a place exists in the specific grade your daughter needs.
Location and who goes there
Seisen is in Yoga, in Setagaya ward, a green and residential part of western Tokyo well served by the Den-en-toshi line. The area is quieter than the central wards, with family housing and parks, and it sits close to several other international schools, which makes the western suburbs a recognised schooling hub.
Families at Seisen tend to live across Setagaya, Meguro and the western suburbs, drawn by the space and the cluster of international schools nearby. For a wider view of where families settle and which schools serve each district, see our guide to international schools in Tokyo.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much are Seisen International School fees?
Seisen fees sit in the premium band for Tokyo, in line with the city's established IB schools, and rise by stage from the early years to the Diploma. Budget also for an application fee, a facilities charge, and the cost of lunch, trips, exam entries and any bus service. Confirm the current schedule with the admissions office.
Is Seisen International School a girls' school?
Seisen is a girls' Catholic school running from the early years to Grade 12. It welcomes girls of all faiths and backgrounds, with students from more than fifty countries represented in a typical year.
Is Seisen International School a good school?
Seisen is one of Tokyo's longest-established girls' schools, founded in 1949, and a full IB Continuum World School running the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. It suits families wanting a values-led IB education for girls in a green western Tokyo setting. We do not publish a star rating without verified parent reviews.
When do Seisen International School applications open?
Seisen assesses applications for the main August intake and reviews mid-year enquiries as places open. Apply early for popular year groups and ask whether a place exists in your daughter's grade.
What curriculum does Seisen International School follow?
Seisen is a full IB Continuum school. Girls follow the IB Primary Years Programme in the elementary school, the Middle Years Programme in the middle school, and the IB Diploma Programme in the senior years, taught in English.
