St Mary's International School was founded in 1954 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, a Catholic teaching order, and moved to its current Setagaya campus in 1971. It is one of the oldest boys' international schools in the country, English medium and rooted in Catholic tradition, while accepting boys of all faiths and backgrounds. For families comparing international schools in Tokyo, it is the reference point for a single-sex education for boys.
St Mary's at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | American-style programme to high school; the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12 |
|---|---|
| Stages | Elementary to Grade 12, around age 5 to 18; a boys' school |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Accreditation | Authorised IB World School (Diploma Programme); confirm wider accreditation with the school |
| Fee band | Premium for Tokyo |
| Campus area | Seta, Setagaya, western Tokyo |
Curriculum and academics
St Mary's teaches an English-medium American-style programme from the elementary school through to high school, building a broad foundation in core subjects before specialising in the senior years. In Grades 11 and 12 boys can take the IB Diploma Programme alongside a wide range of college-preparatory courses, giving graduates a strong route to universities in the United States, the United Kingdom and beyond.
The Catholic character of the school shapes its pastoral care and service expectations, though religious participation is voluntary and the community is international. Families should ask how the American-style and IB Diploma routes combine in the senior years and how the school supports university placement across different systems.
Budgeting for St Mary's?
Estimate the full cost of a place, including the facilities charge, trips and any bus service. Free and independent.
St Mary's fees
St Mary's International School fees sit in the premium part of the Tokyo international school fees range, alongside the city's other established IB and American-style schools. Tuition rises by stage from the elementary years to high school.
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
St Mary's 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 records, references and an age-appropriate assessment, with older applicants asked about prior study. Align your application with the August start and confirm whether a place exists in the specific grade your son needs.
Location and who goes there
St Mary's is in Seta, in Setagaya ward, a green residential part of western Tokyo near the Tama river and the Den-en-toshi line. The campus shares the area with several other international schools, which makes the western suburbs a well-known schooling hub, and the setting is calmer and more spacious than the central wards.
Families at St Mary's tend to live across Setagaya, Meguro and the western suburbs, often choosing the school alongside a nearby girls' school for siblings. For a wider view of where families settle and which schools serve each district, see our guide to international schools in Tokyo.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and accepts no payment from schools, so we publish parent reviews only after confirming the reviewer is part of the school community. If your family knows St Mary's first hand, please share your experience through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much are St Mary's International School fees?
St Mary's fees sit in the premium band for Tokyo, in line with the city's established IB and American-style schools, and rise by stage from elementary to high school. 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 St Mary's International School a boys' school?
Yes. St Mary's International School is a boys' Catholic school running from the elementary years to Grade 12. It welcomes boys of all faiths and backgrounds, with religious participation voluntary.
Is St Mary's International School a good school?
St Mary's is one of Tokyo's longest-established boys' schools, founded in 1954, and an authorised IB World School offering the Diploma Programme alongside an American-style curriculum. It suits families wanting a structured, results-focused education for boys in western Tokyo. We do not publish a star rating without verified parent reviews.
When do St Mary's International School applications open?
St Mary's 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 son's grade.
What curriculum does St Mary's International School follow?
St Mary's teaches an English-medium American-style programme from the elementary school through high school, with the IB Diploma Programme offered in Grades 11 and 12 alongside a wide range of college-preparatory courses.
