International School of the Sacred Heart logo

International School of the Sacred Heart

ISSH

Catholic, Founded 1908

Updated July 2026

3–18Ages
DayType
600Students

Accreditations

Languages

English flagEnglish

The International School of the Sacred Heart is a K-12 girls' school in Tokyo that provides an English-speaking, diverse, and academically rigorous environment. It is part of a global network of over 150 Sacred Heart schools and is dedicated to empowering young women to become courageous, confident leaders.

Teaching approach

Founded in 1908, the school is a Catholic institution guided by the mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart, focusing on the development of the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It emphasizes the "Sacred Heart Goals," which prioritize love, gratitude, generosity, compassion, and forgiveness, while fostering global citizenship and leadership in girls.

Programmes

The school offers an all-English, college-preparatory curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12. High school students have access to 23 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The academic program incorporates a unique values-based curriculum, with specialized instruction in STEM, robotics, visual arts, music, and drama.

Outcomes

Graduates consistently outperform global counterparts on Advanced Placement (AP) exams, earning university credits that facilitate matriculation to prestigious institutions in the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, and worldwide. Alumni pursue diverse paths, including top-tier universities and specialized art and design schools.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

Learning support

The school provides a student health office with a full-time, bilingual licensed nurse to assist with student well-being, injuries, and medication management. Pastoral care is integrated into the school experience to support the social-emotional, spiritual, and psychological development of each student.

Frequently asked questions(6)
What curriculum does International School of the Sacred Heart offer?
International School of the Sacred Heart offers Advanced Placement.
How much is tuition at International School of the Sacred Heart?
Annual tuition at International School of the Sacred Heart is ¥2.6M–¥2.9M. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
What ages does International School of the Sacred Heart teach?
International School of the Sacred Heart enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
Is International School of the Sacred Heart a day or boarding school?
International School of the Sacred Heart is a day school.
What accreditations does International School of the Sacred Heart hold?
International School of the Sacred Heart holds accreditations including CIS and WASC.
Where is International School of the Sacred Heart located?
International School of the Sacred Heart is an international school in Tokyo, Japan.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2026-2027
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
Kindergarten 3 and 43–4¥2.6M
Kindergarten 55–5¥2.7M
Grades 1–86–13¥2.8M
Grades 9–1114–16¥2.8M
Grade 1217–17¥2.9M
Other fees(6)
Other fees
Application fee¥30K
Registration fee¥300K
Enrolment fee· One-time Education & Building Development Fee¥600K
Enrolment fee· Annual Building/Maintenance Fee¥220K
Meals· Optional meal service through Cezars Kitchen
Materials· MacBook required for grades 5-12, can be purchased through school or individually

Admissions

The school offers rolling admissions year-round for students from Pre-K to Grade 12. The process includes an application fee, and prospective families are encouraged to book a weekly school tour for a guided walkthrough and Q&A with leadership. Admission is open to international families and those seeking a diverse, English-speaking environment.

Calendar

The school year typically runs from late August to mid-June. Key breaks include a fall break in October, a winter break from mid-December to early January, a mid-term break in February, and a spring break in March. High school graduation is scheduled for late May.

Facilities

GymnasiumSports fieldTennis courtsPlaygroundLibraryDining hallScience labsArt roomFood technology roomMusic roomTheatre / auditorium

About the campus

Located on a wooded campus in Hiroo, the school features a gymnasium, a mini-gym, a turf field, a futsal pitch, and tennis courts. Academic and creative spaces include science and technology labs, a robotics arena, ceramics and food technology labs, and multiple performance spaces with professional lighting. The campus also houses two libraries with over 34,000 volumes, a chapel, a cafeteria, and a student health office staffed by a bilingual nurse.

Co-curriculars

Students participate in a wide range of activities including student council, Model UN, debate, and various clubs. The school also offers an Extended Day Programme for childcare needs and hosts competitive athletic teams that participate in regional leagues like the Kanto Plain Association of Schools. Additionally, students engage in service-learning projects, such as a long-standing partnership with a school in Nepal.