International School of the Sacred Heart
ISSHCatholic, Founded 1908
Updated July 2026
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.
Curriculum
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
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| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten 3 and 4 | 3–4 | ¥2.6M |
| Kindergarten 5 | 5–5 | ¥2.7M |
| Grades 1–8 | 6–13 | ¥2.8M |
| Grades 9–11 | 14–16 | ¥2.8M |
| Grade 12 | 17–17 | ¥2.9M |
Other fees(6)
| 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
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.
More international schools in Tokyo
- The American School in JapanASIJAdvanced Placement
- Christian Academy in JapanAdvanced Placement
- Lycée français international de TokyoLFI TokyoFrench National Curriculum
- K. International School TokyoIB PYP, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Malvern College TokyoIB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma
- Capital Tokyo International SchoolCTISIB PYP, IB MYP
Advanced Placement
CIS
WASC