International School of the Sacred Heart vs K. International School Tokyo

	I International School of the Sacred Heart Tokyo, Japan	K K. International School Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥2,640,000 - 2,940,000	Fees / year ¥2,802,000 - 3,020,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Girls School	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 585	Pupils 660
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 26
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1908	Opened 1997
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location International School of the Sacred Heart is located at 4-3-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0012, Japan. The Hiroo district is a residential part of Tokyo with convenient access to central Tokyo by subway. The campus is a short walk from Hiroo Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, and the area offers safe off-street drop-off and pick-up.	Location Location: 1-5-15 Shirakawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0021, Japan. The campus sits on the western edge of Koto-ku near the intersection of Kiyosubashi-dori and Kiyosumi-dori. It is a short walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, which provides easy subway access to central Tokyo.
Stages	Stages The school comprises Kindergarten (K3–K5), a Junior School (Grade 1–4), a Middle School (Grade 5–8), and a High School (Grade 9–12). Kindergarten is coeducational, while the Junior School, Middle School, and High School serve girls only.	Stages School levels follow four program stages: Primary Years Programme (K1–G5), Lower Secondary Programme (G6–G8), Edexcel International GCSE (G9–G10), and the IB Diploma Programme (G11–G12). This structure supports a continuum from early years through to pre-university study.
School type	School type Independent international school; co-educational in Kindergarten, girls-only from Grade 1 onwards.	School type K. International School Tokyo is a private, co-educational, non-denominational day school serving students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school represents students from about 50 countries, and languages spoken at home total 31. The most represented nationality is not publicly published. Admission policy requires non-Japanese passports for Grade 9 and below, indicating a diverse international intake.	Pupil nationality mix The school represents around 50 nationalities; the largest represented nationalities are the United States and Japan, with no single nationality dominating the student body. The exact local-to-international ratio is not publicly disclosed.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Learning Support program is designed to support individual student needs. The school recognises that some students may require additional support even when admission is at or above grade level, using a variety of methods and materials.	Additional learning support Additional learning needs (SEN) support is provided through the Learning Enhancement Academic Program (LEAP), which is designed to assist elementary students with English and Mathematics.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation ISSH is a truly international school and is not affiliated with any one particular country or culture. It is a part of the Sacred Heart network of schools and hosts frequent exchanges with sister schools worldwide, including chances for high school students to study abroad in at Sacred Heart schools in countries such as the United States, France, and Germany. At ISSH, students use curricular materials from a wide variety of countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.	Country affiliation The school has no formal country affiliation; it operates as an international, non-denominational day school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation ISSH is a Catholic school and is affiliated with the Sacred Heart Network of Schools. The school is a diverse and welcoming environment, enrolling students from more than 15 different faith traditions as well as those who do not identify with any particular religion.	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The school day starts around 8:20-8:30 am with a morning break for snack and an early afternoon hour for lunch. The time of each break varies slightly by school level; please check ISSH's website for more details. Kindergarten and Junior school dismissal is between 2:50 and 3 pm, while Middle and High School dismissal is at 3:30 pm.	School day structure The school day typically starts at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m. on Mondays, and at 3:20 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday; breaks and lunch times vary by grade level.
Bus service details	Bus service details There is no school bus service; families typically use public transit or private arrangements for transport.	Bus service details A school bus service is available for elementary students, operating on defined routes with limited seats and not guaranteed; secondary students are not eligible. Routes, stops, and fees are reviewed annually, and bus fees are invoiced three times per year.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and entry fees - Application Fee: ¥30,000 per student (non-refundable). - Registration Fee: ¥300,000 per student (non-refundable, one-time). - Educational & Building Development Fee: ¥600,000 per student (non-refundable, one-time). - Building / Maintenance Fee: ¥220,000 per student (non-refundable, annual). Tuition — annual and per academic quarter (per year group) - Kindergarten 3 and 4: Annual tuition ¥2,420,000; per academic quarter (annual ÷ 4) ¥605,000. - Kindergarten 5: Annual tuition ¥2,530,000; per academic quarter ¥632,500. - Grades 1–8: Annual tuition ¥2,620,000; per academic quarter ¥655,000. - Grades 9–11: Annual tuition ¥2,640,000; per academic quarter ¥660,000. - Grade 12: Annual tuition ¥2,720,000; per academic quarter ¥680,000. (Quarter amounts are calculated from the published annual tuition; the school uses academic quarters for proration of tuition for late enrollment.) Billing schedule and payment terms - All tuition and school fees must be paid in advance. - For students who enroll after the school year begins, tuition is calculated on an academic quarter basis; attendance for any portion of a quarter requires payment for the entire quarter. Tuition and fees must be paid in full prior to enrollment. - The published information does not include a public calendar of invoice dates or a multi-installment billing schedule; the requirement stated is payment in advance and quarterly proration for late starters. Fee payment options and bank details - Payment currency: Japanese Yen only. Payment method: bank transfer. The payer is responsible for any bank processing charges. - Bank details (as published): - Account Name: International School of the Sacred Heart - Bank/Branch: Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Roppongi Branch - Account Type: Ordinary Account - Account No.: 2236320 - SWIFT Code: MHCBJPJT - (Japanese account name and branch details are provided in Japanese on the school's payment information.) Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding facilities or boarding fees. No boarding fees apply. Other costs and recurring extras - School Shop: the school shop sells school-spirited merchandise and certain uniform items (for example, kindergarten smocks and PE T-shirts). Full uniform availability and specific uniform items are managed through the school's uniform supply channels. Prices for uniform items are not published on the public admissions/tuition pages. - Extended Day Program (EDP): SEMESTER FEE ¥265,000 per student. Families pay for an entire semester at a time; the fee is a flat semester amount and does not pro-rate for days not attended. The EDP is not available on national holidays. The EDP fee is non-refundable. - Additional optional costs that may apply (not itemized in the public tuition page): after-school activities, special event fees, supplies, trips, examination fees, elective or program-specific charges may be billed separately; those items are not listed with fixed amounts on the publicly accessible tuition page. Refund information - The following published fees are explicitly non-refundable: Application Fee, Registration Fee (one-time), Educational & Building Development Fee (one-time), and Building/Maintenance Fee (annual). - The Extended Day Program semester fee is stated as non-refundable. - The school requires tuition and all school fees to be paid in advance and uses quarterly proration for late enrollment; there is no publicly posted tuition refund or withdrawal refund schedule on the school's published admissions and tuition pages. The publicly published pages do not provide a detailed refund timetable for tuition when a student withdraws mid-year. Notes on amounts and calculations - All amounts above are published in Japanese Yen. Annual tuition figures are listed per year group; quarter figures shown above are straightforward divisions of the published annual tuition by four, consistent with the school's use of academic quarters for proration. If you need any specific line-item clarifications that are not publicly posted (for example, uniform price lists, installment billing dates, or a formal withdrawal/refund schedule), those items are not available on the public admissions and tuition pages; the published statements above are the school's public tuition and fee positions.	Fee details Application fees - Application Fee: JPY 30,000 (non-refundable). Payment of the application fee is required at the time of application and should be made by bank transfer; bank transfer charges are the responsibility of the sender. One-time enrollment and capital fees (first-time enrollees) - Enrollment Fee (one-time): JPY 300,000 (re‑enrollments within three years are charged a reduced rate of JPY 60,000). - Capital Fee (one-time): JPY 700,000 (re‑enrollments within three years are charged a reduced rate of JPY 140,000). Tuition fees (annual) by year group - K1–K3: JPY 3,020,000 per year. - Grades 1–9: JPY 2,850,000 per year. - Grades 10–12: JPY 2,970,000 per year. Tuition fees (installment / per-term breakdown — installment payment option) - Payment may be made in three installments by bank transfer. For new enrollments the instalment schedule and amounts (tuition portion shown) are: - K1–K3: 1st instalment JPY 1,208,000; 2nd JPY 906,000; 3rd JPY 906,000. - Grades 1–9: 1st instalment JPY 1,140,000; 2nd JPY 855,000; 3rd JPY 855,000. - Grades 10–12: 1st instalment JPY 1,188,000; 2nd JPY 891,000; 3rd JPY 891,000. - With the instalment option, full payment of the other general fees (enrollment fee, capital fee, building maintenance fee and Community Association fee) is required with the first instalment. - Standard instalment due dates for continuing families (second year of enrollment onward): 1st instalment due May 15; 2nd instalment due September 15; 3rd instalment due December 15. For certain new‑entry intake periods the school uses alternative due dates (for example specific March/September/December dates shown for new enrollments). Building maintenance and family fees - Building Maintenance Fee (annual, all grades): JPY 200,000. (This fee may be reduced for students first enrolling from April.) - Community Association (CA) Fee (per family, annual): JPY 2,000. Other costs and optional fees - Camp Fees: Students in Grades 5, 7, 9 and 11 attend camps; camp fees vary by destination and are invoiced with the first payment instalment. - Program Progression Fee (Grades 1, 6, 9 and 11): JPY 5,000 at the time of progression. - School bus service (optional, elementary only): JPY 110,000–JPY 440,000 per year; seats are limited and routes/stops are set by the school. - School uniform: A uniform (summer and winter formal sets plus PE uniform) is required for all grade levels; uniform costs are charged separately. Textbooks: some are included in tuition but certain textbooks must be purchased by families; school lunches and optional services are invoiced separately. Handling of late payments - Overdue invoice handling fee: JPY 3,000 per invoice. The handling fee is not charged if the Accounts Department has been informed in advance by e-mail of an expected delay. Refund information - The Application Fee and the Enrollment Fee are non‑refundable. - Tuition and other general fees paid at the time of initial enrollment (capital fee, building maintenance fee, CA fee) will be refunded in full if enrollment is cancelled by e‑mail prior to the first day of school (Japan Standard Time). Information on refunds for other school fees is provided to families after enrollment. Boarding fees - K. International School Tokyo is a day school for ages 3–18 and does not operate boarding facilities; therefore boarding fees are not applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms (summary) - The school year begins in mid‑August and is organized into two semesters (Aug–Dec and Jan–Jun). School fees may be paid as a lump sum (annual payment) or split into three instalments by bank transfer. For new enrollments the initial instalment is due as indicated in the offer of enrollment (initial instalment deadlines vary by intake); for continuing families instalments are due May 15, September 15 and December 15. Where applicable, all other general fees (enrollment, capital, building maintenance and CA fee) are payable with the first instalment. Fee payment options and bank details (payment method) - Payments of school fees (application and tuition) are by bank transfer. Bank transfer details for application fee payment (Mizuho Bank) and instruction that transfers must be in Japanese yen and include the applicant's name are provided in admissions documentation and invoices; bank transfer charges are the responsibility of the sender. (For the most used fee line items above, the school's Admissions Handbook provides full line‑by‑line details, instalment tables, and additional items such as optional service fees and the conditions that apply to mid‑year enrollments, re‑enrollments and discounts.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for ISSH students. The ISSH School Shop carries uniform items, including kindergarten smocks and PE T-shirts. Details on purchasing the uniform are available through the parent portal.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Cezars Kitchen provides a Bento Box Lunch System for ISSH. Lunch is provided as Bento boxes; for details, contact issh@cezarskitchen.com.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ISSH is governed by the Sacred Heart School Corporation in Japan, which forms part of the Society of the Sacred Heart's Japanese Province. The Board of Directors/Trustees and the Board of Councilors include members from the Society of the Sacred Heart and lay members. ISSH is part of the global Sacred Heart network of schools.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ISSH offers an all-English K‑12 curriculum built on the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, with a Values program and an international-mindedness focus that aims to develop women leaders. Kindergarten (K3–K5) is co‑educational and uses the International Primary Curriculum framework for science and social studies, with Language Arts and Mathematics taught through specialist instruction in Art, PE, Music, Library, and Japanese and with technology integrated into learning. The school is organized as Junior School (Grade 1–4), Middle School (Grade 5–8), and High School (Grade 9–12), with a co‑educational Kindergarten and an all‑girls program from Grade 1 to Grade 12. In High School, ISSH offers a broad Advanced Placement program with about 22 AP courses, including AP English Language and Composition, AP Biology, AP French Language and Culture, AP Japanese Language and Culture, AP Calculus AB/BC, AP World History, AP Economics, AP Computer Science A, AP Art courses, and AP Music Theory. Graduation requires earning at least 22 credits across core subjects and requirements (English, Mathematics, Language, Science, Social Studies, Electives, Values, Art, PE, Options, Personal Finance, and Personal Education). ISSH is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the Kanto Plain Association of Schools.	Curriculum details K. International School Tokyo offers a K-12 program built on the International Baccalaureate framework, with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for K1 to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6 to 10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11 and 12. In Grades 9–10, the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE pathway is available as an additional qualification option alongside the IB track. Instruction is provided in English and Japanese, with English used across the curriculum. The school holds CIS accreditation and was reaccredited in June 2024, confirming international standards. The learning approach is inquiry-based, emphasizing knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and action across transdisciplinary units.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results ISSH does not publish exam results, however, 100% of graduates matriculate to college, university, or other tertiary education. See below for more details.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 100% of ISSH graduates matriculate to college, university, or other tertiary education. Recent highlights include: Australia: University of New South Wales University of Melbourne University of Sydney Canada: McGill University University of Toronto University of British Columbia United Kingdom: University of Oxford UCL University of Edinburgh University of Manchester King's College London University of the Arts London United States Harvard University Yale University Cornell University Dartmouth College Duke University Emory University University of California—Berkeley University of California—Los Angeles Georgia Institute of Technology The New School—Parsons School of Design Pratt Institute A full list can be found here: https://www.issh.ac.jp/academics/post-graduation/college-acceptance	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning ISSH provides a comprehensive social and emotional wellbeing support network, including homeroom-based pastoral care, a School Counselor, New Student Orientation, High School Peer Support, and Still Point on Wednesdays to foster a safe, inclusive environment.	Social & emotional learning SEL is supported through KIST's Lower Secondary Programme (G6–G8), which aims to nurture critical thinking, act confidently, and thrive in a changing world, and the school emphasises a safe and caring environment with guiding principles of Respect, Responsibility and Safety.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Support at ISSH addresses individual needs through Study Skills classes and Individual Learning Plans; the program is described in Junior School and Middle School, and the admissions policy notes that the school seeks students who can thrive within its programs, indicating ISSH is not presented as a dedicated SEN specialist institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN provision or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as a Second Language is integrated into the curriculum (Junior School), and the admissions guidelines reference English Language Acquisition (ELA) and learning support as considerations, rather than detailing a separate EAL department.	English as an additional language Language support for non-native English-speaking students is provided throughout the school to help access the curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Mental Wellbeing program includes full-time school counselors who provide individual and group counseling, a Counseling Policy, and collaboration with families; the Student Health Officer also supports health and wellbeing, including health education and policy development.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through safeguarding measures that aim to provide a safe, secure, healthy, and caring environment for all students.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ISSH maintains a Child Protection Policy and Handbook of Policies and Procedures rooted in Japanese law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, with safeguarding details published on the school's safeguarding page.	Safeguarding Safeguarding includes a safeguarding policy, staff training, a designated child protection team, and clear reporting and investigation procedures; the full policy is shared with families via the MyKIST Family platform.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The International School of the Sacred Heart is located on an expansive, wooded campus in Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, just three minutes from Hiroo subway station. The campus houses two libraries serving the K–12 community, with more than 34,000 books in English, Japanese, and French, plus periodicals and a digital platform for ebooks and listening materials. Academic facilities include dedicated laboratories for art, science, ceramics, and food technology, along with access to subscription databases such as Britannica Online, EBSCOhost, JSTOR, and Explora. Sports and outdoor facilities include a gymnasium, turf field, and tennis courts, together with a large outdoor playground and a chapel, and spacious multipurpose spaces for drama and assemblies. The on-site cafeteria, Cezars Kitchen, provides a Bento Box Lunch System.	Facilities overview The school is located less than one minute from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station in Koto-ku, Tokyo. It serves pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. The school operates a KIST School Bus Service for convenient transportation. The student body consists of more than 630 students representing around 50 nationalities. The school year has at least 180 days across two semesters.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school offers a range of after-school sporting clubs. The co-curricular program includes sporting and cultural clubs, excursions, and other activities, supporting a broad athletic and cultural program.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The curriculum combines two IB programs with the Edexcel IGCSE. English is the language of instruction at all levels and language support is provided for non-native English speakers. The Diploma Programme is offered in Grades 11–12, with online DP options available through Pamoja Education. In 2025, 21% of KIST students attained a bilingual IB Diploma. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and is an IB World School; Edexcel is authorized to deliver IGCSE, and the school is recognized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities In addition to the regular curriculum, students enjoy a variety of co-curricular activities including a range of after-school sporting and cultural clubs, excursions, school concerts and festivals, camps and more.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Society of the Sacred Heart was founded in Amiens, France, on November 21, 1800, to educate girls with enduring values. In January 1908, four Sacred Heart sisters arrived in Yokohama, Japan, to establish a school in the Sacred Heart tradition. In the 2007-08 academic year ISSH celebrated its Centennial, marking over a century of educational heritage. Today ISSH operates in Tokyo as part of the global Sacred Heart network and continues to uphold the founders' educational vision. For more than 100 years, ISSH has embraced diversity and prepared girls from many countries and faiths for global citizenship.	History K. International School Tokyo was established in 1997 by Yoshishige and Takako Komaki to serve Tokyo's international community. It began as an early childhood program in Higashi-suna and expanded to elementary grades in 1998 and secondary grades by 2000. The school earned authorization for the IB Primary Years Programme in 2002, the IB Middle Years Programme in 2003, and the IB Diploma Programme in 2004, with PYP re-authorization in 2006. In 2006 the campus relocated to Shirakawa, Koto-ku; a West Building opened in 2009, and the LEAP program began in 2010. The school attained full accreditation by the Council of International Schools in January 2017 and was re-accredited on 10 June 2024; it also joined the East Asia Regional Council of International Schools in 2018.
Community	Community The ISSH community is diverse and student-centered, with events organized by the Parents' Association and student leadership. Family Festival is the largest annual event, featuring games, music, food, a tots' playground, and a shopping bazaar. One World Day is a student-run celebration where students represent their country of origin, and Japan Day showcases Japanese culture through activities like pottery and kimono experiences. Other annual events include the Christmas Concert, Bingo, and May Show, which highlight music and performance by students.	Community KIST serves a diverse international community with students representing many nationalities. It hosts community events such as KISTival, its annual festival featuring food, performances and activities, which serves as a major fundraising event. Family Day is a school-wide gathering that brings together students, parents and staff for games and activities. Volunteer activities are a mandatory part of student life and community service is embedded in the program.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association ISSH's Parents' Association is a volunteer group that coordinates fundraising, social, and charitable activities for Sacred Heart families. Board members lead key events such as the Family Festival, Bingo Night, and the Christmas Party, along with other programs listed by the association. The association supports the school and family community by funding school improvements, running uniform sales, hosting educational workshops, making charitable donations, and managing a student scholarship fund. It also arranges events such as College Talks with alumni, Break the Ice parties, a kimono photo session, a Teachers and Staff Appreciation Lunch, and various social gatherings. Details on events, meeting dates, minutes, reports, and photos are available to parents via the Parent Portal, and the association maintains an Events page on the school's channels. Anyone interested in getting involved can attend PA meetings, which are open to all parents.	Parent teacher association The PTA coordinates major community initiatives at KIST, most notably KISTival, the school's largest annual fundraising festival. KISTival raises funds to purchase learning materials and support facility improvements, and its program typically includes a World Food Court, raffles and live performances. Family Day is another PTA-supported community event that brings the entire school community together for games and activities. Volunteer opportunities for families are a hallmark of KIST life, with parents and students contributing to events and service projects. KISTival has paused during campus construction in recent years, with plans to resume and a date listed for October 25, 2025.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ISSH offers a broad range of academically oriented clubs and activities for high school students. The clubs include MOOT COURT, Math, Psychology, Research, and Robotics, with DECA x YE and Investment Alliance providing entrepreneurship and finance experiences. The school also runs Brain Bowl and Math Field Day competitions that challenge students across disciplines; these events are described on the high school clubs and arts pages. The Academic Council coordinates academic life and supports activities such as Japan Day and involvement with Model United Nations.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative ISSH has a comprehensive high school arts and music program. It includes ensembles such as Chamber Strings, Orchestra, HS Band, Choir, and Vocal Ensemble, as well as festivals and events like Artscape, Drama Festival, Film Festival, and Speech Festival. Auditioned groups include Honor Band & Honor Orchestra and Honor Choir, providing high-level performance opportunities. Artscape is a long-running interschool arts festival in central Tokyo that involves ISSH students from multiple nationalities.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language ISSH hosts a range of multicultural and language-related activities. Notable events include One World Day, where students represent their country of origin, and Japan Day, which celebrates host culture through activities such as pottery, kimono dressing, and Ikebana. High school life also includes student-led, global engagement through the Academic Council's coordination with Model United Nations. Clubs such as International Cooking Club provide cross-cultural experiences.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ISSH offers a variety of social and hobby clubs and activities beyond academics. The Tennis Circle is a student-run club; other options include the Dance Club, Gardening Club, and International Cooking Club. ISSH also runs an After School Activities program (ASA) with a full list of offerings published in the Parent Portal. Student leadership and peer-support opportunities are part of campus life, including the High School Peer Support program and student councils that organize events.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service ISSH emphasizes social awareness and service as core values, encouraging direct service and advocacy among all community members. The Social Service Council coordinates volunteer opportunities and fundraising, including initiatives such as Hands on Tokyo and SEEDS-related campaigns. Direct service and advocacy are embedded in the school culture and aligned with the Sacred Heart goal that students act for justice.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional ISSH provides leadership development through multiple student councils and committees. Key bodies include the Academic Council, Boosters, Executive Student Council, Fine Arts Council, Social Service Council, Sports Council, Well-being Council, and World Council. These groups organize events and initiatives such as Japan Day, student council exchanges, and service projects, and offer mentoring and collaboration opportunities. The leadership structure supports student involvement across academics, arts, service, and wellbeing.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing ISSH offers a robust athletics program with fall, winter, and spring seasons: Cross Country, Tennis, Volleyball; Basketball; Soccer and Track and Field; teams compete in the Far East Tournament and the Asia Pacific Invitational. Well-being and mindfulness are supported through the Well-being Council and a comprehensive counseling program that includes mindfulness and mental health topics. Pastoral Care and daily homerooms foster a safe, welcoming environment that supports emotional and social wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction across ISSH; Japanese is taught as a language subject by specialists, and French is offered through the AP program (AP French Language and Culture) alongside AP Japanese Language and Culture. AP-level language offerings indicate advanced study; the library's resources include English, Japanese, and French. Non-native English speakers receive English Language Acquisition (ELA) support through in-class and small-group instruction, with English-language screening (WIDA) used for eligibility and placement.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The educational program is provided through English and the common social and communication language is English, while recognizing the value of a student's heritage language(s). English Language Acquisition (ELA) supports non-native English learners with in-class and small-group lessons, with applicants from non-English instruction backgrounds taking a WIDA English language assessment; spaces for ELA are limited and placement is made on a case-by-case basis. Japanese is taught as a language subject by specialist teachers, and AP language offerings include AP Japanese Language and Culture and AP French Language and Culture.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Publicly accessible ISSH pages do not publish a school-wide awards list for the past five years. No ISSH-published page or press release on the site announces awards awarded to the school itself in that period.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The International School of the Sacred Heart is accredited by two bodies: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). WASC accreditation is noted on ISSH's Accreditation & Affiliations page, and CIS accreditation is likewise listed there.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Step 1 — Admissions policy, eligibility, and language: Begin by reviewing ISSH's Admissions Policy and Guidelines. ISSH serves Pre-K and Kindergarten (ages 3–5) and girls in grades 1–12, with admissions governed by age cutoffs and passport nationality rules; for grades 9 and below, an applicant or at least one parent must hold a non-Japanese passport. The school states that the educational program is provided in English and that one parent must be able to speak and read English. These factors inform whether ISSH is a suitable fit for your family before applying. 2. Step 2 — Language considerations and ELA: Applicants come with varying English proficiency, and ISSH maintains an English-language program with an English Language Acquisition (ELA) pathway for those needing support. The admissions process notes that all applicants participate in English reading and writing assessments, with the ELA program offering in-class and small-group support where needed. Space for ELA is limited and allocations are made on a case-by-case basis, potentially placing some applicants in a waiting pool if ELA seats are full. 3. Step 3 — Admissions timeline and rolling process: ISSH uses rolling admissions, processing applications as spaces become available. Applications for the next school year open in September, and families should aim to finalize applications for Grades 1–12 by early December to be considered for available seats. Kindergarten has its own timelines (e.g., K3–K5 have specific milestones), with first-round interviews typically scheduled in January–February of the following year and additional interviews in March if spaces remain. 4. Step 4 — Online inquiry and application initiation: The process begins with an inquiry and proceeds to an online application. Families complete the online application, attach required school reports and documents, and initiate requests for teacher or school recommendations through the online portal. 5. Step 5 — Application fee: The application fee is ¥30,000 per student and is non-refundable. The fee is paid by bank transfer, and the payer covers any bank charges; you must include the applicant's official name to ensure proper attribution of the payment. 6. Step 6 — Application documents: Submit reports, transcripts, and any standardized test results in English (or with English translations where needed). Required documents vary by grade but typically include school reports from the current and prior years, translation if necessary, and confidential recommendations submitted through the online portal. 7. Step 7 — Application review: After all materials are received, the admissions committee reviews each application. Some applications may be declined at this stage, and all decisions are final with no public feedback on reasons. If a class has no available places, applicants may be placed in the waiting pool and reviewed when seats reopen. 8. Step 8 — Screening and assessment: All applicants for Grades 1–12 must complete a screening or assessment; Kindergarten applicants are screened on a case-by-case basis. The assessments differ by grade level (e.g., online math and English for Grades 1–4; math, English reading comprehension, and English essay for Grades 5–12). 9. Step 9 — Interview, admission decision, and enrollment: Applicants who pass the screening proceed to a family interview (both parents and the student). Interviews are conducted by the Principal and a member of the Admissions team, and may be held via Google Meet for overseas applicants. Following the interview, the Director of Admissions notifies families of the outcome; all admissions decisions are final. If offered a place, families complete the online enrollment checklist and pay the registration fee; for August enrollment, the remaining fees and tuition invoice may be issued in May. 10. Step 10 — Post-acceptance enrollment logistics: Successful applicants must complete enrollment steps and pay the registration fee promptly. ISSH notes that invoicing for tuition and the remaining balance may follow the enrollment period, especially for August enrollment. 11. Step 11 — Additional policy notes: Applications are submitted online with no reliance on third-party agencies, and ISSH does not offer priority admissions from outside programs. Siblings of current students and children of alumni receive priority if space is available, and applicants may be added to the waiting pool if spaces are not yet open.	Admissions 1. Read the KIST Admissions Handbook. The handbook outlines admissions policies, application procedures and school fees, and all applicants are expected to read it thoroughly before applying. This is the foundational document for the process and context for every step that follows. 2. Confirm availability, especially if you are applying outside the main intake. For applications outside the main intake periods, contact the KIST Admissions Office by email to confirm whether there is space before submitting an application. When checking availability, provide your child's date of birth, the nationalities of both parents at birth, the child's current grade (if applicable), the grade you wish to apply for, and your child's general English level. 3. Pay the application fee (non-refundable) by bank transfer. Include your child's name in the transfer to ensure proper identification. Bank transfer fees are the sender's responsibility, and the fee may be quoted in yen or converted to yen for international transfers. 4. Prepare supporting documents. Gather documents required for your child's grade level and upload them with the application, plus arrange any documents that must come directly from your child's current school. Examples include birth certificates or passports, school reports, and any grade-specific references or statements. 5. Submit the online application form. Complete the Application for Admission through the online system; information must be entered by a parent or guardian. Ensure you select the correct school year and that you are entering data in English, as the forms are designed for English submission. 6. Application screening. The school screens completed applications and supporting documents to determine eligibility. This screening typically takes about one week, though it can take longer during peak intake periods (April/August main intake). 7. Notification of screening result. Screening results are sent to applicants by email. Unsuccessful applicants cannot proceed to the next stage, and the application fee is non-refundable in that case. 8. Admissions testing and interviews. Applicants who pass the screening will receive an email invitation specifying the date and time for admissions testing; a parent interview follows for those who pass the testing stage. Invitations are issued at least about one week in advance. 9. Notification of final result. After testing and interviews, the admissions panel makes a decision and typically sends the final result by email within about one week after the last testing/interview component, except during the main August/September intake periods. 10. Payment of school fees and securing a place. Successful applicants are required to pay the non-refundable enrollment fee and other applicable school fees by the due date to secure placement in the class. Fees include the enrollment fee, capital fee, tuition, and other charges as outlined in the admissions materials. The exact fee schedule is provided in the Admissions Handbook and associated documentation. 11. Additional details for timing and documents. The main intake is August, with occasional admissions from January or April if space allows. Applications outside main intake are processed on a rolling basis and scheduled for testing on Thursday mornings when possible; you will be added to the next available schedule. The online application and most supporting documents must be submitted in English. 12. Required documents and explicit submission rules. All applications must be submitted in English, with the required documents uploaded through the online system, and some documents sent directly to the Admissions Office as applicable. The process requires proof of identity, photos, and appropriate school references or statements for certain grades. 13. Contact and inquiries. If you have questions about admissions, you can reach the Admissions Office during posted hours (Mon–Fri) and the general inquiries line is posted in the contact details.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships: ISSH has named scholarship funds intended to support tuition for students for whom paying full tuition would be prohibitive. The Sister Culhane and D'Huarte Scholarship Funds are established to provide tuition assistance to eligible students. Gifts to these scholarship funds may be restricted to this purpose, and donors can designate restricted gifts to support financial aid. The school also runs fundraising programs (Annual Fund) to support broader needs, including financial aid. Details about specific eligibility criteria or application processes for these scholarships are not published publicly, but the scholarship funds exist to provide tuition support to qualifying students.	Scholarships KIST publishes a scholarship option for academically gifted students who require 100% tuition coverage and housing arrangements if necessary. This program is noted in external summaries of KIST fees and scholarships, indicating that such a full-tuition scholarship plus housing may be available to qualifying students. Details about eligibility, application timing, and housing arrangements are not fully published in the accessible materials; interested families should inquire with Admissions for the current year's scholarship process and criteria. The school also notes that tuition and related fees are not funded by the Japanese government and that tuition is adjusted annually; the general policy and the existence of a scholarship option are described in the Admissions Handbook and related summaries.
Waitlist	Waitlist Waitlist/Pool: When a class has no available space or when there are no available English Language Acquisition (ELA) seats for a student requiring ELA support, applicants may be placed in the waiting pool. Waiting pool placement is valid until the end of the school year for which the applicant applied, and interested applicants are encouraged to submit a new application for the following school year if they remain interested. Siblings and alumni may receive priority, provided space is available and the screening/interview results are favorable.	Waitlist There is no publicly published waitlist policy for K. International School Tokyo on the official admissions pages that are currently accessible. The standard admissions process described above covers steps from handbook review through final fee payment, and for outside main intakes the school indicates rolling admissions with testing slots scheduled as spaces become available. Because waitlists are not explicitly described in the publicly accessible materials, prospective families should contact the Admissions Office to confirm whether a waitlist or wait pool is used for a given grade and intake period. For reference, outside main intake admissions are described as rolling, with testing offered on Thursday mornings and applicants added to the next available schedule.
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