International School of the Sacred Heart vs Laurus International School of Science - Shiba Campus

	I International School of the Sacred Heart Tokyo, Japan	L Laurus International School of Science - Shiba Campus Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥2,640,000 - 2,940,000	Fees / year ¥1,970,000 - 3,000,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 14 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 Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary)
Pupils	Pupils 585	Pupils 1,400
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Japanese
Opened	Opened 1908	Opened 2001
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 Tokyo, Japan, with nine campuses across Tokyo and Kanagawa. The HQ Primary & Secondary campus is in Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo at Shiba Kokusai Building, 4-1-30 Shiba, 7–10F, 108-0014. The network includes Shirokanedai and Bunkyo campuses, and is accessible by nearby stations such as Kasuga (Toei Mita and Oedo Lines) and Korakuen (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Nanboku Lines). Nine campuses provide access across central Tokyo and Kanagawa.
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 Preschool to Secondary education; Pre-K & Kindergarten; Primary School; Secondary School.
School type	School type Independent international school; co-educational in Kindergarten, girls-only from Grade 1 onwards.	School type International school.
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 Regular school day runs 8:00–15:30; after-school activities run from 16:00–16:45 or 17:30.
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 Bus service with multiple routes (Orange, Purple, Red, Green) offering pick‑up and drop‑off stops across central Tokyo and Kanagawa; examples include stops at the Australian Embassy, Shirokanedai, Ebisu, Daikanyama, Harumi, Tsukishima and Shibaura.
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 / Examination Fees - Preschool (trial lesson): JPY 2,200. - Kindergarten application / assessment fee: JPY 10,000. - Primary application / examination fee: JPY 25,000. - Secondary application / examination fee: JPY 30,000. Preschool & Kindergarten — monthly tuition (by campus and option) General points for preschool & kindergarten tuition: - Tuition for preschools and kindergartens is charged monthly. ‘Days' refers to the fixed number of days per week enrolled. Two daily schedule options are offered: 5-hour day (09:00–14:00) and Full Day (08:30–18:00). Fees by campus (monthly): - Aoyama (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 128,000 / Full Day JPY 177,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 136,000 / Full Day JPY 191,000. Preschool (1–6 days) shown with daily-tiered monthly rates (examples: 1 day JPY 39,000 / JPY 56,000; 5 days JPY 128,000 / JPY 177,000). Entrance fee JPY 120,000; Educational Service Charge JPY 90,000 (annual). - Bunkyo (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 128,000 / Full Day JPY 177,000. Preschool: 1 day JPY 39,000; 2 days JPY 65,000; 3 days JPY 83,000; 4 days JPY 105,000; 5 days JPY 128,000. Entrance fee JPY 120,000; Educational Service Charge JPY 90,000; Maintenance Fee noted. - Jiyugaoka (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 121,000 / Full Day JPY 168,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 129,000 / Full Day JPY 181,000. Preschool: 1 day JPY 37,000; 2 days JPY 61,000; 3 days JPY 79,000; 4 days JPY 100,000; 5 days JPY 121,000; 6 days JPY 129,000. Entrance fee JPY 110,000; Educational Service Charge JPY 85,000 (annual). - Musashi-Kosugi (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 121,000 / Full Day JPY 168,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 129,000 / Full Day JPY 181,000. Preschool: 1 day JPY 37,000; 2 days JPY 61,000; 3 days JPY 79,000; 4 days JPY 100,000; 5 days JPY 121,000; 6 days JPY 129,000. Entrance fee JPY 110,000; Educational Service Charge JPY 85,000; Maintenance Fee and other smaller annual fees noted. - Musashi-Shinjo (Kindergarten example and preschool tiers vary by campus): sample Kindergarten and Preschool monthly rates are published on the campus page and include comparable day-tiered pricing and annual additional charges (entrance, educational charge, maintenance). Entrance fee typically shown as JPY 110,000 and an educational service charge is listed. - Shirokanedai (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 132,000 / Full Day JPY 181,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 142,000 / Full Day JPY 198,000. Preschool tiers: 1 day JPY 39,000 up to 6 days JPY 142,000 (Full Day). Entrance fee and annual educational charge are listed on the campus page. - Takanawa (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 128,000 / Full Day JPY 181,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 136,000 / Full Day JPY 198,000. Preschool tiers follow the same 1–6 day structure. Entrance fee and annual educational charge are shown per campus. - Tsukishima (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 128,000 / Full Day JPY 177,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 136,000 / Full Day JPY 191,000. Preschool tiered monthly rates and campus-specific annual charges are published. Primary & Secondary — tuition and annual fees - Primary School (regular day 08:30–15:30 / full day 08:30–18:00): Tuition is published as an annual amount. Tuition listed up to August 2026 is JPY 1,970,000 (Regular) / JPY 2,480,000 (Full Day); tuition listed from September 2026 is JPY 2,070,000 (Regular) / JPY 2,600,000 (Full Day). The school year consists of three terms and tuition is generally paid in full on an annual basis. - Lower Secondary School: Annual tuition amount shown as JPY 2,100,000 (until August 2026) and JPY 2,300,000 (from September 2026). Other annual fees are listed separately. - Upper Secondary School: Annual tuition amount shown as JPY 2,200,000 (until August 2026) and JPY 2,420,000 (from September 2026). Other annual fees are listed separately. Common annual additional fees for Primary / Lower & Upper Secondary (examples and amounts shown on the tuition pages): - Entrance Fee (one-time): typically JPY 300,000 for Primary and Secondary. - Educational Service Charge: shown as JPY 105,000 (Primary until Aug 2026) rising to JPY 110,000 (from Sep 2026); for Lower/Upper Secondary shown at JPY 120,000 rising to JPY 130,000. - Digital Learning Resources Fee: Primary JPY 86,000 (rising to JPY 91,000); Secondary JPY 105,000 (rising to JPY 115,000). - Maintenance Fee: Primary JPY 250,000 (rising to JPY 270,000); Secondary JPY 250,000 (rising to JPY 270,000). - Device Fee (Lower & Upper Secondary): shown (for example) JPY 75,000 rising to JPY 83,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Preschool & kindergarten tuition is billed monthly according to the chosen days and schedule option. Entrance and specified annual charges are billed as noted per campus (entrance fee upon enrolment; educational service charges annually). - For Primary and Secondary, the school states tuition is generally paid in full on an annual basis; the academic year consists of three terms. The school indicates term-by-term payment may be possible on request (parents can contact the school if they prefer to pay by term rather than in a single annual lump sum). Entrance fees are one-time on enrolment; other listed fees are paid annually. Boarding - No boarding programs or boarding fees are listed in the school's admissions or tuition materials; Laurus operates its campuses as day preschools, kindergarten and a day primary/secondary campus model. No boarding charges are published. Other costs and optional items - The school lists additional items that are payable in addition to tuition: teaching materials and textbooks, uniforms, yearbook, lunch (optional), school bus (optional where available), and other ancillary items. The tuition pages list these categories but do not publish uniform, materials, lunch or bus prices as standardised amounts — those costs are itemised or advised at enrolment or ordering. Entrance and specific annual charges are published per campus/level. Refunds and cancellation (where published) - A general tuition refund policy for annual tuition is not published within the tuition and admissions pages. For seasonal programs and short courses the school publishes a cancellation policy: a handling fee of JPY 1,000 applies for cancellations/changes before the registration deadline, and no refunds are issued after the registration deadline for those seasonal programs. Seasonal-program payment and cancellation details explicitly state invoices are issued and that no cash payments are accepted for those programs. Fee payment options and invoicing - Seasonal program pages specify payment by convenience-store payment or internet banking for those short courses; invoices are issued by email and cash is not accepted for seasonal program registrations. The school also notes that for some events or for enrolled families certain fees may be automatically deducted from a registered bank account. The tuition pages state billing frequency (monthly for preschools, annually for Primary/Secondary) but do not publish a single, detailed list of all accepted payment channels for annual tuition on the public tuition pages. Parents are directed to the school's admissions contact for tuition payment arrangements and invoicing details where needed.
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 All students are required to wear school uniforms when attending school. A P.E. uniform (T-shirt, sweatshirt and trousers) is worn on days with P.E. and Karate. Winter uniforms are worn January–May and October–December; Summer uniforms are worn June–September; an adjustment period in May and October allows wearing either winter or summer uniform depending on the weather.
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 The school provides a school lunch service. If a student does not eat school lunch, they may bring lunch. Fees for the school lunch service are non-refundable.
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 Laurus International School Co., Ltd owns Laurus International School of Science. The company is the Management Organisation. Headquarters are in Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, with relocation planned to 5F Hokkai Shiba Building, 2-31-15 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo from March 23, 2026.
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 The Laurus Innovator Program provides a continuous pathway from preschool to secondary, with a focus on STEM, innovation and entrepreneurship. From Primary onwards, the Cambridge International Curriculum is introduced, and Laurus International Primary & Secondary School is registered with Cambridge Assessment International Education. Cambridge International Curriculum offers internationally recognised qualifications, with Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level credentials recognised by over 2,000 universities in 195 countries. In Preschool & Kindergarten, English language and science fundamentals are established. The Cambridge curriculum is complemented by the Laurus Innovator Program to deepen STEM and entrepreneurial skills throughout the learning journey.
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 Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications are recognised by over 2,000 universities in 195 countries, supporting higher education progression.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The Laurus Innovator Program offers STEM, Innovation & Entrepreneurship activities that supplement classroom learning and grow with students from Preschool to Secondary. Secondary School also connects students with experts and mentors to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.
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 The school emphasizes whole-child development, including emotional resilience, social aptitude, and physical well-being at every stage of development.
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) —
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 Afterschool ESL supports students in maintaining English fluency.
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 Emotional resilience and physical well-being are part of the curriculum to support students' mental well-being.
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 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 has a Shiba Primary & Secondary campus with state-of-the-art labs and workshops equipped with modern equipment and resources to support science learning. The curriculum centers on STEM-focused, project-based learning from preschool through secondary, with science-based inquiry and experimentation guiding learning across ages. The school has multiple campuses across Tokyo, including Tsukishima, Bunkyo, Aoyama, Shirokanedai, Takanawa, Jiyugaoka, Musashi-Shinjo, Musashi-Kosugi, and Shiba Primary & Secondary. Enrichment programs are available for Laurus and non-Laurus students, including Afterschool, Saturday School, and Seasonal Programs. The school emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship within its curriculum.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The school provides Cambridge IGCSE & A-Level qualifications for upper secondary, with Year 10–11 focusing on IGCSE foundational subjects and Year 12–13 specializing through A-Level study. Cambridge IGCSE & A-Level are offered under the Cambridge International Curriculum, recognized by universities worldwide. The curriculum includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and electives like Art & Design, Computer Science, Economics, Geography, and ICT, supporting a broad, internationally aligned academic pathway.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The school offers Afterschool, Saturday School, and Seasonal Programs for Laurus and non-Laurus students. Afterschool activities include Ballet, Dance & Performing Arts, Rhythmic, Art, and Music/Piano for Preschool/Kinder and beyond.
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 Two founders, Mr Kiyomi Hioki and Mrs Mami Hioki, founded Laurus International School of Science in 2001 as a bilingual school focused on hands-on science and critical thinking. Laurus is Tokyo's established educational institution and the only international science school in Japan. Laurus opened the Shirokanedai campus and launched the Primary School in 2016. The school began Lower Secondary in 2022 and has since expanded to additional campuses; in 2024 it joined the Council of International Schools, in 2025 opened Upper Secondary under the Cambridge International Curriculum and opened a campus in Bunkyo, and in 2026 was approved as a Round Square Candidate School.
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 Laurus STEAM Fair is hosted by Laurus International School of Science, celebrating science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics for curious minds of all ages. Since 2016, the fair has showcased student-led research, hands-on workshops with drones, 3D printing, AI and more, with external experts judging student projects. The fair has featured highlights such as the Ad Astra space theme (2019) and an AI-focused edition in 2024 with thousands of visitors. Laurus also runs Laurus STEAM Spring Events 2026 from March 23–27 across seven campuses (Shinagawa, Shirokanedai, Aoyama, Jiyugaoka, Tsukishima, Bunkyo, Musashi-Kosugi) with three age-specific tracks for children aged 1.5 to 15.
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 —
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 Science for the real world focuses on project-based learning and real-world applications to prepare students for a globalised world. Primary School combines our STEM program with the Cambridge curriculum for a robust, world-recognised education. Secondary School for Years 7-9 provides early exposure to universities and start-ups to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, with upper secondary planned to open in 2025. Enrichment programs for Laurus and non-Laurus students include Afterschool, Saturday School and Seasonal Programs.
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 Afterschool options include Ballet, Dance & Performing Arts, Art, and Music/Piano. Digital Creative and Science enrichment activities are offered, including Minecraft: Education Edition-based learning. Physical Education (PE) develops skill, concentration and confidence.
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 English language instruction begins in Pre-K & Kindergarten. Afterschool ESL supports students in maintaining English fluency. ESL is available in Afterschool and within Primary/Lower Secondary to support language development.
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 Afterschool offerings include Ballet, Dance & Performing Arts, Rhythm, Art, and Music/Piano. Science and Digital Creative enrichment activities are available as afterschool options to nurture student interests. Physical Education (PE) supports skill development, concentration and confidence through physical activity.
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 Upper secondary will open in 2025, with early exposure to universities and start-ups to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The Frontiers Program nurtures students' budding interests into self-motivated passions that will influence their paths far into the future. Afterschool and enrichment programs provide opportunities for leadership and professional skills development.
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 Physical Education (PE) develops skill, concentration and confidence through physical activity. Afterschool activities include Ballet, Dance & Performing Arts, Rhythm, Art and Music to support wellbeing and creative expression. State-of-the-art labs and workshops at the Shiba campus empower hands-on science learning.
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 English is the main language of instruction. Preschool and Kindergarten are conducted in an all-English environment, and optional Japanese language classes are offered in Primary and Secondary, with some classes taught in Japanese to provide exposure. Parents are encouraged to maintain Japanese language at home to support language development.
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 English is the main language of instruction. Preschool and Kindergarten are conducted in an all-English environment. Optional Japanese language classes are offered in Primary and Secondary, and some classes are taught in Japanese to provide exposure to the language.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Preschool and Kindergarten are conducted in an all-English environment.
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. Attend an Information Session. In-person visits provide insight into the learning environment where your child will flourish. Information sessions are held regularly in Japanese and English. Sign up for an Information Session or request a private school tour. 2. Application, Required Documents & Fees. Preschool & Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary application forms are downloadable. Check year-level eligibility and additional document requirements using the Useful Information section. A Health Check Certificate is downloadable for Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary; Laurus International staff members will contact your child's current school for the recommendation letter. Examination fees are: Preschool ¥2,200; Kindergarten ¥10,000; Primary ¥25,000; Secondary ¥30,000. 3. Student Exam and Parent Meeting. Assessments are required for some grade levels; timing is communicated by the Admissions team. New Preschool and Kindergarten do not have admissions assessments, but a trial lesson is required; Kindergarten has in-class assessments for English reading, writing and speaking. Primary and Secondary students are assessed for English and Math; results are issued within one month of completing the assessment. 4. Enrollment Notification and Additional Information. After enrollment, next steps include submission of final documents, enrollment fees, ordering uniforms and textbooks, and preparation for the Entrance Ceremony. Age eligibility for programs is: Preschool from 1.5 years; Kindergarten from 3 to 5 years (as of April 1, 2025); Primary from over 6 years old; Secondary from over 11 years old (lower) or over 15 years old (upper) (as of April 1, 2025). Parent communications for Primary and Secondary are in English, and English language ability is not required for parents.
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 —
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 —
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