St. Mary’s International School for boys in Tokyo provides an outstanding and challenging education.

An education at St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo nurtures the intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development of each student. A challenging array of core curricular and extracurricular programs has been designed to enable the student to achieve excellence and success.

The diverse multicultural backgrounds of both students and staff contribute to a special spirit of international understanding, and enable St. Mary’s to provide a unique educational experience.

Global responsibility
Fostering multicultural awareness, understanding, and encouraging students to develop a sense of global responsibility and citizenship, St. Mary’s provides its students with growth normally found outside of the educational curriculum.

St. Mary’s school-wide learner expectations and school philosophy emphasize the creation of a positive and safe learning environment where a spirit of cooperation, friendship, and mutual respect maximizes individual achievement.

History of St. Mary’s
Steeped in history and heritage, St. Mary’s was founded by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, opening its doors to 60 foreign boys ranging from kindergarten to Grade 3 in 1954.

By 1971, the rapid growth of the international community and the demands for quality college-preparatory education in the Tokyo area encouraged the Brothers to move to the current location, a nine-acre site in the Setagaya-ku district, one of Tokyo’s rare green residential areas.

St. Mary’s International School is now getting ready to celebrate in 2004 its 50th anniversary as a school offering a comprehensive, all-boys’, college-preparatory program for its diverse student population.

Curriculum
The St. Mary’s experience begins with a pre-first grade program, and culminates with a challenging four-year college-preparatory curriculum. Offering the International Baccalaureate course of studies, a globally-recognized and rigorous pre-university program, St. Mary’s International School provides academic and interpersonal training, giving students the competitive edge they need for both university studies and their later careers.

The curriculum parallels the contemporary curricula of American schools. At the elementary level, homeroom teachers lead classes in the basic subjects of English, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science, while specialist teachers instruct in Art, Physical Education, vocal and instrumental Music, and Japanese language. Three different religion programs are provided: one for Roman Catholics, another for other Christians and a third for non-Christians.

Middle school students take English, Japanese and French, World Geography or Current Affairs/Ancient History, Mathematics, Life Science or Physical Science, religion and electives. While in Grades 11-12 students have an even wider variety of electives and can choose to take the International Baccalaureate curriculum to qualify for a diploma.

In addition to the core curricular offerings, St. Mary’s has an outstanding array of specialist teachers and facilities, giving students a myriad opportunities to pursue their interests and fulfil their desires.

Staff and students take frequent outings in the greater Tokyo area, and the school owns and operates a ski lodge in Tsumagoi where students receive skiing lessons.

Campus
St. Mary’s boasts a complex campus including a multipurpose field covered in Astroturf used for playing baseball, softball, soccer, flag football, and as a playground for elementary students. Four tennis courts also double as basketball and handball courts. Other major athletic features include a gymnasium and a 25-metre indoor pool, while local rinks are used for the hockey program.

Accreditation
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the European Council of International Schools accredit the School. St. Mary’s holds membership in the Japan Council of Overseas Schools, the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools, European Council of International Schools and other professional organizations.

Website: www.smis.ac.jp