福岡女学院高等学校

Beyond these walls at Fukuoka Jo Gakuin High School, echoes of history and whispers of innovation intertwine. Fukuoka Jo Gakuin High School stands as a testament to the enduring power of education. It was founded over 135 years ago by Miss Jennie M. Gheer, an American missionary. She envisioned a place where Japanese girls could forge new paths. Fukuoka Jo Gakuin High School quickly became a cornerstone of the community. It was affectionately nicknamed the “Mission School”. The school’s progressive model, a rarity in Japan at the time, attracted attention from around the globe. Even Helen Keller, during her 1937 world tour, made it a point to visit Fukuoka Jo Gakuin. The school’s Christian philosophy shapes its educational approach, nurturing well-rounded individuals. Fukuoka Jo Gakuin cultivates sensitive and intelligent women equipped with a strong sense of responsibility. Did you know that this very school is the birthplace of the modern Japanese school uniform? In 1921, students and parents voiced concerns about the impracticality of traditional attire for exercise. President Lee took matters into her own hands, researching and implementing the sailor-style uniform. This innovation, first adopted at Fukuoka Jo Gakuin, soon spread throughout Japan. Look closely at the school badge. It depicts a grapevine, symbolizing a passage from John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” This verse resonates deeply within the Fukuoka Jo Gakuin community. The campus boasts an impressive array of facilities, from audio-visual classrooms and a spacious auditorium to two gymnasiums and a pipe organ. An art studio, a library, and musical training facilities further enrich the learning environment. A traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony House provides a space for cultural exploration. Fukuoka Jo Gakuin’s location, just a short train ride from the heart of Fukuoka, offers the best of both worlds. The suburban setting provides a tranquil learning environment. Fukuoka itself, a vibrant city known as the “Gateway to Asia,” offers a rich cultural landscape and easy access to the rest of the region. Fukuoka Jo Gakuin High School continues to empower young women. It provides them with the tools they need to thrive in a dynamic world.