“Life is about truth, goodness, and beauty.” These words echo through the halls of Seijo Gakuen Elementary School today. Masataro Sawayanagi spoke them. He was the founder of Seijo Gakuen.
Welcome to Seijo Gakuen Elementary School. It is a place with a rich history and a commitment to education. This institution began as an experimental school. Sawayanagi sought to reform Japan’s primary education system. He believed in “true education”.
Let’s journey back to 1917. There were few private elementary schools in Japan back then. Seijo Elementary School started with just 32 students. Sawayanagi wanted to nurture each student’s inner spirit. He valued originality and a connection with nature. Emotional development and scientific inquiry were important too.
In 1922 the first class finished elementary school. Parents wanted their children to continue their education. Kuniyoshi Obara responded. He later founded Tamagawa Gakuen. Obara established Seijo Second Junior High School. In 1925 the school moved to its current location in Setagaya Ward. Seijo Kindergarten also opened that year.
Seijo High School followed in 1926. It incorporated Seijo Junior High School. A year later Seijo Women’s High School was founded. This laid the groundwork for integrated study. That year also saw authorization for the Seijo Gakuen Foundation.
After World War II educational reforms changed things. The old high school system was abolished. Seijo Gakuen Junior High School and High School became coeducational. In 1950 Seijo University opened. It started with Economics and Science faculties. Later Arts and Literature then Law faculties were added.
In 2005 Seijo launched Japan’s first Faculty of Social Innovation. It reflected a commitment to modern education. The two-year college closed in 2007. But Seijo continued to evolve.
Masataro Sawayanagi’s vision guides Seijo Gakuen still today. He wanted students to develop their unique character. He wanted them to stretch their imaginations. The goal was to become self-reliant individualists. Sawayanagi hoped they would create a new society.
Seijo Elementary School upholds Sawayanagi’s Primary Principle. It strives for truth, goodness, and beauty. The school fosters originality and emotional intelligence. It integrates learning with nature. Scientific research informs its educational methods.
The school emphasizes small classes. Adjunct material supplements the textbook curriculum. This allows students to progress at their own pace. Seijo provides city children with experiences in nature. This focus counters physical frailty. The school facilitates the development of solid bodies and minds.
Teachers at Seijo love their students. They pay attention to their moods and wishes. Education happens “heart to heart”. This training helps students develop their interests. It also deepens their sensibilities.
Seijo seeks to be a true research school. It researches actual circumstances logically. The school also delves into theory applicable to reality. Masataro Sawayanagi’s legacy remains strong here. Seijo Gakuen Elementary School cultivates thoughtful well-rounded individuals.