St. Mary’s International School

“Is it true they have a ski lodge?” a young boy whispered, eyes wide with excitement. He clutched his acceptance letter to St. Mary’s International School. His father smiled. “Indeed. It’s in Gunma Prefecture.” St. Mary’s International School, a venerable institution established in 1954, stands as a testament to the Mennaisian brothers’ mission. It educates boys from kindergarten through 12th grade, focusing on instructing, educating, and imparting Christian values. St. Mary’s sits in Futako-Tamagawa, Tokyo. It’s one of the “big four” international schools in the city. The school welcomes students of all faiths and nationalities. It provides an English-based education with a rich legacy of cultural diversity. Students of American, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Korean descent all learn together. St. Mary’s offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is available for 11th and 12th graders. A unique aspect of St. Mary’s is its Corporate Contribution Program. This program grants free tuition to students whose foreign parents work for participating companies. It helps maintain the school’s high educational standards. The program is modeled after one approved for The American School in Japan in 1978. Beyond academics, St. Mary’s has a robust extracurricular program. Elementary school students can participate in activities like basketball, baseball, and drama. Middle and high school students compete in interscholastic competitions. They are known as the Titans. The school’s debate program is highly regarded, and the choir has earned international recognition. St. Mary’s boasts a strong alumni network. Successful graduates often return to inspire current students, sharing insights from diverse career paths. In 2020, St. Mary’s students achieved an average IB Diploma score of 35 out of 45. This significantly surpasses the global average of 30. Their average SAT score was also impressive, reaching 1275, far exceeding the global average of 1051. St. Mary’s graduates have matriculated to prestigious universities worldwide, including institutions in the US, Japan, the UK, and Europe. St. Mary’s International School cultivates not just academic excellence but a well-rounded development. It nurtures the intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth of each student in a supportive, respectful environment.