Founded in 1872, Saint Maur International School holds the distinction of being Asia’s oldest international school and Japan’s first Catholic educational institution. Established by French nuns from the Missionary Sisters of Saint Maur, the school was designed to provide English-based education for children from kindergarten through high school for approximately 500 students. Today, it continues to serve a multicultural, multi-faith community, focusing on individualized learning experiences to nurture each student’s unique strengths and talents.
Location and Facilities
Situated in the heart of Yokohama's Yamatecho district, Saint Maur’s campus is home to five main buildings, each equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. These include:
An award-winning Fine Arts Center
Science Center
Modern classrooms
Robotic and computer labs
A library
Outdoor play areas
A notable addition is the Cougar Café, Activity & Sports Center, inaugurated in April 2021. This multifunctional building features a cafeteria, an indoor sports area with spectator seating, and activity rooms.
Curriculum and Academic Programs
Saint Maur International School offers a robust academic program tailored to each stage of student development, incorporating globally recognized curricula like the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), IGCSE, and International Baccalaureate (IB).
Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten
The Montessori program caters to children aged 2 ½ to 5+, emphasizing mixed-age classrooms. This setting encourages peer learning, respect, and collaboration. Each child progresses through a developmentally appropriate curriculum at their own pace, fostering independence and a love for learning.
Elementary School
Inquiry-based learning is a cornerstone of the elementary curriculum. The IPC provides a framework for subjects like History, Science, Social Studies, and Geography. Programs like Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop and The Daily 5 develop proficient readers and writers, while the Investigations curriculum in Mathematics promotes deep conceptual understanding. Other subjects include Language Arts, Japanese, Religious Studies, and Physical Education.
Middle School
Middle school students at Saint Maur engage in a well-rounded curriculum that includes core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences, along with creative and technical electives such as Drama, Studio Art, and Computer Science. In Grade 7, students select one elective to continue in Grade 8. By the end of Grade 8, they choose two electives for Grade 9, with options like IGCSE Computer Science, IGCSE Visual Arts, or IGCSE Drama. They also select a World Language from Japanese, IGCSE French B, or IGCSE Spanish B.
High School
The high school program spans Grades 9 to 12, offering rigorous academic preparation through IGCSE and IB curricula. Students in Grades 9 and 10 take IGCSE courses, building a solid foundation for the IB Diploma Program in Grades 11 and 12. In Grade 11, all students enter the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. With 22 IB subjects available, small class sizes ensure personalized teacher attention. Other external exams, which include PSAT, and SAT, recognize students’ academic ability and achievement.
Academic Results
In 2024, Saint Maur students achieved remarkable results in the IGCSE and IB examinations. The IGCSE exams, taken by Grade 10 students, showed outstanding performance, with 45.39% of grades being A* or A and 90% of grades at C or above. Particularly notable was the performance of the music students, all of whom achieved either an A or A*.
In the IB Diploma Program, 96% of the graduating class successfully earned the full IB Diploma, significantly surpassing the global average pass rate of 80.1%. The cohort achieved an impressive average score of 35.3 points out of a maximum of 45, exceeding the global average of 30.3. Additionally, 14 students were awarded the prestigious Bilingual Diploma, and two students attained the perfect score of 45 points.
Beyond the Classroom
Saint Maur International School is committed to holistic education, offering numerous extracurricular and programs to enhance student development, which includes:
Academic Support: The After School Academic Support program provides secondary students with assistance in various subjects every day of the week.
Extracurricular Activities: Students can choose from a wide range of after-school clubs and activities, helping them develop into well-rounded individuals.
Excursions: Field trips enrich classroom learning and provide hands-on experiences. Recent excursions include visits to the Mitsubishi Museum, Morinaga Chocolate Factory, and the Ueno Science Museum.
Summer School: The summer school program welcomes students from preschool through Grade 12, offering opportunities for academic and personal growth during the summer months.
College Guidance: Saint Maur’s dedicated college counseling team assists students in navigating post-secondary opportunities. With personalized guidance, students are well-prepared for applications to top-tier universities around the globe.
Admissions Process
Inquiry and Application
Prospective families begin by submitting a pre-application inquiry form, which helps determine eligibility. If eligible, families receive an admissions link to complete their application, which includes academic records, teacher recommendations, and other relevant documents.
Evaluations
Students in Grades 1 to 11 undergo evaluations in English and Mathematics. While evaluations for younger students are conducted primarily on-campus, remote evaluations are available for those residing outside Japan.
Acceptance
After evaluations, students may receive full or conditional acceptance. Conditional acceptance outlines specific requirements to support student success. Families are given a short period to finalize enrollment and pay the registration fee.
Why Choose Saint Maur?
Saint Maur International School stands out for its unique blend of traditional values, progressive education, and a supportive community. Here are key reasons to consider this esteemed institution:
Traditional Values: For nearly 150 years, Saint Maur has instilled strong character and moral citizenship in its students. Core principles like the Student Behavior Profile and Restorative Practice guide students in becoming responsible, ethical individuals committed to social justice.
Multifaith and Multinational Community: Saint Maur prepares students from over 40 countries to become global citizens through dynamic, international curricula. As a Catholic foundation, the school fosters a community that respects and values cultural and religious differences.
Progressive Education: While rooted in tradition, Saint Maur remains at the forefront of educational innovation. It was among the first schools in Asia to adopt programs like the Montessori system, IPC, IGCSE, and IB. This progressive approach ensures students receive a world-class education.
Small Class Sizes: With a low student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and a student body of approximately 500, Saint Maur offers personalized attention. Students benefit from close relationships with teachers, receiving support for both academic and personal growth.
Conclusion
Saint Maur International School provides a rich educational experience that combines a respect for tradition with a commitment to innovation. With a multicultural community, rigorous academics, and a focus on holistic development, the school stands out as an exceptional choice for families in Japan. As Asia’s oldest international school, it has upheld a legacy of inspiring learners and promoting excellence for nearly 150 years.
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