St. Mary's International School Tokyo: A Guide for Parents

Facts, fees and admissions information are from St. Mary's own website, checked on 12 October 2026. Fees are subject to change; confirm with admissions before you apply.

St. Mary's International School is Tokyo's best-known international school for boys. It has been on the same leafy site in Setagaya since 1971, and many families choose it for its long history, its community and its route to the IB Diploma.

The school at a glance

What it costs (2026–27)

Returning students pay a ¥300,000 re-enrollment deposit, which is credited towards tuition. There are also device fees (iPads in Grades 3–5 and laptops in Grades 6–8) and trip and exam fees for some grades. Tuition is lower than at ASIJ, but compare the full first-year cost: see international school tuition in Japan.

Admissions

St. Mary's admits boys on the basis of:

• transcripts from previous schools;
• standardized test results;
• a screening test;
• a personal interview with the boy and his parents.

Families are expected to support the school's mission and to work with the school on their son's learning. Boys must show they can succeed in an English-based curriculum. Contact admissions early, since popular grades fill.

Location

Seta is in southwest Setagaya, near Futako-Tamagawa. Families often live in Setagaya or along the Tokyu lines. Check the commute at rush hour before you sign a lease: see Tokyo neighborhoods and commutes.

Who it suits

It often suits families who:

• want a boys' school with a Catholic foundation and a strong community;
• want the IB Diploma in the final years;
• live, or can live, in southwest Tokyo.

It may not suit families who:

• want a co-educational school (compare ASIJ or other Tokyo schools);
• want daughters and sons at the same school;
• want their son to read and write Japanese at grade level (compare Nishimachi).

St. Mary's and other Tokyo schools

See all international schools in Tokyo.

FAQ

Is St. Mary's International School only for boys? Yes. It is a Catholic international school for boys, and it welcomes boys of all faiths.

How much does St. Mary's cost? For 2026–27, tuition is ¥2,860,000 to ¥3,050,000 a year, and new students pay one-time fees of ¥1,650,000.

Does St. Mary's offer the IB? Yes. The IB Diploma is offered in high school.

Where is St. Mary's? At 1-6-19 Seta, Setagaya-ku, in southwest Tokyo, where it has been since 1971.

How does admission work? Through previous school records, standardized test results, a screening test and an interview with the boy and his parents.