A Sacred Heart Education
The Society of the Sacred Heart has a long tradition marked by a distinctive spirit of developing the whole person. In this spirit we work to foster a balance in students, to include their intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional well-being.
We offer an international education in and towards faith. Our rigorous academics are designed to develop critical and analytical thinking skills, and to foster reflection and thought. Equally important, both our curricular and extracurricular programming creates a forum for students to develop their creative and aesthetic skills. Our community cultivates a strong sense of belonging, in which students are always viewed as responsible citizens of the world who have worthy contributions to offer society. Our students are encouraged to share with others, to adopt an outlook which respects the needs of others and inculcates service as a natural part of life.
Sacred Heart students are challenged to develop a critical and reflective view of the values of society. We also seek to foster and sharpen an awareness of the problems of injustice and provide opportunities for effective action where possible. They experience diversity, which allows them to authentically develop an understanding and appreciation of various faiths, cultures, and traditions of the world, and the heritage of Japan itself.
It is this philosophy in which our goals are based.
Our Sacred Heart Goals
The Five Goals are a shared element of all Sacred Heart Schools around the world. Our mission is to provide an education based on the following Five Goals, which are rooted in our philosophy:
Goal 1: A Personal and Active Faith in God
This goal is centred in our identity and heritage as a Catholic school, and our dedication to embody the attitudes of the Heart of Jesus: love, gratitude, generosity, compassion, and forgiveness. It is at the core of our dedication to student well-being, our commitment to diversity and acceptance, and our focus on spirituality and the interconnectedness of the universe, regardless of religion or faith background.
Goal 2: A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values
ISSH is dedicated to offering not just an academically rigorous, world-class curriculum, but a wide breadth of courses that allow students to explore their passions and develop into critically-thinking, intellectually curious global leaders of the future. Our dedicated faculty, who hail from more than 20 countries worldwide, utilise the framework for High Quality Learning and Teaching at ISSH to guide our students in developing to their full potential.
Goal 3: A Social Awareness that Impels to Action
Empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility are at the heart of Goal 3. Students learn historical contexts and feel empowered to discuss global issues, humanising challenging issues and events. ISSH creates a platform for students to be courageous as they advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion and act for justice in our world.
Goal 4: The Building of Community as a Christian Value
Sacred Heart is not just a place for students to learn and grow, it is a home for them, and for all members of the community. From parents and families of students to faculty and staff, everyone works together to build a warm and welcoming community, which is the meaning of Goal 4. An active Parents Association brings mums and dads together for event planning or just a fun parents' coffee; our Alumni Board collaborates with us to host an annual reunion gathering and alumni visits year-round. Students take roles of responsibility to make sure everyone feels welcome.
Goal 5: Personal Growth in an Atmosphere of Wise Freedom
ISSH is a place where girls and young women grow with courage and confidence: to follow their dreams and passions, to be the best versions of themselves, and to take their place as global leaders making the world a better place. Supported by a school culture that promotes spiritual, intellectual, physical, and socio-emotional well-being, Sacred Heart students grow into resilient adults and confident, inspirational, and transformational leaders.
The Power of All-Girls Education
At ISSH, we don't just believe that girls can do anything—our community exemplifies it every single day. Our students are leaders, researchers, presenters, and role-models in all areas, from academics to arts and athletics to service to community-building. Our alumni are made up of scientists, doctors, authors, lawyers, researchers, artists, advocates, and much more, proving to the younger generations of Symbas that girls and women really can do anything.
Research backs what we see every day—that girls thrive in a school environment and programmes designed just for them. Unlike co-ed programmes, which all-too-often are based on models centered around boys' experiences, girls take centre stage in our all-girls classrooms, clubs, councils, and teams, allowing them to grow up truly believing that they can and should express their opinions, lead initiatives, and take the wheel just as much as boys do. This, in turn, prepares them to approach tertiary education, careers, and future challenges with courage and confidence.
An International School in a Global Network
The heart and soul of ISSH is shared with and similarly articulated by five other Sacred Heart schools in Japan and 150+ schools across the globe. “Courage and Confidence” have been the hallmarks of Sacred Heart women since the Society of the Sacred Heart was founded in France in 1800, and Sacred Heart education continues to thrive today—a testament to the strength of the programme and its ability to grow and change with time.
ISSH's place in the Sacred Heart network places our students and alumni in a unique and privileged position: not only are they connected to our school, faculty, alumni and wider community, but they are also a part of a school community beyond Tokyo that spans the entire world. From local exchanges with our Japanese Sacred Heart School neighbours to international exchange opportunities in France and the United States in high school, ISSH students have access to unique resources and opportunities to learn, connect, and grow through these network connections, unlike those offered at any other international school in Tokyo.
Double-Accredited and Globally Connected
With so many schools out there to choose from, it can be hard to know who to trust. That's why ISSH is accredited by not just one, but two internationally respected accrediting bodies: the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Families don't need to take our word for it when we say our school is outstanding—we've undergone rigorous accreditation processes so that our word is backed by the gold standard.
To ensure that our teachers have access to the best professional development opportunities and networks of industry leaders driving the future of the educational field, ISSH is also a member of a variety of councils and organisations. Whether regional groups, councils for girls' schools, or networks of Sacred Heart educators, our administration and teachers engage in lifelong learning to ensure a high-quality education for our students.