FAQ

Admissions & Applications

Are there any special considerations for children born later in the academic year?

No. The entrance examination is the same for all applicants, regardless of birth month.

Can we choose the interview date?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate individual requests. If you have unavoidable circumstances after your interview date has been assigned, please contact us for consultation.

Can my child apply to both the International Class and the Seibi Class?

It is not possible to apply for both classes within the same examination schedule. However, you may apply to the International Class in Schedule A and the Seibi Class in Schedule B.

Is there a transfer admission system between the International Class and the Seibi Class?

No. Since the examinations differ, there is no transfer admission between the two.

Do both parents need to attend the interview?

Attendance by one parent is sufficient. There is no advantage or disadvantage whether one or both parents attend.

In what language will the paper test and group activity instructions be given?

For returnee and international applicants, instructions will be in English only. For general applicants, instructions will be given in both Japanese and English.

In what language will the interview be conducted?

For children, the interview language depends on the application category. Returnee and international applicants will be interviewed mainly in English with some Japanese, while general applicants will be interviewed mainly in Japanese with some English (note: this is not to assess English proficiency). For parents, the interview will be conducted in either Japanese or English. Please choose one language; mixing both languages is not permitted.

How many children are in each group activity test?

Approximately 4–6 children per group.

Will there be tasks such as crafts or drawing in the exam?

Craft or drawing activities may be included as part of the group task instructions, but artistic skill will not be assessed.

Will letters of recommendation or evaluations from preschools be considered?

No. We do not accept or consider recommendation letters or evaluation reports.

Can we choose the date or time of the examination within Schedule A (or other schedules)?

No. We cannot accommodate such requests. Dates and times will be assigned fairly by the school.

Will test questions be read aloud during the exam?

Yes. Questions will be read aloud, so children can answer by listening. It is not necessary for them to read the text themselves.

Should my child be able to read and write letters?

For the entrance exam, your child should be able to write their name in either English or Japanese, and recognize numbers. After enrollment, familiarity with the alphabet and hiragana will help them adjust smoothly to lessons.

Which documents are required to prove returnee status?

We expect documents for proof of a parent’s overseas work assignment, certification of preschool attendance abroad as well as a copy of the child’s passport.

When will application documents be distributed?

For the International Class, applications are online only. No printed documents, including interview materials, will be distributed.

Which writing tools should my child bring to the exam?

There is no restriction as long as the tool can write. Pencils, mechanical pencils, or pens are all acceptable. Corrections may be made with an eraser or by crossing out.

What should we bring on the exam day?

Interview Day: Interview slip (printed from miraicompass), indoor shoes, and a shoe bag.
Exam Day: Examination slip and photo slip (printed from miraicompass), indoor shoes, shoe bag, writing tools, a drink (optional, any kind), and a small bag for your child to carry their belongings to the test room.

Learning & Curriculum

How many students are in each class?

Each class will have approximately 30 students.

What is the curriculum of the International Class?

As an accredited school, the curriculum follows the Course of Study set by Japan’s Ministry of Education in both class hours and content. In addition, we offer unique programs such as iTime (cross-curricular inquiry-based learning) and project-based learning (PBL) to foster critical thinking skills in English.

Will the homeroom teacher teach all subjects?

Japanese language will be taught by a Japanese teacher. GrapeSEED lessons will be taught by a specialized international teacher. From upper years, some subjects such as arts and physical education may also be taught by Japanese specialists. Other subjects will generally be taught by the homeroom international teacher.

Will students use iPads?

In Year 1, students will use school-owned iPads when required in class. From Year 2 onwards, we are reviewing the most suitable device for learning. If a one-to-one program is introduced, families may be asked to purchase a school-specified device.

Can my child transfer from the International Class to the Seibi Class?

Transfers may be considered only at the start of a new academic year. The decision will be made after consultation among teachers, parents, and the child, and only if it is deemed necessary and feasible.

Will focusing on English affect my child’s Japanese ability?

Japanese language classes will cover reading comprehension, grammar, kanji, and other skills appropriate to each grade level, ensuring that students develop strong Japanese language ability alongside English, becoming truly bilingual.

What kind of religious education is provided?

Over six years, students will learn fundamental values of Catholic teaching, such as respecting others, showing gratitude, and living in cooperation with people from diverse backgrounds.

Will differences in English proficiency among students be a problem?

Not at all. Homeroom classes will include both native English speakers and beginners, allowing students to naturally develop their English ability. During GrapeSEED lessons, classes will be divided by English level and experience, so each child can learn in an environment suited to their ability.

Daily School Life

What kinds of school events are there?

In addition to entrance, opening, and closing ceremonies, students will take part in religious events such as the Marian Festival and the Don Bosco Family Day organized by the Parents’ Association. Unique International Class events include Sports Day, *Drama Day, and Music Day. For upper grades, we are also considering short-term overseas study programs.

Is school lunch provided?

Yes. Families order daily meals directly from the school’s designated lunch provider. Several menu options are available, so children can choose what they prefer.

How does the school handle allergies?

Please inform us in advance if your child has allergies. Ingredients are listed on the lunch menu so that safe choices can be made. If no suitable option is available, you may submit a request and prepare a lunch from home. For overnight trips or special programs, please consult with us. In some cases, participation may be limited if accommodations cannot be made.

Do International Class students interact with Seibi Class students?

Yes. There will be opportunities for interaction through certain events, after-school activities, and a few times a year during joint evacuation drills and group dismissals.

Are there restrictions on commuting distance or area?

No restrictions are set by the school. However, please ensure that your child can commute safely from your home.

How do children go home after school?

At the beginning of the school year, families are asked to drop off and pick up their children. Over time, students will be responsible for traveling independently, depending on their readiness and the judgement of their parents. Please note that pick-up and drop-off by car is not permitted. After careful consideration, the school has decided not to introduce a school bus service.

Is school held on Saturdays?

Generally, Saturdays are holidays. However, there may be a few school days for special events throughout the year.

Is it a problem if parents cannot speak English?

Japanese-speaking staff will provide support. Please note, however, that homeroom teachers are international teachers and may not be able to communicate in Japanese one-on-one.

Is it a problem if parents are not fluent in Japanese?

Homeroom teachers can communicate in English. Some school documents will be provided only in Japanese, so please use translation tools as necessary.

Can my child join after-school programs?

Yes. For an additional fee, students can participate in after-school care, extracurricular programs, and special events. The program also operates during long vacations, except on weekends, national holidays, New Year, and the Obon season.

Can the school accommodate children with developmental disorders or other special needs?

Please note that, due to staffing levels and the allocation of school resources, we may have limited capacity to provide personalised support for students with developmental disabilities or other specific needs. While we strive to be inclusive, the school may not be able to accommodate all individual requirements. We kindly ask families to understand and acknowledge these limitations upon enrolment.

Are there any restrictions on language use at school?

At present, there are no rules. However, we encourage families to support their child in using English as much as possible at school.

Do students wear uniforms?

Yes. Our uniforms were designed by UNITED ARROWS. They feature a brown base color and combine both functionality and a design suited to elementary school students.

Is there a designated school bag?

There is no mandatory school bag. However, we recommend our original lightweight and functional backpack made from durable material. Students may also use their own bags, provided they follow the school’s color guidelines.

How often are parents required to come to school?

We ask parents to attend individual conferences once each term. Participation in other events is optional.

Are there overnight study trips?

Yes. We are planning both domestic and overseas overnight study trips designed especially for the International Class.

Middle & High School

What level of English is required to join the Advanced Group in junior and senior high school?

As of 2025, applicants must have at least CEFR B1 (Eiken Grade 2) to be eligible. For the 2032 junior high entrance, a higher level such as CEFR B2 (Eiken Pre-1) may be required. Students graduating from the International Class are expected to reach a level consistent with these requirements.

What is the Dual Diploma Program (DDP)?

Starting in the third term of Grade 10, students may enter the WACE program, which allows them to earn a Western Australian high school diploma. In Grade 12, they may also take Advanced Placement (AP) exams, which are equivalent to university-level general education courses.

How does the school support admission to overseas universities?

Students who complete the DDP will earn both Japanese and Australian high school diplomas, making entry to overseas universities smoother. As an AP-certified school, Seibi Gakuen also allows students who pass AP exams to receive university credit abroad, giving them a head start in their higher education.

Are there any results of students advancing to overseas universities?

The first graduating class will complete high school in March 2028, so results are not yet available.

Do elementary students interact with middle and high school students?

We are planning exchanges with International Class and Course students in the junior and senior high school. In addition, students from overseas sister schools visit once or twice a year, offering further opportunities for exchange.

Can families attend the junior and senior high school information sessions?

Yes. Please register through the junior and senior high school website via miraicompass. Please note that miraicompass registration is only available for elementary school age and above, so registration must be completed at your own responsibility. Also, when your child advances to junior high school, the school may have undergone significant changes. Please consider the current information sessions as reference only.