FAQ

Regarding Entrance Exams and Applications

Are there accommodations for children born late in the school year (Jan–Mar)?

There is no difference in the exam content based on birth month.

Can I apply to both the International Class and the Seibi Class?

Yes, it is possible. Since the exam dates differ for Schedule A and the exam times differ for Schedule B, you may apply to both classes within the same schedule.

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.

Is there a Is there a transfer admission system between AG and SG?

As the languages used in the exams differ, we do not implement a transfer admission system.

Must both parents attend the parent-child interview?

Either one or both guardians may attend. Having both parents present does not provide an advantage.

In which language are questions asked during the written and group activity exams?

For returnee students and AG applicants, English is used exclusively. For SG applicants, Japanese is the primary language, though some English is used to observe reactions to the language; English proficiency is not a factor in the SG evaluation.

In which language is the interview conducted?

For the child, it depends on the application category: AG uses English, while SG uses Japanese primarily, plus a small amount of English (not to assess English proficiency).
Guardians may answer in either Japanese or English. It is acceptable for one guardian to speak English while the other speaks Japanese. Guardian English proficiency does not affect the interview evaluation, so please answer in the language you find most comfortable.

How many children are in a group for the group activity exam?

Each group consists of approximately 3 to 6 children.

Are there exams involving art or creative projects?

While the written exam may include pictures, or group activities might involve creative tasks, the artistic skill or quality of the work is not evaluated.

Do you plan to consider supplementary materials, such as recommendation letters or evaluations from the child's current school?

Submission is optional; however, if you have report cards or recommendation letters from a kindergarten, nursery school, or preschool, please submit copies on the day of the written exam. We would also appreciate it if you could submit any awards or certificates related to extracurricular activities or hobbies.
Please include your examinee number and name when submitting these documents. Please note that submitted materials will not be returned.

When will the exam schedule for the entrance exam day be announced?

The specific exam times for Schedule A and Schedule B have not yet been determined. We will finalize the schedule after the application deadline, once the number of applicants is confirmed, and notify you via email. The 1st Entrance Exam for returnees is scheduled for the afternoon, while the 2nd Entrance Exam for returnees and Schedule C are scheduled for the morning.

Will the questions for the written exam be read aloud by a teacher?

The questions will be read aloud, either orally or via a recording. It is fine if the applicant cannot read the written text of the questions.

Is it better to be able to read and write?

For the entrance exam, please ensure the applicant can write their name in English or Japanese and can read numbers. Studying the alphabet and Hiragana prior to enrollment will help ensure a smoother transition to classroom learning.

What documents are required to prove status as a returnee?

Please prepare documents such as a certificate of enrollment from an overseas educational institution, a certificate of overseas assignment for the guardian (indicating that the applicant accompanied them), proof of overseas residence, and a Japanese Certificate of Residence (showing the history of overseas stay). If the requirement of "residing overseas for one year or more" cannot be confirmed by a single document, you may submit a combination of documents. While optional, please submit academic transcripts from the overseas educational institution if available.

When should the returnee status documents be submitted?

Please submit the data via the designated form by the application deadline.

When will the application documents be distributed?

As applications are accepted online only, there is no distribution of physical application documents. There is also no document submission required for the interview.

What writing instruments should be brought for the entrance exam?

We do not specify the type of writing instrument, provided it can be used to write. Please bring whatever you prefer, such as a pencil, mechanical pencil, ballpoint pen, or colored pen. If you make a mistake, you may either use an eraser or simply cross it out with a line; either method is acceptable.

What should we bring on the day of the entrance exam?

Please bring the following: exam admission ticket (A4 size, color print); indoor shoes and bags for outdoor shoes (for both the applicant and the guardian); writing utensils; Coupy pencils or colored pencils; a beverage (optional; any type is fine); and a tote bag to carry your child's belongings into the exam venue.

Regarding academics

How many students are in a class?

There are approximately 30 students.

Please tell us about the International Class curriculum.

As an Article 1 school, our curriculum covers the content of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) guidelines regarding both class hours and subject matter. We utilize textbooks from around the world and original worksheets. To foster thinking skills in English, we also implement unique curriculum elements such as "iTime" (cross-curricular inquiry time) and PBL (Project-Based Learning) classes.

Does the homeroom teacher teach all subjects?

For current first-grade students, the International homeroom teacher teaches English, Mathematics, iTime, and Homeroom Activities.
International teachers other than the homeroom teacher handle GrapeSEED, Music, and Physical Education, while Japanese teachers handle Japanese Language. Japanese teachers also handle Religion, conducting classes bilingually in English and Japanese.

・In higher grades, there is a possibility that certain subjects—such as the arts and physical education—may be taught by Japanese teachers other than the homeroom teacher.

・In the SG (Standard Group) track, Japanese is used for Mathematics, iTime, Religion, and Homeroom Activities, with a gradual transition to using English.

Do students use iPads?

First-grade students use school-provided iPads when necessary during class. For the second grade and above, we are currently considering the most suitable devices for lessons. If a "one-to-one" device policy is adopted, you may be required to purchase a school-designated device.

Is it possible to switch to the Seibi Class later on?

We only consider transfers at the start of a new school year. A decision to transfer is made after thorough consultation among the teacher, the guardian, and the child, and upon determining that the transfer is necessary and the child possesses the required academic ability.

Won't a focus on English lead to a lack of Japanese language proficiency?

In Japanese language classes, we provide instruction tailored to each grade level—covering reading comprehension, language rules, and kanji—to ensure students develop solid Japanese skills, making it possible for them to become truly bilingual.

What kind of religious education is provided?

Throughout the six years, students learn important human values based on Catholic teachings, such as cherishing others, cultivating a spirit of gratitude, and living in cooperation with diverse people.

Regarding daily school life

What kind of events are planned?

In addition to milestone events like the entrance ceremony and the start/end-of-term ceremonies, we hold religious events (such as the Festival of Our Lady) and parent-organized events (like Don Bosco Family Day). Events unique to the International Class include monthly birthday parties, Sports Day, the Christmas Concert, "Salesian on Stage," and field trips.

Is there a school lunch program?

Yes, the International Class uses a school lunch system. Families place orders daily via the website of our designated lunch provider (currently Lucadeli). Since there are several options available, please check the menu and order the meals your child prefers.

How are allergies handled?

We ask that you declare any allergies in advance. Ingredient lists are provided on the lunch menu page, so please order meals that are safe for your child to eat. If no suitable options are available, you may submit a notification and consult with us about bringing a packed lunch. Please consult us regarding overnight study trips or similar events. Please note that there may be cases where we cannot accommodate specific needs or where a student may be unable to participate in certain events as a result.

Is there interaction with students from the Seibi Class?

We hold joint events several times a year. Students also interact during after-school programs. Several times a year, we conduct group dismissal drills that also serve as disaster preparedness exercises.

Are there restrictions regarding commuting time or the school district?

The school imposes no such restrictions.

How do students commute to and from school?

When students first enter the school, we ask parents to handle drop-off and pick-up. Please provide appropriate support at your own responsibility until your child is able to commute to and from school safely on their own. Please refrain from dropping off or picking up your child by car. Regarding school buses, we have decided not to introduce them after careful consideration.

Do students attend school on Saturdays?

Generally, Saturdays are holidays. However, there are a few days a year when students attend school for events or other activities.

Is it okay if parents cannot speak English?

We use a dedicated school management system that automatically translates routine communications with homeroom teachers. Parents who are not comfortable with English communicate without issues. You are also welcome to use translation tools during in-person meetings with homeroom teachers.

Is it okay if parents are not proficient in Japanese?

Homeroom teachers are either International Teachers (AG) or Bilingual Teachers (SG), so communication in English is possible. Some school handouts are in Japanese; please use translation tools to handle these.

Can students participate in after-school programs?

Participation is available for a fee. We offer various programs, such as extracurricular lessons and special events. Programs run until 6:30 PM on weekdays. Childcare services are also available during long school breaks, excluding weekends, national holidays, the year-end/New Year period, and the Obon holiday season.

Can students take "Kikokushijo Academy" (Academy for returnee children) lessons on campus?

These are offered as an after-school program separate from the general after-school care. Interested students can participate in Kikokushijo Academy lessons for a fee. Students can also receive help with their homework from the Academy's teachers. The lessons are high-level and enjoyable, making them recommended not only for students who are concerned about their English proficiency but also for those who are already highly proficient.

Can the school accommodate specific needs, such as developmental disorders?

Please understand that due to limitations in staff numbers and school resources, providing individualized support is difficult, and there are limits to the accommodations the school can offer.

Are there restrictions on the language used during school life?

We do not have specific rules regarding language usage. Students naturally switch between English and Japanese depending on who they are speaking with.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes, there is. Students are required to wear attire that complies with the uniform regulations while commuting to and from school and while on school grounds.
Formal uniforms must be worn on days designated by the school, such as for ceremonies. On regular days, students may wear casual uniform items (two types of designated polo shirts and two types of designated cardigans). Commercially available shorts or long trousers are also permitted on regular days, provided they match the color of the standard uniform bottoms.
There are no school-designated coats, socks, or shoes; please wear plain items in white, black, navy, or brown.

What about school bags?

You are free to use any bag, provided it is a solid color that does not clash with the uniform design and any logos are inconspicuous. Commercially available *randoseru* (Japanese school backpacks) may also be used, depending on the color. Since textbooks and school supplies are kept at school, students do not need to carry a heavy load on a daily basis; we recommend a bag size that does not place a strain on the body.

How often do parents need to visit the school?

We ask that parents visit the school for a meeting approximately once per term. Participation in other events is optional.

Are there overnight field trips?

We plan to hold overseas field trips annually, with a program designed to allow students to participate in trips to up to six different countries over their six years at the school. In addition to a mandatory school trip, we are planning optional programs such as parent-child homestays for lower-grade students and overseas summer camps for upper-grade students.
We are also planning domestic overnight field trips.

Regarding the Junior High and High School

What is the benchmark for English proficiency when advancing to the Junior High/High School "Advanced Group"?

As of 2026, the application requirement is CEFR B1 (Eiken Grade 2) or higher; however, for the 2032 junior high entrance exams, we anticipate requiring an even higher level of proficiency, such as CEFR B2 (Eiken Pre-1st Grade). Please assume that the proficiency level attained upon graduating from the elementary school's International Class will align with these standards.

Please tell me about the Junior High/High School DDP (Dual Diploma Program).

Students in the High School International Course "Advanced Group" (AG) begin taking the WACE curriculum—which leads to a Western Australian high school diploma—starting in the third term of their first year of high school. By achieving the required academic results, students can obtain an Australian high school diploma in addition to their Japanese one upon graduation, thereby facilitating admission to overseas universities.

How does the process for advancing to overseas universities work?

Students who complete the DDP earn high school diplomas from both Japan and Australia, making the transition to overseas universities smoother. The Junior High/High School career guidance department includes staff dedicated to specific regions, including the US, Canada, Oceania, Asia, and Europe. We have a robust support system in place to assist students from the initial stage of interest through university selection and the application process.

Do you have a track record of students advancing to overseas universities?

As the first cohort of students will not graduate from high school until March 2028, there is currently no track record of university admissions.

Is it possible to attend an information session for the Junior High/High School?

If you wish to attend, please register via the "miraicompass" system on the Junior High/High School website. Please note that the system requires the student to be of elementary school age or older for registration; please register under your family's responsibility. Additionally, the school may undergo significant changes by the time your child advances to junior high school. We ask for your understanding that the content of current information sessions should be viewed as a reference only.