Hiroo Gakuen’s International Programme (Jr & Sr High School) previously Junshin Girl’s School
5-1-14 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047
Phone: 03-3444-7181 Fax: 03-3444-7283 Email: inter@hiroogakuen.ed.jp
Description: Surrounded by various embassies in the heart of Minato ward, Hiroo Gakuen is the preferred school of many returnee students seeking a comprehensive education. Hiroo Gakuen strives to nurture inquiring minds and to develop confident, self-reliant, life-long learners. The school aims to promote the personal growth of its students by offering interesting, contemporary, and above all, challenging programs of study — in particular, Hiroo Gakuen’s International Programme offers an IB Middle Years Program that provides high quality English language programmes. English is the first language of this course, the course is an academically rigorous, challenging program that helps students to reach their full potential. The course is taught by highly qualified international faculty team (see this page). The course is taught in small sized classes allowing for individual attention.
Note: The school does not call its programme a bilingual one. English instruction is primary, but the programme incorporates “the study of the Japanese language and culture”. It is designated as SELHI (Super English Language High School) and while the International Programme is approved as a candidate for Diploma Programme of International Baccalaureate, the school curriculum is recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the programme fulfills the Japanese Ministry of Education’s requirements. A high-school diploma equivalent to that conferred by Japanese high schools will be awarded upon successful completion of the International Program. With this diploma, students will be qualified to take entrance examinations for Japanese universities. They will also be in excellent position to apply for admission to universities in many countries where English is the language of instruction. To apply to the school, you’ll have to take written tests of English and mathematics as well as sit an interview conducted in English. Unique character of school: Unlike many other international schools, Hiroo Gakuen also satisfies the entry requirements for Japanese universities.
Background: Located in one of the most internationalized areas in Tokyo, Hiroo has a long history of hosting international exchange students. In 1973, MEXT appointed Hiroo Gakuen as one of the first designated schools for returning students who have studied abroad. This appointment was granted due to the school’s ability to provide a Japanese language program for students who lacked in their studies abroad. The school is so confident it seems the school motto is “100% satisfaction after the admission, 200% satisfaction after the graduation” and it holds itself out as providing “the most efficient ways to educate the students to be promising persons”. JSL (Japanese as a Second Language) classes are offered not only to exchange students but also to students who had education in the non-Japanese language environment. The school also provides special classes on Saturdays for students to improve their study skills for 3 major subjects; Japanese, English and Mathematics – a key selling point since one of the criticisms of public schools is that the decrease of schooling hours due to the yutori policy of giving more leisure time to kids to encourage creativity has resulted in declining literacy standards and international rankings.
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My daughter just started middle school at Hiroo Gakuen in April, and so far, she loves it. I found this Web site through an English Google search of the school, and was very surprised how little has been written about it. Their international program is still relatively new, so perhaps that is why.
If anyone wants to ask me questions about whether or not this is the right school for their son or daughter, I would be happy to talk to them and honestly answer any questions based on our experience so far.
I can be reached at ltwaronite (@) gmail.com.
Hi,
I realize it has been a couple of years since this post but thought i would give it a try. My daughter is thinking of applying for the International Programme and I was wondering if you have been happy over the last 2 years? My daughter is currently JHS 3 grade so will be entering HS. We are based in Tochigi ken so it will be a 1.5 -2 hour (one way trip) and I am trying to decide if it is a worth the trip. It certainly appears to be! I will be going to have a look at the school in the next couple of weeks but strongly feel that the real information comes fromt he students and parents.
Thank you for any advice you might have,
J.K
I contacted the original poster; she remains happy because she wanted an environment where her daughter could maintain English skills, which were acquired after years of living overseas, and at the same time, learn Japanese. If your daughter has strong Japanese skills and you want her to acquire fluency in English, then there must be schools closer to you that have some sort of “global” or “international” program. I think it’s worth noting that the original poster wasn’t concerned about “content” or “quality”, just that her child “be” around English. For what it’s worth…
Hello, I read your post and it is very interesting and persuasive. I have visited the schools site as well however I am confused on one particular subject. The school claims it to be qualified for IB courses but then states it follows the guidelines set by the Japanese Ministry of education. So does this imply that the study curriculum of this school is same as that of Japanese schools except taught in English or a mixture of both IB and Japanese education system? I am a student in 10th grade and currently me and my friend are looking for a new school to transfer. After reading about this school and hearing about it from my professors we would love to enroll into the school if it meets our requirements.
Lastly, thank you for taking your time to read this
IB offers a framework of education, like a scaffold with goals and objectives and the enquiry method, so there is some flexibility. Schools in many countries have been able to combine national curriculum and the IB education. There will kinks in delivering both of course, especially in the first few years when developing their own program. You will need to visit the school and ask to view the classes or talk to school reps to find out more…
The course offered is not equivalent to an IB curriculum – it is a Japanese high school certificate. Consequently credit is not transferable to institutes outside of Japan. The qualification you will attain is not internationally recognised. I advise a very careful assesment particularly if you intend to study abroad at a tertiary level. Unfortunately this course, while reasonably priced, is not a pathway and you will be required to undertake additional studies prior to acceptance in many degree programs outside of Japan. Consult the institute you would like to attend abroad and discuss what they require for admission. I also recommend discussing acceptable courses and qualifications with the education ministry in the country you wish to further your education before selecting this school. Know what you are signing up for.
Please email me for more updated information regarding Hiroo. My husband and I are considering Junior High for our daughter.
maudis67@gmail.com