The hope of the Handmaids and parents was realized
Seisen grew from a trickling stream to a small yet forceful brook. In 1962, a kindergarten operated by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was relocated from Yoyogi to Gotanda where it thrived. Plans for a first grade began.
In September of the same year, the hope of the Handmaids and parents was realized as seven girls started first grade. With the approval of the Japanese Ministry of Education and the leadership of the first principal, Sister Rosina Gorini, classes at Seisen International School commenced
The 2022-2023 school year marks six decades of our growth from stream to a forceful brook. We hope you will enjoy this look back at where we began, where we are, and where we are going.
Memories of Gotanda 1962-1963
Our Stories
The first 60 years of Seisen International School
1948
1948- Hatsudai Yoyogi Playgroup
1962
1962-Gotanda
1964
1964- Montessori Program
1970
1970-Expansion Plans
1972-73
1972-73- New Campus Completed
1974
1974- First Graduating Class
1975
1975- First Accreditation
1981
1981- Building Expansion
1985
1985- International Baccalaureate Introduced
1988
1988- IB Diplomas and New Rooms
1991
1991- ECIS Accreditation
1998
1998- NEASC and Building Expansion
2004
2004- New Elementary Classrooms
2007
2007- IBPYP Authorization
2010
2010- Seisen Former Students Association Founded
2013
2013- New Field
2019
2019- Sports Triple Crown
2020
2020- IB Continuum School
2022
2022 - Celebrating 60 Years
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1948
1948
In Hatsudai, Yoyogi, the Sisters started a foreign playgroup for parents of the US military base.
1962
1962
Sr. Rosina Gorini (1962-1964) was the first principal.
The Sisters moved to the Seisen University at Gotanda.
The school expanded with 7 students entering first grade.
Total enrollment of 77 students
1964
1964
Sr. Carmen Linares (1964-1971), as principal, developed the Montessori program K-3.
Sr.Theresa Athey (1964-1979) Kindergarten Headmistress
“Begin?...It didn't begin! It just happened.”
Sister Carmen
1970
1972-73
1972-73
The construction on the school in Yoga was completed in 1973, with the main buildings, gym, kindergarten, and chapel.
1974
1974
In June 1974, Sr. Asuncion awarded diplomas to 18 students, Seisen's first graduating class.
Sr. Asuncion Lecubarri (1973-1998) was the principal for students kindergarten to grade 12.
1975
1975
Seisen received initial accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Total enrollment of 510
1981
1981
The activity, pottery and music rooms were added.
1985
1985
The International Baccalaureate Diploma was introduced at Seisen.
Sr. Asuncion: “I felt the IBO was the best international program to prepare our students for further studies anywhere in the world.”
1988
1988
Sr. Asuncion awarded the first International Baccalaureate Diplomas to 2 students.
The art, science, and computer rooms were built.
Total enrollment of 641
1991
1991
European Council of International School (ECIS) initial accreditation and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) reaccreditation
1998
1998
Seisen received initial accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The drama room, four elementary classrooms, professional library and EAL rooms were added to the main building.
2004
2004
The European Council of International School (ECIS) accredited status transferred to the Council of International Schools (CIS).
New elementary classrooms were added to the school on the north gate area.
2004
2007
2007
Seisen Elementary authorized for the IB Primary Years Program
2010
2010
Seisen Former Students’ Association (SFSA) was established in August 2010 to unite all former students of Seisen.
The mission is to establish a global community of Seisen former students and provide a network for everyone to connect with each other, remain connected to Seisen, and keep updated on the school’s current news and events.
The association is over 5,000 former students strong.
2013
2013
A new astroturf field was built on the former Kiyocera dormitory.
2019
2019
Seisen Phoenix Athletics teams achieve a historic Triple Crown. Far East Champions for all three Fall Sports (Cross Country, Tennis, Volleyball) were Seisen Phoenix.
2020
2020
Seisen is authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Programme. With the PYP, MYP and DP Seisen becomes a full IB Continuum school.
2022
2022
2022-2023 is our year of "Honoring our Legacy and Celebrating Our Diversity".
Heads of Seisen International School
60 Years, 8 Leaders
Sr. Rosine Gorini
Sister Rosina Gorini
1962-1964
Sr. Carmen Linares
Sister Carmen Lineras
1964-1971
Sr. Sagrario Nunez
Sr. Sagrario Nunez
1971-1973
Sr. Asuncion Lecubari
Sr. Asuncion Lecubarri
1973-1998, 2007-2008
Sr. Concesa Martin
Sr. Concesa Martin
1998-2002, 2008-2012
Ms. Virginia Villegas
Ms. Virginia Villegas
2002-2008
Sr. Margaret Scott
Sr. Margaret Scott
2012-2015
Ms. Colette Rogers
Ms. Colette Rogers
2015-Present
Past Celebrations.
25th in 1987
50th in 2012
25th Anniversary
