Search Associates is pleased to welcome St. Mary's International School (SMIS) to its registry of schools. SMIS is located in a suburb of western Tokyo, known for its greenery but also its accessibility by major train lines. This Catholic, all-boys, international day school was founded by the Brothers of Christian Instruction in 1954, but the school accepts students of all faiths and nationalities. SMIS says,
“The all-boys environment encourages students to pursue a balanced education where spiritual, academic, and co-curricular growth opportunities are given.”
SMIS offers an English language curriculum, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. Accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges as well as the Council of International Schools, this very diverse school enrolls 873 K–12 boys of 47 nationalities. Nearly one-third of the students are from North America and the U.K, and 30% are from Japan. Of the 120 teaching staff, 75 are from North America and the U.K., and 25 are from Japan.
Along with numerous organizations and clubs, the school provides rich offerings for each student’s interests. Most major sports, such as swimming, baseball, and basketball, are introduced at the elementary level. On weekends, students are invited to play ball hockey, soccer, and tennis. In the elementary school, students from Grade 4 and up take an annual ski trip to St. Mary’s ski lodge in the Gunma prefecture. Students in middle and high school take part in inter-scholastic competitions spread across three seasons; St. Mary’s is a member of the Kanto Plain Association of Secondary School Principals (KPASSP), participating in all league competitions, festivals, and events throughout the academic year. The SMIS Titans have won many titles in the past several years, and a few of the school’s sports teams also engage in friendly competitions with Japanese and non-KPASSP schools.
Because the visual and performing arts are an integral part of SMIS’s curriculum, over 90% of the high school student body, more than two-thirds of middle schoolers, and all elementary school children are involved in the arts in some way. There are fourteen musical groups, including the school’s internationally renowned choirs that perform at some of the world’s top concert events and venues. SMIS’s outstanding Instrumental Music Department offers introductory lessons, ultimately leading to students joining the Concert Band and the select Jazz Ensemble. The school’s dynamic visual arts program is second to none, and offers opportunities for every age. A tri-school spring musical involvescollaboration with SMIS’s peer international schools.
SMIS prefers to hire singles, interns, and couples with a non-teaching spouse; however, they will consider teaching couples, as well as teachers certified in a non-English speaking country. Candidates must be older than 20 and have two or more years of experience, but they need not hold their academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. Faculty members are expected to oversee at least one activity and support school events. Japan issues work visas to certified teachers under the age of 59.
The SMIS benefits package includes a competitive salary in addition to generous housing, moving, and settling-in allowances. One-way economy airfare for the employee and dependents is provided at the start of employment. Thereafter, SMIS provides round-trip airfare for home leave for the employee and dependents every other year. Teachers receive a 90% tuition discount for their dependent students attending either St. Mary's (boys) or Seisen (girls). For professional development, teachers receive up to 100,000 JP YEN per year, which may accrue up to three years. Worldwide health insurance (except for the U.S.) is provided, with the employee paying a percentage. SMIS has a retirement plan based on the number of years employed at the school. There are local employment opportunities for non-teaching spouses. This package allows for great savings or the opportunity for a family of four to live on one salary.
To gain access to St. Mary’s International School’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of all open positions, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
