Saint Maur International School Review: Japan's Oldest International School in Yokohama Yamate & Its Montessori Education

Nestled on the hills of Yamate, Yokohama, is Saint Maur International School.

Founded in 1872, it is the oldest international school in Japan and a prestigious institution where some families have attended for three generations.

When searching for an international school in the Yokohama area, the Yokohama International School (YIS) is always a key point of comparison.

While YIS is often seen as "liberal and modern," Saint Maur is known for "tradition and discipline."

Although the two schools are geographically close, their educational philosophies are remarkably different.

This article provides a thorough analysis based on the latest information for 2026, covering the strengths of Saint Maur's unique hybrid curriculum of "Montessori + IGCSE + IB," the reality of its admissions process, and the common question many parents face: "Which is better, Saint Maur or YIS (Yokohama International School)?"

1. Japan's Oldest History and Catholic Spirit

Saint Maur is a Catholic mission school founded by the French congregation, the Sisters of the Infant Jesus.

However, being a Catholic is not a requirement for admission. The student body has a diverse range of religious backgrounds, and faith is not imposed on anyone.

Discipline and Moral Compass

While YIS prioritizes "student autonomy," Saint Maur emphasizes "Discipline" and "Service to Others."

• Uniforms: A designated uniform is worn from kindergarten to high school, and students are expected to maintain a neat appearance.
• Manners Education: The school provides thorough moral education, similar to the Japanese concept of "Shitsuke" (upbringing/discipline), covering greetings, proper language, and tidiness (cleaning up one's own space).
• School Motto: "Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty". The school's ethos, which aims to develop individuals of integrity, provides a sense of reassurance for many families, including those from Japanese backgrounds.

2. Strengths of the Unique "Hybrid Curriculum"

Saint Maur's most distinctive feature is its combination of optimal international curricula tailored to different age groups.

Unlike YIS, which is a full IB continuum school (PYP/MYP/DP), Saint Maur deliberately adopts different methods to ensure a solid foundation of academic skills.

① Early Years: Montessori Education

For children aged 2.5 to 5, the school adopts the Montessori Method.

In a dedicated building with a prepared environment of Montessori materials, children develop independence and concentration through "work" in mixed-age classrooms. This contrasts with YIS's Reggio Emilia approach (free inquiry), as it emphasizes learning in an orderly environment.

② Elementary & Middle School: IPC + IGCSE

• Elementary School (G1-5): The school uses the IPC (International Primary Curriculum). While engaging in inquiry-based learning, fundamental literacy and numeracy skills are solidified through drills and practice.
• Middle School (G6-10): This is a key differentiator. In Grades 9-10, students complete the British-style IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education).

  Benefit: Because the IGCSE involves external examinations, it provides an objective measure of academic achievement before students enter high school. This ensures they acquire test-ready knowledge, going beyond the sometimes less-structured nature of inquiry-based learning.

③ High School: IB Diploma (IBDP)

In the final two years (G11-12), students undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

It is said that the transition to the IB is smooth for Saint Maur students, thanks to the "test-taking skills" and "foundational knowledge" developed through the IGCSE.

【Latest IB Results】

Leveraging the strength of its small class sizes, Saint Maur maintains an exceptional pass rate.

• 2024: 96% pass rate, average score of 35.3 (world average 30.3). Two students achieved a perfect score of 45.
• 2023: 100% pass rate.

Key University Acceptances and Placements

Saint Maur graduates, recognized for their solid academic abilities, matriculate to top universities worldwide. The school is particularly known for its strong placements in UK and Canadian universities, consistent success with top-tier Japanese universities, and diverse pathways into arts and sciences.

UK & Europe Due to its adoption of the IGCSE, the school has a very high affinity with the British university system.

• Imperial College London
• University College London (UCL)
• King's College London
• University of Edinburgh
• In addition, many students go on to study at medical schools and arts universities (e.g., University of the Arts London).

North America (USA & Canada)

• Canada: University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC) *Very popular among Saint Maur students.
• USA: Boston University, NYU, Purdue University, various University of California campuses (UCLA, Berkeley, etc.)
• Arts: Parsons School of Design, Berklee College of Music

Within Japan (Returnee Admissions & English-Taught Degrees) The school offers robust support for applications to Japanese universities, with many students advancing to top private universities in Tokyo.

• Waseda University (School of International Liberal Studies / School of Political Science and Economics, etc.)
• Keio University (PEARL / GIGA)
• Sophia University (Faculty of Liberal Arts, FLA)
• International Christian University (ICU)
• The school also has a track record of placements in Japanese medical schools.

A Note for Parents: Saint Maur's university counseling tends to focus on finding the "best fit" for each student rather than being driven solely by rankings. However, because their IB average score significantly exceeds the global average, the school consistently produces graduates who are accepted into top-tier universities like the G5 in the UK and the "Sokeijochi" (Waseda, Keio, Sophia) level in Japan. In contrast to the "liberal YIS," many parents trust Saint Maur for its "solid and reliable university guidance."

3. Admissions Details: Initial Entry vs. Mid-Year Transfer

Saint Maur's admissions process varies significantly by grade level in terms of difficulty and content.

Initial Entry (Montessori / Grade 1)

• Selection Method: There is no written exam. The process primarily consists of a "behavioral observation (play session)" and a parent-child interview.
• Key Considerations:
  • Toilet Training: Children must be fully toilet-trained (no diapers).
  • Social Skills: The ability to follow instructions in a group setting and demonstrate age-appropriate independence.
  • Parental Attitude: An understanding of and alignment with the Montessori philosophy and the school's policies (including its Catholic values). English proficiency is not required for parents or children at this early stage.

Mid-Year Transfers and the English Proficiency Barrier

The school accepts transfer applications throughout the year, but many grade levels have waiting lists. Additionally, the English proficiency requirement increases significantly in higher grades.

• Assessment Content: An academic assessment using the MAP Test (English & Math), along with an essay and an interview.
• Limits of English Support (EAL):
  • Grades 1-8: Students with lower English proficiency may be accepted with EAL (English as an Additional Language) support.
  • Grades 9-10: A considerable level of English proficiency is required. EAL support becomes limited.
  • Grade 11 and above: Admission is nearly impossible for non-native speakers. As the IBDP begins, native-level English proficiency is essential, and no EAL support is provided.

4. Head-to-Head Comparison: Saint Maur vs. Yokohama International School (YIS)

For families deciding between these two schools in the Yokohama area, here is a table summarizing their key differences.

It is common for families who worry, "YIS's new campus is attractive, but my child might just play around with too much freedom," to choose the more structured environment of Saint Maur.

5. Tuition and Fees (Estimated for 2025-2026)

Saint Maur's tuition is comparable to YIS, but it is important to note that the registration fee is high.

First-Year Payment (Estimate)

• Registration Fee: ¥950,000 (While YIS is around ¥1,350,000, Saint Maur's fee is also substantial)
• Facilities Fee: ¥250,000 (annual)
• Annual Tuition:
  • Montessori (Full Day): Approx. ¥2,410,000
  • Elementary (G1-5): Approx. ¥2,900,000
  • Middle School (G6-9): Approx. ¥2,960,000
  • High School (G10-12): Approx. ¥3,000,000 - ¥3,130,000

For a student entering Grade 1, the total first-year cost will be approximately ¥4,200,000 to ¥4,300,000 (including uniforms, etc.).

*As there is no school bus service, transportation costs are separate.

Conclusion: Saint Maur is Like a "Second Home"

Saint Maur International School may not match YIS in terms of the latest facilities or flashiness.

However, its "warm community," cultivated over 150 years of history, and its "solid academic foundation," built by combining the IGCSE and IB, are significant strengths unique to the school.

• "I want my child to grow up to be polite and well-mannered."
• "I prefer a school that provides some structure, rather than a completely hands-off approach."
• "I want a homely environment where my child will receive close attention from teachers."

For families who share these wishes, Saint Maur could be the perfect choice. The waiting list is a "waiting pool" based on suitability, not first-come, first-served, so interested families are encouraged to make contact via the inquiry form early.

Check Admissions Information on the Official Saint Maur Website