"What Eiken level is required for the English entrance exam?"
"AG (Advanced) or SG (Standard) – which one should my child apply for?"
As schools like Hiroo Gakuen and Mita International School become increasingly competitive, Salesian International School (formerly Seibi Gakuen) is rapidly gaining applicants as a new "quasi-international school" (an international course within an Article 1 school) for junior high entrance. The school changed its name, became co-educational, and fully introduced English immersion education in 2022. However, since the course is still new, many parents have concerns about the actual English proficiency required and its impact on university prospects.
In this article, ELT, experts in returnee and international school admissions, will provide a comprehensive guide to Salesian's 'International Class.' We'll cover its structure, leveraging a global educational network, the details of the English entrance exam, tuition fees, and the real-world reputation and crucial points you should know before applying.
1. What is Salesian International School? "21st Century Education" and a Global Network
Located in Akabanedai, Kita-ku, Tokyo, Salesian International School is a combined junior and senior high school founded by the Catholic women's religious congregation, the 'Salesian Sisters'.
A Network in 97 Countries and International Exchange
Its most significant feature is its global network, active in 97 countries, which follows the legacy of St. John Bosco (Don Bosco). This is more than just a name; general councilors from the headquarters in Rome visit the school, and the network is actively utilized for exchange programs with sister schools around the world and volunteer training in the Philippines.
PBL (Project-Based Learning) Across All Subjects and "iTime"
The school is distinguished by its implementation of 'PBL (Project-Based Learning)' not just in special classes, but across all subjects. It emphasizes a process where students think individually, discuss in groups, and give presentations in response to open-ended questions that don't have a single correct answer.
Furthermore, the International Class features a unique cross-curricular STEAM class called 'iTime.' This is a practical project-based learning experience where AG and SG students collaborate in English, integrating business, arts, and IT skills, and present their work through poster displays, dioramas, and other formats.
2. Differences Between the International Class "AG" and "SG"
Salesian's International Class is divided into two groups based on English proficiency at the time of admission: AG (Advanced Group) and SG (Standard Group).
Aspect | Advanced (AG) | Standard (SG) |
|---|---|---|
Target Student Profile | Students with high English proficiency, such as returnees or those from international schools. | Students beginning their intensive English studies in junior high school. |
Language of Instruction for Core Subjects | English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Information Technology are taught entirely in English by international teachers. | English classes (10 hours per week) are taught entirely in English by international teachers, while other subjects are mainly taught in Japanese. |
English Exposure Time | 23 out of 39 hours per week are classes "learning in English." | 10 hours of English classes per week. |
Classroom Environment Initiatives | In Grade 7, students are in hybrid classes with a mix of Main Course, SG, and AG students, utilizing a buddy system for mutual support. | Same as above. It also serves as a place to learn practical English through discussions with AG students. |
【Key Points for Choosing】 The AG offers a full immersion environment where core subjects are taught in English. In contrast, the SG is designed to accept students 'even from a zero-English background' and functions as a developmental track to gradually build English proficiency through PBL and Study Tours after enrollment.
3. Salesian's "English Entrance Exam" Level and Eiken Benchmarks
You can dramatically increase your chances of passing Salesian International School's English entrance exam by strategically using the system.
The Reality of the AG Exam: CEFR B2 (Eiken Grade Pre-1) is Your Strongest Asset
The general and returnee entrance exams for the AG typically consist of an 'English written test + English essay + interview in English and Japanese.' The most crucial element here is the preferential treatment (exemption) system based on external English proficiency tests.
- Submit CEFR B2 (equivalent to Eiken Grade Pre-1) or higher: You will be 'exempt' from the written English test (counted as 100 points).
- Submit CEFR B1 (equivalent to Eiken Grade 2): You will receive '10 bonus points' on the written English test, but are not exempt.
Therefore, the most practical strategy for the AG exam is to obtain Eiken Grade Pre-1 (B2) in advance and focus solely on the essay and interview on test day. If you have Eiken Grade 2 (B1), you still need to take the written test, which requires a solid foundation in grammar and reading comprehension to score well. For the essay, mastering the logical structure of 'claim → reason → example → conclusion' is considered essential.
SG Exam is Primarily "Japanese and Math"
You don't necessarily need to be proficient in English to apply for the SG. The general entrance exam is typically based on two subjects (Japanese and Math) or four subjects. A two-subject exam (Japanese and Math) is also available for returnee students. For families who want their children to be immersed in a global environment after enrollment, even if their current English ability is still developing, the SG is a very realistic option.
4. Salesian International School Tuition: Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Pure International Schools
As Salesian International School is an Article 1 school, the financial burden on families is significantly lower compared to pure international schools, which can cost over 3 million yen per year.
Estimated 6-Year Total Cost (Based on School Payments)
Based on official tuition information, the estimated cost for the six years of junior and senior high school (excluding uniforms, overseas trips, etc.) is as follows:
- Total for 3 years of Junior High: Approx. ¥3,493,000 (Grade 7: approx. ¥1.43M; Grades 8 & 9: approx. ¥1.03M each)
- Total for 3 years of Senior High (International Class): Approx. ¥3,415,000
- Estimated 6-Year Total for Junior & Senior High: Approx. ¥6,908,000
What are "Almost-International Schools"? A Guide to Japan's Article 1 International Courses for University Abroad at a Quarter of the Cost
If an AG student chooses the DDP (a program to obtain the WACE, a high school diploma from Western Australia) in high school, the cost of a PC (approx. ¥120,000) and DDP fees (approx. ¥400,000) are added. Even so, the total cost is about one-quarter of that of a pure international school (which can be around ¥24 million over six years).
Eligible for Tokyo Metropolitan Government's High School Tuition Fee Subsidy
Furthermore, for families who meet the requirements set by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the high school 'tuition fee (¥480,000 per year)' is eligible for a subsidy that makes it effectively free. However, please note that other costs, such as the educational enhancement fee (¥264,000 per year for the International Class) and fees for off-campus activities, are not covered by the subsidy.
5. What to Know Before Applying: Reputation and "Hidden Caveats"
Salesian International is a very appealing school, but there are some points to consider that are specific to newly established 'quasi-international' programs. Be sure to check the following points during school tours or before applying.
① University Placement Record is Still Developing
The school's official website lists successful admissions to national/public universities, Waseda, Keio, Sophia, Tokyo University of Science, GMARCH, and others, but this includes results from its time as Seibi Gakuen. The university pathways for students who enrolled after the school became co-ed and international in 2022 (especially AG students in the DDP) are still emerging as data is being collected.
② Support for Japanese Language Proficiency May Be Needed at Home
Since core subjects in the AG class are taught in English, there is a common concern that students' academic Japanese skills might decline. The school addresses this by teaching subjects like Japanese language in Japanese and using a dual homeroom teacher system (one Japanese, one international) to balance languages. However, if a student is also considering taking the standard entrance exams for competitive Japanese universities, strategic support at home to supplement reading, kanji, and writing skills will be necessary.
Conclusion: Can Your Child Pass the AG Exam with Their Current English Level? A Professional Assessment
Salesian International School is an excellent value, offering PBL and English immersion education in a warm, Catholic environment at a reasonable cost.
"'Can my child pass the AG English exam with their current Eiken level?'"
"'We need help preparing for the Eiken Grade Pre-1 to get the B2 exemption.'"
"'We want to practice for the English interview and essay with a native-speaking instructor.'"
If you have these concerns, we encourage you to use ELT's individual counseling and trial lessons. Our expert consultants, who specialize in international school and returnee admissions, will propose the optimal strategy and preparation plan for your child based on the latest entrance exam trends.
