History

St. Michael’s International School is sponsored by the Anglican Church of Japan and was established in 1946 by Bishop Michael Yashiro and Miss Leonora Lea, a British missionary. The school was founded on a firm foundation of Christian principles, which continue to this day. It is part of an international educational tradition extending back to 1893 when its predecessor, the English Mission School, one of Japan’s first international schools, was founded.

On March 10th 1946, the school officially opened for international school children. In addition, an English Language Section was opened at the same time for adults wishing to learn English, as it was the intention of the founders to create a place for people of all ages and circumstances to learn. Initially this section targeted Japanese students but today it caters for people of many nationalities.

Both sections of St. Michael’s have played important roles in its history. This dual structure has continued to the present and makes St. Michael’s unique as it is the only school in Japan to offer this type of programme.

Throughout the years tradition has played an important role in our growth. The school is many things to many people and over the years St. Michael’s has welcomed students from every corner of the globe. It is a common occurrence to have family members visiting the school to reminisce about their time, remembering old friends and events.

St. Michael’s is recognised by the Hyogo Prefectural Authority and was recently awarded dual accreditation by the Council of International Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the first school in the Kansai region to do this.

Throughout its history and continuing today, St.Michael’s is a small and friendly school, which ensures that the students are educated in a pleasant atmosphere conducive to the development of understanding, tolerance and friendship towards people of all nationalities and creeds. The development of character and sensitivity to major global issues are important objectives, together with a firm academic foundation in all subjects. The school aims to educate for the future, while maintaining the traditions imparted by our founders.