Family, Children, School in Japan

The following is a short guide to the education system in Japan, and includes an introduction to International Schools to help parents choose the most appropriate educational institution for their children.

Japanese School or International School?

Differences

Compared to Public and Private Japanese Schools, sending your kids to a Private International School is a whole different ball game. Apart from the obvious factors such as more expensive tuition fees, and the international curriculum (You can choose from British, American, International Baccalaureate and others), you should also consider the cultural impact it would have on your child, exposure to children of other nationalities are the obvious differences.

Location

The location of schools is something you should consider too. Class sizes would be smaller than those of Japanese Public Schools, which range from around the average of 20 at elementary schools and up to 40 at JHS. If you don't speak Japanese, you might feel more comfortable dealing with native English speaking Staff at the International Schools.

Think Ahead

Remember to research schools way ahead of enrollment time as places are getting extremely competitive.

The Japanese Education System

Structure

The Japanese school system is comprised of:
• Kindergarten from age 3.
• Elementary School for 6 years from age 6
• Junior High School for 3 years from age 12
• Senior High School for 3 years from age 15
• College/University for 4 years from age 18

Kindergarten

Tuition fees are required for both Public and Private Kindergartens. For Public Kindergartens, you should apply at your local ward and municipal offices in the designated month of the preceding year, say around October. For the latter, apply directly with them.

Elementary and Junior High School

Compulsory

Attending both Elementary and Junior High School (JHS) is compulsory, (for a total of 9 years).

How much?

For Public Elementary and JHS there are no school fees for admission, tuition, and textbooks. However parents/legal guardians will be responsible for educational materials such as supplies and school trips.

How long?

The school year runs from April and finishes the following March. Children who are age 6 on entering Elementary School and will turn 7 anytime from April 2 to April 1st the following year can enroll for first grade.

And Gaijin Kids?

Although foreign children are not required to attend school, they are eligible to study at Japanese public Elementary and JHSs. You will receive an enrollment notice from your local city hall, for your kids if they are of school age.

Your Choice

Whether you choose to send them to Public or Private school is up to you of course. For study at Private Elementary and JHS you should apply directly with the schools. The following applies to both Public and Private schools:

Terms

The academic year for Elementary and JHS consists of three school terms. The summer holidays run from late July to August. The winter holiday runs from late December to early January and the spring holiday, from late March to early April.

Lunch at School

At public school everyone at school eats the same lunch together with the teachers. At Private school is it usual for parents to prepare bento lunch boxes, as school lunches are not always provided.

Uniform

Uniform depends on the type of school. Public schools require no uniform; children can wear whatever they want. Private schools have their own uniforms. For both, brightly colored caps, leather bags (quite heavy and expensive) and nametags, are sometimes required. All Public schools have a P.T.A (Parent-Teacher Association) for which there is a small membership fee. Private schools don't always have one.

Senior High Schools/High School

Conditions

Senior High Schools/High School applicants must have completed 9 years of education in or outside of Japan. To qualify for the entrance exam you must be 15 years of age by April 1st of the enrollment year. SHS/HS are divided into several types as follows:

Metropolitan High Schools

Metropolitan High Schools, where you might have to have an interview, and entrance test. You should contact the school directly or via the Office of Admissions (For Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tel: 03-5320-6745.)

For Foreign Students in Japan

Tokyo Metropolitan International Senior High School (for foreign students in Japan). Entrance exams are sat in February and September where students have to write an essay in either Japanese or English, and have an interview. (Tokyo: Contact Tokyo Metropolitan International Senior High School, Tel: 03-3468-6811)

Private High Schools

Contact the Association of Private Junior and Senior High Schools in Tokyo, Tel: 03-3263-0541

More Information needed?

If you need information on Education for returning Foreign or Japanese Children, then contact the Guidance Planning Section, Curriculum and Guidance Division, Office of Education, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tel: 03-5320-6836.

Due to the large number of Public and Private Elementary and JHS we cannot list them all, so please check out the links below or call on the above telephone number to enquire. Good Luck!!!

Colleges and Universities

Japanese Colleges and Universities. Applicants should be at least 18 years old with at least 12 yrs of education for both Japanese and foreign nationals. Those with an international Baccalaureate certificate are qualified to enroll in Japanese colleges and Universities. Foreign applicants have to take exams for Language ability and Uniformed Tests in Science and Humanities, before enrolling in Japanese, national, public or private colleges and Universities. Call The Association of International Education Japan. (Tel: 03-5454-5213).

Family, Children, School in Japan: Other Sources

Forums

Questions/comments? Go to the Family/Children Forum

Education-related Links

Too many to list on the side here so check out our extensive list of education-related links.

Japan Specific Links

• Japan With Kids. The interactive online community for English speaking parents in Tokyo and all of Japan!
• Tokyo English Life Line (TELL). Services include free phone counseling and information, professional face-to-face counseling, and educational workshops.
• Married in Japan (MIJ). A friendship and support group for foreign women in a relationship with a Japanese man. An email based group with members all over Japan.
• Tokyo Pregnancy Group. Offers support and information for pregnant women living in Tokyo.
• United for a Multicultural Japan. A non-profit organization that promotes the welfare and legal rights of non-Japanese with Japanese spouses.
• AFWJ. The Association of Foreign Wives of Japanese.

Non-Japan-Specific Links

• Kids Health.The largest and most visited site on the Web providing doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence.
• Kid Source.Focuses primarily on health and education related issues of raising children.