Hiroshima

๐ŸŽ“

Education

Sections

1. Overview of the Japanese Education System

The Japanese education system is structured as follows:

  • Preschool/Kindergarten (Yลchien): Ages 3โ€“6 (optional)
  • Elementary School (Shลgakkล): Grades 1โ€“6, Ages 6โ€“12 (compulsory)
  • Junior High School (Chลซgakkล): Grades 7โ€“9, Ages 12โ€“15 (compulsory)
  • High School (Kลkล): Grades 10โ€“12, Ages 15โ€“18 (optional but widely attended)
  • University/College (Daigaku): Typically 4 years, Ages 18+
  • Vocational Schools (Senmon Gakkล): Post-secondary education for specialized skills

Compulsory education in Japan covers elementary and junior high school (9 years in total). Public schools are free for compulsory education, though families may need to pay for uniforms, school supplies, and extracurricular activities.

2. Education Options in Hiroshima

Hiroshima offers a mix of public, private, and international schools. Below is a breakdown of the options:

A. Public Schools

  • Language: Instruction is in Japanese.
  • Cost: Free for compulsory education (elementary and junior high). Parents pay for uniforms, materials, and meals (around ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ5,000/month for school lunches).
  • Enrollment: Based on your residential address. Foreign students are welcome, but Japanese language proficiency is usually required.
  • Cultural Note: Public schools emphasize group harmony, discipline, and respect for Japanese traditions.

B. Private Schools

  • Language: Instruction is in Japanese, though some schools may offer English support.
  • Cost: Tuition fees vary but typically range from ยฅ500,000โ€“ยฅ1,000,000 per year.
  • Enrollment: Requires an application, entrance exam, and interview. Private schools are more competitive and may offer specialized programs.

C. International Schools

For expatriates or families seeking an English-based or bilingual education, Hiroshima has several international schools:

  1. Hiroshima International School (HIS):

    • Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) for Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs.
    • Language: English.
    • Ages: 3โ€“18.
    • Cost: Tuition ranges from ยฅ1,000,000โ€“ยฅ2,000,000 per year, depending on grade level.
    • Enrollment: Rolling admissions; requires an application form, previous school records, and an interview.
    • Website: HIS Official Website

  2. AICJ Junior & Senior High School:

    • Curriculum: Bilingual program with a focus on preparing students for international universities.
    • Language: English and Japanese.
    • Ages: 12โ€“18.
    • Cost: Tuition varies; contact the school for details.
    • Enrollment: Entrance exam and interview required.

  3. Little Gems International School:

    • Curriculum: Early childhood education with a focus on English immersion.
    • Language: English.
    • Ages: 1โ€“6.
    • Cost: Tuition starts at ยฅ800,000 per year.
    • Enrollment: Application and interview required.

  4. Other Options: Some private schools in Hiroshima offer English immersion or bilingual programs, though they may not be fully international schools.

3. Costs of Education

  • Public Schools: Free for compulsory education, but expect to pay for uniforms, supplies, and meals (ยฅ50,000โ€“ยฅ100,000 annually).
  • Private Schools: ยฅ500,000โ€“ยฅ1,000,000 annually, plus additional fees for uniforms, activities, and materials.
  • International Schools: ยฅ1,000,000โ€“ยฅ2,000,000 annually, depending on the school and grade level.

4. Enrollment Procedures

A. Public Schools

  1. Residency Registration: Register your address at the local city office (Ward Office) after moving to Hiroshima.
  2. Application: Visit the local Board of Education to apply for a school. They will assign a school based on your address.
  3. Documents Needed:
    • Residence card (Zairyลซ Card).
    • Proof of address.
    • Childโ€™s birth certificate or passport.
  4. Language Support: Some schools offer Japanese language support for foreign students, but this varies.

B. Private Schools

  1. Contact the School: Inquire directly about their application process.
  2. Entrance Exam: Most private schools require an entrance exam and interview.
  3. Documents Needed:
    • Application form.
    • Previous school records (translated into Japanese if necessary).
    • Passport or residence card.

C. International Schools

  1. Application: Submit an online or paper application form.
  2. Interview: Some schools require an interview with the student and parents.
  3. Documents Needed:
    • Application form.
    • Previous school records (in English or Japanese).
    • Passport or residence card.
  4. Language Proficiency: English proficiency may be required for older students.

5. Cultural and Local Considerations

  • School Year: The Japanese school year starts in April and ends in March. International schools may follow a different calendar (e.g., Augustโ€“June).
  • Uniforms: Most schools, including public and private, require uniforms. International schools may not.
  • Parental Involvement: Japanese schools encourage active parental involvement through PTA meetings and school events.
  • Language Barrier: Public schools primarily teach in Japanese, so children may need additional language support. International schools are a better option for non-Japanese speakers.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Clubs and sports are an integral part of school life in Japan, especially in junior high and high school.
  • Cultural Norms: Japanese schools emphasize discipline, respect, and group harmony. Understanding these values will help your child adapt.

6. Additional Resources

  • Hiroshima City Board of Education: Provides information on public schools and support for foreign families. Website: Hiroshima City Official Website
  • Hiroshima International Center: Offers support for foreign residents, including education consultations. Website: HIC Official Website
  • Language Support: Consider enrolling your child in Japanese language classes to help them integrate into the local school system.

7. Final Tips

  • If your child is not fluent in Japanese, international schools or bilingual programs are the best options.
  • Start the enrollment process early, especially for private and international schools, as spaces can be limited.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Japanese school calendar and cultural expectations to help your child transition smoothly.

If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!