Sendai

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Education System

Sections

1. Structure of the Education System in Sendai

The education system in Sendai follows the national Japanese education structure, which is divided into the following stages:

  • Preschool (Yochien or Hoikuen): Ages 3โ€“5

    • Yochien (Kindergarten) focuses on early childhood education.
    • Hoikuen (Daycare) caters to working parents and provides both care and education.

  • Elementary School (Shogakko): Ages 6โ€“12

    • Compulsory and free for public schools (except for meals and materials).

  • Junior High School (Chugakko): Ages 12โ€“15

    • Compulsory and free for public schools (except for meals and materials).

  • High School (Koko): Ages 15โ€“18

    • Not compulsory but widely attended. Public high schools are affordable, while private high schools are more expensive.

  • Higher Education:

    • Universities, colleges, and vocational schools are available for students who complete high school. Sendai is home to prestigious institutions like Tohoku University, one of Japanโ€™s top universities.

  • Special Education:

    • Schools for children with disabilities are integrated into the system.

2. Types of Schools in Sendai

Sendai offers a variety of schooling options to cater to both local and international families:

A. Public Schools

  • Overview:

    • Public schools in Sendai are government-funded and follow the national curriculum.
    • Elementary and junior high schools are free, but parents pay for school lunches, uniforms, and supplies.
    • Public high schools charge tuition, but fees are relatively low.

  • Language:

    • Instruction is in Japanese, which can be challenging for non-Japanese-speaking children. However, some schools offer support for foreign students, such as Japanese language classes or cultural adaptation programs.

  • Examples:

    • Sendai City Elementary and Junior High Schools (various locations across the city).

B. Private Schools

  • Overview:

    • Private schools in Sendai offer more diverse curricula, smaller class sizes, and additional extracurricular activities.
    • Tuition fees are significantly higher than public schools.

  • Language:

    • Most private schools teach in Japanese, but some may offer bilingual programs.

  • Examples:

    • Tohoku Gakuin Junior and Senior High School (a well-known private school in Sendai).

C. International Schools

  • Overview:

    • International schools cater to expatriate families and offer curricula in English or other foreign languages.
    • These schools are ideal for children who do not speak Japanese or plan to continue their education abroad.

  • Examples:

    1. Sendai International School (SIS):
      • Offers an English-based curriculum.
      • Focuses on global education and cultural diversity.
    2. Tohoku International School (TIS):
      • Offers an American-style curriculum.
      • Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

  • Costs:

    • International schools are the most expensive option, with tuition fees ranging from ยฅ1,000,000 to ยฅ2,500,000 per year, depending on the grade level.

3. Costs of Education

  • Public Schools:

    • Elementary and Junior High: Free tuition, but parents pay for:
      • School lunches: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month.
      • Uniforms and supplies: ยฅ30,000โ€“ยฅ50,000 annually.
    • High School: Tuition is around ยฅ120,000โ€“ยฅ150,000 per year, but subsidies are available for low-income families.

  • Private Schools:

    • Tuition: ยฅ500,000โ€“ยฅ1,000,000 per year.
    • Additional costs for uniforms, extracurricular activities, and materials.

  • International Schools:

    • Tuition: ยฅ1,000,000โ€“ยฅ2,500,000 per year.
    • Enrollment fees and other costs may apply.

4. Enrollment Procedures

The enrollment process varies depending on the type of school:

A. Public Schools

  1. Eligibility:

    • Children aged 6โ€“15 are eligible for compulsory education.
    • Foreign residents can enroll their children in public schools.

  2. Steps:

    • Register your child at the local ward office (Kuyakusho) after moving to Sendai.
    • Submit the following documents:
      • Residence card (Zairyu Card) of the parent and child.
      • Proof of address (Juminhyo).
      • Childโ€™s birth certificate (translated into Japanese if necessary).
    • The ward office will assign your child to a local school based on your address.

  3. Language Support:

    • Some public schools offer Japanese language support for foreign students.

B. Private Schools

  1. Eligibility:
    • Open to all students, but entrance exams are often required.
  2. Steps:
    • Contact the school directly for application forms and procedures.
    • Submit required documents (similar to public schools).
    • Prepare for entrance exams and interviews.

C. International Schools

  1. Eligibility:
    • Open to expatriate and Japanese families.
  2. Steps:
    • Contact the school for application forms and deadlines.
    • Submit documents such as:
      • Passport copies.
      • Residence card.
      • Previous school records (translated into English or Japanese).
    • Pay the application and enrollment fees.
    • Some schools may require an interview or placement test.

5. Language Considerations

  • Public and Private Schools:

    • Instruction is in Japanese, so children who do not speak Japanese may face challenges.
    • Some schools provide Japanese language support or assign language teachers to help foreign students adapt.

  • International Schools:

    • Instruction is in English or other foreign languages, making them ideal for non-Japanese-speaking families.

  • Language Learning for Parents:

    • Parents may also consider enrolling in Japanese language classes offered by local community centers or organizations in Sendai.

6. Cultural Aspects of Education in Sendai

  • Discipline and Respect:
    • Japanese schools emphasize discipline, respect for teachers, and group harmony.
  • Uniforms:
    • Most schools require uniforms, which symbolize equality and discipline.
  • Extracurricular Activities:
    • Clubs and sports are an integral part of school life, fostering teamwork and social skills.
  • Parental Involvement:
    • Parents are expected to participate in school events, PTA meetings, and community activities.
  • Focus on Academics:
    • Education in Japan is rigorous, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and entrance exams for high school and university.

7. Additional Resources for Foreign Families

  • Sendai City International Center:

  • Japanese Language Classes:

    • Offered by local community centers and volunteer groups to help children and parents adapt to life in Sendai.

  • Cultural Exchange Programs:

    • Many schools and organizations in Sendai host cultural exchange events to help foreign families integrate into the community.

Conclusion

The education system in Sendai offers a range of options to suit different needs, from public schools with Japanese instruction to international schools with global curricula. While public schools are affordable and accessible, international schools provide a more familiar environment for expatriate families. Understanding the enrollment procedures, costs, and cultural aspects will help you make an informed decision and ensure a smooth transition for your child.