Sendai

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Schools

Overview of primary, middle, and high schools in Sendai, including public and private options available to families.

Sections

1. Overview of the Japanese Education System

The Japanese education system is divided into the following stages:

  • Kindergarten (Yochien): Ages 3โ€“5 (optional)
  • Elementary School (Shogakko): Grades 1โ€“6, Ages 6โ€“12 (compulsory)
  • Junior High School (Chugakko): Grades 7โ€“9, Ages 12โ€“15 (compulsory)
  • High School (Koko): Grades 10โ€“12, Ages 15โ€“18 (optional but highly attended)
  • University/College (Daigaku): Ages 18+ (optional)

Education is compulsory for children aged 6โ€“15, covering elementary and junior high school. Public schools are free for these grades, though parents are responsible for additional costs like uniforms, school supplies, and extracurricular activities.

2. Types of Schools in Sendai

A. Public Schools

  • Managed by the Sendai City Board of Education: Public schools are the most common choice for local families. They follow the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT).
  • Language: Instruction is in Japanese, and these schools are ideal for families who are fluent in Japanese or wish to integrate into the local culture.
  • Cost: Tuition is free for compulsory education (elementary and junior high school), but parents pay for uniforms, lunch fees, and other materials.

B. Private Schools

  • Private schools in Sendai offer an alternative to public education. They often have smaller class sizes, more extracurricular activities, and a focus on specific educational philosophies (e.g., Montessori or religious education).
  • Language: Primarily Japanese, though some private schools may offer English or bilingual programs.
  • Cost: Tuition fees vary widely but can range from ยฅ500,000 to ยฅ1,000,000 per year, plus additional costs for uniforms, materials, and activities.

C. International Schools

  • Sendai has a limited number of international schools, but they cater to expatriate families and those seeking an English-based or bilingual education.
  • Curriculum: These schools often follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, or American systems.
  • Language: English is the primary language of instruction, with Japanese as a secondary language in some cases.
  • Examples:
    • Sendai International School (SIS): Offers a bilingual curriculum with a focus on English and Japanese.
    • Tohoku International School (TIS): An English-medium school offering an American-style curriculum for students from preschool to high school.
  • Cost: Tuition fees for international schools are significantly higher, ranging from ยฅ1,000,000 to ยฅ2,500,000 per year, depending on the grade level.

D. Special Education Schools

  • Sendai also has schools and programs for children with special needs, including physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. These schools are typically public and free of charge for compulsory education.

3. Application and Enrollment Procedures

A. Public Schools

  1. Eligibility: Children are assigned to public schools based on their residential address.
  2. Registration:
    • For Japanese citizens: Parents register their child at the local ward office (kuyakusho) when the child reaches school age.
    • For foreign residents: Non-Japanese families must visit the ward office to register their child and receive information about the assigned school.
  3. Documents Required:
    • Residence card (Zairyu Card)
    • Proof of address
    • Childโ€™s birth certificate or passport
  4. Language Support: Some public schools in Sendai offer limited language support for non-Japanese-speaking students.

B. Private and International Schools

  1. Application Process:
    • Contact the school directly to inquire about application deadlines, entrance exams (if any), and required documents.
    • Some schools may require an interview or placement test.
  2. Documents Required:
    • Application form (provided by the school)
    • Childโ€™s academic records (if applicable)
    • Passport and residence card
  3. Enrollment Timeline: Applications typically open several months before the start of the academic year (April in Japan). International schools may have rolling admissions.

4. Costs of Education

Public Schools:

  • Tuition: Free for elementary and junior high school.
  • Additional Costs:
    • Uniforms: ยฅ30,000โ€“ยฅ50,000
    • School supplies: ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ20,000 per year
    • Lunch fees: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month
    • Extracurricular activities: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 per month

Private Schools:

  • Tuition: ยฅ500,000โ€“ยฅ1,000,000 per year
  • Additional Costs:
    • Enrollment fees: ยฅ200,000โ€“ยฅ300,000
    • Uniforms, materials, and activities: ยฅ100,000โ€“ยฅ300,000 annually

International Schools:

  • Tuition: ยฅ1,000,000โ€“ยฅ2,500,000 per year
  • Additional Costs:
    • Enrollment fees: ยฅ200,000โ€“ยฅ500,000
    • Transportation, meals, and extracurriculars: ยฅ100,000โ€“ยฅ300,000 annually

5. Cultural and Local Considerations

  • Language Barrier: Public schools primarily teach in Japanese, which can be challenging for non-Japanese-speaking families. Consider enrolling your child in language classes or hiring a tutor to help them adapt.
  • School Culture:
    • Japanese schools emphasize discipline, group activities, and respect for authority.
    • Students are expected to participate in cleaning the school as part of their daily routine.
    • Uniforms are mandatory in most schools, and there are strict rules regarding appearance and behavior.
  • Parental Involvement: Parents are often expected to participate in school events, PTA meetings, and volunteer activities.
  • Entrance Exams: For private and high schools, entrance exams are common. Preparing for these exams can be intensive and may require additional tutoring.
  • School Year: The academic year begins in April and ends in March, with breaks in summer (late July to late August), winter (late December to early January), and spring (late March to early April).

6. Schools with Special Programs in Sendai

  • Tohoku International School (TIS):
  • Sendai International School (SIS):
    • Curriculum: Bilingual (Japanese and English)
    • Focus: Preparing students for global opportunities
  • Miyagi Prefectural Sendai Daini High School:
    • Offers an international program for students interested in studying abroad or pursuing global careers.

7. Tips for Parents

  • Research Early: Start researching schools and application requirements well in advance, especially for private and international schools.
  • Visit Schools: Many schools offer open days or tours for prospective students and parents.
  • Language Support: If your child is not fluent in Japanese, consider enrolling them in language classes or choosing an international school.
  • Community Support: Join local expat or parent groups in Sendai to connect with other families and gain insights into the education system.

By understanding the options and processes, you can make an informed decision about your childโ€™s education in Sendai. Whether you choose a public, private, or international school, Sendai offers a supportive and enriching environment for students.