Tokyo

1. Overview of the Japanese Education System

The Japanese education system is divided into the following levels:

• Kindergarten (Yōchien): Ages 3–5 (optional)
• Elementary School (Shōgakkō): Grades 1–6, Ages 6–12 (compulsory)
• Junior High School (Chūgakkō): Grades 7–9, Ages 12–15 (compulsory)
• High School (Kōkō): Grades 10–12, Ages 15–18 (optional but highly attended)
• University (Daigaku): Undergraduate and graduate programs

Foreign residents in Tokyo can enroll their children in public schools, private schools, or international schools, depending on their preferences, budget, and long-term plans.

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2. Choosing Between Public, Private, and International Schools

Public Schools (Kōritsu Gakkō)

• Advantages:
  • Free tuition for elementary and junior high school (you only pay for materials, uniforms, and meals).
  • Immersion in Japanese language and culture.
  • High-quality education.
• Challenges:
  • Classes are conducted entirely in Japanese, which may be difficult for non-Japanese-speaking children.
  • Limited support for non-Japanese speakers, though some schools in Tokyo offer language assistance programs.

Private Schools (Shiritsu Gakkō)

• Advantages:
  • Smaller class sizes and more personalized attention.
  • Some private schools offer bilingual or English-language programs.
• Challenges:
  • Higher tuition fees (¥500,000–¥2,000,000 per year depending on the school).
  • Admission is competitive and may require entrance exams.

International Schools

• Advantages:
  • Curriculum in English or other foreign languages (e.g., IB, American, British, or French systems).
  • Supportive environment for foreign students.
• Challenges:
  • Very high tuition fees (¥1,500,000–¥3,000,000 per year).
  • Limited availability of spots, so early application is essential.

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3. Enrollment Procedures

A. Public Schools

1. Eligibility:

   • Foreign children aged 6–15 are eligible to attend public elementary and junior high schools.
   • Enrollment is optional for foreign residents but encouraged for integration into Japanese society.

2. Steps:

   • Step 1: Register Your Address:
     • Upon arriving in Japan, register your address at the local ward office (Kuyakusho) within 14 days.
     • Obtain a Residence Card (Zairyū Card) and proof of residence (Jūminhyō).
   • Step 2: Visit the Local Board of Education:
     • Contact the Board of Education (Kyōiku Iinkai) in your ward (e.g., Shinjuku, Minato, etc.).
     • Provide your child’s age and language proficiency to determine school placement.
   • Step 3: Submit Required Documents:
     • Residence Card (Zairyū Card) of the parent and child.
     • Proof of residence (Jūminhyō).
     • Child’s passport and birth certificate (translated into Japanese if necessary).
   • Step 4: School Assignment:
     • The Board of Education will assign your child to a local public school based on your address.
   • Step 5: Attend Orientation:
     • Schools typically hold an orientation for new students and parents.

3. Costs:

   • Tuition: Free.
   • Additional Costs: ¥30,000–¥50,000 per year for uniforms, school supplies, and meals.

4. Timeline:

   • School year starts in April.
   • Applications for the upcoming school year should be submitted by January or February.

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B. Private Schools

1. Eligibility:

   • Open to both Japanese and foreign students.
   • Some schools may require Japanese language proficiency.

2. Steps:

   • Step 1: Research Schools:
     • Identify private schools that align with your child’s needs (e.g., bilingual programs, extracurricular activities).
   • Step 2: Contact the School:
     • Request application forms and information about entrance exams.
   • Step 3: Submit Application:
     • Submit the completed application form along with required documents (see below).
   • Step 4: Entrance Exam and Interview:
     • Many private schools require an entrance exam and/or interview.
   • Step 5: Enrollment:
     • If accepted, pay the enrollment fee and tuition.

3. Costs:

   • Enrollment Fee: ¥200,000–¥500,000.
   • Tuition: ¥500,000–¥2,000,000 per year.
   • Other Costs: Uniforms, textbooks, and extracurricular activities.

4. Timeline:

   • Applications typically open in October–December for the following school year.
   • Entrance exams are held in January or February.

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C. International Schools

1. Eligibility:

   • Open to foreign and Japanese students.
   • No Japanese language proficiency required.

2. Steps:

   • Step 1: Research Schools:
     • Popular international schools in Tokyo include the American School in Japan (ASIJ), British School in Tokyo, and Tokyo International School.
   • Step 2: Contact the School:
     • Request application forms and schedule a school tour if possible.
   • Step 3: Submit Application:
     • Submit the completed application form along with required documents (see below).
   • Step 4: Assessment and Interview:
     • Some schools require an assessment or interview to evaluate the child’s academic level and language skills.
   • Step 5: Enrollment:
     • If accepted, pay the enrollment fee and tuition.

3. Costs:

   • Enrollment Fee: ¥200,000–¥500,000.
   • Tuition: ¥1,500,000–¥3,000,000 per year.
   • Other Costs: Transportation, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.

4. Timeline:

   • Applications are accepted year-round, but spaces fill quickly.
   • Apply at least 6–12 months in advance.

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4. Required Documentation

For all types of schools, you will generally need:

• Child’s passport.
• Residence Card (Zairyū Card) for both parent and child.
• Proof of residence (Jūminhyō).
• Birth certificate (translated into Japanese if required).
• Academic records or transcripts (for older children).
• Health records, including vaccination history.

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5. Cultural and Local Considerations

• Language Barrier:
  • Public schools primarily use Japanese, so consider language support for your child.
  • Some wards in Tokyo offer Japanese language classes for foreign students.
• School Culture:
  • Japanese schools emphasize discipline, group activities, and respect for authority.
  • Parents are often expected to participate in school events and PTA meetings.
• Uniforms:
  • Most schools require uniforms, which can be an additional cost.
• Lunches:
  • Public schools provide nutritious school lunches (kyūshoku) for a small fee.
• Entrance Ceremonies:
  • Schools hold formal entrance ceremonies (nyūgakushiki) in April, which are important cultural events.

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6. Challenges and Tips for Foreigners

• Adapting to the System:
  • The Japanese education system may differ significantly from your home country. Be patient and open to learning.
• Language Support:
  • Hire a tutor or enroll your child in Japanese language classes to ease the transition.
• Community Support:
  • Join local expat groups or parent networks for advice and support.

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By following this guide, you can successfully enroll your child in a school in Tokyo and help them adapt to their new environment. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!