Yokohama

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School Enrollment

The procedures and requirements for enrolling children in schools, including documentation and admission timelines.

Sections

1. Types of Schools in Yokohama

Japanโ€™s education system is divided into several levels, and Yokohama offers a variety of schooling options for both local and international families:

Public Schools (Kลritsu Gakkล)

  • Elementary School (Shลgakkล): Ages 6โ€“12, compulsory.
  • Junior High School (Chลซgakkล): Ages 12โ€“15, compulsory.
  • High School (Kลkล): Ages 15โ€“18, not compulsory but widely attended.
  • Public schools are operated by the Yokohama City Board of Education and are free for elementary and junior high levels (except for minor costs like uniforms, lunch, and materials). High school requires tuition fees, though subsidies are available for low-income families.

Private Schools (Shiritsu Gakkล)

  • Private schools are available at all levels and often have higher tuition fees. They may offer specialized curriculums or religious education.

International Schools

  • Yokohama has a number of international schools catering to expatriates and families seeking an English or bilingual education. These schools follow curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), American, British, or other systems.
  • Examples include Yokohama International School (YIS), Horizon Japan International School, and St. Maur International School.

Specialized Schools

  • Japanese Language Schools: For non-Japanese-speaking children or adults who need to learn the language before entering mainstream schools.
  • Special Needs Schools: For children with disabilities, offering tailored education and support.

2. Enrollment Procedures

The enrollment process varies depending on the type of school you choose. Below are the steps for public, private, and international schools.

Public Schools

  1. Eligibility: Children aged 6โ€“15 are required to attend school. Enrollment is based on your residential address in Yokohama.
  2. Registration Process:
    • Visit the local ward office (kuyakusho) after moving to Yokohama to register your residence.
    • Inform the ward office that you wish to enroll your child in a public school.
    • The ward office will assign your child to a school based on your address and provide an admission notice (nyลซgaku tsลซchi).
  3. Required Documents:
    • Residence card (zairyลซ card) for both the parent and child.
    • Proof of address (jลซminhyล, or residence certificate).
    • Passport.
    • Birth certificate (translated into Japanese if not in English).
  4. Language Support:
    • Public schools in Yokohama offer Japanese language support for non-native speakers. Some schools have dedicated staff or programs to help foreign students integrate.

Private Schools

  • Application procedures vary by school. Typically, you will need to:
    • Contact the school directly to inquire about admission requirements and timelines.
    • Submit an application form, academic records, and other documents.
    • Attend an interview or entrance exam (if required).
  • Tuition fees are significantly higher than public schools.

International Schools

  • International schools have their own application processes, which often include:
    • Submission of an application form, previous school records, and recommendation letters.
    • An interview or assessment of the child.
    • Payment of application and enrollment fees.
  • Itโ€™s advisable to apply as early as possible, as spaces can be limited.

3. Costs

  • Public Schools: Free for elementary and junior high school. Costs for uniforms, school supplies, and lunch range from ยฅ30,000โ€“ยฅ50,000 per year.
  • High Schools: Tuition fees are approximately ยฅ120,000โ€“ยฅ300,000 per year, but subsidies are available.
  • Private Schools: Tuition fees range from ยฅ500,000โ€“ยฅ1,000,000 per year or more.
  • International Schools: Tuition fees vary widely, from ยฅ1,500,000โ€“ยฅ3,000,000 per year, plus additional costs for enrollment, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.

4. Application Timelines

  • Public Schools:
    • Enrollment for the new school year (starting in April) typically begins in October of the previous year.
    • Mid-year enrollments are possible for families moving to Yokohama; contact the ward office for assistance.
  • Private and International Schools:
    • Application deadlines vary, but many schools accept applications 6โ€“12 months before the start of the school year.
    • Some international schools have rolling admissions, but early application is recommended.

5. Language Considerations

  • Public schools primarily teach in Japanese. While some schools offer language support, itโ€™s beneficial for children to have some basic Japanese skills.
  • International schools are ideal for non-Japanese-speaking families, as they offer instruction in English or other languages.
  • Japanese language schools in Yokohama can help children and parents learn the language before transitioning to public schools.

6. Cultural and Practical Advice

  • School Culture:
    • Japanese schools emphasize group activities, discipline, and respect for teachers and peers.
    • Parents are often involved in school activities through the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association).
  • Uniforms:
    • Most public and private schools require uniforms. Be prepared to purchase these before the school year starts.
  • School Lunches:
    • Public schools provide nutritious school lunches (kyลซshoku) for a small fee. Allergies and dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
  • Extracurricular Activities:
    • Clubs and sports are an integral part of school life. Encourage your child to participate to make friends and integrate into the community.
  • Transportation:
    • Public schools are usually within walking distance of your residence. For private and international schools, you may need to arrange transportation or use public transit.

7. Additional Resources

  • Yokohama City Board of Education: For information on public schools and enrollment procedures.
  • YOKE (Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges):
  • International Schools in Yokohama:

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate the school enrollment process in Yokohama. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!