This information is for families with children who have relocated to Japan and are looking for a school. Here, you will find details about international schools, including how to search for schools in Tokyo and the surrounding areas. Choosing the right school for your child is essential, but there are several factors to consider, making the decision-making process challenging. So, start by collecting information and then search for a suitable school, considering how long you plan to stay in Japan and what educational curriculum is appropriate for your children. To begin with, understanding Japan's basic educational system will help you simplify this process.
1. Outline: International schools
2. International schools and Japanese schools have different systems
3. How do you choose an international school?
4. Where do you find international schools?
1. Outline: International schools
An international school (インターナショナルスクール) is a school basically for children of foreign residents who have relocated to Japan. Unlike common schools in Japan, where students are taught in Japanese, international schools allow students to study in other languages, primarily English, in an environment free from communication problems.
Each international school offers a unique educational system for primary to intermediate levels students. Some international schools also accept a wider age range of students and function as kindergartens or preschools. Depending on your chosen school, your child can receive an education that aligns with your home country's curriculum.
In Japan, the school year starts in April, but it varies for international schools due to each school's enrolment system. Generally, the international school year begins in late August or September and ends in mid-June or early July, which is in line with the Western academic year. International schools in the Asian academic year system, such as Indian schools, may start in April. Some schools also begin in April to match the Japanese school year for students going on to Japanese universities.
2. International schools and Japanese schools have different systems
Japan's compulsory education: 6 years of elementary school and 3 years of junior high school.
Knowing about Japan's compulsory education is essential to understand the difference between "regular" and international schools. In Japan's compulsory education system, children are to study for 9 years (from age 6 to 15), consisting of 6 years of elementary school and 3 years of junior high school. At the age of 6, children with Japanese nationality are to enter elementary school on the first of April. Although it is not compulsory for children with foreign nationality, those registered as residents can also enroll if they wish. However, regular schools primarily conduct classes in Japanese. In recent years, some schools have offered classes in English for international education, but there are few of them.
Students receive compulsory education at Article-1 schools.
In Japan, these "regular schools" include public and private institutions certified under Article 1 of the School Education Act. They are known as Article-1 schools or Ichijo-kō (一条校). The compulsory education period at Article-1 schools is nine years, and the law does not allow students to enroll in the middle of the consecutive period. For example, a child who has not attended elementary school (Article 1) cannot enroll in junior high school to begin receiving compulsory education. Children of foreign nationality who have received compulsory education in their own country can transfer to an Article-1 school under certain conditions. However, they may have difficulty keeping up with classes due to language barriers.
A high school diploma is required to go to college.
Once a student has completed junior high school and is approved to graduate, they are eligible to enter high school (16-18 years old). High school is not compulsory in Japan, but people who wish to attend university must graduate from high school or obtain a graduation certification*.
*Graduation certification
The Certificate for Students Achieving the Proficiency Level of Upper Secondary School Graduates (高等学校卒業程度認定試験) is obtained by taking and passing the high school graduation certification exam.
International schools provide their educational system and curriculum.
International schools do not operate under the Japanese compulsory education system. Each school has its own educational system, and classes are conducted according to the curriculum. Therefore, only a few schools are certified as Article-1 schools, and there are even unlicensed schools. On the other hand, some international schools are accredited by international evaluation organizations* (WASC, CIS, ACSI, etc.). Completing the 12-year curriculum at an accredited school is recognized as equivalent to completing high school education, and students are eligible to enter a Japanese university. Completing an International Baccalaureate-accredited school (IB-accredited school) * or a Cambridge A-level-accredited school is recognized as eligible to enter an international university.
*About international evaluation organizations by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Entrance Qualification for Universities
https://www.mext.go.jp/en/policy/education/highered/title02/detail02/1373912.html
*International Baccalaureate-accredited school (IB-accredited school)
The school accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization ® in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization recognizes that the school has the necessary environment and systems to implement the international educational program, the International Baccalaureate.
https://www.ibo.org/
3. How do you choose an international school?
It is difficult to say which international school is best for your children, as it varies depending on each family's circumstances. There are several factors to consider when choosing a suitable school;
- Length of stay in Japan
- Ages
- Career path after graduation
- Bicultural
- Tuition fees and education expenses
- Ease of commuting
Select a school based on the children's age and length of stay.
If you live in Japan temporarily and return to your home country before your child starts school, an option will be an international school that operates as a kindergarten or preschool. When planning for a medium-term stay, it is important to select a school that aligns with your child's future goals. Ensure that your child will be able to catch up on classes conducted in your native language and enjoy their school life after returning to your home country.
If you plan to settle in Japan, consider having your child learn Japanese to become bilingual. Naturally, the future career path after graduation is also crucial. Keep in mind that it is not permitted to enroll in an Article-1 school halfway through compulsory education. Parents who have preschool children and wish them to receive nine years of compulsory education in Japan must make that decision when they enter elementary school.
If you do not let your child go to an Article-1 school, choose an international school with the aim of obtaining a high school diploma and going on to university. Consider schools accredited by the International Baccalaureate, WASC, CIS, ACSI, or those. Schools offering intensive educational programs such as math and science are also an option depending on the child's characteristics.
Considering living circumstances is also necessary.
When selecting an international school, think about tuition fees and the convenience of commuting. The cost of education going to international or private schools will be three to six times as much as public schools. The expense may include extra costs other than tuition, such as uniforms, shuttle buses, and school lunches. In the case of commuting by public transportation, you must also check whether the school of your choice is within commuting distance. It is advisable that families relocating to Japan look for a place to live with international schools in mind.
4. Where do you find international schools?
In Tokyo and the surrounding area, international schools are mostly located in the central districts such as Minato, Setagaya, Shibuya, and Meguro wards of Tokyo’s 23 wards, and Yokohama in Kanagawa prefecture. School culture and student atmospheres can vary significantly, even within the same area. Some schools are specifically attended by many Japanese children who aim to learn English. Once you identify a school that you are interested in for your child, we recommend visiting the school for a tour before making your final decision.
https://rise-corp.tokyo/pages/...
