Education / 教育

School Enrollment for Foreign Children

Foreign children who wish to enroll in public elementary or junior high schools in Japan are accepted free of charge, just like Japanese students, and are guaranteed the same educational opportunities.

About Japanese Elementary and Junior High Schools

• Compulsory education in Japan lasts for 9 years, from age 6 to 15.
• Children can enter elementary school from the first April after turning 6 and receive 6 years of education.
• After graduating from elementary school, they can enter junior high school for 3 years.
• The school year starts on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the following year.
• Grade placement is determined by age. Children born between April 2 and April 1 of the following year are placed in the same grade.
• The designated school is determined based on the area where you live.

Costs

• Tuition and textbooks are free of charge.
• Fees are required for school lunches, school supplies other than textbooks, and school events.
• Financial assistance may be available for those who have difficulty paying for school lunches or supplies.

Enrollment Procedures

• If you wish to enroll in or transfer to an Ichinoseki City elementary or junior high school, please complete the procedures at the Ichinoseki City Board of Education, School Education Division.

Enrollment Procedure Flow (Elementary and Junior High School):

1. Submit a moving-in notification at Ichinoseki City Hall or a local branch office (Civic and Welfare Division).
2. Complete school enrollment procedures at the Ichinoseki City Board of Education (Hanaizumi Branch).
   • Address: 29 Ichinomachi, Wakutsu, Hanaizumi-cho, Ichinoseki City
   • Phone: 0191-82-2239
   • Required documents: Passport and Residence Card (for both child and guardian)
3. Receive an explanation about schooling and submit the School Enrollment Application Form at the Board of Education.
4. Visit the designated school and discuss school life.

School Guidebook for Foreign Students

• Detailed school enrollment guides in multiple languages are available on the website of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
  https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/clarinet/003/1320860.htm

List of schools in Ichinoseki

• 21 public elementary schools:

14 Junior High Schools: