How Foreign Children Can Enroll in Japanese Public Elementary and Junior High Schools: System and Required Procedures

Procedures and Overview of Japan's Public Elementary and Junior High School System for Foreign Children

If you are planning to bring your child to Japan and enroll them in a public elementary or junior high school, this guide will help you understand Japan's school system and the necessary procedures for admission.

Overview of Japan's Elementary and Junior High School System

In Japan, foreign children can enroll in public elementary and junior high schools just like Japanese students. Tuition fees are free, and all children are guaranteed the opportunity to receive the same education.

School Age and Duration

• Elementary school: Children start from the April after they turn six years old, and study for six years.
• Junior high school: After completing elementary school, children attend for three years.

Costs

• Free of charge: Tuition and textbooks.
• Additional costs: Parents are responsible for paying monthly school lunch fees, class activity fees, and other expenses (for materials, events, etc.).

Subjects

• Elementary school: Japanese language, arithmetic, science, social studies, life studies, music, arts and crafts, home economics, physical education, moral education, and integrated studies.
• Junior high school: Japanese language, mathematics, science, social studies, English (foreign language), music, arts, health and physical education, technology, home economics, moral education, and integrated studies.

PTA (Parent-Teacher Association)

Most schools have a PTA, where parents and teachers cooperate in school activities such as assisting with events and helping ensure children's safety on their way to and from school. Parents are encouraged to participate actively.

Japan's education system is open to foreign children, providing a safe and supportive environment for learning.

Admission Procedures for Foreign Children

Here is the step-by-step process for enrolling your child in a public elementary or junior high school in Japan.

1. Obtain a Visa and Enter Japan

Your child must first obtain a valid visa (for example, a Dependent visa) to stay in Japan. Upon arrival, they will receive a residence card.

2. Register Your Address at the Ward or City Office

Go to the local ward or city office and submit a Moving-in Notification (転入届, ten'nyū todoke). By presenting your child's residence card, their address will be officially registered, and their resident record (住民票, jūminhyō) will be created. The new address will also be printed on the back of the residence card. This procedure usually takes around three hours, but may take longer depending on how busy the office is. For more details, please see the column on 'Notification of Residence for Mid- to Long-Term Residents'.

3. Receive the Foreign Student Enrollment Application

At the same time, inform the office that you would like your child to attend a public school. You will then receive a Foreign Student Enrollment Application (外国人就学申請書). This document is required for admission.

4. Submit the Application to the Assigned School

Based on your registered address, the ward or city office will determine your local school district and assign a school. Bring the Foreign Student Enrollment Application to the school and have it confirmed by the principal.

Tip: It is recommended to call the school in advance. Some schools may arrange for a teacher who can communicate in English (or another foreign language) to be present. If you are not confident in Japanese, this step can make the process smoother.

5. Receive the School Admission Notice

Once the school has confirmed your child's enrollment, the ward or city office will issue an official School Admission Notice (入学通知書, nyūgaku tsūchisho). With this, your child is officially enrolled in the Japanese public school system.

Summary

The general process of enrolling a foreign child in a Japanese public school is:

Moving-in Notification → Enrollment Application → Confirmation at the assigned school → Admission Notice

It is important to submit the enrollment application promptly after registering your address, as delays may result in your child starting school later than expected.

Our Support

At our office, we provide comprehensive support for families, including:

• Applying for a Dependent visa to bring your child to Japan
• Assistance with residence registration procedures at the ward office
• Guidance and even accompaniment to school admission procedures if needed

Our mission is to provide total support from visa application to school enrollment, so that your child can begin their new life in Japan with peace of mind.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.