There is a good selection of international schools in Japan offering a diverse curriculum and student body not found in Japanese schools. They are expensive though (1 to 3 million Yen per year), and places are limited. Research the curriculum of each of the schools to find the right one for your child. See the listings in this chapter for information on specific international schools.

List of International Schools (Tokyo)

List of International Schools (Yokohama)

List of International Preschools and Kindergartens (Tokyo)

List of International Preschools and Kindergartens (Yokohama)

Even if the cost of international schools is not an issue, there are still educational and other reasons for non-Japanese families to send their children to a Japanese school for at least part of their stay in Japan. In K (Kindergarten) thru grade 6, the focus is on morals, social and communication skills, an education that, once acquired, provides a lifetime of benefit to the child. Having a native grounding in the Japanese language and getting closer to the local community are other reasons to consider this option.

Private schools start at the kindergarten or elementary level and are seen as a fast track to a prestigious university. These schools can cost nearly as much as international schools or even elite universities in the United States. They have very competitive entrance requirements and procedures, including examinations and interviews for both the child (even for 4 or 5 year olds) and the parents.

At public schools, there is no cost for education, but you have to cover associated costs such as uniforms and school lunches. The Ministry of Education standardizes the curriculum throughout Japan. The education level is high and accounts for why Japan has one of the uppermost literacy rates in the world, although they are often criticized for not producing critical, creative thinkers.

Read “Back to School Japanese Style”

Although neither Kindergarten nor senior high schools are compulsory, the majority of Japanese children do attend these levels. The Japanese school grading system is summarized below.