JAPANESE SCHOOL SYSTEM
The Japanese educational system is a 6-3-3-4 system (6 years of elementary school, 3 junior high school, 3 senior high school and 4 university). School year begins in April and ends in March. The compulsory education time period is 9 years (6 years of elementary school and 3 junior high school). There are summer, winter and spring vacation periods of varying lengths. All educational institutions at all levels are administered by national, prefectural and municipal governments, as well as by private institutions.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation “TSUNAGARI”
- Kids Web Japan: Schools
- RIKEN Community: Children
- Japan with Kids
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Various options are available in Tokyo. The list below provides you with some ideas of international schools and English education materials. School fees tend to be expensive and may involve relatively long commutes by train or bus from the RIKEN Wako campus.
List of International Preschools and Others
| Schools | RIKEN Researcher Family Info |
|---|---|
| New Hope International School | Several children have attended its preschool course |
| New International School | Several children have attended its elementary course |
| International School of the Sacred Heart | A few children have attended its high school course |
| Global Indian International School | A few children have attended its elementary course |
| The International French School | A few children have attended its elementary course |
| Aoba-Japan International School | New addition to our list (in close proximity to RIKEN) |
Embassies with schools
| The Embassy of the Russian Federation to Tokyo | Several children have attended |
| Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Japan | Several children have attended |
OTHER EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
These schools and study materials may also be useful, especially for children under 3 years old.
English (conversation) schools
| Berlitz Kids | English school |
| MLS, English School | English lessons with various activities such as songs, rhymes, arts, crafts, and show & story time |
| Kids Duo | Japanese preschool, afterschool day-care for elementary school children |
- English (conversation) schools, English speaking staff are available.
- The lessons are developed for young children, and include activities that foreign parents typically ask for: Dancing, singing, and games.
- The lesson period is short and the number of lessons per week is optional.
- The fee is reasonable compared to most international schools.
Home study materials (detailed information in Japanese only)
| Benesse Worldwide Kids Benesse Kodomo Challenge |
The materials are really popular for both young Japanese and foreign children. Not only English Language, children are able to learn daily basic personal care, traffic rules etc. Even after leaving Japan, some families still ask to receive monthly materials. |