Education and Schools in Japan

A high value is placed on education and schools in Japan, so expats can rest assured they'll have plenty of options to choose from. This is especially the case in large cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. 

Parents can opt for public, private, or international schooling. The suitability of each of these options will vary depending on the length of your family's stay in Japan, your available budget, the age of your children, and their prior knowledge of Japanese.

Public schools in Japan

In Japan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) determines the national curriculum for public schools. General subjects are taught in Japanese, though public schools often offer language support alongside the curriculum for international students.

Costs for attending public school in Japan are low as the government subsidises fees – in some cases, these fee subsidies end up covering the entire cost of schooling, making it essentially free.

In Japan, the school year begins in April, with applications opening around December or January. Children must hold a long-term visa to enrol.

Schools in Japan are divided into:

• Kindergartens (Yochien) – ages 3 to 5
• Elementary schools (Shogakko) – ages 6 to 12
• Lower secondary schools (Chugakko) – ages 13 to 15
• Upper secondary schools (Koto-gakko) – ages 16 to 18

Education in Japan is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 15 (the duration of elementary and lower secondary schooling). During this time, school attendance is determined by zoning, so it's important to consider this when deciding where to live.

Upper secondary school is significantly more competitive than previous stages. Public upper secondary schools in Japan are ranked based on their academic performance. Entrance examinations are held to determine attendance, and competition can be intense. 

With preparation and resources, students can successfully navigate this process. Numerous preparatory schools and tutoring options exist to help students prepare for these exams.

Useful links

• MEXT – Guide for Foreign Students to Start School

Private schools in Japan

Private schools in Japan offer an alternative to the public system, with some schools enjoying a high level of esteem. Admissions to these schools can be competitive. Like their public counterparts, private schools adhere to the national curriculum as determined by the MEXT but often have more flexibility in how they present the material.

Choosing a private elementary or lower secondary school is an option for parents who prefer this type of education for their children. Unlike public schools of this level, which are assigned based on location, private schools allow more freedom of choice.

Entrance examinations are a standard part of gaining admission to both public and private upper secondary schools. The competitive nature of these exams can create a tense environment, but many preparatory schools and tutoring services are available to help students succeed. 

Private schools, similar to public ones, can become challenging for students as they progress, particularly for those not immersed in the system or the language from a young age.

International schools in Japan

International schools are the most popular option for expat families in Japan. The accreditation systems and curricula of these institutions vary depending on the type of school and its country of origin. Most will teach in English, but some schools cater specifically to French, German, Portuguese, Chinese, or Korean expats, among other nationalities.

Many schools use an American-based curriculum, while some utilise the British or Canadian system. The International Baccalaureate is globally accredited and is another popular offering.

Admission requirements for international schools vary significantly among different institutions. For instance, some schools may require proof of proficiency in English if it isn't the child's first language. Tuition and costs also vary. Aside from basic tuition, there may be additional costs for uniforms, extracurriculars, field trips, bus services, and even technology and building maintenance fees.

While tuition fees at international schools can be high, many schools offer various forms of financial aid, including scholarships and payment plans. Parents are encouraged to contact the schools directly to discuss these options and make an informed decision that best suits their family's financial situation.

Read more

• Best International Schools in Tokyo – Expat Arrivals
• Best International Schools in Osaka – Expat Arrivals

Homeschooling in Japan

Some expat parents opt to homeschool their children while in Japan. There are no specific legal provisions in favour of homeschooling, so it can be a bit of a grey area, but it's by no means an unsupported choice. There are active homeschooling communities and resources available in Japan for parents to tap into for assistance and guidance.

Elementary and lower secondary school are compulsory in Japan, whereas higher secondary school is optional, so parents must request permission from their 'enrolled' school to homeschool their children. The 'enrolled school' is typically the school assigned based on the expat's address.

In principle, schools generally understand the situation and agreeing to the expat's request makes their job easier, particularly if the school in question does not have English support.

Special educational needs in Japan

Japan's approach to special-needs education is inclusive and varied. For students within the public school system, support can range from accommodations within a general education classroom, pull-out sessions in special resource rooms, to more specialised classrooms depending on the child's needs. Resources such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological services are typically available, although the availability can vary by location.

Children with severe disabilities may find dedicated special-needs schools more beneficial. These institutions, which are run by local governments, cater to students from kindergarten through senior high school. The curriculum in these schools is the same as in public schools, but they also have added activities that teach daily living skills.

Various international schools also offer support for specific conditions or disabilities, though usually at an additional fee. There are also schools following the Waldorf-Steiner and Montessori methods. These institutions have a more flexible approach to education and are known to cater to the individual needs of each student.

Useful links

• MEXT – Special Needs Education

Tutors in Japan

Given the competitive nature of schooling in Japan, it's not uncommon for students to have multiple tutors, each specialising in a different school subject. Especially for expat children, having a tutor in Japan may be helpful. A tutor can assist a child in maintaining their mother tongue or learning Japanese. If a child is attending a school with a new curriculum, a tutor is an excellent way to catch up.

Tutoring is popular in Japan, resulting in numerous tutoring companies emerging across the country. While expats may be spoilt for choice, they should thoroughly research all options before choosing a tutor. Schools will also often recommend trustworthy tutors.

Useful links

• Amazing Talker is a language tutoring site with online and in-person options.
• Preply is a well-known tutoring company with tutors available for various subjects and ages.