Education
The Japanese education system including both public and private schools consists of 6 years elementary school, 3 years junior high school, 3 years high school, 2 years junior college and 4 years university or college.
Pre-school education is provided by nurseries and kindergartens.
Schools are generally divided into three terms: summer, winter and spring, which are followed by a vacation period.
The school year begins in April and ends in March of the following year.
1.Nursery Schools and Kindergartens
Nursery schools take care of young children while their parents or guardians are working.
Kindergartens offer 3-year, 2-year, 1-year programs which will meet the needs of 3-year, 4-year or 5-year old children respectively, depending on the program one wishes to enter the child.
In order to enroll, the child must have reached the respective age by April 1st of the year he or she plans to enter the desired program.
2.Elementary School
In order to enter elementary school, the child has to be 6 years old as of April 1st of the entrance year and must have completed his or her alien registration.
3.Junior High School
In order to enter junior high school, the child must have graduated from an elementary school and must have completed his or her alien registration.
4.High School
In order to enter high school, the child must have graduated from a junior high school, pass an entrance exam and must have completed his or her alien registration.
5.Junior College, College or University
In order to enter post-secondary education, the student must have graduated from a high school, pass an entrance exam and must have completed his or her alien registration.
6.Schools for the physically and mentally impaired
There are several schools for the physically and mentally impaired of various levels within the city. For more details contact the Municipal Board of Education.
7.Others
In addition to the above, there are special training schools (senshu-gakko) offering training for specialized skills and professions.
For more information
Board of Education Tel: 0994-31-1137 (direct)