Although procedures differ depending on the age of the child, children can be enrolled in elementary schools, middle schools, and so on.
【When the child is 6-15 years of age】
In Japan, this is the age range for compulsory education. Although it is not compulsory for children who are foreign nationals, if you wish, children may study at Japanese elementary and middle schools. In the case of wishing to transfer in partway through the school year, consult with the Board of Education of your municipality.
【When the child is 15-18 years of age】
When transferring to a high school within Akita Prefecture from a high school in another prefecture or foreign country , consult with the Akita Prefectural Bureau of Education, Senior High School Education Division (Telephone: 018-860-5161).
More information
regarding support for foreign national children and students who require Japanese language education (restricted to compulsory/public education)
Local government bodies provide the following types of support for foreign children and students who need Japanese language education.
While taking normal enrolled classes, extra teaching staff, Japanese language guidance instructors, or similar individuals will enter the class to accompany and provide guidance for the foreign national students. Alternatively, they may receive guidance, language instruction, and so on in other classrooms during normal class periods.
For details regarding this sort of support, ask the Board of Education of each municipality.
regarding children's Japanese language skills
For children whose native language is not Japanese, language barriers may become a large obstacle for studying at Japanese schools. Although Japanese language ability is a basic assumption for study at school, the language used in classes, textbooks, and so forth, will differ from the language one hears in everyday life. Besides feeling disoriented due to factors such as lifestyle environment changes, as well as culture and customs differences, language problems can become a psychological burden on children and may have a large impact on their individual character. If you feel support is needed for their Japanese language learning, consult first with the school.
