Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Are American children able to attend Japanese public school while parents are stationed in Japan


Are American children able to attend Japanese public school while parents are stationed in Japan?

Japan - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Why would they anyways? I'm going to say why not? CC
2 :
Yes, as long as their chubby little legs can get there.
3 :
Sure, if you're willing to pay for all the costs... But I do believe Japanese kindergartens are free.. But why would you want your child to attend a Japanese public school? Especially if you're a DOD family, the schools on base are very good & offer "Host Nation" classes that are mandatory throughout all the elementary school years.
4 :
If they are discipline and respecful enough, sure why not?? They must understand that in Asian culture, we don't scream, curse at the teachers or threat to sue the teachers if we don't get our way. As long as they can do that, they certainly can attend Japanese public school.
5 :
no. its impossible fore an american child to attend a japanese public school becuase they don't have the language skill. American children will most likely attend an international school. International schools usually teach their classes in english. So its just easier for the international student to learn.
6 :
Yeah definitely. I take it that either you or your husband is in the military? Are you going to Okinawa or mainland? The schools on base are fairly decent (the highschools are terrible, but the gradeschools aren't too bad). I would recommend that if your child is still really young (just starting kindergarten) to put them in school off base though (ideally an international type school where they speak both Englsih and Japanese). Kids adapt pretty quickly. If your child is in grade school, I recommend putting him/her in Kumon. It's an after school program/study hall. Kids do their homework there and interact with other students. It's an excellent way for your child to learn the language and culture while getting ahead of her/his peers. I think kumon gives Japanese children their academic edge over American children. I've been in Okinawa for 4 years now as a military brat, and am about to be stationed here with my husband another 3. So if you have any questions or concerns about what to expect in Japan, don't hestiate to contact me. I've been both the military kid and the spouse and would love to help. :-)
7 :
Yes they can. The biggest obsticle would be the language. If they can speak the language, nothing can stop them from going. But don't they have schools on the Base? Or how about homeschooling. American research shows that homeschooled kids do better in all catagories of education. Finally, Crystal is WAY wrong. Japanese Kindergartens are not free. Often times they are more expensive than public elementary school. Reason being is that they are not included in the "mandatory Education" of Japanese. So most kindergartens are privately run. My kids went to kindergarten and it wasn't free.
8 :
yes, but it would be better to send them to an international school because of the langauge unless they are in preschool or kindergarten. either way it will be expensive, you will even have to pay for public school because you aren't a national and don't pay taxes... if your kids are young DOD schools are fine but in high school, especially if they are gratuating in japan you may want to consider this more seriously because colleges won't look at grades from DoD schools as highly.
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