17. Education

Japanese School Education System

Compulsory education in the Japanese education system is 9 years in total. These 9 years are divided into 6 years of elementary school from 6 years old to 12 years old, and 3 years of junior high school from 12 years old to 15 years old. After compulsory education, it is possible to attend high school for 3 years. After high school, you can attend college for 2 years, or university for 4 years, and there are also various types of special schools which you can attend. After compulsory education, you can enter various types of technical college. The Japanese school year starts on April 1st and ends on March 31st the following year.

　

Kindergarten

Children between 3 and 5 years old can enter kindergarten and receive education before elementary school. In Shimane, there are 110 public kindergartens, 19 private kindergartens, and 1 national kindergarten. (This information was as of May 1, 2001) In the case of public kindergartens, the kindergarten which your child can enter is decided according to the area where you live. For further information about the application process, enquire directly at kindergarten.

　

Elementary School and Junior High School

In Japan, compulsory education is 9 years in total, and comprises 6 years of elementary school and 3 years old of junior high school. Foreign children are not required by law to attend school, but if you want your child to enter school, public schooling is available for anyone. In Shimane, there are 289 public elementary schools, 1 national elementary school, 111 public junior high schools, 3 private junior high schools, and 1 national junior high school. (As of May 1, 2001) All classes are taught in Japanese. Tuition and textbooks are free but charges apply in private schools. School meals are charged separately. If you want your child to enter public elementary school or public junior high school, enquire at the Board of Education in the same municipality where you applied for alien registration. In some private and national elementary schools and junior high schools, an entrance examination may be necessary. The system of application varies between schools. For further information, enquire directly at each school.

◆Inquiries◆

Hamada City Board of Education / Educational General Affairs Division                                                    / Gakuji Health Section Tel (0855)22-2612 Ext.455 or 467 Dates & Hours : Mon.-Fri. 8:30-17:15 (Except holidays and the year-end and new-year)

　

High School

In Japan, almost all students enter high school after graduating from junior high school. In Shimane, there are 36 prefectural high schools, 1 private girl's high school in Matsue city, and 10 private high schools. Compulsory education of high school comprises 3 years. To enter high school, junior high school students must achieve an academic level high enough to pass the entrance examination. Because high school education is not compulsory, you must bear all expenses including tuition and textbook fees. Ask the Senior High Education Division of Shimane Prefectural Board of Education about entering a prefectural high school or ask the Matsue Board of Education about entering the private girl's high school. In addition, you can ask each private high school directly for more information about entering a private high school.

◆Inquiries◆

Shimane Prefectural Board of Education / Senior High Education Division Tel (0852)22-5412 Dates & Hours : Mon.-Fri. 8:30-17:00 (Except holidays and the year-end and new-year)

　

Junior College or University

After graduating from high school, students are able to enter junior college for 2 years or university for 4 years. In Shimane, there are 2 junior colleges and 3 universities listed below.

Prefectural Junior College or University	Shimane Nursing College
	Shimane Prefectural Shimane Women's College
	The University of Shimane
National University	Shimane University
	Shimane Medical University

　

Technical Junior College

After graduating from junior high school, entering high school is one option and entering technical junior college is another option. In Shimane, there is only one technical junior college located in Matsue city. The course is 5 years which differs from high schools, and students acquire special knowledge and technique in a technical area. To enter technical junior college, junior high school students must achieve an academic level high enough to pass the entrance examination. Because technical junior college education is not compulsory, you must bear all expenses including tuition and textbook fees. Enquire directly at technical junior college for further information.

　

Various Types of Special School

In Shimane, there is a range of different schools such as those providing training for medical treatment, welfare, information, barbering, beauty, cooking, and fashion. After graduating from high school, students or even adults can enter these special schools and acquire special knowledge and skills. In some schools, it is possible to enter after graduating from junior high school.

　

Schools for the Sight Impaired, Hearing Impaired, and those with Special Needs

In Shimane, there is 1 school for the sight impaired, 2 schools for the hearing impaired, and 9 special needs schools. In all schools, there is an elementary division, junior high division, and senior high division, but only the school for the hearing impaired has a kindergarten division. Contact the Board of Education in the same municipality where you applied for alien registration or the Senior High Education Division Special Support Education Office at the Shimane Prefectural Board of Education about entering these schools.

◆Inquiries◆

・ Hamada City Board of Education Tel (0855)22-2612    Dates & Hours : Mon.-Fri. 8:30-17:15 (Except holidays and the year-end and new-year) ・ Shimane Prefectural Board of Education / Senior High Education Division    Special Support Education Office Tel (0852)22-5420    Dates & Hours : Mon.-Fri. 8:30-17:00 (Except holidays and the year-end and new-year)

　

Board of Education

In Shimane, there is a Shimane Prefectural Board of Education and the Board of Education in each municipality. Ask the Board of Education in the same municipality where you applied for alien registration about education or school enrollment procedure. Ask the Shimane Prefectural Board of Education about prefectural high school matters.

◆Inquiries◆

・ Shimane Prefectural Board of Education    Tel (0852)22-5406 or 22-5412 (Direct to Senior High Education Division)    Dates & Hours : Mon.-Fri. 8:30-17:00 (Except holidays and the year-end and new-year) ・ Hamada City Board of Education Tel (0855)22-2612    Dates & Hours : Mon.-Fri. 8:30-17:15 (Except holidays and the year-end and new-year)