Can you explain about the designated areas for Public Elementary and Junior High Schools?

What is the school area?

The Board of Education in your city, town, or village has a school age ledger, according to resident registration. The Board of Education gives parents or guardian notice when a child becomes of entrance-age for a school. The child must attend the school designated. Each elementary and junior high school has a school district system and will designate a school for each child according to their address. We generally call it the "school area".

What if the school you are now attending is outside the designated "school area"?

In principle, the child must attend the school designated, by the school area system. The child may attend outside the area if the parents or guardian have a special reason:
* When going into a private elementary or junior high school
* When going into an elementary or junior high school affiliated with a National or Prefectural University
* When transferring into an elementary or junior high school in another city, town or village

There are some circumstances in which a child may attend another school outside the designated school area providing the school is within the same city. This is called "changing designated schools".

What to do when approved for going to another school outside the designated area?

In principle, your city, town, or village has a responsibility to provide compulsory education. You will be approved for going to a school outside your designated area, if you have a special reason.
* When it is difficult or dangerous to attend the designated school
* When the child has a problem with time and transportation due to distance
* When the child has a physical disability
* When there is a bullying problem
* When there is a family problem
* In the case of the child being educated overseas or being a foreigner

What approval is needed for changing designated schools?

Not all applications are accepted: only when there is a special reason, as mentioned above.

What are the formalities for attending a school outside the designated school area?

1 When attending a private school or a school affiliated with a National or Prefectural University
* Go to the Board of Education in your city, town, or village with a written letter of consent by the school
2 When transferring to a school in another city, town or village
* Go to the Board of Education in your city, town, or village with a written letter of consent by the school in the other city, town or village

What are the formalities for changing designated schools?

Please apply at your Board of Education in your city, town or village

Where can I ask about my school area?

For more information on all school areas and more, please contact the Board of Education in you city, town or village