children's school

School Enrollment

Master the Japanese you need for School Enrollment in natural keigo. Scene-by-scene flow · NG examples · politeness levels · 9-language parallel translations

Synergia Editorial Team2026-05-01

This page helps foreign residents and long-term visitors handle "School Enrollment" with daily Japanese phrases for living in Japan, practical examples, and common mistakes to avoid.

What this page helps you say in Japan

This page focuses on School Enrollment and teaches useful Japanese phrases for daily life in Japan, including natural replies, polite alternatives, and practical wording for foreigners living in Japan.

What You'll Learn on This Page

School notification and district confirmation phrase
Application expression for transfer/transfer
How to ask if Japanese language instruction is available
Health checkup/vaccination confirmation
Preparation phrases for entrance ceremony and first day of school

Practice Phrases (10 Total)

子どもを編入させたいのですが、どこに相談すればよいですか

こどもをへんにゅうさせたいのですが、どこにそうだんすればよいですか

I'd like to transfer my child to school. Who should I talk to?

POINTThe official term is “I want to be admitted to the school” rather than “I want to be admitted to the school.”

就学通知書はいつ届きますか

しゅうがくつうちしょはいつとどきますか

When will the school enrollment notice arrive?

POINTSchool attendance notification = document sent from the city hall to children of school age

日本語が話せないのですが、日本語指導はありますか

にほんごがはなせないのですが、にほんごしどうはありますか

My child can't speak Japanese. Is there Japanese language support?

POINT"Japanese language instruction" is an official term and is understood by the Board of Education

学区を教えていただけますか

がっくをおしえていただけますか

Could you tell me my school district?

POINTSchool district = school district determined by address

入学に必要な書類を教えてください

にゅうがくにひつようなしょるいをおしえてください

Please tell me what documents are needed for enrollment.

POINT"Documents" is more clearly defined as "required documents"

前の学校の成績証明書は必要ですか

まえのがっこうのせいせきしょうめいしょはひつようですか

Do I need a transcript from the previous school?

POINT“Transcript” is more official than “Grade”

給食費はいくらくらいですか

きゅうしょくひはいくらくらいですか

How much is the school lunch fee?

POINTSchool lunch expenses = generally debited monthly

体操服や上履きはどこで買えますか

たいそうふくやうわばきはどこでかえますか

Where can I buy PE clothes and indoor shoes?

POINTBe sure to check as there may be a “designated store”.

入学式はいつですか。保護者も参加できますか

にゅうがくしきはいつですか。ほごしゃもさんかできますか

When is the entrance ceremony? Can parents attend?

POINT“Can I participate?” is more polite than “Can I go?”

アレルギーがあるのですが、給食は対応してもらえますか

あれるぎーがあるのですが、きゅうしょくはたいおうしてもらえますか

My child has allergies. Can the school accommodate?

POINTAdvance notification is required for allergies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can foreign children attend public schools?

A. Yes, as long as you are registered as a resident, you can attend public elementary and junior high schools regardless of your nationality. It is not mandatory, but you can accept it if you wish. Please complete the procedures at the Board of Education.

Q. Is it okay if I can't speak Japanese at all?

A. Many local governments offer Japanese language instruction classes and initial support classes. Please be sure to check with the board of education in your area to see if Japanese language instruction is available.

Q. Is there freedom of school choice?

A. As a general rule, students attend school in a school district determined by their address. However, some municipalities have a school selection system, and you may be able to choose the school of your choice.

Q. Is there a cost to enroll?

A. Tuition is free at public schools, but it costs around 5,000 to 15,000 yen per month for school lunches, teaching materials, PTA membership fees, uniforms, etc. Some local governments have tuition assistance systems.

Q. The difference between private schools and foreign schools

A. Public schools are free and have a Japanese language environment, while foreign schools allow you to learn in your native language, but tuition fees are high. International schools have an English environment, but the annual fee is generally over 2 million yen.

School Enrollment

What this page helps you say in Japan

What You'll Learn on This Page

Practice Phrases (10 Total)

Want to practice these phrases out loud?

Practice Pronunciation with ECHO

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Pages in This Pack

Childcare/School

Government office/administration