Schooling Options
Welcome to the OIST Schooling Options webpage. The purpose of this page is to provide members of the OIST community with information regarding schooling options for their school-age children (ages 6-18). While the education coordinator makes every attempt to update this page regularly, we strongly encourage you to email for the most up-to-date information.
Note: When considering your schooling options in Japan, it can be helpful to think of the "big picture". Where do you expect your children to go to high school? What about university? Consider elementary and junior high school options carefully with these questions in mind.
Please note that High School education is not compulsory, which also means it is not guaranteed, and that is why these questions are so important to consider.
Latest updates
New: Chanpuruu Children's English Class registration is open for all elementary school children in the OIST community. More details here.
Online libraries for children:
- RAZ Kids (https://www.raz-kids.com/) - 14 day free trial
- Epic! (https://www.getepic.com/) - 7 day free trial
- Reading Eggs (https://readingeggs.com.au/kids-books-online/) - 30 day free trial
We have updated the top page!
International Schools in Okinawa
The Schooling Options Team is committed to presenting as many options as possible for parents to consider for their children’s schooling. However, not every school is appropriate for every child, and inclusion on this list is not an endorsement of a particular school. We encourage parents and carers to thoroughly research any school they are considering for their child. We are happy to help walk you through that process, so please schedule a visit: schoolingoptions@oist.jp
International Schools in Okinawa
Japanese Education
Educational Information (official)
- One Day in Elementary School in Japan (video)
- Videos for children starting elementary school (MEXT - multilingual)
- Guide for foreign students to start school (MEXT summary)
- Guide for foreign students to start school (MEXT document)
- Ministry of Justice Life in Japan Guidebook (multilingual)
- Public elementary school enrollment guidebook
- Compulsory Education in Japan
Schooling Options in Okinawa: Overview
There are three types of schools for each level of education: Public, Private, and International. Please click the links below for more information on each.
Public Schools near by OIST
Onna Elementary School
- School website
- Map explaining Onna Elementary School registration eligibility (pdf)
- Enrollment process for kindergarten and elementary school
Unna Junior High School