I live on ikego and drive my son to yokosuka co-op 3 days a week. since your dtr is 3 she would only go 2 days a week. a couple of my friends children go to hayama. the bus picks your kid up in front of the mini-mart around 0845 and they come home around 1530. it is a international school. i did not care for it because they do not take naps. also another school is seika. the go to school from about 10am-3. FLEET AND FAMILY has their info.

Mikuni is a nice school too. They have a bus that goes out to Ikego area, not sure exactly where though.

We can vouch for Seika Kindergarten. They have a bus that goes to Ikego every day. It is a great experience for the little ones, the sooner they start the quicker they pick up the language. They have a lady who speaks English and comunication from the school is in English as well. We are very happy with Seika. The school year starts in April in Japan so if you are interested your kids could start right away. Their phone number is 0468-22-0018. Ms. Yuko is the lady who speaks English.

Just wanted to add, the Japanese preschools have some intimidating starting fees- around $1200 or more for enrollment fees, tuition, supplies and uniforms. I know each one is different, but that is a good average I think. Monthly tuition is probably around $300/mo (again, just an average ballpark).

Take a visit to the local schools. Everyone I know sends their kids to a different one, but everyone is happy with the one they've chosen. Some people like Seika because there are a lot of American kids there... some don't like it for that same reason. Some like Hayama because it's in English, some want Japanese language schools. We chose Mikuni because it's very close and the owners are our neighbors... and because there are so few Americans- at least "full blooded" ones. I think there are several with at least one Japanese parent.

Good luck! Japanese pre-school is so different than American ones, it's almost like stepping back in time. But it's such a great experience.

I'd like to see the rating system Adam talked about in another thread used for the pre schools. I really want to send Jr. to a local school and want to be as knowledgeable as possibile before we pick a school.

Doc

I have a few friends who have kids who go to Seika, and they like it. The only complaints I hear is about the extra fees you may have to pay here and there (I heard their charges for field trips are outrageous).

I had a few friends who had their kids in Mikuni (which picks up outside the main gate), a couple of them pulled their children out because they felt the school was no longer supportive of having English speaking children there.

Many of my friends have children at Hayama International school, and they LOVE it. In comparing the Kindergarten and first grade of Hayama vs. Ikego with my friend who's son goes there, I would say that a better education could probably be achieved at Hayama.

Tirani is correct, preschools in Japan are very expensive, and there aren't enough public preschools even for Japanese children. To get into highly rated preschools, you are looking at waiting lists even. I can't speak to international preschools, just normal Japanese preschools. Japanese politicians often talk about doing more to create a better preschool system, but just like politicians every where, it seems to be mostly talk.

Since I have no children of my own, this is based on the experience of friends and coworkers, as well as my experience working inside elementary and junior high schools in Japan and what I know of from teacher conferences and workshops that have discussed this issue.

Which one picks up the kids in a fire engine looking bus? Or is it a train?

Doc

Seika has the train bus.

Softball... I'm surprised your friends had a bad experience with Mikuni. When I talk to my friends who send their kids to Seika, they are always jealous I get all the letters home typed out in English. The owners speak perfect English and every important paper, form, newsletter is always in English. Even their website and parents only picture section is in English. They recently had an art festival and they labeled the American's kids art in English so we'd have an easier time finding our kids work! During parent orientation meetings I was always pulled aside and given one on one instructions on what to do. I'm just surprised, I always found it so welcoming and English-friendly.  Was it recently that happened?

You can download a list of preschool options including local Japanese preschools from the school liaison website. It is on the CFAY website under quicklinks
http://auth.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/.../index.htm

We have checked out local schools and we are sending our kids to Hayama International. My son will be going to Kindergarten and our daughter will be in prekindergarten. They will remain at the school the entire two years we are here. It is close to our home and the staff has been very helpful. The school is beautiful, with beach views. We feel our kids will get a great education there. I will let you know how it goes. They will start in June.

I am friends with the owner and the principal there. I know almost all the teachers and yes, I think they will be great for your childs education. Yes the school recently went through a major renovation. Its very beautiful. Good luck with everything. Also the owner of the school is a member of the website. Look up hayama international school as a display name in the H list. He speaks english, and can help if you have any questions or need any assistance.
www.japanbases.com

mcclanto, my son just turns to 3. I am looking for a pre-school for him. Could you tell me how much tuition in Hayama intl? I checked their website, only see the 50,000yen adm fee... TIA

I think tuition is different depending on grade and how many days of the week. I also think there is a difference in military/civilian. Just email the school and take a tour. My kids have been going since June and I have only good things to say about it. They have been great at helping my son adjust and my daughter has learned so much in prekindergarten.

http://www.hayama-international.co....index.html

More About Hayama International School:

http://www.japanbases.com/forums/aft/993.aspx

mcclanto & JB Staff, thanks for the info.