Hi,

I would like to know more any any japanese preschools/nursery schools located near the Yokosuka base. I have two little ones and I would love for them to become bilingual.

Also, I have read about some very interesting education classes for kids that are available either through a school called Shichida or one called Henguru. Do you know if any are located near the Yokosuka base as well?

Thank you.

Right outside Womble gate is a Japanese pre-school that lots of base children attend. It is Mikasa pre school, and from what i hear, they accept new student any time of year. Also, i have friends that have their kids in Hayama International, though its a bit more expensive. If you google either one of these schools, im sure you can find some info. Hope this helps!

There seem to be 4 main schools the base folks use. I haven't met anyone who has been unhappy with the school they've chosen, so be sure to go visit them all and find out which one fits your budget and family lifestyle the best. Some people are looking for a more American style, some want total Japanese style. Talk to the different schools and find the one that works best for you!

Mikasa is right outside the Womble Gate. Seems to have a large population of base kids. Walk to the school from base. Catholic.

Seika- Not too far from base, and has a cool train bus that picks up kids at each tower/house. Also seems to have a large American student population. Very expensive (more so than Mikasa from what I understand from friends) but has a lot of activities. I know it's religious based, but nut sure if it's Catholic or Christian.

Mikuni- A little further than Seika, also has a bus that goes to base and Ikego. Not very many Americans (2 or 3 that are "white", but a few more 1/2 Japanese kids). My son goes to Mikuni, so I know most about this one. Owners speak fluent English and send home all newsletters, information in English. Costs more than Mikasa, but not as much as Seika I think. Christian curriculum. Website- some basic info in English http://www.mikuni.ed.jp/

Hayama International- I believe English is the main language spoken here. I'm not too familiar with it, it's also the furthest from Base, but they also have a bus. This would be the more American style school, more casual uniforms, etc. Near the beach sot hey take field trips there often.

As I said, I know people who send their kids to all those schools- and even some others near Ikego, and everyone is happy with the one they've chosen. Be prepared to pay though, registration and admission fees can easily come to $1000 just to get started, then there is the monthly tuition- about $200 range. Uniforms are another expense. And Japanese school is so different than US Pre-school, but it's such a great experience. Good luck with your choice!

Wow....Are there any FREE preschools on base? 1000 bucks to get started?? If thats the case I'll home school till my little one starts kinder

Thanks for the feedback. I was able to locate one of the specific extracurricular classes we are interested in.

Yokosuka Ky oshi tsu
0468-27-3012
3 min walk from Shioiri Station (Tokyo Line)

http://www.shichida.ne.jp/map/schoo...id=045014#


Could anyone who can read the Japanese text on the website tell me what it says about

-Trial/preview class
-Wait lists
-Weekly/monthly fees and how to pay
-Sibling discounts for enrolling 2 kids (ages 1 & 2)
-Registration fees
-Hiring for teachers (I am an native english speaking American with a bachelors degree in the US, my understanding is that they hire a certain amount of native english speakers on contract and then the tuition is discounted for your children.)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

I recommend clicking this link:
http://translate.google.com/transla...hida-g.com

It will display the website somewhat translated to English, where I was able to copy the below information.  I couldnt find some of the questions you were looking for from the website.
------------------
〒 238-0041 神奈川県横須賀市本町３－１３　ビルド・ジュン３Ｆ Jun 3-13 Honcho Yokosuka Building 3F

Hello, I Yokosuka school
Yokosuka classroom, early childhood child's ability to extract the maximum, the most important development of the mind to think, not unreasonable that the ability and curiosity inherent in children will enjoy growing.

Yokosuka classrooms filled with smiling children, please come into play once all means!

Teachers are skilled in leadership style Shichida, bright and energetic,
Fun, lessons do thorough coverage

Play memory, image training, and various efforts such as reading books, Children, of course, willing to mother bon appétit!

The classroom is full of family smile.

Yokosuka classroom to satisfy my mother, staff are working hard every day. Parenting problems, and bon appétit consultation will also stray.

Parenting dream grow. Let us enjoy our parenting together.

PRICE LIST BELOW, CLICK THE LINK TO VIEW IN ENGLISH.
 
http://translate.google.com/transla...hida-g.com%2Fcourse_price.html

Thanks for the great idea on translating!

Also, if we end up using the base, do any of the CDC centers offer a Japanese immersion room where all of the teachers speak Japanese? Thanks.

LOL... No. 

Tirani, can you please clarify if that "no" answer was in regards to the question about free preschools or the question about japanese immersion classes at the CDC. Thanks.

No to both.

Actually I'm not 100% sure of the full time CDC, but I'm pretty sure even if you're a dual military, low grade family you still have to pay something. Child care is in high demand and there are not enough providers on base. Contact info is here https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/MWR/ChildandYouthPrograms/ChildCare/index.htm

They should be able to give you accurate info on pricing, qualifying and wait list times.

btw, Japanese school you would either pay in cash each month or set up a Japanese bank account and they will take the money out each month.

Tirani - Can I ask you some questions about the Mikuni school?

We live in Ikego and have a 3 1/2 year old we are thinking of putting in Japanese pre-school. She currently attends CDC on main base. I looked at the Mikuni web site and I like their philosophy of exercise and outdoor play, music as well as the Christian approach.

What language is primarily spoken?
Where does the bus pick up children in Ikego? Main base?
Is the school hard to get into? Is there a waiting list or long lines for application?
When is registration?

Thank you!

Acutally Alexis there is one free preschool on base. But your child has to go through EDIS (early education Intervention services). Your child also has to be lacking in something to get the services offed througth them. Like my son was a little over 2and half and he spoke no words. Not one he didnt eve call me mommy until two weeks before his 3rd birthday. They also do physical therapy,developent therapy, speach therapy ect. Now once you are in the EDIS program at the end of 6months your child gets re-evalueted. This decieds weather or not the therapy continues. Also if your child is 3+ it determines weather or not your child will be allowed into the free preschool on base.
My son they said is what is called a "late talker" happnds mostly to boy bewteen 2 and 4. So once my son started talking they said he would not benifit from the preschool on base. So the only free preshcool that is availble is for kids who really need the extra umph to get rolling.

Vballmom-

Mikuni accepts kids in Ikego and has a bus that goes out that way (I'm not sure where exactly though). They are accepting some students, I'm looking at the last newsletter and it says there is a day to play with teachers on Aug 26 and 27 (open house type event I guess) and they'll pick you up with their bus. Getting accepted may depend on if there's room on the school bus for you.

Japanese is the primary language, but the owners speak fluent English and at least one teacher is also fluent. A couple know a little bit and half are only Japanese speakers. My son's first teacher spoke English and he didn't learn much Japanese. This year, Sensei only speaks in Japanese and he's learned so much more in such a short time. They do send home all the newsletters, announcements, etc in English so I always know what is going on.

The kids are outside as much as possible, doing songs and dances, getting fit,

I would give them a call, ask for Kiomi. 046-852-6633 (though they may not be back at school until next week)

Do you know any Christian School on Yokosuka area?

Thank you!

Mikuni mentioned above is a Christian based preschool.