Schools ・ Kindergarten, elementary and junior high school >> ・ Enrollment Procedures >> ・After-school care >> ・Counseling rooms >> Lifelong learning		A kindergarten is a facility for children from three years old to immediately before entering elementary school. Children attend kindergarten for approximately five hours a day. [Drop-off and pick-up] Most kindergartens pick up and drop off children by bus. There are 18 kindergartens in Atsugi, all of which are private. To apply for admission to a kindergarten, contact the relevant kindergarten directly. Applications are accepted starting November 1. <Contacts> Educational Administration Section, Phone (046) 225-2262 In Japan, children are required to receive nine years of compulsory education, specifically, six years of elementary school and three years of junior high school. Non-Japanese parents may enroll their children in public schools if they wish. If non-Japanese residents want their children to attend public elementary school and junior high school, it is necessary to complete the entrance procedure at the School Education Section of the city's Board of Education. When you come to the office, bring your child's alien registration certificate and your inkan (official name stamp) with you. The elementary and junior high schools that your child will attend are determined based on the area in which you live. All lessons are given in Japanese. Tuition is free in the case of municipal schools. Although textbooks are distributed free of charge, you will be required to partially cover the cost of educational materials. You will also be required to cover the cost of the school-provided lunch at elementary school and milk at junior high school. If you would have difficulty in meeting these expenses, a system is in place to help you. For details, ask your school or the city's School Education Section. <Contacts> School Education Section, Phone (046) 225-2650