Kochi Education Environment Guide | The Future of Children Learning in Kochi Prefecture

When raising children in Kochi, the educational environment is a major concern. Education in Kochi Prefecture is at a level comparable to the national average, with education that leverages regional characteristics. The enhancement of educational environments is one of the most important criteria for families with children when choosing a place to relocate, and Kochi has an environment that meets these expectations. Through the GIGA School Initiative, one tablet per student has been deployed, and ICT education is rapidly advancing. Experiential learning in an environment blessed with the clear waters of the Shimanto River and the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean provides educational value that children cannot obtain in urban areas. The term "educational migration" has emerged as more families choose their relocation destination with their children's educational environment as the top priority. Kochi Prefecture is known as a region with high educational awareness, characterized by education where schools and communities work together.

Public School Characteristics and School Districts

There are 20-60 public elementary schools in the city, and school assignments are determined based on the school district system. Schools around Hirome Market are large-scale, while suburban schools are small-scale, with characteristics varying by location. The warm climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. An increasing number of schools are introducing international exchange programs, with a high rate of ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) placement, providing daily opportunities for children to experience native English. Taking advantage of small-class education, responses to school refusal are detailed, and collaboration systems with free schools are also established. Marine education in the Seto Inland Sea is a unique feature not found in other regions. Typical commuting distances are 15-25 minutes on foot for elementary schools and 15-20 minutes by bicycle for junior high schools. When choosing housing, don't forget to check the school district.

Private Schools and Extracurricular Activities

Private schools are limited, but public schools are of high quality and provide sufficient education. Experiences unique to Shikoku, such as pilgrim walking, are also educational resources. For extracurricular activities, swimming costs 5,000-7,000 yen per month, abacus 3,000-5,000 yen per month, and programming 6,000-10,000 yen per month. Sports clubs cost 1,000-3,000 yen per month, with baseball, soccer, and volleyball being popular. Learning crams schools range from national chains (10,000-30,000 yen per month) to locally-focused ones (5,000-15,000 yen per month), offering abundant choices. By utilizing online learning services, it's possible to receive the same level of education as in metropolitan areas while living in rural areas.

ICT Education and Lifelong Learning

The GIGA School Initiative has equipped each student with a tablet, realizing individualized optimal learning. Project-based learning (PBL) to solve regional issues through technology has begun. The library has over 500,000 books and has started e-book lending services. Some schools have begun immersion classes taught by ALTs, and progressive educational programs where students learn science and social studies in English are gaining attention. After-school programming classes are held twice a month as a free municipal program. There are multiple libraries in the city with over 500,000 books. The e-book lending service and the well-stocked children's book corner are also highly rated.

School Refusal Support and Diverse Learning Opportunities

Kochi has established support systems for students who refuse to attend school. Learning opportunities outside of school, such as free schools and play parks, are abundant. Outdoor activity programs that take advantage of the warm climate promote the physical and mental recovery of children. "Walking learning," which involves walking part of the Shikoku pilgrimage route, is gaining attention as a unique initiative that combines mental care with physical fitness. At the lifelong learning center, people can participate in various cultural classes for just a few hundred yen per month, making it popular as a place for retirees to continue learning. Having many "learning" options is a great source of reassurance for families with children.

Diverse Learning Opportunities and School Refusal Support

Support systems for students who refuse to attend school are also established. Multiple educational support centers have been set up in the city with specialized counselors on staff. Learning opportunities outside of school, such as free schools and play parks, are abundant. Outdoor activity programs that take advantage of the warm climate promote physical and mental recovery. Having many "learning" options is a great source of reassurance for families with children. At the lifelong learning center, people can participate in various cultural classes for just a few hundred yen per month.