FAQ
The questions we are asked most about admissions and school life. If yours is not here, please just ask.
Admissions
QCan we visit the school?
Yes — tours are welcome all year round. Please call us on 046-223-7543 or use the enquiry form. You are welcome to bring your child. Every September we also hold an open day where you can see an ordinary day at the school.
QFrom what age can a child start?
The youngest class is for children who turn three during the school year (so they are two when it starts). That year group has two classes; we also admit children for three, two or one year of kindergarten. The relevant dates of birth are on the admissions page.
QWhat are the steps to enrolment?
Open day and tours in September; application forms in October; applications and interviews in November; documents handed over in January–February; uniform and supplies collected in March; and the entrance ceremony in April. For this year’s dates and the application fee, please see the admissions page.
QCan a child join partway through the year?
It depends on whether there is space in the class. Please call us on 046-223-7543 in the first instance. We can also explain joining after your child’s third birthday.
QHow much are the fees?
Tuition is effectively free under Japan’s free early childhood education and care scheme (the amount is set by your municipality according to income). There are other charges, such as the education enrichment fee, school lunch fee, facilities fee and heating and cooling fee. Please see the admissions page for details.
QWe heard you are a certified centre for early childhood education and care — is that different from a kindergarten?
We opened as a kindergarten in 1965 and were certified as a kindergarten-type centre for early childhood education and care in April 2013. Alongside kindergarten education, we can look after children for longer hours where a family needs childcare.
School life
QWhat are the school hours?
Children arrive between 9:00 and 9:15. On full days they go home between 14:00 and 14:15; on half days, between 11:15 and 11:30. Times may change for school events.
QIs there a school lunch, or should we send a packed lunch?
You can choose school lunch five days a week or three. With the three-day option, please send a packed lunch on the other two days. Monthly costs are under “Monthly fees” on the admissions page.
QOur child has a food allergy — can you accommodate that?
We will hear about your child’s situation and do as much as we can. Please raise it at the pre-enrolment interview or when you visit.
QIs there a school bus?
We run six school buses. The fare is under “Monthly fees” on the admissions page (half price for one-way use, and waived in full if you do not use the bus). Routes and stops depend on where you live, so please ask us.
QIs there a uniform?
Yes. Uniform and school supplies are handed over together in March, before your child starts.
QOur child is not out of nappies yet — is that all right?
Every child grows at their own pace. We work on it together, sharing how things are going at home and at school, so please talk to us before your child starts if you are worried. (The preschool classes of the after-school Den-en Swimming School are for children who are out of nappies.)
QCan children use the pool all year round?
Yes. Our indoor heated pool has an ozone purification system, so children can enjoy the water whatever the season. Lessons with certified swimming teachers are held once a week.
QWhat safety measures are in place?
The building is earthquake- and fire-resistant reinforced concrete, and every classroom is heated and air-conditioned. We have a paediatric AED, security cameras, sensor lights, shatterproof film on the glass and a store of emergency supplies.
Extended care and after-school classes
QHow late does extended care run?
Morning Kinder starts at 7:30, and Kinder Class runs after the school day until 18:30. Many working families use it.
QIs there care during the long holidays?
Yes, we offer care during the long holidays. Dates and how to book vary from year to year, so please ask us.
QWhat after-school classes are there?
We run the Den-en Swimming School, Gymnastics Club and Soccer Club ourselves. Visiting instructors also offer Pencil Land, Kawai music and art classes, and English for children from the California Language School.
QCan children who do not attend the kindergarten join?
The swimming, gymnastics and soccer clubs all have classes for primary school children. Please ask us for details.
Other
QAre there classes for children who have not started kindergarten?
Three: Nobinobi Land, a group for two- and three-year-olds; Piyopiyo, a play group for one-year-olds and their parents; and KIDS WORLD, parent-and-child exercise for ages 0–3. You can also use Atsugi City’s Daredemo Tsuen childcare scheme (for ages 1 and 2) at Den-en. For days, times and dates, please see the pre-kindergarten classes page.
QCan you look after a one- or two-year-old?
Yes. Atsugi Den-en Gakuen runs two nurseries for one- and two-year-olds: Den-en Nursery Peek-a-boo (attached to the kindergarten) and Den-en Poka-poka (a company-led nursery). Both open Monday to Friday and include lunch. See the nursery page for classes, opening hours and how to apply.
QCan you look after our child after school once they start primary school?
The Den-en After-School Club looks after primary school children after school and during the long holidays. On school days we run a bus to collect children from the Sanda, Shimizu and Tsumada primary schools. Occasional care is also available for children not enrolled in the club.
QIs there parking?
There is the second playground (used as a car park), the east car park and bicycle parking. We explain how to use them each time there is a school event.
QCan we come and play before our child starts kindergarten?
Please do. As well as Nobinobi Land, Piyopiyo and KIDS WORLD, tours are welcome all year round. Just give us a call.
Still not sure? Just ask us
No question is too small. The best way to understand life here is to come and see it.
046-223-7543You can also see more on the Programmes and Facilities pages.