Elementary School Transfer Procedures

There are certain procedures that need to be followed when transferring from one public elementary school to another school due to moving. School transfer, “tenkou” in Japanese, means to change schools. Procedures are different depending on whether or not the transfer happens within the same local government area or between different areas. Parents may want to start preparations early rather than just before moving to make sure you have enough time to complete the necessary procedures.

Necessary Documents and Procedures for School Transfers

School transfer procedures are different depending on if the new school is within the same local government area as the previous one or in another area. School administration procedures, such as document preparations, are required. Make sure to notify your child’s school once you decide to move.

◯If the school transfer is within the same local government area:

1. Notify the current school:

Notify your child’s current school that you are moving. The school will issue documents such as “zaigaku shoumeisho (Certificate of Student Enrollment)” and “kyokayou tosho kyuuyo shoumeisho (a form showing proof that the student has received textbooks)”, which need to be submitted to the new school. Store them in a secure place and be sure not to lose them.

2. Notify the new school:

Public schools assign students based on their residential address. Check for your child’s new school based on your new address. Ask at your local government office if you do not know which will be your child’s new school.

Reference: “School Choice System” Which Offers Choices of Schools You Can Attend

3. Submit “tenkyotodoke (Notification of Change of Address)” at your local government office:

“Tenkyotodoke (Notification of Change of Address)” (which is available for you to fill in at the local government office) and “zaigaku shoumeisho (Certificate of Student Enrollment)” need to be submitted at your local government office. Then they will issue a “tennyuugaku tsuuchisho (Transfer Notification Form)” which will need to be submitted to your child’s new school. Be sure not to lose it.

4. Follow the necessary procedures at your child’s new school:

Submit “zaigaku shoumeisho (Certificate of Student Enrollment)”, “kyokayou tosho kyuuyo shoumeisho (a form showing proof that the student has received textbooks)”, and “tennyuugaku tsuuchisho (Transfer Notification Form)” to your child’s new school and follow the necessary procedures to complete the school transfer process.

◯If the school transfer is to a different local government area:

1. Notify the current school:

2. Notify the board of education in the area you are moving to:

Notify the board of education in the area you are moving to and check your child’s new school. Contact the local government office in the area you are moving to for the contact information of the board of education.

3. Notify the new school:

Notify your child’s new school.

4. Submit “tenkyotodoke (Notification of Change of Address)” at your new local government office:

5. Follow the necessary procedures at your child’s new school:

Preparation for School Transfer

Check what your child needs to bring to the new school and prepare it early if there is something missing. Some schools may give instructions that you do not have to buy new supplies designated by the new school, such as gym clothes and indoor shoes. Ask teachers and staff at your child’s new school if you have any questions. Say goodbye to teachers and school friends on the last day that your child attends school before moving.

There are many steps to follow for school transfer procedures. Ask at your child’s school or local government office if you have any questions, and make sure you have plenty of time to complete the necessary steps.