"I'm interested in an English-based education, but how is it different from a regular kindergarten?"
"I'm worried my child might become 'semilingual,' not mastering either Japanese or English properly."
"What if we pay high tuition fees, only for our child to forget their English once they start elementary school?"
Bilingual kindergartens (preschools) are rapidly increasing, especially in Tokyo and other urban areas.
While many parents hope to give their child "the English skills to succeed globally," concerns about high costs, post-graduation paths, and Japanese language development are endless.
In this article, from the perspective of an education consultant, we provide a neutral, in-depth explanation to help you make a choice you won't regret. We'll cover the differences between three main types of institutions, the real costs (including subsidy eligibility), and the biggest concern of all: Japanese language education.
1. It's Complicated! Understanding the 3 Main Types of Institutions
What is broadly called an "English kindergarten" can actually be divided into three main types. Confusing them can lead to a mismatch between your expectations and reality.
Detailed Comparison by Institution Type
Type | ① Established International Schools | ② Bilingual Kindergartens (Preschools) | ③ Japanese Kindergartens with an English Focus |
Examples | ASIJ (Early Learning Center), BST, Seisen, etc. | Kinder Kids, KDI, Laurus, etc. | Buddy Sports Kindergarten, English courses at private kindergartens in Tokyo |
English Environment | All English (100%) | English 70% : Japanese 30% (Varies by school) | English 20% : Japanese 80% |
Educators | Native-speaking teachers (with home country teaching licenses) | Native-speaking English instructors + Japanese-speaking teachers | Japanese-speaking teachers + English instructors |
Japanese Language Support | Almost none | Dedicated Japanese language time | Primarily Japanese (events are also in the Japanese style) |
Main Post-Graduation Paths | Continue to the elementary section of an international school | International, private, or public elementary schools | Private or public elementary schools |
How to Choose:
- Type ①: For families committed to an international school path or moving abroad. Japanese language education becomes the family's responsibility.
- Type ②: For families who want strong English skills while keeping the option of transitioning to the Japanese school system open (the most common choice today).
- Type ③: For families who want to introduce English in a fun, extracurricular-like setting.
2. The "Money" Talk: Typical Costs and the Subsidy Trap
While it's true that preschools are expensive, you can reduce the burden by using the system wisely.
Realistic First-Year Costs in the Tokyo Area
- Application Fee: ¥100,000 - ¥300,000
- Annual Tuition: ¥1,000,000 - ¥2,500,000
- Other (Hidden) Costs:
Facility Maintenance & Materials Fee: ¥100,000 - ¥200,000 per year
Lunch Fee: ¥10,000 - ¥20,000 per month
Uniforms & Bus Fee: ¥100,000+ initially
Summer School: Sometimes mandatory, adding ¥100,000+
Total: You should budget for approximately ¥1.5 to ¥3 million for the first year.
The Real Cost of Preschool in Japan: A Guide to Subsidies and Hidden Fees
Can You Use the "Free Early Childhood Education and Care" Subsidy? A Flowchart
This subsidy program started in 2019. Many preschools, as "non-authorized childcare facilities" (ninka-gai hoiku shisetsu), are eligible under the following conditions.
- Are both parents working?
YES: If you receive "Certification of Need for Childcare" (Category 2 or 3), you can receive a subsidy of up to ¥37,000 per month.
NO (Single-income households): Unfortunately, you are generally not eligible (※Some municipalities offer partial aid for facilities similar to kindergartens, such as Tokyo's unique subsidies).
Note: The subsidy only covers "childcare fees." Application fees, lunch, and bus fees are not included.
3. "Will My Child's Japanese Be Delayed?" The Semilingual Issue
The theory that starting English too early can lead to a child becoming "semilingual" (not fully proficient in either language) is a major fear for parents.
Expert Opinions and Solutions
From a linguistic perspective, it's held that "without a strong foundation in the mother tongue (Japanese), a second language (English) cannot develop deeply."
However, this does not mean you should avoid preschools.
Common Traits of Successful Families:
- They completely switch between English at school and Japanese at home.
- They are diligent about reading Japanese picture books aloud.
- They make it a habit to have their child explain school events "in Japanese."
How Schools Are Responding:
Many popular schools today (like KDI and Kinder Kids) incorporate a solid "Japanese curriculum (intellectual development, Japanese cultural events)" in the afternoon, designed to ensure students' Japanese proficiency is at the level of public elementary school students upon graduation.
4. Post-Graduation Paths: Overcoming the "First-Grade Wall"
"My child's English peaked at graduation, and they forgot everything after starting elementary school."
This is the so-called "First-Grade Wall."
3 Main Paths and Strategies for Maintaining English
- Advance to an International Elementary School
English proficiency will continue to grow, but challenges include high tuition (¥3 million+ per year) and potential delays in Japanese language development.
- Advance to a Private Elementary School with a Strong English Program
The number of private elementary schools offering English immersion programs (e.g., LCA International School, Gunma Kokusai Academy) is increasing. This offers a good balance, but admission can be highly competitive.
- Advance to a Public Elementary School + Attend an After-School Program
This is the most common path.
Essential Strategy: Attend an English-language after-school program (gakudo) 3-4 times a week or take daily online English lessons. Without consistent practice, children can lose their English in as little as three months.
5. School Tour Checklist to Avoid Regrets
A website might look great, but you won't know the reality until you visit. Look for these things during your tour.
- Teacher Retention Rate: Be cautious of schools where international teachers change frequently (it can lead to unstable quality).
- The Role of Japanese-Speaking Teachers: Do they support a struggling child in Japanese, or do they strictly enforce an English-only policy? (Confirm the school's approach).
- Playground Availability: If the school is only inside a building, how do they ensure time for outdoor play and exercise? (e.g., frequency of visits to nearby parks).
- Parent Community Vibe: Does the level of parent involvement and the overall educational enthusiasm of the community feel like a good fit for you?
6. Conclusion: No School is Perfect, So Establish Your "Family's Core Principles"
Bilingual kindergartens are not magical places. If you enroll thinking "my child will automatically become bilingual just by attending," you will likely be disappointed with the return on your investment.
However, as long as you have a solid plan for "Japanese language support at home" and "maintaining English after graduation," immersing your child in English during their early years can be the greatest gift, significantly expanding their future possibilities.
Start by attending an open house or tour at a school that interests you to experience the atmosphere firsthand.
Free Consultation for Early Childhood Education and School Choice
"Which type of school is right for my child?" "I want to create a long-term plan that includes post-graduation paths."
At ELT, we provide educational consulting that covers everything from early childhood English education to university entrance.
- School Selection: We'll help you find schools that match your area, budget, and educational philosophy.
- Home Learning Support: Learn how to develop your child's Japanese skills while they attend preschool.
- Post-Graduation Plan: We'll help you choose the best after-school programs to maintain English proficiency.
