Starpath
Japan homeschool checklist
Leaving school
- Send a withdrawal letter
- Where: Local school and education board
- How: Written notice or futoko report
- When: Immediately upon decision
Notice and filing
- Notification: Yes, once
- What to file: Non-attendance report (不登校届)
- When: Upon non-attendance notice
- Where: Local municipal education board
- How to submit: In person or mail
- What to include
- Child details, reason for non-attendance, planned education plan
Subjects and hours
- Instruction: Parent-led equivalent to school curriculum; board may send teachers
Records to keep
- Records: Recommended; show equivalent education if queried
Testing and assessment
- Testing: Not required; optional board assessments
- Assessment: Local board monitors via visits; no formal approval
Deadlines
- Futoko notification: Within 30 days of non-attendance
Contacts and official sources
- MEXT: Education Opportunity Assurance Law explanation (www.mext.go.jp/content/20231018-mxt_syoto02-000021384_001010.pdf)
- e-Gov: Act on Ensuring Opportunities for Education (full text) (laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/428AC1000000105)