Education

SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER

• Inbound & Outbound Student Transition
• School Deployment Notifications
• Connects families to community and installation resources.
• Educates schools, communities, and commanders on the unique challenges impacting military children.
• Offers post-secondary preparation resources.
• Identifies education related matters that impact military-connected students.

18 MSG Administrative Office, Building 99

DSN: 634-2231; Duty Mobile: 080-6489-8617

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday • 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays • Closed

Email: 18msg.kadenaslo@us.af.mil

School registration online

Kadena SLO

https://kadenafss.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Required-Enrollment-Documentation.pdf

To ensure better stability for your children, all incoming personnel that have school age children are to contact the School liaison officer prior to enrolling their children in school. Because of school zoning, personnel should wait until after they have had their housing briefing to enroll their children in school. This is in an effort to avoid having to move children from the school they are zoned for while in billeting to the school where their permanent quarters will be located.

There are no American "public" schools available in Okinawa. Children of families with orders to Okinawa attend the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) on the various bases at no cost. They can also choose to attend one of the various religious affiliated schools off-base which have varying fee structures.

Number of DoD Schools on Okinawa

• Elementary: 8
• Middle schools: 3
• High schools: 2

KINDERGARTEN

Students must be five years old on or before September 1st of the current calendar year to be eligible to register for the upcoming school year.

FIRST GRADE

Students must be six years old on or before September 1st of the current calendar year to be eligible to register for the upcoming school year.

ORDERS

ALL orders must have the student(s) name listed AND rotation date (when you leave the island). For Marines, the tour length can be found on Web Orders (usually 36 months) . For Navy, it is listed as PRD (Projected Rotation Date).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Sponsor’s Orders, Web Orders, Certification of Employment, SF50, Contract, etc.  Area Clearance or Dependent Entry Approval (ONLY if the dependent’s name isn’t on Orders), Copy of Immunizations, Lease, Housing Assignment Letter, Hotel Receipt, etc., Previous School Records IF YOU HAVE THEM and Passport OR Birth Certificate

ONLINE REGISTRATION

www.dodea.edu/DORS You can upload all documents straight to the DORS website or taken to your zoned school.

SCHOOL ZONING

While living in temporary housing, your child is zoned for the school in that area. When you have been assigned permanent housing (on or off base), there is a possibility that your child could be moved to another school unless you live in the same zoning area. For more information, call the School Registrar or the District Registrar at the numbers listed. The Bus Transportation Office can be reached at: okin-bus@pac.dodea.edu

Courses Provided at the Secondary Level

Both high schools offer courses similar to the best stateside secondary schools for students to earn the 26 Carnegie Units necessary for graduation. Over 50% of the DoDDS graduates attend college. Among the graduates are National Merit Scholars and military academy appointees. A number of scholarships for the local American organizations as well as national scholarships are awarded each year to graduating seniors.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The following is a list of after-school activities: Yearbook; Newspaper; Student Council; Instrumental Music; Track; Choral; Music; Drama; Letterman's Club; Cheerleaders; Drill Team; Stage Crew; Radio Club; Football; Tennis: Boys-Girls Intramurals; Boys-Girls Volleyball; Photography; Wrestling; Boys-Girls Basketball; Boys-Girls Soccer; Computer Club; Honor Societies; Ecology Club; and Boys-Girls Cross Country.

Library Facilities Available to Students

All DoD schools have library/media centers that exceed the AdvancED accreditation standards. The library facilities in all schools include extensive collections of library books, audio-visual materials and equipment. Each of the libraries has a computer network which provides student access to information within the school and worldwide. All schools are equipped with a variety of multimedia resources. In addition to DoDDS' libraries, students also have access and use of the base library facilities.

Supplementary Services Available

There are a variety of specialists and programs which supplement and enrich the regular classroom program. All schools are staffed with a guidance counselor, a nurse, a reading improvement specialist, an English As a Second Language (ESL) specialist, compensatory education teacher and a media specialist (librarian). Sure Start, a program targeted for "at risk" children who would benefit from a comprehensive preschool experience is in place in six schools on Okinawa. Additionally, eight school psychologists provide itinerant service to all thirteen schools, and the two work experience coordinators, assigned to the high schools, provide appropriate services to all schools upon request. Advanced placement and Honors classes, JROTC, and AVID are offered at both high schools.

Special Education Program

All children with disabilities from ages 3 to 21 (unless graduated from high school), who are space required are eligible for an appropriate education in the DoD schools.

If you have such dependents in your family, you are required to enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) at your current command. EFMP screenings are required prior to PCS move overseas.

POC: Special Education Coordinator, District Superintendents Office, DSN: 315-632-7145.

Program for Gifted Education

Gifted Education programs are available for students who meet the DoDDS identification criteria by providing evaluative evidence from previous schools that is consistent with the DoDDS criteria. Instructional programs are provided by fully qualified Gifted Ed. resource teachers and the regular classroom teachers.

Other Enrichment Activities

Okinawa has been the host for Pacific Region activities for the Far East Speech and Drama Festival, Far East Boys' Basketball (AA Division) and Cheerleading Competition, the Honors Far East Music Festival and the Far East Computer Contest. In addition, students from Okinawa may compete in the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium held in Tsukuba, Japan. Locally, an island wide science fair and spelling bee are held annually.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores for all schools in the Okinawa District are available through the DoDEA Data Center.

School Advisory Committee (SAC) 

There is a SAC at each school, comprised of 50% parents and 50% professional educators (teachers) of the respective schools, to advise the principal on school matters. We believe that parents, teachers, students, DoDDS administrators, and military commanders share the responsibility to work collectively in supporting the schools and to enhance programs. This support is required to improve not only the delivery of educational programs and services to DoDDS students, but also to improve the overall quality of life shared by all personnel in the American overseas communities, of which the schools are an integral part.

PTA/Parent Volunteers 

We welcome parent volunteers in our schools. Many programs in our schools are enhanced through the time and efforts provided by parents and other interested adults in our community. Please let the school know when you will be available to help and the kind of help you wish to offer. We have active Parent Teacher's Associations in each school that are affiliated with the National PTA in the US.

Please let the school know about work experiences you are willing to share with students or faculty. Some of our resources to reinforce good work habits, academics, and preparation for seeking jobs have come from parent volunteers. We have many teaching materials in our schools, but the next best thing to personal experience is personal interaction.

Homeschooling

There are many opportunities for those wishing to home educate their children while living on Okinawa. There are three support groups (OCHEA, IDEA International, and FISH (Faith in Schooling Homes), as well as, support groups, CO-OP groups and play groups open to all military island-wide.

Okinawa Christian Home Educators Association (OCHEA)

OCHEA consists of a group of approximately 40 families who are currently home schooling. As the name infers, OCHEA is a Christian based support group, with membership open to anyone who is interested in or presently homeschooling. Encouragement, help and services are offered to all, regardless of religious preference.

SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER

• Inbound & Outbound Student Transition
• School Deployment Notifications
• Connects families to community and installation resources.
• Educates schools, communities, and commanders on the unique challenges impacting military children.
• Offers post-secondary preparation resources.
• Identifies education related matters that impact military-connected students.

18 MSG Administrative Office, Building 99

DSN: 634-2231; Duty Mobile: 080-6489-8617

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday • 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays • Closed

Email:18msg.kadenaslo@us.af.mil

LOCAL OFF-BASE SCHOOLS

**Disclaimer-Information was collected from internet research to provide families with more care options.  No federal endorsement intended.

Santa Monica Okinawa International School

098-936-3656 (Chatan-town)

Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten

http://www.okinawainternationalschool.com/

East-West Montessori School

098-983-7303 (Chatan-town)

Age 2-6 years old

Sunshine Montessori School

098-936-9968 (Chatan-town)

Age 6 weeks-6 years old, School age care (before and after school care)

www.sunshinemontessoriokinawa.com

Rainbow Montessori Education Center

098-936-2060 (Chatan-town)

Age 6 weeks-6 years old

www.rainbowmontessoriokinawa.com

Wee Care International Preschool

098-926-2549 (Chatan-town)

Age 6 weeks-6 years old

http://english.plat-okinawa.jp/life/shop/detail.jsp?id=64615

Busy Bee School

098-934-0255/080-4054-5086 (Chatan-town)

Age 18 month-6^th grade

www.busybee-school.jp

Ai International Preschool

098-936-0144 (Chatan-town)

Age 0-5 years old

http://www.ai-okinawa-preschool.com/

American Preschool

080-1743-1010 (Chatan-town)

Ages 2-6 years old

Zion Christian Academy International

098-936-9986 (Chatn-town)

Age 3-12^th grade
 

Early Learners International School

098-957-2421 (Kadena-town)

Preschool

Okinawa Christian School International

098-958-3000 (Yomitan-Village)

PreK-12^th grade

www.ocsi.org

Da Vinci International School

098-973-4637 (Uruma-city)

Preschool-University

http://www.davinci.okinawa/

Okinawa AMICS International

098-979-4711 (Uruma-city)

Kindergaetren-8^th grade

www.amicus.ed.jp/en/

Clover Montessori International

098-892-2168 (Ginowan-city)

Age 0-6 years old

http://www.e-cmi.net/classes.html

Cherry Blossom Preschool

098-935-2780 (Kitanakagusuku-village)

Cherry Blossom Toddler Center

098-935-3441

http://www.cherryblossomsch.org/

New Life Academy

098-870-3894 (Nakagusuku-village)

Preschool-12^th grade

www.newlifeacademy.com

Okinawa International School

098-835-1851 (Naha-city)

Age 2 years old-12^th grade

Okinawa Christian School International

098-958-3000 (Yomitan-village)

Pre-K – High School

http://ocsi.org/

Okinawa AMICUS International School

098-979-4711 (Onna-village)

Kindergarten – Junior High School

https://www.amicus.ed.jp

Golden Mind Achievers International School

098-989-9808 (Chatan-town)

098-989-6867 (Uruma-city)

6 weeks – 6 years old

http://www.goldenmindachievers.com/index.html

The Kadena Education and Training Center’s goal is to inspire and promote quality education and training and to promote life-long learning to the entire force.  We accomplish this by meeting the needs of our customers through multi-faceted programs and services.

Location & Contact

Building 59
Phone • 634-1500 Opt. 1

kadenaeducationoffice@us.af.mil

Monday – Thursday • 7:30 AM to 4 PM
Friday • 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Family Days, Down Days, Federal Holidays & Weekends • Closed

Offered by appointment at the UMGC National Test Center – https://asia.umgc.edu/transfers-and-credits/national-test-centers/index.cfm
Phone • 634-2872
Email • kadenalab@umgc.edu 

Computer Based GED Testing is also offered at UMGC National Test Center:

• Testers must register and schedule online.
• https://asia.umgc.edu/transfers-and-credits/national-test-centers/index.cfm

Military, family members, and logistically supported citizens register under the DANTES jurisdiction for the GED. When following the registration and scheduling items below, the only item that does not apply for U.S. military family members, logistically supported U.S. citizens, and their family members is step 3 of the scheduling document.  They are not eligible to use a DANTES sponsored voucher for payment and must enter their credit card info.

However, under the DANTES jurisdiction, they do get to take advantage of the government pricing that DANTES has established. Please check with the National Test Center for current rates.

Online Academic Skills Course (OASC) and College Placement Skills Training (CPST)
Use OASC to brush up on your math, English, and study skills before starting classes.

CPST is more in depth and can help you review writing and math skills so that you can pass DANTES program exams and score higher on placement tests.

Go to the OASC/CPST website for more information and to get started!
https://www.umgc.edu/academic-programs/index.cfm

Dantes Distance Learning Readiness Self Assessment (DLRSA): 
Find out if online learning is a good match for you

Tutor.com
Provides military dependents free one on one online assistance with school work: www.Tutor.com

TA Decide
Listings of online degree programs and other useful information: http://www.dantescatalogs.com

Kuder Journey
This intuitive career planning system is designed to address each user’s individual situation. The career planning process starts with learning about oneself. Journey’s research-based interests, skills, and work values assessments kick-start exploration and ultimately, encourage more career satisfaction.   Please go to http://www.dantes.kuder.com to get started.

MILITARY TESTING

By appointment only

To schedule, email: kadena.educationservicestesting@us.af.mil
CDC and training testing is scheduled by Unit Training Managers

Monday – DLPT • 8 am | DLPT • 1 pm*
Tuesday – DLPT • 8 am | DLPT • 1 pm
Wednesday – CDC/PME • 8 am | CDC/PME • 1 pm
Thursday – CDC/PME • 8 am | DLAB, AFCT, ADLS e-exam • 1 pm
Friday – No testing offered

* Third Monday of the month is AFOQT

Tests As Requested:

AFRAT

TBAS/EPQT

EDPT

Typing

Undergraduate Programs

University of Maryland Global College
Associate and bachelor degree programs
Phone • 634-4383
Email • kadena-asia@umuc.edu

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

https://worldwide.erau.edu/locations/kadena
Phone • 634-5083
Email • Kadena@erau.edu

Graduate Programs
Troy University  
Masters in International Relations
Phone • 634-5365
Email • kadena@troy.edu

University of Maryland University College 
Master’s in Business Administration
Phone • 634-4383
Email • kadena-asia@umuc.edu

Testing for Online Colleges 
Persons enrolled in online colleges and universities not based at Okinawa can contact the UMGC National Test Center at Kadena DSN 634-2872 to schedule these exams.