For military families moving to Okinawa, Japan, the prospect of finding the right school for their children can be both exciting and daunting. Elementary schools on base in Okinawa follow a 21st-century style of education where students are placed in “studios” with 2 teachers and up to 50 students for combined learning activities. There has been a struggle with this for many students, and although this is something done across the board at DODEA schools around the world, it is something you may want to consider when choosing schools for your children.

With a plethora of options available, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of the educational system, particularly when it comes to on-base schools. In Okinawa, all base schools fall under the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), ensuring consistency and quality education for military children. In this guide, we’ll delve into the elementary schools on base, their locations, and the necessary steps to enroll your child.

Understanding School Placement in Okinawa

The elementary school your child attends will largely depend on the housing in which your family resides. Whether you’re stationed on Kadena Air Base or one of the installations on Camp Butler, each installation has its own set of schools catering to specific areas. If you live off-base, your child will attend the school closest to your off-base home, ensuring convenience and accessibility for families.

Key Contacts: School Liaison Officers for Elementary

For military families transitioning to Okinawa, having access to the right resources and support networks is crucial. The School Liaison Officers (SLOs) act as primary points of contact for families navigating the educational landscape. Depending on your branch of service, you’ll interact with different SLOs:

• Marine Corps: School Liaison Officer (SLO) for Marine Corps families.
• Air Force/Kadena: School Liaison Officer (SLO) dedicated to Air Force and Kadena Air Base families.

These contacts provide invaluable assistance, offering guidance on school options, enrollment procedures, and addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise during the transition.

Enrollment Process for Elementary Schools on Base in Okinawa

Enrolling your child in an on-base school involves a straightforward yet essential process. To streamline the enrollment procedure, gather the following documents:

• Copy of orders
• Area Clearance
• Housing form (provided by the school) or a piece of mail for off-base locations
• Vaccination records
• Transcripts (if applicable)

You can complete the necessary paperwork either in person at the school office or through online channels, ensuring flexibility and convenience for busy military families.

Elementary Schools on Base in Okinawa

Let’s explore the elementary schools available at different military installations across Okinawa:

Kadena Air Force Base:

• Amelia Earhart Intermediate School
• Bob Hope Elementary School
• Kadena Elementary School
• Stearley Primary School

Camp Foster:

• Killin Elementary School (Plaza, Lester housing areas)
• Zukeran Elementary School (Foster housing area)
• Bechtel Elementary School (Camp McTureous, Courtney, Hansen, Schwab, Shields housing areas)- Bechtel is currently under renovations and is currently housed at Kadena Middle School on Kadena Air Base

Camp Kinser:

• Kinser Elementary School

Special Considerations for Camp Courtney Residents

If your family resides on Camp McTureous or Camp Courtney, which houses Schwab and Hansen, your children will attend Bechtel Elementary. BES is currently undergoing renovations and is currently housed at Kadena Middle School on Kadena Air Base. Students are bused back and forth, but due to the distance, this can be a 45 minute to 1-hour bus ride each way.

BES is set to reopen sometime after 2026.

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Navigating the elementary schools on base in Okinawa requires careful consideration and planning, but armed with the right information and support, military families can ensure a smooth transition for their children. By understanding the school placement process, engaging with School Liaison Officers, and completing the enrollment requirements, families can embark on their new journey with confidence, knowing that their children will receive a quality education in a supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of military life.