Can past questions to the entrance test be bought at the bookstore?
They are sold at "Koe no Kyouikusha" for 1995 yen.
How can I get the entrance application forms?
These are available from the end of September. They are given out free of charge at "Open Days" where parents and children can learn about the Kumon Kokusai Gakuen. People who live far from the school can obtain forms through the mail. Please place the following items in an envelope and address to "Entrance Application Form Request"
Can the entrance test be taken multiple times? How much does that cost?
It is possible to take both the "Open" and "Standard" tests. Each test costs 25000 yen. There is no discount, however if a student passes the "Open" entrance test, the cost of the "Standard" test is refunded in full when the paperwork for entering the school is completed.
There is no interview test.
What is the "Open" entrance test?
The "Open" entrance test is aimed at students who have advanced academic ability or have shown achievement in a certain area. The candidate can choose which subject they will take a test in. The available subjects are Japanese, mathematics, arithmetic and English. Details (in Japanese) can be found on the Japanese website.
Is the English test very difficult?
The test is based on a long reading followed by comprehension questions. The level of difficulty level is around Eiken second grade. A student with Eiken third grade may find the test difficult. Past test questions may be a useful reference.
Why is there no entrance test for returnee students?
The previous "Returnee Student" entrance test was too exclusionary. The term "returnee" was too difficult to define and proved to have no bearing on the student's abilities or qualifications. The "Open" entrance test offers an equal opportunity to all candidates.
Is it advantageous to take four subjects in the entrance test?
Not necessarily. Please choose according to your abilities.
How are the "four subject" tests and "two subject" tests graded?
It is a two stage process. After grading the Japanese and mathematics tests, the scores in the science and social studies tests are taken into consideration.
Do students who have used the Kumon Study Method have an advantage?
Experience with the Kumon Study Method is not considered in the grading of the entrance test. However, students who are advanced in the Kumon Study Method (Japanese, mathematics, or English) can include their Kumon level in their application for the "Open" entrance test.
When do students take part in the Dormitory Programme?
The programme is held in the second semester of first year and the first and second semesters of second year. Students can choose when they would like to participate. As a general rule, all students take part in the dormitory programme.
Can dormitory students go home on weekends?
If parents make arrangements with the dormitory staff, students can go home from Friday evening until Sunday.
Can dormitory students take lessons (for example: music) outside of school?
There is a Piano Teacher and a violin teacher giving private lessons at the dormitory. In the case of lessons outside the school, students must submit a form to the dormitory staff. Students are allowed out from the end of classes until curfew(7pm) on weekdays. Students are also free to take outside lessons on the weekends.
Do dormitory students change rooms?
Students change rooms once every six months. This gives students a chance to meet many different people. As a general rule, first and second year students stay in a four-person room. From the third year, each student has a private room.
What percentage of students are in the dormitory?
At present, around twenty percent of students live in the dormitory full-time.
Are there any conditions to becoming a full-time dormitory student?
There are no conditions. There are even students with homes ten minutes from the school living in the dormitory. Some students enter and leave the dormitory due to family circumstances or a desire to increase study time. There is an interview process for students wishing to enter the dormitory.
How would you describe Kumon Kokusai Gakuen in one sentence?
A coeducational school with an informal atmosphere that places importance on the individuality of students.
Are there any extra courses for returnee students?
At present, there are no courses held specifically for returnee students. All students are given extra tuition where necessary or if the individual requests it.
My child has no experience with the Kumon Study Method. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Around 40 percent of the first year student population has had no experience with the Kumon Method.
How many Kumon students go to cram schools?
A survey is taken every three years to find out how many students are attending cram schools. Virtually no first year students attend cram students. Around ten percent of second and third year students attend. Around twenty percent of High school first and second year students attend. Around 60 percent of final year students attend.
However, these numbers include summer courses and short term courses. The school also holds optional summer and winter courses.
Also, the school holds courses for students aiming to enter "prestigious" Universities. All courses held at the school are free of charge.
Are there any cases of students transferring to another school?
There are very few cases. The most common reason for transferring is a family moving overseas. After completing junior high school, some students transfer to our sister school in Switzerland.
What happens if a parent is transferred overseas while their child is at Kumon?
There are two options:
1) As long as there is a place within Japan that can look after the student (during times such as when the dormitory is closed or when the student is very ill.) the student can become a dormitory student.
2)The student can quit the school and, after returning from overseas, re-join the school. This is on condition of approval by the principal. There is also an re-entrance fee. Please feel free to consult the school should you have any questions.
What kind of bus takes the students to school from the station?
The bus is contracted from the Kanagawa Transport Company. The bus travels directly to and from the school. The bus schedule is adjusted to meet the needs of the school schedule.