Japanese School in Zurich

The origional name of this school was "the Japanese Language School in Zurich" which was founded on October 20, 1975 (Showa 50). The number of pupils totalled fifteen and the teachers were also the principals. The establishment as an educational foundation was permitted by the Zurich State in 1986 (Showa 61), and the status as a private school in Switzerland was therefore gained. The following year, 1987, (Showa, 62) a teacher was assigned from the government in Japan to serve as the vice principal for the part time course. The resolution for approving the rental of the school building was made by the Uster City Assembly, and the preparation for opening the school was completed in November of the same year.

Four teachers from Japan in addition to the first principal and one secretary (employed in Switzerland) took up their posts, and the opening ceremony of the school was held on April 23, 1988 (Showa 63). The Japanese School in Zurich started with fifty elementary school students and seven junior high school students, fifty-seven students in total.

This school is located in the center of Uster City near Zurich. Uster is the third largest city in the Zurich area and is situated in a rich natural environment. The school stands at the foot of Uster castle which is more than one thousand years old. We use the second and third floors of an old five-story building which was a textile factory in the past. Besides normal classrooms there are special rooms such as a home economics room, a fine-arts and industrial art room, a science room, a music room and library (in which there are twelve computors installed). There is also a large gym and a sports ground outside. We strongly believe that this environment is highly satisfactory in the education of our students.

We are striving to create the best education possible not only through the use of the school's excellent facilities but by also making use of the local Uster enviroment and the greater Swiss enviroment. For example, we have had outdoor field studies during the summer camp, (held at 'Stoos' in central Switzerland) and exchange studies, (with local Uster school children). Also, guided visits by some pupils to local institutions such as the 'Migros' supermarket in Uster.

In addition to these, German and English classes are also taught from the first grade. We therefore strongly believe that considering the above factors our school is providing an exceptional educational experience.