Elementary School children grades pre K-6 attend John O. Arnn Elementary School, located in the Sagamihara Family Housing Area, about 3 miles from the main base. Special programs are available in reading improvement, English as a second language, art, music, and Japanese culture. DoDEA changed its Early Child Hood Education programs entrance requirements for all DoDDS in 2010.
Age requirements are:
Sure Start and Pre-Kindergarten Programs, a child must be 4 years of age by September 1.
Kindergarten Programs, a child must be 5 years of age by Sept.1.
First Grade, a child must be 6 years of age by September 1.
If you have any questions about exceptions, contact DoDEA.
- Helpful Numbers: DSN: 315-267-6112, Cell - 042-869-6112, Comm: 011-81-42-869-6112
Helpful Websites: DODEA Arnn Elementary School Website, Arnn Facebook Page
- Middle (Jr.) and High School Students in grades 7 through 12 share the same campus at Zama American High School on Camp Zama. 650 students from all the housing areas, and Atsugi Naval Air Facility and surrounding off-base locations are bused to school.
Helpful Numbers: Front Office Number - DSN 315-263-3181, Cell - 046-407- 3181, Comm: 011-81-46-407-3181
Helpful Websites: Zama American Middle-High School, ZAMHS Facebook Page
School Liaison Officer (SLO)
The School Liaison Officer (SLO) for the Zama Community is available to assist families who have school-age children enrolled in Zama High, Zama Middle, and Arnn Elementary School, as well as home school. The SLO is available to work with the community and command on any school related issue such as assisting families involved in home-schooling their children by offering/coordinating resources that are available within the community that will help broaden their youth's hands-on knowledge and experiences.
The SLO can offer families information on requirements for registration, graduation, and PCS information. The SLO collaborates with parents on ensuring academic success of their child and educating parents on the local school system policies and procedures. The SLO can supply families with information on applying for grants and scholarships, and assist families with post secondary education questions. The SLO also assists with transitioning families into and out of the community and schools by providing points of contact and information for those families PCSing and so much more.
The School Liaison Officer is here to assist you. To contact you may send an email to usarmy.zama.imcom-pacific.mbx.usagj-dfmwr-school-liaiso@mail.mil, call 315-263-3241 or visit CYSS Parent Central Services.
Home Schooling
DOD Instruction 1342.5-M-1 provides policy and procedures for the administrative and logistic responsibilities for the DODDS system. In accordance with this instruction, commanders will "encourage all educable, eligible family members who have not completed high school to attend either DODDS or a regular program of formal instruction in the local school system; enroll in a tuition school; or enroll in an independent study program by correspondence." Another alternative is for parents to educate school-age family members in a home school program.
Parents who choose to educate their children at home are urged to consult with school officials (i.e. counselors) prior to making this decision. It is essential that parents utilize and educationally recognized independent home study program.
At the end of the academic year parents are encouraged to test their child for academic achievement. A nationwide testing service is recommended. Students who are educated at home may be expected to take a DODDS administered test to ensure they are maintaining expected educational levels of learning prior to re-enrollment in a DODDS.
Off- Post Japanese Schools
There are Japanese schools, which Americans may attend on a tuition basis. Most require the student to speak Japanese. Some children enter these schools at preschool and kindergarten level and have a home tutor to help with their Japanese language skills. The School Liaison Officer and Community Relations Office maintains information regarding these schools.
What is the difference between a Department of Defense school and an international or national school?
The Department of Defense Education Activity, or DoDEA, operates schools in 11 foreign countries, Guam and Puerto Rico. All DoDEA schools are fully accredited by U.S. accreditation agencies and maintain high academic standards with well-rounded educational programs. Visit the DoDEA website for more detailed information.
The DoDEA's student preregistration system helps streamline the registration process and allows school officials to better predict school enrollment, make more informed decisions regarding teacher and staff requirements, and prepare for special services and supplies. Parents can preregister their children by visiting the DoDEA Online Student Pre-Registration site.
The U.S. Department of State's Office of Overseas Schools works to promote quality educational opportunities for families of American citizens overseas. If a Department of Defense school is not available, visit this site to learn more about the schools in your new area.
In general, international schools are English-language schools at overseas locations. National schools are schools where courses are taught in the native language. The curriculum and grading system of an international school tends to be similar to the traditional American education system. This may be an important consideration if your family will be returning to the U.S. before a child graduates from high school.
Where can I find a list of international schools in the country where my family is moving?
You can find a directory of overseas schools on the U.S. Department of State's Schools Worldwide page. The listing includes schools that receive assistance from the U.S. Department of State, as well as other international, private, religious and public schools.
How do I choose a school?
Choosing the right school for children is a priority for many military families. Finding the right educational setting for each child requires a careful examination of the available options, whether you live on and off the installation. "Choosing a School for Your Child," a publication from the U.S. Department of Education, offers checklists and questions to assist parents in making the right choices.