品川区立 品川学園

From a combined elementary and middle school to one of Japan’s first designated compulsory education schools, Shinagawa City Shinagawa Gakuen’s story echoes the evolving landscape of Japanese education. Shinagawa Gakuen, established in April 2011, initially merged Shinagawa City Shinagawa Elementary School and Shinagawa City Jonan Junior High School. This marked the district’s fifth integrated school. This new institution, then called Shinagawa City Shinagawa School, represented a shift toward comprehensive education. In April 2016, the original schools were formally closed. Shinagawa Gakuen was reborn as a compulsory education school. This transition mirrored a national trend. In 2016, there were 22 such schools across Japan. By 2025, this number had ballooned to 207, enrolling approximately 76,000 students and employing over 8,500 teachers. Shinagawa Gakuen embraced its unique position, striving to be a standard-bearer for compulsory education. The school’s primary goal is to foster a sense of continuity for students across their nine-year journey. It emphasizes providing a nurturing environment where every stage of growth is celebrated and future possibilities are explored. The school encourages interaction among different age groups. This “tsunagaru,” or connection, is facilitated through all-school morning assemblies, sporting events, and academic presentations. These shared experiences allow younger students to learn from their older peers, fostering a sense of community and shared growth. Shinagawa Gakuen recognizes the importance of each child feeling seen and supported. The school maintains a high staff-to-student ratio. Teachers work closely with students, offering guidance and support in and out of the classroom. This comprehensive approach extends beyond academics. Shinagawa Gakuen prioritizes the holistic development of each child, nurturing their emotional well-being and sense of belonging. This focus on individual growth, combined with a strong sense of community, distinguishes Shinagawa Gakuen as a place where students can thrive. They are empowered to become active and engaged members of society.