“New one-wheelers wanted” read the children’s wish. It was a common plea at Hirakata Elementary School. Today we explore this school’s story. Hirakata Elementary School stands as a beacon of learning in Hirakata. It is located in Osaka Prefecture. The school’s address is Hirakata Kamino-cho.
The school’s history began in the early Meiji era. In 1873 it started as a branch of the Konoikokugo School. This original school is now Hirakata Municipal Ashida Elementary School. At that time it was in the village of Hirakata. Hirakata became a town and later a city.
Hirakata Elementary School has seen many changes. It was first known as Konoikokugo School’s branch. It then became the 617th Elementary School. Later it was renamed Hirakata Elementary School of the 18th Middle School District.
In 1887, a higher elementary division was added. The school then became Hirakata Ordinary Higher Elementary School. In 1888 the higher division moved. It became part of Hirakata Higher Elementary School. The school was then renamed Hirakata Ordinary Elementary School.
In 1902 the higher elementary division was added again. The school was renamed Hirakata Ordinary Higher Elementary School once more. In 1926 the school moved to Hirakata 215.
In 1941 it was renamed Hirakata National School due to a national order. After school system reforms in 1947, it became Hirakata Municipal Hirakata Elementary School. That same year Hirakata became a city. So the school was renamed Hirakata City Hirakata Elementary School.
School lunches started in December 1947. In 1956 Hirakata Second Elementary School was separated. Parts of the school district were split in 1964. This created Hirakata Municipal Sakuraoka Elementary School. In 1981 a special class for students with hearing difficulties was established. In 1983 part of the district became Ikaraga Elementary School. The school expanded its grounds in 1986. It bought land from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. In 1998 the school district changed again.
In 2005 the Hirakata Board of Education designated it as a model school. It focused on English education. Graduates typically advance to Hirakata Municipal Hirakata Junior High School.
The school’s phone number is 050-7102-9000. It serves several districts within Hirakata. These include various towns. It also includes parts of Oka Minami and Okayama hands.