Nestled amidst the bustling city of Higashiyamato, Tokyo, stands the Higashiyamato City No. 10 Elementary School. Can you imagine this place, back in 1980, as a brand new school surrounded by farms and tea fields? Higashiyamato City No. 10 Elementary School was established on April 1st, 1980. It was built to accommodate the rapidly growing number of children in the southwestern area of the city. It split off from the eighth elementary school, starting with 16 classes, 650 students from grades one through five, and 23 teachers. It was the newest school in Higashiyamato at the time.
The construction of the Tama Monorail line in 1990 brought big changes. Higashiyamato City No. 10 Elementary School is conveniently located near three stations: Tamagawa-Josui, Sakurakaido, and Kami-Kitadai. This improved access spurred further development of the surrounding area. High-rise mansions began to appear, gradually changing the landscape from rural to urban. Today, looking out from the school, you can see factories, high-rise mansions, and residential areas. On a clear day, Mount Fuji majestically graces the horizon.
The school’s motto, represented in its emblem, embodies the spirit of continuous growth and reaching for the sky. The outer circle represents the sky, while the characters for “ten” and “small,” combined, create the school’s name. The “ten” is symbolized by the ten-pointed star, further enhancing the upward striving nature of the school’s philosophy. Higashiyamato City No. 10 Elementary School’s educational goals focus on nurturing well-rounded individuals. They aim to cultivate children who are resilient, inquisitive, and compassionate. More specifically, they encourage students to be self-disciplined, persevere through challenges, and give their best effort. They also promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to apply knowledge to real-life situations. Lastly, they foster empathy and the ability to understand and coexist with others. As of April 1, 2021, Higashiyamato City No. 10 Elementary School has 601 students. There are 302 boys and 299 girls across 20 classes. The school continues to adapt and evolve, meeting the needs of its students and the community in the ever-changing landscape of Higashiyamato.